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How to pack your bike safely

Stefan Frey

 · 15.08.2019

How to pack your bike safelyPhoto: Daniel Simon
How to pack your bike safely
Bent derailleur hangers, scratched frames: If you simply stuff your bike haphazardly into your travelling bag, you will often be unpleasantly surprised when you arrive at your destination. How to pack your bike safely.


PHOTO ABOVE: Once prepared, the frame can be easily inserted into the bag. All you need to do now is secure it with the Velcro tyres or lashing straps and you're ready to set off on your journey.

Tip one: After removing the wheels, insert a transport lock between the two brake callipers. When packing the bike, it is easy to accidentally pull the brake lever and then you may have to bleed the air again.Photo: Daniel Simon Tip one: After removing the wheels, insert a transport lock between the two brake callipers. When packing the bike, it is easy to accidentally pull the brake lever and then you may have to bleed the air again. Tip two: If the bag does not have a thru-axle mount, screw the axles back into the frame anyway. Tubes cut to size from the DIY store give the frame and fork additional stability.Photo: Daniel Simon Tip two: If the bag does not have a thru-axle mount, screw the axles back into the frame anyway. Tubes cut to size from the DIY store give the frame and fork additional stability. Tip three: Even if the bike has space with the derailleur fitted, it is better to remove it, wrap it in bubble wrap and secure it to the frame. This is the safest way to prevent bent derailleur hangers.Photo: Daniel Simon Tip three: Even if the bike has space with the derailleur fitted, it is better to remove it, wrap it in bubble wrap and secure it to the frame. This is the safest way to prevent bent derailleur hangers. Tip four: Secure the crank horizontally to the chain stay with a cable tie or some armoured tape. Additionally, wrap the chain in bubble wrap to keep the bag free of smudges for longer.Photo: Daniel Simon Tip four: Secure the crank horizontally to the chain stay with a cable tie or some armoured tape. Additionally, wrap the chain in bubble wrap to keep the bag free of smudges for longer.
Tip five: If the bag does not have a handlebar pad, you should pad the top and down tube with foam and attach the handlebars to it with adhesive tape or cable ties to avoid scratching the frame.Photo: Daniel Simon Tip five: If the bag does not have a handlebar pad, you should pad the top and down tube with foam and attach the handlebars to it with adhesive tape or cable ties to avoid scratching the frame. Tip six: If you really want to play it safe, unscrew the brake discs and place them separately in the bag. This definitely makes sense for models without additional struts.Photo: Daniel Simon Tip six: If you really want to play it safe, unscrew the brake discs and place them separately in the bag. This definitely makes sense for models without additional struts. Pack all the tools you need for assembly, a few cable ties, adhesive tape and the shock pump in the transport bag. Then you will have your tools to hand at your destination.Photo: Daniel Simon Pack all the tools you need for assembly, a few cable ties, adhesive tape and the shock pump in the transport bag. Then you will have your tools to hand at your destination.


You can find this article in BIKE 11/2018. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:


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Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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