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Some useful tips & links

Plan ahead - you don't want to be panic packing just hours before a flight...

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Bike box facts & info: 

All boxes are Bike Box Alan​

Manufacturer - www.bikeboxalan.com

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Model - Premium

Max Dimensions Height 95cm x 117cm Long x 32cm Thickness. 

Weight 11.2 Kg (without bike)

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Model - Triathlon Aero Easyfit

Max Dimensions Height 94cm x 133cm Long x 50cm Thickness. 

Weight 13.5 Kg (without bike)

 

Comparison

                                             Premium                         Triathlon Aero Easyfit

Dimensions:                      116Lx 36W x 96H             133L x 50W x 94H

Weight:                               11.5kg                             13.5kg

Approx packing time:       10-20 mins                       5-10 mins

Handlebars:                        Remove                          Stay in place

Wheels:                               Remove                          Remove

Pedals:                                Remove                           Remove

Tyres:                                   Partially deflate              Can stay inflated

Thru Axle compatibility:    QR Skewers required    Compatible

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Packing instructions -  Link to the BBA guide 

There is a step by step guide below and there are many other packing videos with some great tips on YouTube like this one from GCN or this one on the easyfit

 

Step by step packing guide (Premium) Read through fully, then start to pack.

  • Open the bike box with the wheel compartment as a lid

  • Use the gear levers to put the chain on the smallest ring at the back and largest at the front. This makes it easier to remove the rear wheel.

  • Turn your bike over so it rests on saddle/handlebars.

  • Reduce air in tires to about 30%

  • Remove front wheel and secure in front wheel recess in lid of bike box (for disc brakes try disc out) using the shorter quick release skewer to secure through the lid.

  • Remove rear wheel from frame and secure in rear wheel recess, using the longer skewer, with gear cassette next to the lid. For disc brakes, try it cassette out, rear disc in the lid cavity if you find your rear disc rubs against the tyre of the front wheel. The aim is to get both wheels to fit comfortably together so try different ways to find what works for your wheel & tyre combination.

  • Make sure the spokes are not in the way of the anti-crush pole recess (turn wheels to leave a gap where it will go)

  • Once wheels are removed, change gear down to move the derailleur to the middle.  

  • Remove the pedals (facing forwards right hand pedal has right hand thread, left hand pedal has left hand thread)

  • Place the frame into the box, as per instructions (look at sticker top left of wheel recess) depending on size, typically drive train down.

  • Remove handlebars by loosening (not removing) the nuts at the headset.

  • Take the handlebars off and twist to lay where they fit which might be over top tube, between top tube and downtube or nearer the forks. They will 'find' a spot that works subject to the play in your cables.

  • Use velcro straps to secure into box.

  • Mark / measure your seat post height, then remove or lower into the frame if you can. Its a good tip to note your measurements and maybe take a small tape measure to remove guesswork. You'll also feel very pro rebuilding.

  • Fasten the velcro straps around the frame and check for any movement

  • Use any spare velcros to strap in the pedals, saddle/seat post and pump/ tools etc.

  • Place any tools, ideally wrapped in bubble wrap or bagged, under the bottom layer of foam at the bottom.

  • Put any other soft kit in bags and place in / around bike

  • Replace the anti-crush pole and place the intermediate foam layer over the bike

  • Close the lid carefully, with one hand guide the anti crush pole into position, do not force anything.

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Couple of Tips:

  • There are more velcros in the box than you will likely use. It caters for multiple ways of packing - you haven't missed something.

  • Use Zip ties just before you hand the bike box over for extra security - but make sure you have a way of cutting them off at the other end.

  • You can put tools in a freezer bag inside your waterbottle or wrap them in bubble wrap and put them under the foam at the bottom.

  • I don't recommend packing all your gear in with your bike - use your hand luggage allowance. You don't want to make the box overweight and get charged (this happened to one client who used it like a suitcase).

  • Only put your shoes in the box on the way back, that way, if the box goes missing or is delayed (doesn't happen often but...) you have them and could still rent a bike. 

  • Use additional bubble wrap / pipe lagging for additional protection if there are any areas close to rubbing or near the box sides.

  • For wider tyres (700x30 / 700x32) you may need to deflate to around 30%, fit one in the cavity and lay the other on top of the foam.

  • For tubeless, take a small pack of sealant in case of any leakage so you can top up, if you have a good seal you won't need it.

  • Put a luggage label on your bike frame just in case

  • Add a removable sticker on the box with your contact details.

  • If you have one, add an Airtag in.

  • Tie a bandanna or similar to the box to aid identification - you don't want someone else collecting your bike.

 

To rebuild:

  • Undo velcro straps, loosely re fit handlebar stem &  saddle while in box, lift out and place frame upside down, re-fit pedals then the wheels. Turn over and centre front wheel then tighten stem and stem cap bolts, inflate tyres, adjust saddle.

  • Double check everything

  • Quick test ride and then check once again that everything is tight

 

For the Triathlon Aero Easyfit

You will not need to remove the handlebar so its wheels off, pedals off and start to pack. Place the rear wheel in, velcro down, add foam layer, place the frame in, add foam layer, velcro in the front wheel, close carefully ensuring the two parts of the crush pole marry up and you are done.

You may need to lower your seatpost/ remove it depending on framesize.

If you have long aerobars you might need to remove/fold them back to fit in.

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Bike Box Alan have a video with pro rider Ben Swift - here

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Airline info

All airlines need you to book ahead when taking a bike box.

Know you baggage weight limit, if you go over you will be charged.

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British Airways will take a bike box as part of your checked baggage allowance but you need to call/ live chat them to book it in. Details here https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/baggage-essentials/sports-equipment

 

Easyjet charge but you then know you have it booked on your flight -   https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/sports-equipment

 

Do call / message your airline to book the bike box in.

 

Getting to the airport

Plan ahead, nothing worse than booking a taxi that can't fit the bike box and your luggage or not checking if it fits in your car. The box will fit in the boot of most SUV's, people carriers, hatchbacks and estate cars, but you may need to fold the seats down. You can use roof bars - be sure to securely strap it down. We suggest covering or wrapping it as the box is not designed to be completely waterproof.

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Some of our stock of Bike Box Alan travel cases
Two Friends Biking

PLAN AHEAD 

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