Traveling with a bicycle can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and packing techniques, you’ll have no trouble getting your Zinn bike from point A to point B. Packing your bike for air travel is easy when you know what to do. In this guide, we will discuss how to pack a Zinn Travel bicycle for a flight so that it arrives at its destination unscathed and ready to ride.
How To Disassemble the Bike for Travel
When you are getting ready for a trip with your Zinn travel bike, it is essential that you properly prepare and pack it for the flight. Before beginning, you’ll need three mandatory pieces of equipment: a coupler wrench, an 8mm allen key, and a bicycle multi-tool. Make sure that these items are within reach before starting the process. Once you’ve acquired the necessary tools, follow the instructions below to disassemble your bike for travel before take-off.
- Remove Chain – The first thing you want to do to get your bicycle packed for a flight is remove the chain. Doing so will prevent any damage or tangling during transit. The chain will be greasy, so it is wise to use gloves to keep your hands clean. Zinn Bikes use a master link on the chain. Once you locate it, squeeze it together until it releases.
- Remove Wheels & Deflate: Next, unscrew both wheels from the bike and deflate the tires. If you don’t let the air out of the tires, they won’t fit in the case. Just remember, you’ll need air after you reach your destination.
- Remove Cranks: When it is time to pack a Zinn bicycle for a flight, you’ll need to remove the cranks. Each brand of cranks are removed differently, so refer to your specific crank manufacturers instructions for proper assembly.
- Disconnect Cables: Carefully disconnect all cables from their respective components on the bike. Zinn Travel bikes have a slotted cable guide cut into the frame, and with a gentle tug, you can pull them completely out of the guide. Label them so that you can reconnect them later without any issues.
- Remove Rear Derailleur: Take off the rear derailleur and secure it with bubble wrap or padding to avoid any damage during transit.
- Remove Front Brake: Just like the step above, remove the front brake and secure it with padding for extra protection. You can also use paper or cardboard to prevent the calipers from sticking. Once the front brake is no longer attached to the fork, it will be easy to disassemble the bike for travel.
- Remove Handle Bars: Loosen the couplers and remove the handlebars from the stem. The couplers unscrew toward the tapered end. As with the derailleur and front brakes, you can wrap the handlebars to prevent shifting.
- Remove Frame Tubes Via Couplers: If applicable (depending on model), use coupler wrenches provided in the packing kit to separate frame tubes into smaller sections.
- Remove Seat Post: Use a seat post collar wrench or Allen Key to loosen the seat post collar bolt, then slide the seat post out of the frame.
- Put Covers on Frame and Fork Legs: Finally, put protective covers over exposed parts like frame tubes or fork legs before packing everything in a suitable case or box.
How To Pack Frame & Components Inside
Now that you have disassembled your Zinn travel bike, you’re halfway through the process. Now it’s time to learn how to pack a bicycle and its components inside the case for a flight. Follow these instructions to ensure that everything fits securely and remains organized in the event of an inspection.
- Secure TSA Net to Travel Case: Start by securing the TSA net and case supports inside the travel case. There are clasps to tighten the net to keep all parts and components in place during transit.
- Put in Front Frame Segment: The first item to put inside is the front section of the frame. Disassemble the bike‘s fork and position it diagonally for travel. So when you pack the rear bike wheel in the case, inadvertent shifts won’t be an issue.
- Put in Rear Wheel Cog Side Down: After you’ve placed the fork inside, position the rear wheel cog side down into the case. The wheel needs to be at an angle to fit.
- Put in Rear Frame Segment: Carefully set the rear frame segment into place. It’s a large part, but it will fit perfectly with the rear wheel sitting at an angle.
- Arrange Remaining Items Where Possible: If you’ve followed the above steps to a tee, how you pack extra bicycle accessories for a flight should be easy to figure out. There should be just enough room for items or components such as pedals, seat post, cranks, and the rear derailleur.
- Put In Handlebars: Finding a spot to place your handlebars will take an adjustment or two to get a tight fit. Look for a space to drop them in or tuck them around the frame.
- Put In Case Supports: Place the case supports into the end caps underneath the rear wheel. When connected, these supports will prevent the contents from becoming crushed as they are tossed about by baggage handlers and inside the plane.
- Put in Front Wheel: Once the case supports are in place, it may look like there’s not enough room left for the front wheel. So how do we do this and finally get our bicycle ready for a flight? We pack the front wheel on top to let the supports slide through the spokes. After this step, you will have a snug, tight fit, and your parts and components will not shift.
- Close TSA Net: After you pack everything inside as securely as possible, strap the TSA net over all your items. If done correctly, you will not have any issues during an inspection or risk losing a part.
- Check Edges And Close The Travel Case: Before closing the case for good. Double-check all edges and corners to ensure no wires are in jeopardy and that the components fit perfectly.
Disassembling a bike for travel may seem complicated, but over time you will get faster and eventually master this skill. By following our step-by-step instructions, you will have no trouble getting all of its components into the case in an organized manner.
If you want help or advice on how to pack a bicycle for a flight, contact us. Zinn Cycles is here to help you enjoy every moment without worrying about unnecessary complications while traveling with your bicycle.
