How to Pack a Mountain Bike
You'll find several options of bags and boxes on the market to ship bikes. Here at SENDY, we encourage REUSE of cardboard boxes. Check a local bike shop (or their dumpster) for bike boxes headed to be recycled. You've hit the jackpot if packing materials are still inside.
Pro Tip: if you're shipping through SENDY.io, you'll get preferred UPS shipping rates!
Packing a bike for shipping can be a bit involved, but it’s worth the careful preparation to be sure the bike arrives safely.
What You’ll Need
A bike box (available from bike shops or shipping companies)
Bubble wrap or foam padding
Packing tape
Zip ties or Velcro straps
Allen wrenches
Pedal wrench
Cardboard pieces
Fork protector https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjsmn0gXL8s
Derailleur protection (optional)
Prep Your Bike
Clean your bike thoroughly to remove dirt and grime. This helps protect the components and makes packing easier.
Take detailed photos of your bike from different angles. This will be useful for reassembly or in case you need to file a claim for loss or damage.
Remove & Secure Components
Use a pedal wrench to remove the pedals. Remember, the left pedal is reverse-threaded.
If you don't have 'quick release', use an Allen wrench to remove the front wheel and, if necessary, the rear wheel.
Deflate the Tires. Partially deflate the tires to prevent damage from pressure changes during shipping.
Loosen the stem bolts and rotate the handlebars so they lie parallel to the frame. If necessary, remove the handlebars entirely and secure them to the frame and secure them with a strap, zip ties or tape to prevent them from moving during transport.
Remove the seat and seat post. Wrap them in bubble wrap.
If the bike is packed well it's often unnecessary to detach the rear derailleur.
Travel to Competitions...
Protect Your Bike
Use bubble wrap or foam padding to wrap the frame and secure it with packing tape. Pay extra attention to delicate areas like the derailleur and brake levers.
Use a plastic fork protector if you have one, or create one using cardboard.
Wrap the wheels in bubble wrap and use zip ties to secure them to the frame. Place cardboard between the frame and wheels to prevent dings & scratches.
Wrap the pedals, handlebars, seat, and any other loose components in bubble wrap and secure them with tape.
Pack it
Open the bike box and reinforce any weak spots with extra packing tape. Carefully place the wrapped frame in the box. Ensure it fits snugly. Place the wrapped wheels and other components in the box, filling any gaps with additional padding or crumpled paper. Use bubble wrap, foam, or cardboard pieces to fill any remaining gaps and ensure the bike is secure and cannot move around inside the box. We recommend using recycled packing materials.
Seal & Label the Box
Use strong packing tape to seal the box securely. Reinforce all edges and seams. Attach shipping labels and any required documentation. Clearly label the box as "Fragile" and "This Side Up" to ensure careful handling.
Tips
Insurance: Consider purchasing insurance for your bike shipment.
Tracking: Choose a shipping service that offers tracking so you can monitor the shipment.
Note: If you're not comfortable packing the bike yourself, many bike shops offer packing and shipping services for a fee.
Once you've reached your destination, inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and reassemble the bike. Put the front wheel back in place and tighten the bolts. Check to make sure everything is secure and Ride on!
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