shipping a bike?

booger · #1 12-04-2009, 09:53 AM

what's the most cost-effective way to ship a bike? i notice a lot of e-bay ads use a flat rate of $100. what service is best to use? (i know that usps won't touch it.) is it better to build your own box or is there a certain type of box to purchase?

K-Man · #2 12-04-2009, 10:44 AM

The boxes used to ship new bikes are often available (for your re-use) at your LBS for no or low fee. While you're at it, I recommend asking them for some of the foam tube protectors and other packing material that comes with new bikes, to properly pad the bike.

Dirt Rag ships a lot of bikes via UPS, with generally good results. I'd recommend insuring your shipment with UPS, or whatever service you use.

bloaker · #3 12-04-2009, 11:14 AM

I asked a lcal shop for a bix, they pulled out a new bike and gave me all the foam and bubble wrap with the box.

It was roughly $60 to ship from VA to TX insured with UPS.

wv_bob · #4 12-04-2009, 12:47 PM

I used http://www.shipyourbicycles.com/ the last bike I sold and saved a little cash. Their FAQ also has some decent info on keeping the size small to avoid oversize charges.

BrevCampagnolo · #5 12-04-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by booger

...(i know that usps won't touch it.)...

Why is that? I've mailed bicycles USPS to and from SW Asia and South America. It's probably not the most cost-effective but my shipping charges were subsidized by the US govt.

smokingreenkona · #6 12-04-2009, 04:45 PM

I've used UPS (most company's use them for orders under 6 or so units) a dozen times personally and lots of time for customers bikes, with good results. It costs about $80 to ship to Cali. from Ohio.

My shop will give boxes and packing to free to anyone who asks. We usually have some laying around, I'd definitely tip a six pack if they pull a new bike out of a box for you.

The most important things to get are the front fork brace and the r derailleur guard if you have gears. shift your derailleur into your biggest gear in the back it will help keep it safe, and don't forget to put your front QR in the box. I will usually put extra cardboard in the fork area to help against it poking/wearing through.

See if you LBS will actually ship it for you. We provide this at no cost if we package the bike. It costs less because UPS is there regularly anyway. If your shop will do so even though they gave you the box for free any didn't make anything packaging your precious cargo be sure to give them beer. On second thought give them beer anyways.

Insurance is cheap and recommended.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

booger · #7 12-04-2009, 09:19 PM

Man, this all sounds about as fun as a trip to the dentist, (except for the part about the beer). Thanks for all the info. I might hold out for a local buyer since the bike is only selling for $150. I don't even mind meeting someone halfway if they're within the general region.

animalsrtasty1 · #8 12-04-2009, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by booger

Man, this all sounds about as fun as a trip to the dentist, (except for the part about the beer). Thanks for all the info. I might hold out for a local buyer since the bike is only selling for $150. I don't even mind meeting someone halfway if they're within the general region.

If you are just going to sell your bike cheap, why not give it to a friend. 1. You will always have a partner to ride with. 2. They can't use the " I don't have a bike excuse". 3. It's a great excuse to have a beer....if you needed one. Otherwise I would suggest hanging on to it. Extra bikes are always handy to have around. My roomate has an old huffy that makes the perfect beer runner, and if anything happens to it, so what.