Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Assess the task
Step 2:
Start the process
Step 3:
Remove the pedals
Step 4:
Remove the wheels
Step 5:
Drop it in the box
Step 6:
Arrange for shipping

A bike that needs shipping

One cardboard bicycle box (available free at most bike stores; just call and ask)

One set of Allen wrenches

One crescent wrench (or any adjustable wrench)

Some newspapers

One roll of nylon strapping tape

20-40 minutes, depending on whether the nuts are rusted

Allen wrench: a slim hexagonal (six-sided), L-shaped metal bar.

Crescent wrench: traditionally-shaped wrench that adjusts by turning the small, threaded cylinder located below the wrench's "mouth."

Derailleurs: the parts responsible for changing gears. Complex and susceptible to damage-that's why you wrap them during shipping. The front derailleur is located a few inches to the right of the central, vertical tube of the bike frame, towards the bottom. The rear derailleur is located a few inches below and to the right of the rear hub. Both have the chain running through them.

Handlebar stem: the metal post that holds handlebars and is inserted into top front hole of the bike frame.

Hub: the central axis of each wheel. Look for spokes, follow them towards the center, and there's the hub.

Quick-release mechanism: does what it says. Located at the seat post hole on the frame, and on the front hub (right side) and the rear hub (left side).

If you can't find a bike box, make one out of large panels from another box found at a furniture or appliance store.

2torial #0579: Learn2 Ship a Bike Maybe if I just close my eyes and wish really hard... You're moving, you're going on a trip, you're shipping your child's bike: what's the step between here and your destination? As always a bit of research will aid your cause. In this 2torial, you'll be guided through all the stages from disassembling the bike to packing it to choosing your shipping agent. And don't leave this to the last minute, especially if your bike is going abroad. Be sure your bike box is the right size. If it's not the original, you may want to call and consult your local bike shop. If traveling by plane, train or bus, be sure to call the prospective company beforehand to check regulations. Wear clothes that can get a little dirty, because you may come in contact with greasy bike parts. Speaking of dirt it's a good idea to wash your bike with a bucket of mild soap and water, and brushes and rags. Then take your tools out to an open space where your project will not get cluttered, mixed up, or disturbed. At first glance the bike will not appear to fit in the box; step back and take in your puzzle. Assess the task OK, picture this. You are going to remove a few parts from the bike, wrap them in newspaper to protect the paint, and tape them back on the bike. When we know all pieces are adjusted and accounted for, we'll slip the bike in the box and send it off. Be absolutely certain you retighten anything accidentally or purposefully loosened. Start the process Pick a part, any part. Let's start with the handlebars, since that box seems just too narrow. Use the appropriately sized Allen wrench (on older bikes an adjustable wrench might be necessary) to loosen the handlebar stem that allows the bars to rotate left to right. Remove the handlebar stem from the frame-it may be necessary to loosen the headset (the two nuts on the top front opening of the frame). After removal, turn the handlebars parallel to the frame, wrap the base in papers and attach with tape to the frame of the bike. Retighten the headset after removal. Next, take the seat post out (loosen by a quick-release or with a wrench), wrap it, and tape it to the side of the frame. This is also a good time to sacrifice an old tee-shirt for the derailleurs. Cut up the shirt and tie the pieces around the front and rear derailleurs, individually. Remove the pedals Take (or adjust) the wrench to fit the nut connecting to the pedal, and swing the crank counter-clockwise while holding the pedal to loosen. It may take a bit of work to loosen the pedal if it's never been removed, but have faith and persist. Once you've removed them, wrap them in newspaper, and tape them together and to the side of the bike. Remove the wheels   First, pull the brake cable down while lifting up the brake arm to release. Then the wheels can be removed: unclip the quick-release at the hub to remove the one wheel then the other. Once removed, you may tape the wheels to the side of the bike to help the fit. That's it! You're ready to put it in the box. Drop it in the box You should now have a frame, with the handlebars, seat, and pedals taped onto the frame to help you fit the bike in the box. The wheels have been removed and perhaps taped to the side. Now just lift the whole mass and slide it in the box. It may seem awkward, but with a few shifts of the box (or the wheels), everything will fit just fine. The box can be bowed a little bit, but not so much that the flaps won't close. If the either front or rear brakes are pressed up against the box wall, sacrifice another tee-shirt and wrap them up as you did with the derailleurs. Then tape up the box (each seam as well as two loops around), mark it (in two separate locations) with the appropriate addresses, and fare ye well! Arrange for shipping Call UPS-- sending a 45-pound bike box costs about $15, plus a $5 pick-up fee if they come to your house and take it away. It takes 3-5 days. Seems like a good deal. They can also track your package and provide insurance at a low cost. If you have no time but some extra money to spend, take your bike to a bike shop and they'll do it for you. Estimated cost--$20 for disassembly and packing, $40 more for shipping. . -end- Learn More!