Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of bikes do your boxes fit?

Our bike boxes take road bikes, cross bikes, gravel bikes, aero bikes, time trial bikes, hybrids and tourers.

Will I have to disassemble my bike to fit in the box?

In short, probably not! All you need to do is remove your pedals and wheels.

If your frame or bars are exceptionally large, some minimal disassembly is required but this is much less than a typical bike box.

For mountain bikes you will need to remove the handlebars and forks.

For more information please see the Bike Box Alan manufacturer guidelines.

How do I pack my bike?

Please see the Bike Box Alan technical section for the best advice.

How do I check in the bike box as luggage for my flight?

Normally, when you're buying your flights, you purchase "sports equipment" luggage. Airline policy varies, but British Airways and easyJet make this straightforward during the booking process.

Ensure the padlock you're using is TSA approved and you observe any other policies regarding packing: no compressed gases or lithium batteries, etc.

Once you've checked in and collected your boarding pass, you'll need to wheel the box over to the "oversize luggage" area in the check-in hall to hand it over to airport staff.

When you arrive at your destination, you'll be able to collect your bike box from the equivalent "oversize" or "odd size" luggage area in arrivals.

Delivery of oversize luggage is generally at the same time or shortly after standard luggage.

Will it fit in my car or a taxi?

With seats down and front seats occupied only, it's generally possible to get 1-2 bike boxes in a typical family car.

If you're taking a taxi in a group of up to 4, we'd recommend ordering a people carrier. In any case please check ahead with the relevant taxi company.

Is it easy to take the bike box on public transport?

The box rolls well and comes with a strap for pulling along station platforms, but we wouldn't recommend taking it on the underground or local buses.

It is easily stowed in coaches and hire vans, we'd recommend removing the strap in these instances.

What tools do I need to disassemble and reassemble my bike?

You'll need a torque wrench, pedal spanner and grease. We recommend kitchen roll for dealing with the chain and wiping off excess grease.

Although you generally don't need to remove handlebars and seat post, do take a note of the torque requirements for any bolts you loosen.

For your own safety and comfort, it is best practice to ensure all bolts are correctly torqued before packing and after re-assembly.