I'm packing my bike, any tips

[Plax]

I have a dhb bike case http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Marsden_Wheeled_Bike_Bag_And_Wheel_Bag_Set/5360031436/.
It has two wheel bags with side pockets to keep the wheels in. How would you pack a bike in this? The literature I have seen leaves the rear wheel on the bike when packing it. I have got a plastic thing to put between the forks from Halfords (they have gone up in my estimation as they've helped me twice now, depends whet time/day you go). I'm wondering what to do with the chain and rear mech if both wheels are off. Do you take the chain off as well, and disconnect the rear mech off the hanger? I was thinking of wrapping the mech up in bubble wrap and taping it to the inside of the rear stays. I'd have to break the chain if I took it off?
I could just leave the rear wheel and mech in place and line it with cardboard or is that being a bit too risky with a soft shell bag?
Any advice appreciated

 

[rich p]

I guess you could leave the rear wheel in if you have room but I take mine off. I also undo the rear derailleur and tape it up as you suggest.
Don't take the chain off, wrap it up in some plastic if you want.

 

[andym]

I tend to take the most pessimistic approach - if it can get bent or broken and its important then take it off. I take my rear mech off and attach it to the frame with a cable tie so it can't rattle around. I also take of the chainset (I said I was pessimistic).

You could leave the rear wheel in place but I don't think it's worth taking the risk of the mech hanger getting bent and all of the problems that that would create.

Have you considered using an SRAM Powerlink on your chain? - makes it easy (once you get the hang of it) to remove your chain if you need to.

 

[zacklaws]

I've never had to travel in such way, but one thing that I have read that has stuck in my mind if I do is, that if you remove your wheels, then you need something to put between your dropouts to stop your forks being crushed and same with the rear stays. I think you can buy something like a skewer which is designed to do this.

If I could recall where I have read it I would have a look, as there was recommendations of what to use, but I cannot.

 

[Plax]

Well I've taken off both wheels and taped the mech to the inside of the rear stays. Turned handlbars, taken pedals off, removed chain (I had a spare powerlink knocking about). I've exceeded 23kgs though even when the only thing in the bag is the bike and wheels (I've taken skewers out). With everything in the bag (saddle, pedals, rack, mudguards etc) then according to my estimations it's about 2.6kg over. With everything out I'm about 1 and a bit kg over. I'm just going to pack everything in and hope for the best. You never know my very unscientific approach might be over estimating the weight - stand on the scales and take my weight off the end result.

 

[ASC1951]

removed chain (I had a spare powerlink knocking about).

You really don't need to do that. I just remove the rear mech and let it flop about between the rear stays, with the chain still attached.

Rigid dropout spacers are essential, IMO.