Packing guide
How to pack a bike for a flight
Packing a bike for a flight is straightforward once you’ve done it once. The goal is simple: get everything inside a hard-shell bike box so nothing can move, nothing sticks out, and the lid closes without force. Here’s the order we recommend — and every box we hire comes with step-by-step photos and videos emailed to you after booking.
- 1
Lower the saddle and deflate the tyres
Drop your tyre pressure by about a third (don’t fully deflate) and lower or remove the saddle and seatpost. This protects the rims and helps everything fit.
- 2
Take off the wheels and pedals
Remove both wheels. Take the pedals off — remember the left pedal is reverse-threaded, so it unscrews clockwise. Bag the pedals and label them left and right.
- 3
Remove or rotate the handlebars
For narrow bars you can rotate them in line with the frame. For wider bars, take them off the stem and lay them alongside the frame. Cover any sharp ends.
- 4
Protect the frame and disc rotors
Wrap the frame tubes, and face disc rotors inwards so they’re protected. Use foam or pipe lagging on the most exposed tubes. Fit fork and rear spacers if you have them.
- 5
Load the box and secure everything
Place the frame and wheels into the box using the foam inserts and straps so nothing shifts. The lid should close without force — if it resists, something inside is too proud.
- 6
Close up and check the weight
Do up the latches and weigh the packed box on bathroom scales. Make sure you’re under your airline’s sports-equipment weight limit before you head to the airport.
Which bike box should you use?
A hard-shell bike box like a Bike Box Alan protects your bike far better than a cardboard box or soft bag — the difference between a relaxed arrival and a cracked frame. We hire two: the lighter Premium for most road and gravel bikes, and the roomier EasyFit for TT bikes, mountain bikes and wider handlebars.
Do you need to remove the handlebars?
Only if they’re wider than the box allows. Many road bikes fit with the bars simply rotated; wider or integrated bars come off the stem. Our EasyFit packing guide covers both a “bars-on” and a “bars-off” path so you follow the one that matches your bike.
FAQs
How long does it take to pack a bike?
About 20–30 minutes the first time, and 15 once you’ve done it before. If you’d rather not, add our packing service at checkout and a hub will pack the bike for you.
Should I deflate my tyres to fly?
Lower them by roughly a third rather than fully deflating — it protects the rims while keeping the tyre seated. There’s no airline rule requiring fully flat tyres, despite the myth.
Can someone pack the bike for me?
Yes. Many of our hubs offer a packing service — drop your bike off and collect a packed box ready to fly, and add a rebuild service for when you return.