How do I pack my bike for travel?

Our step-by-step guide to protecting your pride and joy from knocks, drops and scrapes

- Tim Russon, Joe Baker

If you intend to ride your bike on foreign soil you'll have to get it there first, ideally with minimal hassle and no damage. Flying is the usual option, and taking a bike is fairly straightforward these days. Costs range from free to £60 and weight limits from 23kg to 32kg. Bikes should be packed in protective boxes or bags to meet airline regulations. There are many options on the market, ranging from large bags with a bit of padding to solid boxes with internal frames and castor wheels.

Hard boxes provide excellent protection and are therefore the best option for lightweight carbon bikes. Some require minimal bike disassembly, which is always welcome in the age of integrated handlebars and internal cable routing.

Bike bags are lighter, simpler to store, and cheaper, but provide less protection. The handlebars, seatpost and rear derailleur will often need removing, along with the wheels and pedals. This also means you'll need to take tools with you.