Best (least expensive) way to ship a bicycle cross country?
 

I know... I know... it is only 980 miles, ride the bike there ya big sissy!

But I did say least expensive... and when you consider the cost of ICU.

I was thinking take it apart (remove the wheels) box it up and maybe UPS?

I do a lot of flying to where I want the bike to be, how much to take it as over-sized baggage? has anyone done this?

I ask because I know there are a bunch of bicycle guys here and wondered if anyone has done this.

"Why?" you ask...

Well daughter in Portland, OR. got a POS bicycle off craigslist... I have a low miles mountain bike at my house in Los Angeles... I could give her my bike... and gosh darn it... I would have to go out and buy myself a new bike ;) :D

Get a box from your LBS and pack it up. Or just drop off the bike and let them take care of it. Last one I shipped was ~$50.

get a bike box from your local bike shop

all you need to do is break down the front end (remove stem, remove front wheel), box it up and UPS it.

However you ship, be sure to place a spacer between the forks. A threaded rod with 4 nuts would work. Probably, a piece of wood cut to length, taped in place would work too.

Thule*-*699 Round Trip Bike Case

Pack it in one of those.... ;)

I've shipped many over the years. Also need to remove the pedals. and the handlebar stem needs to be loosened and turned, or removed. Pad loose parts and ship UPS.

Also remove the rear derailleur (just the one 6mm bolt where it attaches) if you'd like your bike to shift properly afterwards.
And definitely insure the box.

DO NOT SHIP GREYHOUND. (front 911 fender)

EVEN INSURED, THEY LOST THE BOX AND TOOK MONTHS TO MAKE GOOD ON THE CLAIM which was several hundred dollars, they pay max of $100 and didn't even refund shipping.

First, Last, and Only time I tried that flea back Greyhound for shipping big parts, but UPS or FedEx wouldn't take the fender as it was oversized.