How to pack a soft bike bag?

[leet22]

I got a soft bike bag and need some hints on how to pack my road bike in there.

Anyone use one of these bags that can give me some pointers? Do you have to remove anything other than the wheels?

[De Vlaamse Leeuw]

depends... does your saddle stick out? If not, then should be fine like that.

[leet22]

Ok Thx

But Im worried about the bars they seem to be stuck out even if I loosen them and turn them side ways. Scared they get crushed

[Dibles]

Pack it handlebar side down. Wrap something around the rear derailleur to give it extra protection. I also wrap the chain rings as they sometimes put the bag upside down. Place the wheels in wheelbags and pack one wheel either side of the frame. I always remove the skewers as I've seen them get crushed before.

 

Have never flown with a road bike before so can't give you advice on the handlebars...sorry.

Mandibles2009-10-24 12:40:24

[David #7]

Lee, remove your pedals and take your rear derailer off, it always gets damaged.

[De Vlaamse Leeuw]

bubble wrap is your friend

[David #7]

The best way to travel with a bike is to just take it with and check it in  with your luggage. When I commuted between joburg and Slaap stad my bike flew at the front of the plane every time and never got damaged.

[Dibles]

The best way to travel with a bike is to just take it with and check it in  with your luggage. When I commuted between joburg and Slaap stad my bike flew at the front of the plane every time and never got damaged.

 

 

I think times have changed unfortunately. Only SAA allows you to fly your bike for free and all the carriers require your bike to be in a proper bike bag. I flew with my bike last weekend and was pleasantly surprised at how well they looked after my bike. They issued me with a whole roll of fragile stickers and phoned through to tell the baggage handlers that there was a bike to be loaded. When I landed in PE my bike was delivered straight to me.