I'm heading to France in the summer for some riding and want to ship my bike (can't take it on board since I have some intermediate stops in Morocco and it's a pain in the butt to haul a bike around there for 3 weeks). I have investigated some options like FedEx and gotten ridiculous quotes, like $500 - $800 to ship one way! Anyone ever shipped a bike overseas? Can you recommend a company that is reasonable, reliable, and inexpensive? Otherwise it's not going to happen (why spend $500 to ship my $500 steel frame bike?). I know of the airline policies but as I said I can't take the bike with me on this trip. Thanks
International Bike Shipping
Mon, 05/08/2006 - 8:03am
Mon, 05/08/2006 - 8:20am
#1
Pricey
I investigated this question a few months ago (was thinking about traveling to Italy to ride some of the Giro stages, before realizing I needed another year of training . . .). Came to the conclusion that it's just not worth it to ship it. Rent a bike or check yours as luggage -- that's pretty much it.
--DvB
Mon, 05/08/2006 - 8:24am
#2
Well that sucks
If that's the case I'll have to look into checking it and then checking it again and again before I get to my destination (there may be a train and ferry in the mix, which makes it more of a pain). I'll check out rentals too but for 2 months it might be a lot of $. Maybe order a custom built Time and pick it up there and bring it back (yeah right; that's cost effective!). Thanks for the input, Doug.-jhs
Mon, 05/08/2006 - 8:31am
#3
If you're going to be there 2 months, buy a used bike in the classifieds and resell it at the end.
Mon, 05/08/2006 - 9:55am
#4
Good idea
I made the mistake of buying an older bike here (a great mid-80s Battaglin!) thinking that I'd bring it over and leave it there for future use (most summers). Little did I know that the shipping would cost more than the bike. Given the weak $$ buying there is way too expensive but I might jsut have to bite the bullet and do it. Thanks,
jonathan
Mon, 05/08/2006 - 8:30am
#5
The only sort of reasonably economical way to do this is to separate the shipment into two packages under 108 linear inches, and send it by the US postal service.
The maximum size is determined by the following calculation: the circumference of the two shorter sides of the box plus the length of the box. So, if you had a box that was 28x8x36, you would take the circumference of the 28x8 axis (28+28+8+8=72) and add the long axis (72+36) to reach 108 linear inches.
In order for this to work at all you will need two boxes and to place your wheels in one box and your frame in another.
Also, since 2004 or so, there has been a surcharge for boxes greater than 84 linear inches. I don't know what the surcharge is.
In short, renting is probably easier. Bring your own saddle and pedals.
- Christian
