In this article, we’ve compiled useful tips and tricks for traveling with your bike. You’ll learn how to prepare and pack your cycling buddy for different types of travel, and how to be ready for any practical issues you might face on the way.

You have a few options when traveling with your bike.

• Traveling by car.

• Traveling by Plane

• Shipping your bike

• And finally, whether it's a good idea to rent a bike to your destination!

Firstly;

What kind of cyclist are you? And what kind of trip is this?

This is important in figuring out what's the best path for you!

If you have a quality bike that’s in good shape and suitable for the types of trails you’ll be riding, we recommend that you bring it rather than renting. You’ll have a better riding experience if you’re on a familiar bike.

Traveling by Car:

If your destination is close enough or with it to drive, this may be the least hassle-free way of traveling with your bike. You get to safely pack away your bike the way you want, and no need to spend extra fees on oversized luggage or expensive bike bags!

If you already have a roof rack then you are good to go, but if you have the trunk space you can always get creative in how you pack it in!

Roof Racks:

• Pros: The pros of roof racks are that they provide access to the car’s interior and trunk space without blocking any doors. With a number of mounting systems for different types of gear and for the different seasons, a bicycle roof rack is highly versatile. With a number of locking systems available, it’s also a secure option. Bikes do not move or sway easily. Your Bikes may also stay cleaning as they are off the ground.

• Cons: Lifting and reaching are required to secure bikes, so this might not always be a great option for taller vehicles or people who have difficulty with heavy lifting. Racks are not as easily removed as the hitch- or trunk-mounted systems and often require some tools. Wind resistance or wind noise while driving can be noticeable and can also have a negative but minor effect on gas mileage. You also have to be aware of the added height.

Trunk Racks:

• Pros: The Pros of a room rack is that they are generally lower coast than the roof-mounted racks. They are also easier to mount and to take the bikes on and off. Trunk-mounted racks are light, highly portable, and easy to store when not in use. With some practice, they are easy to mount and take off.

• Cons: Depending on your car and rack type, may prevent access to the trunk. Additionally, the effectiveness of the rack relies on the straps being secured tightly. If done poorly, the bikes might shift or sway while driving. Lastly, the design of trunk racks can make it difficult to lock bikes to your vehicle, if security is a concern.

Traveling by air:

Bringing your bike on a plane is fairly straightforward but may cost a little extra depending on the weight limits. Thankfully, airlines are increasingly more accommodating of bikes, but there are still discrepancies in weight limit and cost.

• Some important things you should pay attention to:

• Cost of carrying sporting equipment

• Weight limit (and extra charges for bikes that exceed it)

Using a Bike Bag or Case:

If you are planning on traveling with your bike more than once, then it's probably a good idea to invest in some sort of case or bag.

If you are really tight on money you can go to the cardboard box rouet, but if you want to ensure minimum damage then a case or bag will be the way to go.

Hardshell cases are very common and offer the most protection, but they can be very heavy which will make traveling with them harder and more expensive. The alternative is a soft shell bag. Still covering projects but in a lighter package.  Most bags are thick and padded and have compartments for wheels, tools, and spares. They often have a supportive structural frame that makes it easier to lift or wheel them and prevents the contents from getting crushed.

To meet airport requirements and ensure the safety of your bike, follow these preparations:

• Pack your bike in a protective case, special bike bag or box (cardboard boxes can also do). Note that packing your bike in a plastic bag won’t be accepted by all airlines

• Remove or fix bike pedals inwards

• Remove or fix the handlebars sideways

• To reduce the risk of damage, deflate the tires

• Some airlines recommend taking your wheels off

• For some airlines, the packed bike shouldn’t exceed 190cm in length

*You can also take extra precautions by wrapping the parts of your bike in bubble wrap or covering the frame with the classic pool noodles!

If you want to ship you’ll need to look into storage and insurance costs, as well as the cost of shipping. Most companies will take days or even weeks for it to arrive, so be prepared to plan far in advance.

Rent a Bike:

Renting a bike may be the easiest way to cycle when on vacation. We recommend doing research on companies in the areas you are traveling in.

Find out what size of bike you ride.

Ask lots of questions

• damage policy

• model year of the bikes

• service and maintenance schedules

• components

• pedals provide

• pick up times and late fees

Bring your shoes and pedals! Most companies places will let you swap out their pedals for your pedals and shoes.

Luckily, today traveling with your bike is becoming more common and therefore simpler. All you need is a little more preparation and nothing will stand between you and your next cycling adventure!