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Travel With Your Bike Is Easy With These Helpful Tips

By Melody Schubert @USATM

Carrying your bike away from home is a drag. However, with careful planning, you can transport it easily and without much struggle. For the first time, you may be a little nervous because of the unsuccessful bike travels you may have heard. However, you find that most professional cyclists find it easy to travel with their bikes. Why? The more you carry your bike, the easier it becomes. Even for the first time, you can travel with no hassle. Here are some helpful tips on how you can travel with your bike.

Plane TravelIf you are going to use a plane, there are some things you need to know:
  • All airlines don't treat bikes the same way. Some airlines will include your bike in your usual luggage allowance while others will charge you.
  • Your bike will need to be packed properly in a bike box or bag. You can also use a cardboard box but before you go for any option, check with your airline.
  • Your bike will need to be packed alone, and not with all other items you will be carrying. That's why it requires its bag.
  • Several airlines like to know you will be traveling with your bike in advance.
  • Bike charges are different in various airlines
Once you are aware of that, it's time to know how to pack that bikeThe way in which you are going to pack your best full suspension mountain bike will depend on the airline you will be using. Each airline has its regulations. For more accurate information, check the airline's website. The following are the basic things you need to do irrespective of what airline you will be using:
  • Turn the handlebars round
  • Remove the pedals
  • Remove the bikes back derailleur. This is the most delicate part of a bike. A small thing can bend or even destroy it completely. So it's safe to remove and pack it separately.
  • Deflate the wheels and remove them
  • Don't forget to pack your toolkit
  • Attach the handlebars to the bike frame using zip ties
  • Bubble wrap the bike
Road Trips With Your BikeEveryone loves hitting the road with a bike in tow. Finding local village trails, exploring local attractions and coming across other bike buddies. Great trip! Before you can carry your bike along, there are a few things you need to consider, and like always, the protection of your bike comes first. So how do you travel with your bike on the road?In The CarYou can transport your bike in the car by removing its front wheel, dropping the back seats and storing it there.Advantages
  • When you are not out riding, you will feel comfortable when the bike is inside the car.
Disadvantages
  • Traveling with many friends or family members will be hard.
  • If you ride on mud then you take the bike into the car, it will end up dirtying your car.
On The Back With A HitchIf you are frequently loading and offloading the bike, a hitch rack provides more convenience. Do an investigation on the proper hitch size and the kind of racks that can be attached to it. The model and make of your car will determine that.Advantages
  • It's simple and easy to install, load and offload your bike
  • Majority of hitches allow access to your car trunk
  • Most expensive hitch racks come with a locking system so you can lock the car to the vehicle and your bike to the rack providing more security to your bike when you leave it in the car to run errands.
Disadvantages
  • Advanced model of hitches and racks are costly. However, if you ride a lot, it's an investment.
On the roof of the vehicleAdvantages
  • You can access your car trunk and doors with no hardship
  • It's a stable and secure system
Disadvantages
  • You will have to hoise the bike onto to the top of the car. This can be difficult.
  • Although this depends on your car, fitting into areas of low clearance can be troublesome


On the back of the vehicle
Rear-mount racks allow you to secure your bike on the back of your vehicle. Many rear mounts simple to set up, durable and strong.
Advantages
  • Cheaper than a roof rack or hitch rack
  • You can carry along as many friends as your car can accommodate
Disadvantages
  • Can hinder you from accessing your car trunk
  • No security for your bike
In your car trunkIf your car has enough trunk, you can store your bike there.Advantages
  • Loading and offloading of multiple bikes is easy
  • You can lock the bikes in the trunk bed
Disadvantages
  • You have to invest in a car trunk
So when is your next bike trip?The most important thing to an enjoyable bike trip is to travel with your bike. Many inexpensive mountain bikes can give you an experience same as that of Adam Craig. Check out best mountain bikes under 500
About The Author:
Paul Devault is an avid cyclist, and has traveled to over 10 countries with his bike. He enjoys writing about bikes and biking when he he not out riding. We thank Paul for sharing these helpful biking tips. Visit his website to explore more help tips and advice on cycling and bicycles.