Custom Search

5 Tips On Inexpensive Bicycle Transporting

The understanding of packing and Transportation a bicycle in a gainful manner comes in handy whether you wish to sell bikes on the internet or are Shipping a bike to someone.

For a bike that doesn't cost very much, say less than $500, it really isn't smart to spend money on professional shipping as the costs will be about the same as the cost of the bike itself.

By taking the bike apart, and shipping in a smaller box, the shipping costs can be cut down dramatically.Shipping your bicycle on a budget can be most simply achieved by first visiting a local bike shop and locating their empty boxes which originally housed the bikes that they now sell. More often than not the bike shop owners will be willing to either give you their boxes, or sell them to you at a very competitive price.

Measure the size of your box. The package should ideally be around 35lbs weight. Preferably the bicycle box should measure less than the "dimensional weight" limitations of the transporters. However you may need to adjust your bicycle box size if you find it attracting extra charges.

In case you need to minimize the size of the box just you can try the following:

Take the open end of the box and cut two or three 1-inch slits in the four corners between the flaps. Next fold the flaps created by the slits in an inward direction (inside the box) and measure the new lengths. The depth and length of the box will remain identical but the height will now be minimized. Check if the box now falls within the specified size limits which will free you from the additional charge.

If the box is still bigger than your required size try trimming the height further in a similar manner. Just to make sure that the bike fits into its box comfortably, try a number different fittings by removing one or both of the wheels, the seat assembly and perhaps the handlebar as well. However, if you do go the cardboard and disassemble way, as described above, double box it for correct protection. Use an online shipping calculator to ascertain your box dimensions before going to the drop off point to make sure you have economical bike shipping.

There are quite a few bike shipping packing options. Travellers who frequently travel with their bikes find it better to invest in a bike travelling case.

Some important check points for cheap bike shipping:

It is prudent to always insure your shipped bicycle against possible damage; you should get automatic coverage of about $100 with most carriers. However more high cost bikes need additional coverage while shipping.

Customized, uncommon, or collectible bicycles must always be packed competently by professionals as cost-cutting on that could actually make you lose out on your valuable bike.

Cheap bike hauling options come in many different colors on the internet, beware of internet sellers who try to rip you off by cramming their vehicles to reduce shipping costs.

Include your contact details and your shipping destination on the container as well as inside the container. In case you are including your bike as your airline checked luggage, remember the ticket locater code or any alternative ticket identifier.

Bikes that are part of checked in luggage can, occasionally be lost on connecting flights due to their size and delicateness; plan a backup in case you reach your destination without your bicycle.

It's always a good idea to hunt around to find the best option for a cheap bike
transportation company as getting to locate a cheap bike shipping company is becoming harder.

By: Richard Cochrane

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Richard Cochrane enjoys writing on aspects of the shipping industry. Learn more about shipping bikes and find out ways you can save on Inexpensive Bicycle Transporting.

© 2005-2011 Article Dashboard