I had a bike shipped from Scotland last December. The shipper looked into all the options and decided that Parcel Force, the national postal service, was best. They carry on the weight only factor; Fedex said the package was to large for the regular service and had to travel "freight." Total cost was £110.00, including £1000.00 insurance. It arrived in eight days, in good condition. Also, no problems with customs.
In my experience, freight and baggage handlers in Europe are a bunch of gorillas, so you should get the bike packed as well as possible. Mine arrived undamaged, but you might not be so lucky.
Steve Maas Long Beach, California
Terry McClintock wrote:
> Can any of you kind and generous listees from Scotland advise me on how best
> to have a cycle shipped to me here in the US? The seller is in Glasgow and
> is willing but has never sold or shipped a bike. I'd like to send
> instructions, suggestions, alternatives, even materials if necessary.
>
> Should I recommend it be taken to a cycle shop for packing and/or shipping?
> If so, can you recommend one?
> If not, are cartons available for frames and for wheels? I want the wheels
> boxed and shipped separately.
> Can you recommend a shop where cartons, fork braces, etc. can be gotten?
> Is foam pipe insulation or other packing material readily available there?
> Is double boxing worth the effort or practical if I'm asking someone to
> scrounge hard to get boxes?
> Is the Royal Post most convenient and affordable? Do they handle packages
> this large and does the hand-off to the US Post work?
>
> Thanks for any suggestions,
> Terry McClintock
> San Francisco
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