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How to fly with your bike | Packing, weight limits and surcharges explained

Our complete guide to travelling with your bike on a plane

Benedict Pfender

There’s always good riding to be had at home, but sometimes you need to get your bike fix somewhere else.

Often, flying remains the easiest way to get abroad, but figuring out how to transport your bicycle can sometimes feel like a bit of a battle. So we’ve done some research to make it easier for you.

We've also got 15 tips for travelling with your bike from our readers, a separate article with detailed advice on how to pack your bike , our pick of the best bike boxes and bike bags , as well as our guide to bicycle insurance - just in case things do go wrong on your flight.

How to pack your bike for travel

If you’re flying with your bike, you’re going to have to pack it up. The days of chancing it and showing up at the airport with an unpacked bike are over. Instead, we recommend you take a bit of time to prepare.

Whether you’re using a basic bike bag or a more elaborate hardshell case, always ensure your pride and joy is stowed securely and safely.

As a rule, you’ll have to take off your wheels, pedals and bars.

We’ve put together two detailed guides on how to pack your bike for travel, which should provide you with all the information you need to keep your bike safe in transit.

Note too that your airline may have additional restrictions on carriage of the battery if you plan to travel with an electric bike . Some ban batteries altogether, while others stipulate a maximum capacity, usually 160Wh, that's a lot smaller than most electric bike batteries .

Do I need to deflate my tyres and shocks?

Many airlines, but not all, stipulate that tyres and shocks should be deflated or part-deflated for carriage. Aircraft cabin and hold pressures are lower than that at sea level, around that experienced at 2,500m (8,000ft). This might not cause your tyres to explode, but it's probably worth letting some air out.

On the other hand, some air left in your tyres will help to protect your wheel rims, so squidgy, not flat, is probably best.

What to pack it in – a bike bag or box?

We would advocate a dedicated bike bag or box, but recognise that the cost can be off-putting, especially if you don’t plan on travelling with your bike very often. So, there are some cheaper alternatives you could consider.

A cardboard box

You could try to get a cardboard bike box from your local bike shop, though it’s unlikely to be a particularly compact option, so it’s worth checking the baggage size restriction with your airline.

Cardboard is also not the most impact-resistant material (nor durable if it’s sitting outside in the rain), so we’d recommend padding out the box to protect your bike.

It is worth bearing in mind that some airlines don’t accept anything other than a 'recognised bike bag', so you should check beforehand precisely what is meant by this.

While this option is decidedly cheaper than buying a dedicated bike bag or box, if you are travelling regularly then the prospect of investing in a bike bag can seem more reasonable as a purpose-built solution for transporting your bike. It should protect your bike better as well.

A dedicated bike bag or bike box

There are two options here: a hard or a soft case. The former will usually provide a bit more security and protection, while the latter is generally a little cheaper, lighter and easier to store when not in use.

You also get hybrids that are designed to combine the best of both worlds. That usually means a soft shell that has an internal frame to add extra rigidity and protection for your bike.

The main advantage of a dedicated bike bag is it's designed specifically to hold your bike and as such has padding in all the appropriate locations. Being purpose-built means it will also have compartments, straps and all the necessary measures to hold its contents and accessories securely.

We have additional reviews of bike travel cases on site.

As always, the sky's the limit when it comes to protecting your ride – we reported on this decadent $50,000 bike case from Fairwheel bikes a while ago, but there are definitely some more reasonable options available.

We’ve listed some of our favourites for you below:

Evoc bike bags

Evoc bike bags have become a go-to in the cycling world. We gave the Travel bag a 4.5-star review . It’s not the cheapest, but provides very good protection and still comes in cheaper than a hard case.

Scicon Aerocomfort

The Aerocomfort is a soft-sided bag, but includes an internal bike stand and the design provides space to keep the bars and seatpost in place. There are options for MTBs and triathlon bikes, as well as road bikes. Look out for airlines' maximum linear dimension limits though.

Biknd produces soft bags that add additional protection with inflatable side panels. We’ve reviewed the JetPack in the past, and while it's pricey it performed very well.

B&W hard case

If you want the ultimate in protection, a hard case is the way to go.

Something such as the B&W Bike Box is a cheaper option that provides good protection. However, it doesn’t appear to fit mountain bikes.

BikeBox Alan

There are numerous other examples out there. One we have particularly liked in the past is the BikeBox Alan, although it's another box that might fall foul of airlines' maximum linear dimensions regulations.

