How to send a bike

Any abrasion on the surface of the bike could lead to scratches and knicks during the transit process, so it’s important to remove any dirt, mud or debris from the tyres, frame and handlebars. You can do this simply with some warm water and a sponge – just be sure to be extra careful around the finer components of the bike such as the wheel hub or around the chain mechanism. Pat the bike dry once this is completed to avoid any water damage to the packaging materials.

With a basic set of tools, you can unscrew and remove both the saddle and both of the pedals to be packaged alongside the rest of the bike, so that they don’t protrude beyond the frame requiring an unnecessarily large box. Wrap these in bubble wrap so that any potential movement within the box doesn’t result in any damage.

First the brake must be released at the top of the wheel using a lever. For the wheel itself, some bikes are equipped with a simple quick release switch to easily detach the front wheel from its axel; if this isn’t the case, then your tools should make quick work of it anyways. The front wheel can then be packaged alongside the frame in the box, reducing the size of the box required considerably.

Now that the wheel has been removed, the handlebars can be turned sideways so that they run parallel to the frame, again reducing the space required within the box by removing protruding components. In some cases, an allen key may be required to loosen the stem, but an advantage of this is that once they have been repositioned, you can tighten the stem once again and it will be fixed in place.

You will likely find yourself with a number of screws and other loose parts that will need to be reassembled upon the bike reaching its destination. The best option for ensuring that these parts aren’t lost or bouncing around in the packaging, is to place them in a small plastic bag and fasten them to the frame with tape. Be sure not to place anywhere that would run the risk of chipping or peeling the paint, or alternatively use a tape that is safe to use on paintwork. Similarly, loose effects such as the brake wires will need to be fastened to the frame as well.

For added security inside the box, cover the frame and any protruding parts of the bike with bubble wrap or a similar padding, then secure with tape. This will prevent any scratches or dents during transit.

You will want to find a box that is only slightly bigger than the size of your bike. We will always suggest looking towards sustainable options, such as reused cardboard, however due to the delicate and specialist nature of sending a bike, it might be advisable to seek out a box designed specifically to house a bike for shipping. These should also possess the necessary sturdiness to keep the bike safe throughout its journey.

Once the bike has been carefully placed inside the box, you will want to pad out the empty space with a soft and light material. For a sustainable solution, we would look towards packing paper, or compostable packing peanuts. These will provide the necessary padding to keep any parts from moving around in the box, reducing the risk of damage.

After all of the above steps have been completed, place a piece of paper inside the box with your name, address and phone number, as well as the name and address of the parcels destination so we can complete the parcels journey under any circumstances. Finally, secure the box with an adequate amount of tape, ensuring that no edges are uncovered, and all openings are sealed.

Now you’ve got your secure parcel, you can book a drop off at one of our 9,000+ ParcelShops or arrange a courier collection to get your bike on the move! There are some size limits to keep in mind, but if you’ve followed our guide, you should handily fit within our maximum dimensions. Simply measure the two shortest sides of your parcel and multiply the value by 2. If your total is under 245cm, and the longest side of your parcel is under 120cm, then you’re good to go at any of our ParcelShops! Our maximum weight limit is 15kg, but this should cover the vast majority of non-electric bicycle models. Send a bike with a courier today.