Required material
A box with maximum dimensions of 60 x 32 x 8 inches; Allen keys; a pedal wrench; scissors; adhesive tape; tie wraps; a wedge; Styrofoam pipe insulation to protect the tubes.

Selection of box and disassembly
The box shown below, which is available at most bicycle retailers, is smaller than the maximum size accepted by air carriers. It requires the removal of the handlebars, as indicated in image 3.

If a box of the maximum size is used (available at the Maison des cyclists), the handlebars just have to be turned.

If you are travelling with a tandem or Quetzal bicycle or any other non-standard bicycle, or with a rigid bag or box, please let us know.

Steps to follow
1 Leave enough pressure in the tires to avoid them being crushed under the bike’s weight (± 60 lbs).
Position the chain on the large chain ring and freewheel in order to get maximum tension on the chain.



2 Mark the position of the seat and handlebars.
Remove the seat post.

3 Remove handlebars by unscrewing the front plate of the stem, detach handlebars and attach to the top tube. Be careful not to damage the cables or their housing.

Pivot the fork 90 degrees. Insert a wedge between the fork’s tongues.

Unscrew the pedals. Remember that the left pedal’s threads are reversed and that it unscrews clockwise. Once the pedals are removed, put them in a bag and attach them to the frame.

N.B. If you have a maximum-sized bike box, the handlebars do not have to be removed. Just turn them and rotate the fork 90 degrees.

4 Open the quick-release mechanism on the front wheel.

Attach the wheel to the left side of the bike. Insert the bike into the box, including the seat, the pedals and all accessories to be attached to the frame. Use Styrofoam pipe insulation to protect the tubes. The box must not contain any movable objects (pump or lock) unless they are solidly attached to the frame. During handling, loose objects can break through the box and be lost.

5 Identify your bicycle box by writing your contact information on the exterior.

This identification will be given to you during the predeparture meeting three weeks before departure.



Please note: Because of the quantity and volume of the boxes to be stored at destination, we must refuse rigid plastic boxes. If you are travelling with a tandem bicycle or any other atypical bicycle, please advise us.

By Mathieu Fagnan, Vélo Mag (Spring 2007)