• Buy the BikeBox Alan

Split your bike in two

In order to pack bikes smaller, frequent travellers might choose to go with travel bikes that have a frame that can be split in two.

These usually enable you to then check your bag as normal, rather than as outsize luggage, saving significant costs.

One of the slickest solutions we’ve seen is the Ritchey Break-Away.

We've reviewed the Break-Away Carbon , and while it's quite an investment, it could easily be used as your only bike. There’s no compromise on ride quality, just a tiny bit of added weight due to the fittings that enable the frame to be disassembled.

S&S couplings

S&S couplings are a precision-fitted, threaded linkage that can be retrofitted to many (round-tubed) frames.

The tubes of your bike can then be split for transport but reassembled without any performance impact. In fact, S&S couplings are said to be stronger than the tubes themselves.

There are a limited number of approved frame builders and you can check out the list here . S&S makes cases specifically to fit the compact, disassembled frames.

Take a folding bike

If you just want a bike to get around a city when you arrive, a folding bike can be a compact solution that will pack into a case that's a lot smaller than a standard bike bag.

Brompton sells a wheeled soft case for its folders, and B&W has a hard-case option with a drag handle. Other folding bike brands also offer soft or hard cases for their bikes, such as Gocycle's travel case for its electric folding bike .

You may be able to avoid airlines' oversized baggage restrictions, but look out for baggage weight limits and, if you're taking an electric folding bike, restrictions on carrying batteries.

What else to pack

Don’t forget, you’ll need to take all your riding accessories with you too. Make sure you have your essential tools, pump, nutrition, bottles, clothes, helmet and anything else you usually take with you when riding.

Bear in mind that bike bags tend to add quite a bit of weight on top of the bike itself (and so will your padding if you’re doing a DIY version). Keep an eye on the maximum weight limit for luggage on your flight and make sure you don't exceed this or pack any restricted items.

Some airlines stipulate that a bike box can't be used to transport anything except your bike.

If your bike goes missing in transit, you can potentially hire a bike while you're at your destination. However, other items such as cycling shoes in the right size and your favourite helmet are going to be trickier, so you might want to take those in carry-on luggage.

There's usually a maximum packed weight for the bag, that's often 32kg but may be lower. Airlines may also stipulate maximum 'linear dimensions', which is the sum of a box's length width height.

Travelling without a bike

So far, the focus here has been on travelling with your bike. However, you may want to consider just leaving your bike behind and hiring one at the other end when you arrive.

There are an increasing number of providers who offer high-quality bike rentals in various destinations, and in some cases this can work out cheaper or easier to organise than transporting bikes yourself, especially when you consider transfers. Often they're dream bikes and stock is updated annually, so you might get to ride an almost-new top-spec bike – and not have to clean it.

Getting your bike on a plane – fees and weight limits explained

The above information is all well and good, but when selecting your flight things start to get complicated. As a rule, we will use a comparison site such as Skyscanner or Tripadvisor to figure out which flights are cheapest, although you might find a better deal on an airline's website and some airlines are not covered by comparison sites.

However, hold fire before booking your tickets – figure out how much transporting your bikes will cost because we’ve found that in some cases choosing an initially more 'premium' flight can work out cheaper overall.

Different airlines will treat bikes differently, with some accepting a bike bag as part of your baggage allowance, even though it's outsized, while others will require you to pay a surcharge on top of your flight cost to be able to carry your bike with you.

Sometimes, we have found it cheaper to upgrade your class of travel rather than adding additional baggage to your booking. You’ll often have a more generous baggage allowance, so it can be worth looking through the fine print to figure out what will work best.

One thing we would add is it’s always worth calling ahead to let airlines know you intend to carry your bike. Find out all the information you need in advance because paying for excess weight allowance or excess baggage at the airport is almost always prohibitively expensive. Keep a note of who you talked to and when.

If you have a transfer flight on a different airline, you should make sure both carriers will accept your bike on board.

It's recommended that you insure your bike because airlines won’t cover any damage to your bike. Make sure to check your bike over once it arrives at the other end too so that you can flag up any issues immediately.

We’ve collated the terms and conditions of the major airlines here, but do please also take the time to double-check them yourself - they do change, usually for the worse.

Flying with a bike from the UK and in Europe – rules, costs and weight limits explained

Most of these airlines fly internationally and long-haul. However, for the purposes of this article we’ve done a rough grouping according to whether the airlines fly predominantly in Europe, the US or Australia.

