Posts by Desanciprano
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How to get back from Nordkapp to Lyon with a bike as luggage?
Just FYI, I did almost the exact opposite of what you're planning; here's the link to my travel journal. https://depuislartique.blogspot.com/search/label/Artique.
Hope it helps you avoid making the same mistakes I did.
How to return from Nordkapp to Lyon with a bike as luggage?
It might already be too late for your return trip, but here’s the link to a video that shows how to pack a bike with minimal hassle and maximum ease for traveling with it on trains, planes, buses, etc.:
https://youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
How to pack your touring bike for the trip home
Just a heads-up: if the box is going to take a beating (multiple transfers), it’s best to put a plastic bottle cap secured with tape over the rear axle to prevent the box from getting punctured. The wheel itself won’t get damaged, unlike other passengers’ luggage, and the oversize-baggage agents won’t let it slide.
Making a packing case to bring your touring bike home
After testing it for three years across various modes of transport, I’m sharing this video of a bike packing case. It’s made from recycled cardboard and shrink-wrapped, with adjustable thickness and added bubble wrap depending on the level of protection you want.
Installing spacers at the fork and chainstays makes the packaging compact. With the fifteen-odd euros for shrink-wrapping at the airport, this case travels really well.
https://youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
- Low bulk (1.10m x 0.70m x 0.25m for a large frame), it fits vertically in train luggage compartments and the total dimensions (x+y+z) don’t exceed 2.40m.
- Two carrying solutions for public transport and easy handling by airport staff (no more tears in the cardboard from openings).
- Discreet packaging when dealing with bus drivers and train conductors, as it looks like an ordinary parcel.
- No need to return to the starting point to retrieve the case from your outbound trip, which you’d otherwise have to store somewhere, or deal with a bulky cover to pack in your panniers.
- You can still check tire pressure through the plastic film without damaging the packaging too much.
Drawbacks: Around 3 hours for this lengthy and meticulous process—removing the wheels, pedals, handlebars, and derailleur without misaligning them, then securing all components to the frame.
If you get a chance to test it, send me your feedback for future improvements.
Flying with a bike: packaging?
Here’s the packaging I now use for flying. For a few euros for wrapping at the airport and some spacers at the fork and stays, it’s the most compact and rigid solution I’ve found for transport. Not too many issues with handling on public transport, but it’s easy to assemble—just time-consuming.
youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
What transport options are available for bikes from Rotterdam to Nantes?
There’s this universal bike-packaging solution for train, bus, tram, etc. It comes with a strap to handle it or use the saddle as a grip. It’s compact and fits vertically in the luggage compartments of intercity trains. For a few euros at airports, plastic wrapping gives it extra protection for air travel.
youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
What’s a good alternative to FlixBus for taking your bike?
After being turned away on a FlixBus when the next one didn’t cause any issues, I try not to rely on the goodwill of a train conductor or bus driver. I’ve gotten into the habit of packing my bike using this video: https://youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
It fits vertically in the luggage compartments, is easy to handle, and looks like a regular package. Downside: 3 hours of prep.
