Introduction:
Are you preparing for an exciting cycling holiday or returning a bike to us as part of our 30-day test ride? Repacking your bike correctly is crucial to ensure it arrives at its destination in perfect condition. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of packing your bike like a pro. So, let's get started!
Watch this video guide which takes you through step-by-step how to safely repack a bike for transit.
Step 1: Gather Your Packaging Materials
Before you dive into packing your bike, gather all the necessary packaging materials. These include the box that came with your bike, plastic protectors for sensitive components, packing tape, cable ties, all original packaging your bike came with if you have it, or suitable replacements (such as bubble wrap and cardboard).
Important: If you’re returning a bike under the 30-day test-ride policy and do not have the original packaging, please contact support.
Step 2: Prepare the Bike
Begin by shifting your bike into the lowest possible gear on both the front and rear derailleurs. This positions the chain as close as possible to the frame, protecting it during transit. Attach the plastic derailleur protector to safeguard this critical component.
Step 3: Deflate the Tires
If you're sending your bike by air, ensure all the air is out of the tires to prevent the tire bursting due to changes in altitude.
Note: Bikes being collected as part of our 30-day returns are sent by road, so this step is not required.
Step 4: Remove Pedals
Carefully remove the pedals and place them in a small parts box. Remember the way the pedal tightens and loosens. The right side (drive) pedal tightens to the right and loosens to the left. The left side (non-drive) pedal tightens to the left and loosens to the right.
If you have a Vintage bike that comes with a pannier rack, please see step 5. Otherwise, skip to step 6.
Step 5: Removing your pannier rack
It’s easiest to remove the pannier rack while the front wheel is still on. Simply unbolt the pannier rack and remove. Re-screw the bolts back into the frame, and wrap the pannier rack in the bubble wrap/cardboard and plastic sleeve that it arrived in. If you’re packing this bike for a holiday, simply ensure the pannier rack is covered in bubble wrap or foam packaging to ensure no scratches or damage to the rack occur in transit.
Step 6: Protect your frame
At this stage, use the cardboard and plastic packaging the bike came with (or cardboard and bubble wrap) to wrap around the top tube, downtube, seat tube, rear triangle and chainstays, to protect the frame from any scratches.
Step 7: Front Wheel Removal
Next, remove the front wheel.
Quick release: If you have a quick release front wheel, remove by undoing the quick-release or through axle. Remember to attach the spring and nuts to the quick release and place them in the small parts box. Install the front fork protector, and if your bike has disc brakes, insert the brake spacer at this point.
Bolted axle: If you have a bolted axle, you’ll need a 15mm spanner for this part. Use the spanner to undo both axle nuts. Remove the wheel from the bike, then, reinstall the axle nuts and spacers. Place the black plastic axle protector over the axle nuts, and the long fork protector in the dropouts.
Thru-axle:
For either wheel type, after removal, make sure to wrap the fork up in the original plastic and/or cardboard packaging it came with to protect the fork from scratches.
If you have a bike that comes with mudguards, go to step 8. If you don’t have mudguards on your bike, skip to step 9.
Step 8: Removing front mudguard (the rear mudguard does not need to be removed)
After removing the front wheel, remove the front mudguard by first using an allen key to unscrew the bolts securing the stays (metal legs) to the frame, and then undoing the bolt that goes through the fork and mudguard using either a spanner and screwdriver or allen key depending on the bike.
Repackage the mudguard in the plastic sleeve it came in, or wrap it top to toe with bubble wrap! Secure the mudguard over the front wheel with cable ties, and insert the metal stays through the spokes to keep them out of the way.
Step 9: Handlebar and Stem
A-head:
If you have an A-head stem, you will need to loosen off the four bolts on the faceplate that secure the handlebars to the stem. After removing the handlebars, re-secure the faceplate to the stem using the four bolts. Wrap the handlebars in the protective cardboard and/or plastic they came in (or bubble wrap and cardboard). Secure the handlebars to the top tube, downtube and fork using cable ties or tape to secure.
Quill stem:
Loosen the top bolt on your quill stem until it is loose enough for you to pull out the handlebars completely. Wrap the handlebars in the protective cardboard and/or plastic they came in (or bubble wrap and cardboard).Secure the handlebars to the top tube, downtube and fork using cable ties or tape to secure.
Step 10: Secure the Crank Arm
Rotate the non-drive side crank arm so it's parallel to the ground, and use a cable tie through the pedal hole to secure it to the downtube or wheel.
Step 11: Prevent Rear Wheel Movement
Secure the drive side pedal arm to the frame using string or a cable tie through the pedal hole. This prevents the rear wheel from turning during transit.
Step 12: Saddle and Seatpost
Remove the seatpost from the bike using an allen key (size 4mm or 5mm) or quick release depending on your model. Attach the saddle and seat post to the rear triangle and downtube using cable ties or tape. Be cautious to prevent any rubbing between the seat post and the frame, and ensure the saddle faces down.
Step 13: Place in the Box
Carefully place the bike inside the box. Lay the final cardboard protection on top to secure the wheel in place. If you have a pannier rack, lay this face down in the bottom of the box to one end (in its packaging) and place the bike on top.
Step 14: Small Parts Box
Remember the small parts box, which should contain pedals, quick-release or thru-axle, manuals, and any extra parts that came with your bike. Place this box on top of the derailleur at the rear wheel.
If you’re shipping your bike for a holiday or a move overseas, see step 15. If you’re sending a bike back to us as part of our 30-day test-ride policy, see step 16!
Step 15: Fill the Gaps
If you are shipping your bike for a holiday or a move overseas (because who doesn’t want to take their favourite bike with them for the ride!) you may want to consider filling any gaps or empty space in the box with extra packaging, bubble wrap, foam, or even clothes (in a pinch!), to reduce movement within the box and any potential damage to your bike.
If you’re sending your bike back to our warehouse as part of our 30-day test-ride policy, please see step 16. Otherwise, skip to the final step!
Step 16: Take photos
If you’re sending your bike back to us, please take photos of the bike in its packaging, in the box, and then a photo of the outside of the box so we can verify it was sent in good condition! This means if any damage occurs during the shipping process we can go back and verify where this damage may have occurred.
Step 17: Seal the Box
Tape up the box securely top and bottom ensuring all weak points or tears are reinforced.
Conclusion:
With your bike expertly packed, it's now ready for safe travels! Whether you're shipping it or taking it on a cycling holiday, following these steps will help ensure your bike arrives in perfect condition. Happy riding!