Details updated 23 March 2023

• Requires approval from customer service department at least 48 hours before flight
• Bikes are not a part of baggage allowance
• 23kg maximum weight
• Bike transport within Europe and to some French DOM-TOMs costs €55
• Price ranges from €40 to 125 depending on five different flight zones
• Max dimensions of 120x90cm
• Max ebike battery 160Wh, must be removed from bike
• Weight limit of 23kg
• For more details visit Air France here
• A bike will cost €50 per flight or €40 if booked online
• Weight allowance up to 23kg
• Part of standard baggage allowance for flights to/from North America
• For flights to/from North America, bikes can be carried as part of your luggage allowance
• Extra luggage is charged at €75 / $100 each way
• Business class passengers carry sports equipment for free
• Electric bikes: contact customer services
• For more details visit Aer Lingus here

British Airways

• Bikes allowed as part of your free checked baggage allowance if packed
• Call 72 hours ahead of time to confirm your bike reservation
• Permissible dimensions of 190x95x65cm
• No clothing or other personal items to be packed with bike
• Above 32kg, you will have to ship anything as freight
• No electric bikes
• For more details visit British Airways here
• A bike is counted as large sports equipment
• One piece per booking, no refunds
• Costs £45 per flight pre-booked / £55 at airport with weight allowance up to 32kg
• Must be packed in a bike box
• No items other than your bike may be transported in the bike box
• 32kg maximum weight
• For more details visit EasyJet here
• Okay, we know this one doesn't leave the ground
• Email [email protected] to book a space
• Drop off at luggage area before departure
• Only available on certain services from London to Paris
• Folding bikes in a protective bag/case up to 85cm long can be taken on board
• For more details visit Eurostar here
• Register in advance to reserve space
• 32kg max weight
• £43/€50 for short haul flight
• For more details visit Eurowings here
• Bike counted as part of luggage allowance for long-haul flights
• A €40 fee applies for short-haul flights if booked in advance, €50 for medium-haul
• Weight allowance up to 32kg
• Permissible dimensions of 131x72x21cm
• Can buy a 131x72x21cm box for €20 at some airports
• No ebikes, no tandems
• For more details visit Iberia here

Ita Airways

• €60 per flight in Europe, €100 per flight intercontinental if booked in advance
• Not larger than 300cm
• For more details visit Ita Airways here
• Must be pre-booked
• Taking a bike starts at £30 / €37
• For more details visit Jet2 here
• Not a part of baggage allowance
• Within Europe €55
• Prices range from €40 to €100 depending on five different flight zones
• Max linear dimensions 300cm, up to 23kg
• Ebike batteries must be removed and be smaller than 160Wh
• For more details visit KLM here
• Register bike at least 24 hours before departure
• Bikes counted as part of your baggage allowance (except in Economy Class Light)
• Weight allowance up to 23kg for economy, 32kg for business
• Sum of linear dimensions of 2.8m maximum
• Additional baggage costs from €70 to €250 / $80 to $287
• For more details visit Luthansa here

Norwegian Air

• Adding a bike will cost £30 online / £50 at airport
• Max size 250x79x112cm
• Print and take travel receipt to airport
• For more details visit Norwegian Air here
• Fixed £60/€60 fee per flight
• Max weight 30kg
• Must be packed in a bike box or bike bag
• For more details visit Ryanair here
• Space must be reserved in advance
• Bikes are part of your baggage allowance
• Must be packed in a box or bag
• Additional fees outside allowance are very expensive
• ebike battery must be removed, max 160Wh capacity
• For more details visit Swiss Air here
• Considered 'Special Luggage' and subject to a minimum €100 fee
• Add to booking online
• Max weight 32kg
• Max linear dimensions 2.7m
• For more details visit Vueling here
• Subject to Sporting Equipment fee of €45 if booked in advance, €65 at airport
• Add to booking online or via call centre
• Can carry an ebike battery up to 160Wh separately in carry-on baggage
• For more details visit Wizz Air here

Flying to, from or in the US with a bike – rules, costs and weight limits explained

• Bikes must be registered at least 24 hours in advance
• Specifically requests bikes are packed in purpose-built bike bag
• Bike can be counted as part of your baggage allowance, except on some flights where there's a $50 (CDN/US) fee
• Weight allowance up to 32kg for bikes, with no overweight charges for bikes below 32kg
• Maximum linear dimensions of 292cm
• No other items in bike box
• For more details visit Air Canada here

