Adding to the whole bike packing conversation(s) by adding some tips/photos based on experience traveling w/bike quite a bit, and also based on the type of damage I see regularly on customer bikes.
Even if you are using a hard case, some of these tips may help. If you are using a softcase like a Ostrich OS-500 they surely lessen chances of damage.
Key tips
1) Use extra headset spacers to keep the HS tight (replicate the stem)
2) Use fork blocks and rear spacer blocks. Available at your local shop for sure as all new in box bikes come with them. If you have a set of old hubs, those work great/better than the plastic blocks as you can use your QR's to tighten down.
3) Keep the chain on the big ring (if you use a soft case without a inner frame especially) to prevent damage to the chainring teeth. I sometimes go as far as zip-tying the chain on the outer chainring.
4) Lock the crank horizontally in the 3/9 o'clock position. lock it with a cut up tube, on the non-drive side crank/chainstay.
5) Used lots of foam tubing, especially around the seatstays/chainstays which are most prone to damage
6) Dont toss flat tubes. Use them as tie-wraps
7) Rear Mech. - I sometimes take it off...sometimes dont. Most likely better to take it off.
8) If you have a spare RD hanger, always bring it. I always bring a spare seat collar as well.
Not in the photos, but I put my ride clothes/casual clothes in bags and pack around the frame and crankset. Also put another bag over the crankset to avoid getting grease on stuff.
Total weight with clothes/shoes/helmet is ~20-21kg. Sometimes down to 18kg with summer gear.
Hope that helps those that travel with their bikes.
Even if you are using a hard case, some of these tips may help. If you are using a softcase like a Ostrich OS-500 they surely lessen chances of damage.
Key tips
1) Use extra headset spacers to keep the HS tight (replicate the stem)
2) Use fork blocks and rear spacer blocks. Available at your local shop for sure as all new in box bikes come with them. If you have a set of old hubs, those work great/better than the plastic blocks as you can use your QR's to tighten down.
3) Keep the chain on the big ring (if you use a soft case without a inner frame especially) to prevent damage to the chainring teeth. I sometimes go as far as zip-tying the chain on the outer chainring.
4) Lock the crank horizontally in the 3/9 o'clock position. lock it with a cut up tube, on the non-drive side crank/chainstay.
5) Used lots of foam tubing, especially around the seatstays/chainstays which are most prone to damage
6) Dont toss flat tubes. Use them as tie-wraps
7) Rear Mech. - I sometimes take it off...sometimes dont. Most likely better to take it off.
8) If you have a spare RD hanger, always bring it. I always bring a spare seat collar as well.
Not in the photos, but I put my ride clothes/casual clothes in bags and pack around the frame and crankset. Also put another bag over the crankset to avoid getting grease on stuff.
Total weight with clothes/shoes/helmet is ~20-21kg. Sometimes down to 18kg with summer gear.
Hope that helps those that travel with their bikes.