Anyone have experience shipping a bike to Europe?

[Eurobabe]

I am planning on shipping a mountain bike overseas in the Spring. Can anyone recommend either a box or case? I've never done this before. :scared: Should I go back to the dealer and get a cardboard box? Or go for a softside?

I am starting to call airlines and see who has free shipping (if that exists). I found a couple of biking organizations that have compiled a good list of who charges what.

Thanks for any input.

[bvar22]

1. I tried to ride one there once.

Not a good day.
I figured I should get up as much momentum as possible.
I didn't even make it across the beach.
On the up side, I DID find out why they make sandpaper out of sand.
.
.
.
.
No, I can't help you.
I saw your post in the bike forum, and wanted to say "HI" to an old friend.
:hi:

So, are your taking up Mountain-biking?

[Eurobabe]

2. Har-har!!

Hey there, yeah I've been riding regularly since June. After ski season, I decided I needed a summer sport, and I am completely smitten. :loveya: Haven't really been in the mountains yet, I have a hybrid bike (no suspension) riding off road is hard on the butt.

Looks like next year we might be getting some BEES!!! I have research to do though, my husband wants to know where one puts them in the winter? In general though he likes the idea. I'm not allergic, although it hurts when they sting, I can deal with it.

Did you forget about us in the photo group? :rofl:

[bvar22]

3. Good to see ya!

The Photo Group is near impossible with my current dial-up connection.
I'm way out there in the woods, and the line is slow and erratic.
The possibility of loading a whole thread in the Photo Group is near zero.
It just got to a point where the frustration was not worth the effort.
I still miss that group.
Say HI for me

I'm still taking bunches of pix, and even entered a regional contest at the local Art Gallery.
I didn't win, but I learned a lot about printing, matting, and framing.
It felt good to go to an art gallery and see my stuff hanging on the wall.


I'm also a recent convert from hybrid to mountain bikes.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=324x1885


Bees are cool.
They are very good at taking care of themselves.
In the Winter, they reduce their population, seal up the hive from the inside, and cluster in a ball at the top of the hive. They can withstand incredibly cold Winters. They have for millions of years.
All you need to do as a BeeKeeper is make sure they have enough to eat for the Winter.
We Winterized our hives yesterday.

We have some suggestions for anyone interested in BeeKeeping:

1) Check in with you County Extension.
They are really helpful. There are some regulations concerning transportation, registration, and inspection, and there may be some local ordinances. They are also a great resource for latest research and new methods, pest & disease control. They can also facilitate state hive inspections.
We generally avoid government agencies where ever possible, and have never voluntarily registered anything, but we make an exception for our bees. The benefits FAR outweigh any downside.

2)Join you local Beekeepers Association.
These are some of the most laid back people you will ever meet. Starkraven and myself are not joiners, but we look forward to our monthly meetings with the "bee people". This is another valuable resource for local information concerning pests, honey flows, equipment and disreputable operators. You can also pick up some hands-on experience working around hives.
Make no mistake...it is scary opening a hive the first time.
You will also be able to pick up some free localized bees from you local bee keepers. (Healthy colonies EXPAND, and many local bee keepers have all they want and are more than happy to give them away).

3)Always use new equipment
There are some very persistent pests and diseases that can be transmitted through the equipment. Used equipment abounds at some very attractive prices.
It is not worth the risk in my opinion. If you join the local association, some will offer you old equipment for FREE, but we always politely turn it down.
New Equipment is very reasonable, and there are many wholesalers and retailers online.
We use Dadant, and have been very happy with them.

I know you live outside The States, but there must be corresponding agencies. I keep the above Cut & Paste handy because so many are interested in BeeKeeping.

You might also be careful not to use Flower Scented deodorant, fabric softener, or shampoo.
If you do, the bees will think you are a BIG flower.

Servicing the hives has become routine, though we both still wear protective jackets, bonnets, and gloves. We rarely get stung, and it is no big deal anymore. One or two stings a year seems to be like a vaccination...a very minor annoyance. The first couple of times we got stung, there was swelling and aches, but not so much anymore. I'm researching Bee Sting therapy as a treatment for arthritis. There are some amazing testimonials.

We have learned to listen to the Bees. There are some rare days when it is not a good idea to invade the hives, and the bees will tell you. They will sound angy. They are pissed about something, and its best to leave them alone. Most days, they are unbelievably gentle, and you can hear that too. As our innate fear of being in the middle of 50,000 bees has decreased, our wonder and fascination has increased. It is a marvel to get a close up look at the workings inside the hive.

MaggiePie says "Hi".
We still grieve for Mr Bug, but had to sign on another mouser.
He is a handful, always causing trouble.

His given name is Koby (Kiss on Belly),
but unfortunately, his nickname is MonkeyButt.
If I had a photo of his other end, you would understand.
His nickname seems to have stuck, but he seems to like it.
MaggiePie hated him at first, but has softened.

:hi:

Anyway, back to the Topic:

Does anyone know how to ship a bicycle to Europe?

[Gregorian]

4. There are companies that sell cheap boxes. Like this one-

http://crateworks.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Bike-Boxes&Store_Code=crateworks

I only know this from lurking on bike threads. If this doesn't work, you might try asking on one of the forums over here mtbr.com

I've got an Ibis Mojo, and it's easy to unbolt the rear triangle and get the whole mess into a carry-on case.

Best of luck. It sounds like you're going to be having fun doing some overseas riding.

[Gregorian]

5. Here's another thread on the subject.

From the Mojo forum. My other favorite forum.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=368222