Bike Travel.....help:)

[BigT4]

Hi All Hubbers.

 

I need some advice on getting my bike from SA to Abu Dhabi as I am moving there in December.

 

I have a road bike and would like to take it over.....I have 2 options:

 

Bike bag.....which is as expensive as my bike but the reviews I have read are great.

 

Bike Cardboard box. Inexpensive but not great with protection

 

I did see a GCN video on how to box your bike properly and it can be protected properly by me:)

 

I would like to get advice on what is the best way to go and also what is allowed on an ETIHAD flight in terms of Size and weight etc. 

 

Please help with any advice :)

 

 

[shaper]

Go Bike box which you can get from your LBS, you can even ask them to pack it if you do not want to do it yourself.

 

As for ETIHAD, phone them and ask them what your allowance is for a bike!

[Duane_Bosch]

The last time I flew Etihad they had a 30kg checked luggage limit. With a 300cm dimension limit. That was last year. This might have changed so best to check. The airline websites can be confusing.

 

I've traveled numerous times with a cardboard box and never had an issue. My advice is as follows.

 

1. Get a bike shop to do it. Generally they'll charge R150ish to box your bike including the box.

2. Tell them to leave the top open so you can chuck soft goods in after the fact. This adds to the protection of the bike.

3. Write your name and contact details on the box in VERY visible writing. You don't want to spot your bike on some auction show on tele.

4. Get a roll of packing tape and reinforce the corners and the box. I force myself to use an entire roll.

5. Make sure there is nothing loose rattling around in the box.

 

IMP it's only worth getting a bespoke bike bag/box if you travel a lot with your bike.

 

However. If you have a pinarello dogma F8 get a proper bike bag/box.