Flying with bike (in a bike box)

[berty bassett]

I usually take my bike for same reasons , you save a bit of money ( if you use bike box a lot to cover the out lay of that- will be very close to same price if you hire bike box ) and you have your own bike . Would always take own bike when I can 👍 but always check weight limit - some say 32 but had one that was 24 and had one that was light going out but heavy coming home 🤪

 

[super_davo]

With respect to pumping up your tyres when flying - electric pumps with a gauge are a game changer. Way smaller than a track pump, much easier to get up to pressure than a mini pump, and the gauge means you know it's the right pressure.

 

[Binky]

Or buy something second hand while you’re there, and either sell it or give it away when you leave.

How exactly are you going to find the right size and spec of bike for a week's holiday to buy second hand, especially in area you are staying? Just never going to happen, certainly here.

 

[Binky]

With respect to pumping up your tyres when flying - electric pumps with a gauge are a game changer. Way smaller than a track pump, much easier to get up to pressure than a mini pump, and the gauge means you know it's the right pressure.

I was considering this before I went but my track pump with gauge fits in box so no problem. A small electric one with gauge though is an excellent idea for travelling.

 

[Binky]

For sake of completion, heres picture of box before I closed lid before flying. It looks a bit chaotic but was fine. Note the sponge covering wheels also pads the frame. The two black bits sticking out are supports which go through wheels and hold them in place and also prevent box being squashed.

This mornings view.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Best thing about hiring for me is that I get to ride a fancier bike than my own.

I rode a carbon framed bike for the first time on hol this year. It felt amazing to ride compared with my steel bike ... for about 5 minutes. Then I got used to it and it just felt normal.

I may give electronic gears a go next time.

 

[Punkawallah]

How exactly are you going to find the right size and spec of bike for a week's holiday to buy second hand, especially in area you are staying? Just never going to happen, certainly here.

Facebook marketplace, cash in hand, take basic tools for any adjustments. Do you want a bike for a weeks holiday, or a weeks training? I could pick up a steel 10 speed in Malta for £80:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/110612325626836/search?query= bike

 

[Binky]

Facebook marketplace, cash in hand, take basic tools for any adjustments. Do you want a bike for a weeks holiday, or a weeks training? I could pick up a steel 10 speed in Malta for £80:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/110612325626836/search?query= bike

But if you are coming somewhere like here(Mallorca) and enjoy road cycling then it makes sense to have a decent bike rather than make do with something that might not be suitable or good enough. I'm not training, I'm on holiday with wife but I've got some brilliant rides in over some big climbs.
Each to their own and maybe you can find a cheap bike to make do but it's not for me.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Facebook marketplace, cash in hand, take basic tools for any adjustments. Do you want a bike for a weeks holiday, or a weeks training? I could pick up a steel 10 speed in Malta for £80:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/110612325626836/search?query= bike

Sounds like a hideous faff. You'd have to write off a whole day of holiday doing that and disposing of it at the end. Not to mention that there's no guarantee of success, and the time and expense of fixing up a clunker.

But if a bike fixing-up holiday is what you want, it's ideal.

I'll stick to hiring fancy bikes.

 

[pjd57]

Can I take my helmet on the plane ?
If I go to France on a Ryanair flight, hand luggage only , for a few days.
Shoes + clothes will fit and I can wear extra items if needed.
Can I just strap my helmet on the outside of my bag or even wear it ?

 

[Binky]

Can I take my helmet on the plane ?
If I go to France on a Ryanair flight, hand luggage only , for a few days.
Shoes + clothes will fit and I can wear extra items if needed.
Can I just strap my helmet on the outside of my bag or even wear it ?

Yes you can. I'm at Palma airport, I put my helmet etc in bike box but I saw a couple checking in with bike helmets clipped to rucksacks as hand luggage so no problem.
Assume ok in France etc although Ryanair no doubt with soon introduce an extra charge as they do for everything and anything 😄

 

[super_davo]

Can I take my helmet on the plane ?
If I go to France on a Ryanair flight, hand luggage only , for a few days.
Shoes + clothes will fit and I can wear extra items if needed.
Can I just strap my helmet on the outside of my bag or even wear it ?

I have seen people do both of those things on flights to Mallorca.

 

[Pblakeney]

I take all my essential gear in hand luggage.
That way I can hire a bike at their cost should my bike be delayed or lost. I don’t want to end up with double everything at their cost should end of the holiday even if free and you may not be able to find what you need at a level you want at short notice.
Yes, it has happened; and yes, I did learn the hard way.

Edit :- I pack up and maximise my bike case weight on the return leg though.
Plus, I have found that some security scanners do not like gels so they might be safer in the bike case for convenience. This last part may be outdated info.

 

[wakemalcolm]

I take all my essential gear in hand luggage.
That way I can hire a bike at their cost should my bike be delayed or lost. I don’t want to end up with double everything at their cost should end of the holiday even if free and you may not be able to find what you need at a level you want at short notice.
Yes, it has happened; and yes, I did learn the hard way.

What's the acceptable limit for essential gear?

How much multi-tool can you carry before security take exception and are pedals generally waved through in carry on baggage?

 

[Pblakeney]

What's the acceptable limit for essential gear?

How much multi-tool can you carry before security take exception and are pedals generally waved through in carry on baggage?

Well, since you asked and I have a packing list, here you go. You did ask. 😉

Rucksack

• Headphones
• Phone
• Fleece
• Toothbrush
• Mitts
• Gillet
• Bandana
• Cap
• Jacket
• Boarding passes
• Passport
• Wallet
• Sunglasses
• Plug adapter
• Phone plug
• Phone cable
• Power Bank
• Garmin
• HRM
• Water bottle
• Helmet
• Phone bag
• Mints
• Toothpaste
• Lip Balm
• Shaving Foam
• Suncream

Carry Case

• Shirts x4
• Gabba
• Base layers x2
• Jerseys x3
• Longs
• Roubaix bibs
• Bibs x3
• Arm warmers x2
• Knee Warmers
• T-shirt x3
• Swim shorts
• Shorts x2
• Cycle Shoes
• Water bottle
• Overshoes
• Pants x8
• Socks x2
• Spare brake cable
• Spare gear cable
• Seat post bolt
• Cycling socks x3
• Gloves
• Thick socks
• Lights cable
• Plug adapter
• USB Plug
• Sandals
• Pump
• Pedals
• 16-off Beta Fuel 80 water mixes - Orange
• 1 x 20-off tablets
• Insurance
• Booking Confirmation
• Bike case confirmation
• Ramipril
• Scrunchy
• Razor & blades