If you want to enjoy the freedom of your bike the next time you travel, you will need to make a plan. Whether traveling by car or plane, you can take your bike with you, but you will need to do so safely to avoid damage to your bike. With the right equipment and some handy tools, you can enjoy your next vacation with your bike at your side.
Traveling by Car
Traveling by car is probably the easiest way to travel with your bike. All you need is a car rack, and your bike can go wherever your travels take you. These are quite simple to install, and when you are not using the rack you can take it off your car. Whenever you are ready to take a trip, simply attach the car rack, strap on your bike, and you are ready to go.
Thing ahead when traveling with your bike.
Traveling by Plane
If you need to fly to your destination, most airlines will allow you to check your bike as luggage. There will be an additional charge for this, as with any additional piece of luggage, but your bike will arrive safe and sound at your destination.
If you have a folding bike, you can collapse it to pack inside your suitcase. If the bike will not fold, you can take it apart to pack it in a suitcase. Most bikes will fit inside a golf bag when taken apart. Otherwise, bikes will be placed in a cardboard box to transport them safely to your destination. Keep in mind that the total dimensions of the bike, including length, width and height, is not more than 115 inches.
Tools You Will Need
Whether you travel by plane or car, you will want to pack a stash of tools to make sure you can take care of your bike once you arrive at your destination. This is particularly important if you must take your bike apart or take off a wheel to transport it.
Start your tool kit with a torque wrench. Torque wrenches are designed to give way when you have reached the maximum tightness on a screw. This is important when you are adjusting things on your bike, because over-tightening a screw could cause damage.
Next, pack a CO2 inflator. You can have a flat tire no matter where you go, so make sure you have a way to inflate that tire. A tire pressure gauge is a good idea too, so you can check your tire pressures before you head out on a ride.
A tire lever is another important tool to have. If you need to fix a flat tire, you might as well use this tool to save your hands. It costs just a few dollars and makes a big difference when you have the need to fix a tire.
Finally, add a multi tool with a hex set. Most of the screws on your bike can be adjusted with this tool. Having one will allow you to make adjustments whenever you need to, without the need to pack an entire toolbox.
Traveling with your bike opens new frontiers to you as you enjoy your favorite sport. Plan for the transport of your bike, whether by car or plane, and then invest in some small tools. This will ensure that you can enjoy taking your bike out at your destination, without any unnecessary hassles or trips to the bike repair shop.
Holly is an Indianapolis native who loves traveling. She’s been all over the world and loves planning trips almost as much as taking them. In her spare time, she enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other great brands she uses.
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