Pete asked:
> I'm going to the UK on July 9th for the Hetchins Rally. I've been
> looking at the Bike Travel Storage cases and want advice on what
> to purchase. I noticed at Cirque, a few CR members used them. In
> looking at Colorado Cycle's website I noticed that the Frame and
> wheels seem to go in the case together with very little
> separation. I'm going over with a 1952 Magnum Bonum and don't want
> it damaged. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I probably go contrary to what everybody does in this respect. In the over 30 intercontinental flights that I have taken with bikes, I have never suffered any damage. I have always used either a soft bag or plain clear plastic bag. If I have a choice, I always avoid using cardboard. I have taken over 1000 flights in the last decade and have therefore had plenty of time to observe what happens at the airports. I have seen many a bike box arrived crushed, crumpled and/or damaged. I've also watched the airport crew doing the loading/unloading, etc. My packing choices are based upon my observances.
When planes are loaded, the workers invariably put the biggest and 'squarest' boxes/suitcases at the bottom. This is necessary to avoid having trouble loading the subsequent boxes/luggage. A Cardboard box, or for that matter a solid bike box are invariably loaded at the very bottom of the luggage bins with everything else on top. A soft or clear plastic bag on the other hand do not offer an even enough surface to load other luggage onto. Besides, the workers immediately know what they are loading and tend to be more gentle. Every bike in a clear plastic bag that I have ever watched be loaded has always been put right on top of the luggage in the bin, hence just the opposite of the bike boxes. I have even made 4 transatlantic crossings with a tandem without problems.
Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ (where the school board is sued by a student to become sole valedictorian. The student then doesn't even turn up for the graduation ceremony)