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

[scottmandue]

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

[VincentVega]

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.

[jtkkz]

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.

[pwd72s]

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.

[porsche4life]

Thule*-*699 Round Trip Bike Case

Pack it in one of those....

[byfdinky]

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.

[gtc]

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.

[Rusty Heap]

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.