Bike Shipping Help

[TheDingleberry]

Got a bike. Need it shipped. Who's cheap? Thanks!

[bagtagley]

Fed Ex ground. Quicker, cheaper and more reliable than UPS.

[Ripzalot]

absolutely positively do NOT use UPS. too many horror stories.

is this a new bike from a dealer or an individual? whatever, make sure it's packed well. this is key. wrap every damn piece in foam pipe insulation and take it apart as much as possible - fork, frame, wheels, pedals, handlebars, disc rotor, rear derailer, and secure eveything down so that it doesn't move around inside.

[zion zig zag]

I took one to my bike shop, since they ship alot of bikes they had a bulk rate going with fedex. Ended up being about half of what it would have cost elsewhere.

[Spats]

What flyk said. Call a few shops and find out what they charge. And ditto using FedEx ground, UPS has mangled too much of my stuff.

[TeleAl]

If you are gonna fly it (overseas for example) then consider a bike box, not cardboard, but a plastic one.

Bike shops rent them.

Not sure what your bike is, but when I was poor and touring with my mountain bike (heavy, sturdy, a tank in general), I used to send it in a cardboard box, with everything wrapped, and with stuff stuffed inside to cushion the game of fork lift hockey that I am convinced is played with luggage. I always chose my airline according to their willingness to take bikes. Some airlines are bike friendly, others refuse them. Customs will stop you and ask questions. A: "I am not selling it. It is a used bike. I am riding it, and taking it home."

I now have a road bike (very nice, and expensive). I am not so confident as I used to be. If I fly it, I will put in a hard bike box.