KNOWLEDGE BASE: Packing your bicycle š¦
Packing your bicycle correctly is one of the most important steps in ensuring it arrives safely at its destination. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about bicycle boxes, packing materials, carbon frames, e-bikes, accessories and more, helping you prepare your bike with confidence before collection.
Does my bike need a box?
Yes please. Two reasons why. Safety and price. Letās start with the latter. It will cost 2-3x as much to send an unpacked bicycle vs a boxed bicycle because of volumetric weight. Which means they take the max width and max height and max length to determine this amount. But remove the pedals to halve the width; remove the front wheel to reduce the length; and turn the handlebars to make it fit into the bike box. Then (A) you vastly reduce the transport costs and (B) everything is safe and secure and ready for transport with #bicyclecouriers.
Where do I get a bike box?
Grab one from your local bike shop. Or buy one online. Or use an EVOC or THULE type bike box or bike bag. We also sell the ultimate bike boxes if you are interested, and they won the EUROBIKE award for best new startup. You can also a Boxman bike box, but #bicyclecouriers found the models that close along the middle (iso having two completely overlapping flaps at the top) are less sturdy. So we prefer boxes from bike shops.
Can I reuse a bike box?
Yes, a couple of times. A standard cardboard bike box in which bike shops receive their new stock can be used a few times. Especially the vastly superior and extra thick Ebike boxes. Fortunately, we arenāt too concerned about the weight. Because they are rather heavy. But you can use your own discretion to decide when the cardboard bike box is fit for recycling rather than for another trip. At #bicyclecouriers we recycle and care for the environment.
Can I use a soft bike bag?
Certainly. The EVOC and THULE type soft shell bike bags are very popular and work like a charm. What I like about them is that they have soft pockets for the wheels on either side and are also more compact, if a little wider than a cardboard bike box. The soft-shell bike bags also often have wheels at the bottom which makes for easier transport over long distances at say the airport. For those who didnāt book with #bicyclecouriersā¦
Can I use an airline box?
You can. In South Africa the ACSA airline approved bike box size is 140*30*80cms. But I have flown with larger boxes on Emirates and Qatar for international cycling trips to and from Europe and abroad. Somewhere in the region of our target 160*30*80cms. Without paying more on the international flight. But the max 20-23kgs actual weight becomes very important. And #bicyclecouriers donāt like paying overweight charges, especially in USD.
Can I build my own box?
Yes, you can. Just ensure it is safe and secure for bicycle transport. The bicycle may go through many hands during the transport process, and it needs to be up to the task. This may include being collected on 1 vehicle, offloaded at the sending depot, again at the receiving depot, and then onto the final last mile delivery vehicle before it reaches the destination. 1st prize is to rather ask #bicyclecouriers for a bike shop nearby that can pack your bike.
How should I pack my bicycle?
Just like this. As easy as 1-2-3. Off with the front wheel and pedals. Turn the handlebar or loosen at the stem. Bubble-wrap the handlebar and place it downwards next to the fork. Place extra cardboard in between the bike frame and the loose wheel. En be sure that the skewers and pedals and loose items are secure to not rattle around in the bike box during transit. There are many examples of how to pack on the #bicyclecouriers site.
Must I remove the pedals?
Yes, please remove both pedals to reduce the total width. This makes a huge difference in the volumetric weight of the bike. Because if there are two bike boxes next to each other with the same size other than the width then: the bike box that is 40cm wide will have a volumetric weight of 2x as much as the bike box that is only 20cm wide. And #bicyclecouriers suggest you place those pedals in bubble-wrap or a smaller box inside the bike box to ensure it stays put during transit.
Must I remove the front wheel?
Yes, please remove at least the front wheel. This is quick and easy with the thru-axle or quick-release QR skewer. Most often it is not necessary to remove the rear wheel as most cardboard bike boxes are large enough to accommodate these. Which also means the derailleur is protected. #bicyclecouriers love ease of use and speed while packing but always remember safety first. We suggest a large piece of cardboard in-between the bike frame and the loose front wheel. And take out the skewer so that it stays in the fork or gets wrapped with the pedals.
Must I remove both wheels?
Not necessarily. If you use a cardboard bike box then most often it is not required and the rear wheel stays one, you only need to remove the front wheel. But if you are using a soft-shell-type bike bag like the EVOC or THULE models then they often have separate compartments for each wheel, in which case you remove both wheels. For the vast majority of #bicyclecouriers shipments, over 80% of the time, only the front wheel is removed.
Must I remove the handlebars?
