Its less than a week away for me to visit Victoria for the Lifesport tri camp. I am in a bit of a predicament: Whats the best way to send my bike?
In the past I’ve boxed my bike up and was charged $50-100 depending on the airline. Air Canada is $50. Not a big deal but I’d like to save as much cash as possible. Exploring other options has led me toalternative ways to pack my ride. First, the hockey bag.
Most airlines don’t charge extra fees for sporting equipment. Golf clubs, lacrosse, and archery are among those. A hockey bag could be a great choice.
So, will a bike fit into a hockey bag? Well, at first I went to a hockey store to measure. The dimensions for my 52cm, P2SL are: it has to be at least 40cms long and wide. A feature that is quite hard to find in a bag.
In the fall I went and bought a canoe bag. Its a huge red book bag made for storing a lot of wet gear. It was on sale, bonus, and fit all the dimensions. So I bought it. And it fit a road bike well. The only issue I saw is that it was a thin canvas material. Not great but I figured I could jimmy rig something together for “added protection”.
When I added my carbon support frame there is barely enough room to add another wheel. A bicycle isn’t much good with only wheel. Looks like I need another option.
As luck would have it, I was out for a routine dog when I came across a rather large suitcase. In fact, it will have no problem holding a bike, wheels and anything else I can scrounge up. My only issue with this one is it exceeds the dimensions allowed by Air Canadas. The fee for oversized luggage, $70. So I’m better off with the bike box.
I’m kinda leaning towars the hockey bag. Hopefully if Ipack the box well enough that everything will get there safe and sound. At least, thats what I hope!
Happy Trainin
Cliff
No way Cliff,
You can get huge hockey bags. large enough to take the bike down, lay sheet soft foam on the bottom of the bag wheel then soft foam, frame, soft foam, wheel. Tie wrap through the works to keep from moving and hold together. Tie wrap bars to top tube, seat down or out.
Lay in bag. trust be you can get bags that big, what do you think a goalie puts his gear in? then sheet soft foam on top close the bag.
Voila. Bike in a bag.
-Thom.
ive always been and always will use the bike box. then put ya shit in the bike box.
depending on the check’in lady,… its one bag.