[Webscreamer]

I just moved to California from the Midwest for a new job. I'd really love to start biking on the weekends out here. Does anyone have idea what's the best way to ship a bike? I prefer cheap

Also, I heard you can pay extra and bring it on an airplane? Any ideas are welcome ;-)

[keekeeree]

The safest way to ship a bike is to take it to a local bike shop and pay to have them pack it and ship it to you. Total cost is usually under $100.

It'll cost you about $50-60 to ship it yourself. You could stop by a bike shop and ask for one of the bike boxes they receive bikes in (they typically throw them away). If you go this route, ask them to save any packing material that might come with it, and any extra they may have. It'll be a tight fit, but keep in mind that the wheels and handlebars will have to be removed. If you're not comfortable with this, best to let them handle the job.

If the bike isn't packaged securely, shipping can be really hard on it. If it's a nice bike, it'd probably be worth it to have someone do it for you. If it's a Walmart special, save your money and go buy a new one.

[peeb]

I've shipped them by turning the handlebars 90degrees, letting the air out of the tires, and reversing the pedals, then wrapping it in cardboard and duct tape.

[residentEvil]

unless your bike is worth several thousand dollars; why not just buy a new cheap one there? cost the same as shipping.

[nonhuman]

Lame. Just ride it out there.