(For all trips, with the exception of the European Phantom Trek)If you plan on sending your teen by airplane, bus or train you must have their bicycle shipped to the first hostel or hotel. This is a painless task, and far easier (and less costly) then sending the bicycle with your son or daughter. Make sure to ship their bicycle at least one week before the trip departure date. Read on for directions to assure proper shipment:
1. First email the Teen Treks office at info@teentreks.com to let us know you are shipping a bicycle for your teen and confirm the mailing address.
2. You will need to find a bicycle box. You can often get used boxes from bicycle shops, especially if you call a few days ahead. Bicycle boxes may also be purchased through certain shipping companies. For $15-$50 you can ship anywhere in the US, if you make sure the total dimensions of the bicycle box does not exceed 91” (approximately 55” long x 30” tall x 6” wide). (Boxes come in all sizes, find a small one).
3. Next, you will need to disassemble the bicycle for shipping. Make sure not to disassemble the bike too much so that it will be easy for your teen and their leader to put it back together for the trip… 1) Deflate the tires halfway for more shock absorbing capability. 2) Remove the seat and post as a unit. 3) Remove the front wheel (and possibly the rear wheel). 4) Loosen the handlebars by turning the stem bolt two full turns and turn the handlebars sideways so they lay parallel to the frame of the bicycle. 5) Remove the pedals.
4. To pack the bicycle in the box, put all small loose pieces into a plastic bag (i.e. pedals, screws, etc.). Tape the plastic bag, the seat and post, and the wheels to the bicycle frame. Lower the bicycle in to the box. You may use extra pieces of cardboard or newspaper to secure the bicycle in the box. Seal the box with tape.
5. Call the shipping company of your choice and let them know you have a package for shipment. We recommend FedEx Ground, UPS Ground, or DHL Ground.
4. To pack the bicycle in the box, put all small loose pieces into a plastic bag (i.e. pedals, screws, etc.). Tape the plastic bag, the seat and post, and the wheels to the bicycle frame. Lower the bicycle in to the box. You may use extra pieces of cardboard or newspaper to secure the bicycle in the box. Seal the box with tape.
5. Call the shipping company of your choice and let them know you have a package for shipment. We recommend FedEx Ground, UPS Ground, or DHL Ground.
