Bring a box, or rent a box?

Bringing your bike abroad gives the familiarity of your own machine when you're on unfamiliar roads. Bike box hire condenses the logistics of cycling holiday travel into the departure and arrival steps, leaving you free to enjoy the rest of your holiday.

Initially it might seem easier to rent a bicycle at your destination, but there are hidden costs and chores in doing so.

There are, of course, solid rental options in the popular destinations in Europe. For shorter or casual holidays, where you're looking for an upgrade from your daily ride, rental could be a good choice.

Gatwick Bike Box Hire offers a safe, easy to pack bike box which can be easily wheeled along at the airport and travels well. Needless to say, the bike box will protect your prized possession from damage.

We'd strongly recommend bringing your own bike to anyone who has:

• a nice bike with Ultegra/SRAM Force components or above, due to the cost of hiring abroad
• had a custom bike fit to optimise performance, comfort or prevent injury
• planned upcoming races, time trials and sportives abroad
• planned a holiday longer than 3-4 days, where the cost difference becomes pronounced

Bringing your own bike may be half the price of hiring one abroad.

Take a look at the comparison table below.

	Renting a bike abroad	Bringing your own bike
Price	Typically starts at £280/week for Shimano 105 bikes, plus extras.	Typical weekly cost £157.50, including £7.50/day hire and +£90 airline baggage fees.
Extra costs	Helmets, pedals, insurance upsells, transport to/from accommodation, extra/missed rental days due to early/late flights, possible hand luggage fees for your helmet if you're on a low cost carrier.	Bike box rental, sports equipment airline costs.
Ease of packing	Remove your pedals, bring your helmet.	Remove your pedals, pack your bike, bring your helmet.
Luggage benefits	Hand luggage only is possible, depending on carrier.	The bike box can take your helmet, bottles, food, and a saddle bag if you're into that.
Ease of airport travel	Pretty easy!	Wheel the bike box to the oversize luggage counter and check it in separately.
Getting on the bike ASAP	Possible if you're able to get to your rental shop if it's open, after queueing, signing the waiver form, leaving a deposit, fettling with the fit...	Unpack, reassemble in a few minutes, clip in and enjoy.
Handling and comfort	Brake setup (UK/Euro) and handling may vary.	It's your bike, so it's already dialled in.
Components	Premium components are available but it's often expensive to replicate your home setup.	It's your bike, with Di2, cables and brake settings to your own specification.
Logistics	Spend time commuting to the bike shop on holiday, or waiting around for delivery.	Collection and drop off available before your flight.