Bike Transport Argus

[skyfreak]

Which is the better option to get you bike safely down to the Cape from Jhb and back....a bike transport company or Mango?

 

There is a big difference in pricing...Mango R200x2 and bike transport company R800+.

Edited January 25, 2012 by skyfreak

[Hearts*]

On our last trip to the 94.7 without bike bags/boxes, just plastic wrapped they did quite a bit of damage.

I would use Mango if I had a bike box or bag...

[thumbpa]

use dcb logistics, they pack it up infront of you and delivered on time and collect. for about 650. there is about 7 of us doing it with them if you wanna join in, u more than welcome to.

saves the schlep of trying to fit bike box in rent a car etc. esp if u there is three of u with bike boxes, means extra rent a car.

its free on kulula by the way and you can drop off at airport few days before.

[cheesey]

Went to CTA for December break on Kulula and over half the checked baggage was left behind. The excuse was Lanseria is short and high and it was hot (30deg) and the flight was full with lots of checked baggage, therefore the carrying capacity of the flight was significantly reduced.

 

I am doing the Argus and flying in an out on the weekend - not sure I want to run the risk of the bike only appearing the following morning....

[b-rad]

Went to CTA for December break on Kulula and over half the checked baggage was left behind. The excuse was Lanseria is short and high and it was hot (30deg) and the flight was full with lots of checked baggage, therefore the carrying capacity of the flight was significantly reduced.

 

I am doing the Argus and flying in an out on the weekend - not sure I want to run the risk of the bike only appearing the following morning....

 

Yep packed planes and the story of 'hot and high'...

Airlines normally pretty organised over Argus weekend. Because you have to drop bike off a few days before it will be there on time. If leaving straight after the race ask them nicely 'wif' a if your bike can be on the same flight back...not a huge number fly back on Sunday.

[FanieFiets]

http://www.cycletour.co.za/index.php/travel/bike-transport/

http://www.cycletour.co.za/index.php/travel/bikes-on-a-plane/

Complete info.

[Bianchisti]

Cant you go to your local LBS and ask them for an old box. Bubble wrap around the parts that will be in contact with the box and put some sponge/polystyrene in the sides. That’s what I do though it still picks up some scratches goodness knows how. Expect to encounter problems if you just bouble wrap it.

[skyfreak]

I decided to go with the shipping option instead of Mango.

 

I used Kulula last year without a problem, but could not find a flight back with Kulula on the day that I need to return that is less than a thousand. I paid less than a thousand last year for both ways and now thanks to ACSA you pay almost a thousand for a one way trip.

[The Ouzo]

Cant you go to your local LBS and ask them for an old box. Bubble wrap around the parts that will be in contact with the box and put some sponge/polystyrene in the sides. That’s what I do though it still picks up some scratches goodness knows how. Expect to encounter problems if you just bouble wrap it.

just make sure the LBS dont charge you for the box.

we supported the LBS for many many years until one year they decided to charge us R80 a box.

end of support there and then.

[The Ouzo]

I decided to go with the shipping option instead of Mango.

 

I used Kulula last year without a problem, but could not find a flight back with Kulula on the day that I need to return that is less than a thousand. I paid less than a thousand last year for both ways and now thanks to ACSA you pay almost a thousand for a one way trip.

actually its not ACSA that set the airport taxation rate (although they can charge less than what is prescribed, bu they never do)

[Zula]

Try bike migration. I used them for 70.3 last year and they were decent. I know they do Argus. Shouldn't be more than R700 or so.

 

Alternatively Google a company called focus on the finish line and speak to Paul or Kelly Kaye. I used them now for 70.3 and they are possibly the most organised bunch I have ever dealt with. I am collecting my bike this afternoon and if its all intact then possibly will change to definitely.

 

I would 100% use a transport company and NOT and airline. Remember you and 30 000 other guys are trying to get your bikes onto the plane and what happens is that the hold becomes too full and they leave bikes behind and play catch up for a day or two. The result is best described as stressful. I saw this at 70.3 last year as well as Argus. Airlines can't cope with that much extra.

 

Oh one last thing. Mango and SAA who usually allow a 20kg sporting allowance retract this offer over the crazy periods IE Argus and 94.7, thus you going to be paying for your bike regardless.

[dracs]

leaning towards a transport company myslef, but just to compare, what is the cost if anyting on Kulula? Seem to recall reading recently they have changed the way the deal with bikes?

[b-rad]

If going for just the weekend, ie. Friday to Sunday, one can pack a piece of luggage to carry on as hand luggage with everything needed for the weekend and then the bike bag/box with helmet, cycling gear etc. packed inside will squeeze in under the 20kg single piece of checked luggage. NO extra costs for luggage/bike...

[The Ouzo]

Try bike migration. I used them for 70.3 last year and they were decent. I know they do Argus. Shouldn't be more than R700 or so.

 

Alternatively Google a company called focus on the finish line and speak to Paul or Kelly Kaye. I used them now for 70.3 and they are possibly the most organised bunch I have ever dealt with. I am collecting my bike this afternoon and if its all intact then possibly will change to definitely.

 

I would 100% use a transport company and NOT and airline. Remember you and 30 000 other guys are trying to get your bikes onto the plane and what happens is that the hold becomes too full and they leave bikes behind and play catch up for a day or two. The result is best described as stressful. I saw this at 70.3 last year as well as Argus. Airlines can't cope with that much extra.

 

Oh one last thing. Mango and SAA who usually allow a 20kg sporting allowance retract this offer over the crazy periods IE Argus and 94.7, thus you going to be paying for your bike regardless.

normally for the Argus they ask you to bring your bike a couple of day (or a week) before.