Maybe. If the box is large enough you can just turn the handlebars sideways in order to have it facing the same lengthwise direction as the frame. If the box requires it to be removed, then the easiest way #bicyclecouriers find is to loosen the 4x bolts at the stem and bubble-wrap the handlebars and place it down along the front fork. Which means nothing can rub against each other and the handlebar is out of the way, making space for the rest of the bike.
Should I lower the saddle?
Sometimes. At least to the point where the lid of the box can close when you need to. Alternatively, you can remove the seat post and stem altogether. But most often this is not required. A quick shortcut for a dropper post is usually just to drop it down to the lowest setting. Top tip from #bicyclecouriers: And if you then wrap the handlebar just donāt press the button for the seat to pop up so you must do it over again.
Should I remove my rear derailleur?
Nope. Unless you want to. With over 80% of #bicyclecouriers shipments the rear wheel stays on, which means the rear derailleur is already protected. Just ensure that nothing touches or rubs against it inside the box. But if you have one of those EVOC or THULE type soft shell bags where the frame mounts onto the base then sometimes the rear derailleur can be loosened or removed.
Should I remove my Garmin?
If you want to. Electronics and kit and extras can go out or stay in the box. If you choose the latter, just ensure there are no grab handles or open spaces where small items can slip out of. And make sure it is secure inside the box. As for myself, I prefer to remove my GPS and electronics and take it with me in the car or on the flight. And I do admit it is much easier sending the bicycle with #bicyclecouriers than flying with it!
Can I leave lights attached?
Yes, you can. Personally, I remove most of those types of accessories, especially when flying abroad. But for local bicycle transport on the #bicyclecouriers network you are more than welcome to keep on the lights. Front and rear and other. Just ensure they are securely fastened to not come off during transit. Let us light up your way ā and where can we send your boxed bicycle today?
Can I leave bottle cages attached?
Yes please. I donāt think I recall a single instance where the bottle cages was a factor that prevented a bike from going into a bike box. So please by all means do leave on the bottle cages. Unless you want to run the risk of pulling out one of the eyelets from your frame (like I did on my own bicycle, completely unrelated to #bicyclecouriers). But even those can be fitted again quickly and easily at your friendly local bike shop.
Can I leave my power meter installed?
Yes. If, however, they are inside the pedals, please note that by default we always remove the pedals as part of the packing process. Or the bike shop packing the bike for you will do it on your behalf. And then said pedals go neat and secure and wrapped into the bike box with the frame and all the rest. This is the #bicyclecouriers way.
Can I leave Di2 connected?
Yes, you can. Leave it on the bike. No need to remove it. Unless you prefer to do so. Whether you use Shimano or SRAM or Campag or any other groupsetās electronic shifting. You are free to decide whether you want to leave it on the bike or take it off the bike when sending with #bicyclecouriers. As with all the other electronics, lights, GPS devices, Ebike batteries etc.
Can I transport SRAM AXS?
Yes indeed. As is. On your bike. No need to remove anything. Unless you want to. Maybe it is a good opportunity to charge that AXS battery. Because the last thing you want is to start the race and be limited to a single gear. And speaking from experience our own bikes were returned with a different bicycle transporter after the Gravel Burn, sans the AXS battery. Bummer! That shouldnāt happen with #bicyclecouriers as we donāt open the box.
Can I transport an e-bike?
Most certainly. We specialize in transporting ebikes. And we know the hassles you have with the batteries when flying. Simply putāyou canāt. But even if you could, the Ebike is so heavy that it is really cumbersome to lug it around to the airport. Much rather have it collected from your door and delivered to your chosen destination to be ready and waiting for your arrival. Quick and easy with #bicyclecouriers. Now where can we send your Ebike today?
Can I send an e-bike battery?
Yes, you can. Because we send via road freight. Not air freight. So, your Ebike wonāt be flown when using #bicyclecouriers. Which means the batteries arenāt a problem. You can decide whether you want to leave your Ebike batteries on your bike (I would with mine). Or whether you want to remove them and take it with you. Another way is to take the bike with you and just courier the Ebike batteries. But with our low prices sending the whole boxed bike makes the most sense.
Should I use brake spacers?
If you have them, use them. Because we all know how inconvenient it can be to release the brake calipers after someone accidentally or unknowingly squeezed the brakes. But it is not a case that you have to go and buy or get brake spacers if you donāt have them. And an old, folded cut up credit card can also do the trick. When you are using a bike shop in the #bicyclecouriers network to box your bicycle than it is very likely that they will fit a brake spacer anyway.
How do I protect disc brakes?
With a brake spacer. Even a homemade one. In the form of a cut out and folded old credit card. Or a piece of paper or plastic thick enough to prevent the calipers from squeezing close, but thin enough to fit in the space provided. And even if you donāt have those typical orange brake spacers lying around, your local bike shop will likely add one by default if they pack the bike for you. Now where can #bicyclecouriers send your bike today?
