How to Pack a Bike: Tips on Moving House With a Bicycle

When you’re moving house, packing up your bike will probably be one of the last things on your mind, as there is always the option of just stuffing it in the moving truck or tying it to the bike rack on the roof of your car.

However, this is not always the way to go, especially when you consider your bike one of your most prized possessions. After all, failing to pack your bike properly may result in irreversible or costly damage.

Hence, many bicycle enthusiasts choose to employ professional packers to ensure the safety of their most-valued bicycle. However, seeing as this is not always an economically feasible decision, a good majority still elect to do the packing on their own.

The Alternative: A Professional Removal Company

A bicycle is often one of the most expensive items you will own, so it’s important to ensure that the bike is safely packed when moving house. The best way to do this is by hiring small removals in London with experience in packing bicycles and ensuring they are safe throughout the entire move.

Moving companies are able to offer customized services for your bike based on the type of bike you own and how it is stored. They are also able to advise you on all aspects of packing, including whether or not certain parts need removal before being packed. This ensures that your bicycle will be handled correctly during the move so as to avoid damage.

Aside from your most beloved bike, you can also ensure the safety of your most precious antique furniture, musical equipment, and sports memorabilia by hiring a professional removal company with experience in packing these types of items! However, this is not always an economically feasible decision, so many people choose to do the packing on their own.

A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Pack a Bike

If you are planning on doing this by yourself, you have come to the right place! To help you out, we made a list of tips that may help you make sure that your bike is safe and secure during transport. This step-by-step guide on how to pack a bike safely and easily will include sections on finding the right packing materials, disassembling your bike, and more! Here it is:

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Packing Materials and Tools

The first thing you will need to do is to gather the right packing materials for the job. First and foremost, you will want to pack your back into a sturdy bicycle box. The best option for this is to use the original box your bike came in. However, if this box is no longer with you, you may ask a local bike shop or a moving company for the right type of box.

Alternatively, you may also choose to purchase a hard bicycle case for the job. You will also want to have a small cardboard box or a small plastic bag on hand to use for the smaller parts of your bike.

Additionally, you will need scissors or a box knife, foam padding or tubing, bubble wrap, zip ties, packing tape, ratchet strap tiedowns, and various labeling materials. Lastly, you will want to have fork structure protective blocks and four-wheel axle protectors to provide additional protection for your bike.

    SUBSCRIBE TO BIKE HACKS NEWS

    Want the best cycling experience?
    Sign up for the latest bikes, gear, and accessories reviews out there.


    By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
    and European users agree to the data transfer policy

    Aside from the packing materials, you will also need to have a few tools for the dismantling process. Some tools you will want to have on hand are some hex wrenches, a pedal wrench, a torque wrench, and a pair of pliers.

    Step 2: Disassemble Your Bike

    Once you have the necessary tools and packing materials, you may start dismantling your bicycle. The process for doing so is as follows:

    • Remove any bicycle accessories from your bike. This includes bike computers and their mount and wires, mirrors, bells, baskets, and water cages.
    • Unscrew the pedals from your bike using a pedal wrench. Put the detached pedals in the designated box or bag for small parts.
    • Loosen the bicycle’s seat and seat post.
    • Take out or disable the brakes. A side-pull brake will require you to take out the entire unit and wrap it in bubble wrap, while you will only need to take out the parts of the brake attached to the cable and tape it back in place for linear-pull cables.
    • Remove the handlebars and their stem.
    • Unscrew your front tire’s bolts, take out the tire, and immediately secure the fork structure with a protection block.
    • Deflate and reduce the pressure on your tires. Doing this will keep them safe during transport and help them fit better in the box.

    Step 3: Pack Your Bike

    • Make use of bubble wrap and tape or zip ties to protect the chains and the rail derailleur. These parts are extremely delicate and can get easily damaged when accidentally hit or with excess vibrations. Read more about the lifespan of bike chains here.
    • Secure the bike frame with bubble wrap and tube paddings. Cover the seat and seat-post with bubble wrap as well.
    • Attach the four-wheel axle protectors on your bike. For extra protection, wrap your left pedal crank arm with bubble wrap.
    • Using zip ties, attach the previously detached wheel onto the left side of your bike’s frame, as this is the side opposite the chains. Make sure the wheel does not come in contact with the pedal crank arm. Cover your handlebars with packing paper and bubble wrap. Once covered, secure your bike’s handlebars on the top of the top frame tube of the bike. Meanwhile, if you have curved handlebars, you will want to put your bars under the top frame tube just slightly inside the wheel.
    • Place your bike frame, everything attached to it, and your bike seat and seat post into your designated bike box. Make sure to secure and fortify all sides of the box with packaging tape.
    • Do the same for your bag or box for small items.
    • Once the box has been sealed, remember to clearly label your boxes.

    Once your bike has been packed and prepared for transport, do not forget to keep the boxes anchored onto the moving vehicle with the help of ratchet strap tie-downs.

    There are many ways to pack a bike, but the steps above should help you get started. Just remember to have all your tools and materials on hand before beginning the dismantling process!

    Conclusion

    Once this is done, it’s time for packing. As shown in these tips, there are plenty of options available when moving with bikes that could not only save money but also increase safety during transportation.

    It’s important that you do what best fits your lifestyle or situation; whatever way works well for you will be worth giving it a try!

    __________________________________________

    Some other articles you might find of interest:

    See how bike riding makes its mark among other outdoor activities:

    How Bike Riding Compares to Other Popular Outdoor Activities

    Make a bike stand on your own with these tips:

    How to Easily Build a Bike Stand – 3 Methods Compares

    Ride bike comfortably and safely with these tips:

    Best Tips for a Safer Summer Bike Rides: Ways to Stay Healthy and Clothing to Wear

    About the author
    How to Pack a Bike: Tips on Moving House With a Bicycle — Bike Hacks