Alaska Airlines

• Alaska will waive $100 oversize and overweight baggage fees and charge bikes at standard rate of $30 for first bag, $40 for second bag, $100 for each additional bag
• Weight under 51lb, sum of dimensions less than 115 inches
• No items except bike in box
• For more details visit Alaska Airlines here

American Airlines

• Bike can be taken as part of checked allowance if in bike box/bag
• Must be under 50lbs / 23kg
• Must be under 126 inches / 3.2m in linear dimensions
• Above this will incur a fee of $150, increasing allowance to 70lbs / 32kg and 126 inches / 3.2m
• For more details visit American Airlines here
• Bag can be carried as part of your checked luggage on most flights
• Weight allowance up to 50lb
• Maximum linear dimensions up to 292cm
• Above those limits, bicycle is charged at minimum $150
• Limited release form must be signed unless in a hard case
• For more details visit Delta here
• Carrying bikes between US and Europe costs £66 / $83 within Europe, £92 / $116 to/from US per flight leg
• Pre-book for 20% discount
• Weight allowance up to 70lbs / 32kg
• Maximum dimensions of 87x22x40in / 221x56x102cm
• For more details visit Icelandair here
• Carried as part of checked baggage if under 50lb/62 inches
• $100 / £80 / €90 per leg plus any applicable checked bag fee for larger items
• Must be under 99lbs
• No liability for damage if packed in a soft-sided case
• No other items in bike case
• For more details visit JetBlue here

Southwest Airlines

• Bikes can be carried as part of checked allowance for a $75 fee per flight leg
• Must under 62 inches / 1.57m in linear dimensions
• For more details visit Southwest here

Spirit Airlines

• Bikes are charged at $75 each way
• Counts towards part of your checked allowance
• For more details visit Spirit here
• Bike can be carried as part of your luggage allowance
• Maximum of 292cm linear dimensions
• $150 for travel in North America if limits are exceeded
• $200 for travel everywhere else if limits are exceeded
• For more details visit United here

Virgin Atlantic

• Bikes allowed as part of your free baggage allowance, unless travelling Economy Light
• Pre-booking not required
• Overweight baggage charge from 23kg to 32kg
• Overweight luggage or adding extra bags starts at £65
• For more details visit Virgin here

Flying to, from or in Asia Pacific – rules, costs and weight limits explained

Air new zealand.

• Items can be carried as part of your checked allowance
• Must be in a bike box/bag
• Items may weigh up to 23kg
• May not exceed 2m long
• Can pack accessories in box
• For more details visit Air New Zealand here

Cathay Pacific

• Contact at least 72 hours in advance to book bike
• Bike must be transported in a hard case or "recognised bicycle box"
• Bike counts as part of checked allowance
• For more details visit Cathay Pacific here
• Bikes must be booked at least 24 hours in advance
• Can be carried as part of your checked baggage allowance
• Weight limit of 23kg or 32kg depending on the class you are flying in
• Maximum linear dimensions of 300cm
• Additional charges are rather expensive
• For more details visit Emirates here
• Bikes are exempt from oversize rules
• 300cm linear dimensions
• For more details visit Etihad here
• Bikes can be carried, but must pay oversize fee
• Charged at AU$25 per flight
• Max 32kg weight
• Make sure to purchase enough weight allowance
• For more details visit Jetstar here

Malaysia Airlines

• Bikes will usually be accepted as checked baggage, with different allowances by cabin class
• Maximum 158cm linear dimensions
• Maximum 204cm linear dimensions to carry as oversize baggage
• Fees vary depending on airport
• For more details visit Malaysia Airlines here
• Bike can be carried as part of your baggage allowance
• Maximum weight of 32kg
• Dimensions of 140x30x80cm
• For more details visit Qantas here
• Bike will be carried as part of free baggage allowance
• Minimum $200 to add extra items of luggage to your booking
• For more details visit Qatar Airways here

Singapore Airlines

• Bikes are carried as part of free baggage allowance
• Weight limit of 32kg
• No stated dimension restrictions
• For more details visit Singapore Air here

Virgin Australia

• Bike accepted as part of checked luggage
• Must be packaged in specific bike case (soft or hard)
• Weight limit of 23kg (32kg in business class)
• Size restriction varies by type of aircraft
• Must be checked in at least one hour prior to departure
• ebike batteries maximum 160Wh
• For more details visit Virgin Australia here

At the other end

Once you land at your destination, be sure to consider how you are going to transport your bike. In all likelihood, you’re not going to be riding away from the airport, so check luggage restrictions on any public transport that you might be taking so you don’t run into any trouble.