How do I protect carbon frames?
With proper packing. And the same as you or we would pack any other bicycle. With the due diligence and care it deserves. As explained here. In short: (A) front wheel and pedals off. (B) handlebars turned or loosened at the stem and bubble-wrapped. And (C) into the cardboard bike box with a protective layer (more box) in-between the frame and the wheel to ensure nothing can touch while in transit. The #bicyclecouriers way.
Should I use bubble wrap?
We do. But not everywhere. Because have you seen a brand-new bike from TREK or Specialized arrive? It is something to behold. Carboard only. Every component is perfectly fit insde. Nothing can rub against each other. And no unnecessary plastic of any kind. An environmentally friendly way of sending boxed bicycles. And so do #bicyclecouriers. And so can you. Typically, no need to bubble wrap the whole frame. Just the handlebars if loosened or removed. And the loose items if they didnāt go into a smaller box inside your bikebox.
Should I use foam pipe insulation?
Good idea. Not required. But you can if you want. This can certainly be a great wat to protect your frame. Especially the pool noodle type with the cut out in the middle, like for plumbing insulation pipes. Quick to wrap around certain parts of your frame. And can be secured with a cable tie or electrical tape. Even though #bicyclecouriers method is quick and easy and pretty much foolproof to ensure safe bicycle transit. We do understand that people may want to go the extra mile when packing their bike.
Can I use towels?
Yes, you can. We have in some cases. But please note they tend to get heavy quickly, as linen does. And cardboard may be easier to fit in place between components. After all the most important one is between the front wheels and the bike frame. Where the extra piece of āboxā may very will provide a better protection than what towels would. Top tip from #bicyclecouriers ā ditch the towels and use cardboard in-between.
Can I pack clothing inside?
Yes indeed. There is ample space inside a modern bike box. Even with the bicycle inside. In fact, some of your kit in-between can help prevent any components touching each other. And when I travel with a boxed bike I try to fit as much into the open spaces as possible. Meaning I travel light with the things I need to take with me. And #bicyclecouriers arenāt too concerned with the actual weight as the volumetric weight will likely always exceed this.
Can I pack shoes?
Yes, you may. Into the bikebox. Together with your helmet. And your kit. And even some electronics if you want to. Your choice. There is space. And just ensure there is no way the smaller items can either come loose or off the bike. Or out of the grab handles and get lost while in transit. Other than those considerations you should be good to go. See, another top tip from #bicyclecouriers. Now where can we send your boxed bicycle today?
Can I pack my helmet?
Please do. Safety first. Donāt forget that helmet. Many, if not most, races and trails these days wonāt let you take part without a helmet. No helmet, no ride. But no helmet, we can certainly still send your boxed bicycle to and from (A) to (B) anywhere in South Africa. And beyond. With #bicyclecouriers. Now where can we send your boxed bike and helmet today?
Can I pack tools?
Yes indeed. Leave them in your modern bike frame. Or in your saddle bag. Or on the tool kit provided at the bottom of some bottle cages. Plus, those clever ones in the Specialized stem or the aftermarket handlebars on either end of the handlebars. Which means you will also have something to lock in your pedals again when you assemble the bike. And assembly is typically just pedals and front wheel back on and stem tightened. Quick and easy with #bicyclecouriers.
Can I pack spare tyres?
Certainly. Tyres are small and there is ample space in the box. In fact, how many spare tyres can you fit into the empty space in the bike box? Weād be curious to see. Just donāt compromise on the integrity of the box. And keep in mind the total weight. I havenāt seen it happen before ā but can imagine that the last thing you want is for the bottom of the bike box to collapse. Top tip: pack safely with #bicyclecouriers.
Can I send spare wheels?
Yes, you may. If they fit into the bike box then no extra charge. And if they donāt and have to go in a separate wheel box then we can add it at a reduced rate. If it is a standard bike box and you fit a road bike in there may very well be space for an extra set with caution. But for a MTB it will likely need to go into a separate wheel box that accompanies your bike box. Ask #bicyclecouriers for a special reduced rate for sending the second smaller box. And kindly share a pic or dimensions.
Can I send a bike without removing anything?
Depends on the bike size. If it is a small bike and you can get it into a box by leaving the wheels on and just lowering the saddle and turning the handlebar then it may be possible. But at a very minimum we would assume that you need to take off at least the pedals. Generally, it is the pedals and front wheel that comes off and then the handlebars turned or loosened. Or drop off the bike with a local bike shop in the #bicyclecouriers network so they can pack it for you.
