Turning handlebars for flight

mel.b

I'm in the process of disassembling my bike for a plane fight. Has been easier than i thought, except i have got stuck with the handlebars (which i thought would be easy:rolleyes:) i've undone the bolt at the top and also one close to the spacers but the handlebars won't budge. Are they just stiff or is there another bolt i need to undo? I'm completely paranoid taking my bike on the plane reading all the stories:eek: has anyone flown with Qatar with their bike?

Thanks,
Mel.b

mel.b

Don't worry...just got them turned:o

Still interested to hear if anyone has flown with Qatar

triggermortis

Not flown with Qatar, but I know a few people who work for them.
Going anywhere nice?

mel.b

Going to get some sunshine...home to Melbourne for a couple of weeks (with side trips to Sydney and christchurch to visit friends and family) forecasted to be 36c on Sat in Melbourne:eek:

I'm really on two minds about how to pack the bike. I have a bike bag and the Qatar airlines says they need to be in a box, but when i rang to get the extra sporting goods allowance (an extra 10kg free) she just mentioned taking the wheels off and turning the handle bars. I like the logic of leaving a bike looking like a bike and it will be treated better but i just don't know

triggermortis

ooh nice - I have friends in Melbourne and family near Christchurch - say hi from me!

I would pack the bike as solidly as possible. By that, I mean split it down as much as you need to to get it into the box/bag you're using, protect each part with bubble wrap/newspaper/foam - paying extra attention to the rear mech and chainring - and then fill out your bag or box so nothing rattles around inside as much as you can.
Every flight you take means another set of baggage handlers throwing your bike about on and off off trolleys and belts as well as the plane itself, so you want it as well protected as possible.
If you're using a cardboard box (non bike specific) and it's on the large size, its a good idea to make handles out of tape for easier handling. If something is awkward to move its more likely to be carelessly moved or damaged - and baggage handlers can be careless (I work at an airport and have seen it first hand!)

nomdeboardie

When I saw the title the first thing that came into my head was "The OP has come across something alarming on their ride and they're tapping on a smartphone while wondering about the logistics of doing a U-turn to flee...??"

Have a good trip!

Tonyandthewhale

I'd advise you to put something in the front and rear drop-outs to avoid the fork and/or frame getting bent when the wheels are out.

El Tarangu

mel.b wrote: »

I'm in the process of disassembling my bike for a plane fight. Has been easier than i thought, except i have got stuck with the handlebars (which i thought would be easy:rolleyes:) i've undone the bolt at the top and also one close to the spacers but the handlebars won't budge. Are they just stiff or is there another bolt i need to undo? I'm completely paranoid taking my bike on the plane reading all the stories:eek: has anyone flown with Qatar with their bike?

Thanks,
Mel.b

Just by the by... What are you packing your bike in? I'm moving to Belgium in a couple of weeks, and I'm trying to figure out how to ship the rig. I've read on a different thread that some people just pack the bike up in one of the cardboard boxes that bikes get delivered in - can anyone say, from personal experience, how this compares to a hardshell or bike bag?

And can anyone tell me if this bag is any use?

(Sorry for hijacking your thread btw)

mel.b

El Tarangu wrote: »

Just by the by... What are you packing your bike in? I'm moving to Belgium in a couple of weeks, and I'm trying to figure out how to ship the rig. I've read on a different thread that some people just pack the bike up in one of the cardboard boxes that bikes get delivered in - can anyone say, from personal experience, how this compares to a hardshell or bike bag?

And can anyone tell me if this bag is any use?

(Sorry for hijacking your thread btw)

My bike is packed in a bike bag. I think though, for a short flight, i'd be more inclined to leave it as 'whole' as you can. After pulling mine apart and wrapping and packing it i think i've come to the conclusion that the more a bike looks like a bike the safer it will be.

I think an ideal lightweight solution would be a bike box with polystyrene sheet with it hollowed out in the shape of the frame, so the frame rests in it. Makes it lightweight but safe.

What i ended up doing was buying lots of pipe lagging and wrapping the frame in that, bubble wrap around the rear derailleur which was taken off and put between the chain stays, fork stays in the front and rear stays and then making two carboard and foam inserts for either side of the bag to give the bike a bit more padding if the bag is put on its side or something put ontop of it. now somehow i just have to manage carrying it while wheeling my soft sided luggage.

Packing a bike is a hell of a lot harder than packing dive gear i have discovered!

mel.b

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