Packing guide
How to pack a bike for a flight
Packing a bike for a flight is straightforward once you’ve done it once. The goal is simple: get everything inside a hard-shell bike box so nothing can move, nothing sticks out, and the lid closes without force. Here’s the order we recommend.
- 1
Lower the saddle and let air out of the tyres
Lower or remove the saddle and seatpost so everything fits. Many airlines ask for the tyres to be deflated, so follow your airline’s bike policy; where there’s no rule, letting about a third of the air out is enough.
- 2
Take off the wheels and pedals
Remove both wheels. Take the pedals off — remember the left pedal is reverse-threaded, so it unscrews clockwise. Bag the pedals and label them left and right.
- 3
Remove or rotate the handlebars
For narrow bars you can rotate them in line with the frame. For wider bars, take them off the stem and lay them alongside the frame. Cover any sharp ends.
- 4
Protect the frame and disc rotors
Wrap the frame tubes, and face disc rotors inwards so they’re protected. Use foam or pipe lagging on the most exposed tubes. Fit fork and rear spacers if you have them.
- 5
Load the box and secure everything
Place the frame and wheels into the box using the padding and straps so nothing shifts. The lid should close without force — if it resists, something inside is sitting too high.
- 6
Close up and check the weight
Do up the latches and weigh the packed box on bathroom scales. Make sure you’re under your airline’s weight limit before you head to the airport.
Which bike box should you use?
A hard shell gives a bike more protection in the hold than a cardboard carton. We hire hard-shell bike boxes; the Bike Box Alan EasyFit takes road, gravel, TT and mountain bikes. Each location’s page shows the box types it stocks.
Do you need to remove the handlebars?
Only if they’re wider than the box allows. Many road bikes fit with the bars left on or simply rotated; wider or integrated bars come off the stem and pack alongside the frame. In the Bike Box Alan EasyFit, handlebars up to 50 cm wide can stay on.
FAQs
How long does it take to pack a bike?
Allow about half an hour the first time; it gets quicker once you’ve done it before. If you’d rather not, add the packing service at checkout where it’s offered, and the hub packs the bike for you.
Should I deflate my tyres to fly?
Follow your airline’s bike policy — many airlines ask for the tyres to be deflated. Where there’s no rule, letting about a third of the air out protects the rims while keeping the tyre seated.
Can someone pack the bike for me?
Where a hub offers the packing service, yes. Packing costs $160: drop your bike off and collect a packed box ready to fly. A rebuild for when you return is $160, or $300 for both.