How should I seal the box?
With duct tape or packing tape. That wide sellotape either clear or brown sticky ones. Not masking tape. Top tip: if you use a cardboard bike box that has been standing for a while, there is a very good chance that it is full of dust. So, wipe off the surface with a damp cloth and let it dry completely before you apply the tape. Otherwise, it may come right off and then we have to fix it at the #bicyclecouriers depot if we catch it early enough.
Should I photograph the bike?
You may, if you want to. In some cases where I bought a bike from someone and I wanted the bike shop responsible for the packing to quickly give me a status update on the bike before I make the EFT payment of the purchase price to the seller. Then I asked them to send me a few pics. But be default we donāt photograph the bike. Because it is already packed when the #bicyclecouriers driver arrives to collect. But it may be on video and scanner as it travels through our network and depots to its final destination.
Should I label the box?
Yes, please print the PDF waybill and stick it on the box. It contains your waybill number and a QR code that will be scanned at the depot before they attach more stickers onto the box for sending. And after collection and when the boxed bicycle has been scanned in at our local depot later that same day, the online tracking activates and you can see the further movement on there. quick and easy with #bicyclecouriers.
What packing mistakes should I avoid?
Easy! Threefold: (A) Donāt assume bubble wrapping the frame fixes everything. (B) donāt forget to put cardboard pieces between the frame and the loose wheel. (C) Donāt use too little sticky tape when closing the bike box. And as an obvious bonus: donāt forget to ensure any small or loose items are secured that it cannot come out of any possible grab handles. Donāt forget to attach the #bicyclecouriers PDF waybill onto the bike box.
Can my bike shop pack the bike?
With absolute pleasure. We find this is the easiest way for everyone involved. The sender can just drop it off at the bike shops and doesnāt have to worry about packing. The recipient has peace of mind knowing that the bike has been professionally packed. And the #bicyclecouriers can collect during office hours directly from the bike shop when the bike is ready and donāt have to wait around at private residences or complexes. So, all 3x parties win.
Can Bicycle Couriers pack my bike?
Yes, we can, but only at our #bicyclecouriers head office. Which is in Stellenbosch. So, if you drop off the bike here with us then we can pack it for the current rate of just R299 for the box and labour. But if you or the bike is located elsewhere then the easiest way is to drop it off at your nearest bike shop so that they can pack it for you. And #bicyclecouriers will collect directly from the bike shop when ready.
How much does packing cost?
Average between R250 and R350 for the box and labour. Depends on the individual bike shop. Case in point: Cyclelab started at R250, R300, R350, R500(!) and now I believe they charge a walk-in customer a whopping R600 for the box and labour to pack a bike. But if you book it in via #bicyclecouriers you can still get half-price boxing from Cyclelab, ie R300. Which is in line with the national average. And some of our local Specialized dealers is surprisingly more cost effective then you would expect.
What size box do I need?
We use the bigger average 160*30*80cms bike box. Compared to the ACSA airline approved bicycle box dimensions for SA come in at LBH 140*30*80cms. The latter is also the size of the ultimate bike boxes we sell on #bicyclecouriers. And yes, you can fit a MTB or Ebike in there. But then typically both the front and rear wheels have to come off. Whereas our bigger standard with extra length means you donāt need to take off the rear wheel. Which means faster to pack your bike.
What happens if the bike isn’t packed properly?
Components may be damaged during transit. Which is the last thing any of us want. Not the sender or recipient or #bicyclecouriers. So please pack your bike properly. And when in doubt, rather consult a professional or take your bike to the nearest bike shop so that they can pack it for you. Which is also the least amount of effort required from your side. Just drop off the bike at the shop for them to pack and we will collect it directly from the bike shop when ready.
Can I send a bike in a hard case?
Yes please. The EVOC ones are often soft shell whereas some of the THULE models are hard shell bike cases. And we have also send with the discontinued Bikesafeās but these are extremely heavy (think around 13kgs for just the empty box) and their dimensions are really easy to work with for modern bigger MTBās, 29rs (wait, soon 32rs), ebikes or fat bikes. TLDR: yes, #bicyclecouriers can collect your bike in a hard case.
Can I transport a tandem?
Yes indeed. We often transport tandems. Especially to the CTCT Cape Town Cycle Tour and the 947 Ride JHB and the Amashova road race classic in DBN. Tandems have extra long boxes. But when you take off both front and rear wheels it should fir into an oversized Ebike box. Failing that, you or the bike shop packing the bike can slide 2x cardboard boxes over each other to provide that extra bit of length required. *Please try not to exceed 2 meters when packing, as this limits the different vehicles #bicyclecouriers can use to collect.