Make sure you know how to get your bike to where you're wanting to go.

It may also be worth considering whether you need to fly. There are quite a few options that offer to transport you and your bike more conveniently. For example, in the UK, Bike Express offers transport to mainland Europe at relatively reasonable prices.

Always make sure you double-check terms and conditions before making your booking, and if in doubt contact the airline you intend to fly with.

We've flown with our bikes countless times and while it can seem a bit of a logistical headache, with a little bit of effort it's easy enough to get everything sorted out.

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Flying with a bicycle: Airline fees for bikes 2024

Post last updated:

Flying with a bicycle for the first time can be a daunting experience, and it definitely was for me! But with the right information and preparation, it’s not much different to flying with regular luggage. It’s important that before you book you carefully research the airline’s policy on transporting bicycles. Each airline sets its own rules for bringing a bicycle as checked luggage including allowable weight, allowable dimensions, additional fees (if any), and booking requirements. Airlines require you to pack your bicycle in an appropriate bag, box or case for protection.

I first experienced flying with my own bicycle in 2013 and have undertaken numerous flights since both internationally and domestically. I have used EVOC bicycle travel bags for some flights and a cardboard bicycle box for others depending on what we are doing at the end of our trip. The information contained in this article is based on what I have learned over the past 10 years of taking our bicycles on a plane.

This article is aimed primarily at how much it costs to when flying with a bicycle and the airline fees for bikes. To help you work out which is the best airline for you to fly with your bicycle I have researched 120 different airlines and provided the results in an easy-to-read table below. You will find out which airlines charge a fee and which do not, how big your bicycle box is allowed to be, what luggage weight allowance you are permitted, and whether or not you need to advise the airlines that you are bringing a bicycle. The table links to the relevant page of each airline so you can get more detail if you need to.

If you have previous experience flying with a bicycle then you might like to simply jump down to the Airline fees for bikes table and see which airline provides the best option for you. If it is your first time flying with a bicycle then I recommend reading through the common questions so you don’t have any nasty surprises.

Common questions about flying with a bike

Here is a list of 15 questions about flying with a bicycle that I have been asked over the years. This list of questions covers the majority of things that you need to know and be aware of when flying with a bicycle. I also have a more in depth article about flying with a bicycle based on my own experience of doing it.

1. Can I bring a bicycle on a plane?

The first question many people have when thinking about flying with a bike is can you check a bike on a plane? The simple answer is yes, the majority of airlines will allow you to carry a bike on both domestic and international flights as checked baggage. Each airline has its own rules about checking a bike as baggage so be sure to know what they are before you book. 

The exception to this rule is electric bikes. Due to the size of the battery electric bikes are banned on commercial airlines. Some airlines do allow you to check the bike without the battery, but the majority simply ban them completely.

2. How much does it cost to fly a bike on a plane?

Airline fees for bikes vary greatly depending on the airline you fly with and their baggage policy. Many airlines charge nothing for a bike and allow it as part of your free checked allowance while others charge an additional fee for your bike. The fees for bikes on airlines that do charge range from US$40 to US$350 per leg of travel. If your bike is outside the weight and dimension limits set by the airline then excess charges will apply. An airline’s bike fee can be impacted by the class of ticket, loyalty program, or credit card membership.

My tip: If you are planning on traveling on an airline that charges a bike fee, make sure you pay the fee when you book your tickets to save some money. If you wait until you check in the bike fee will increase, sometimes significantly. 

3. Can I put other luggage in my bike case?

Many airlines stipulate in their baggage policy that only the bike can be packed in the bike case. However, in my experience, my bike cases have never been checked and I have included other gear in with the bikes. When packing I also make sure that the total weight is a couple of kilograms below the checked baggage allowance so that it does not present any issues at check-in and I am not hit with an additional fee. 

When I flew with Emirates Airlines I was able to check in multiple bags as long as the total weight was within the limit. This made it nice and easy to pack the bike bags with the bikes and include my other gear in a separate bag. This is not always the case though and some airlines will stipulate that you are only allowed one bag.

4. How do I book a flight with a bike?

The first step in booking a flight with a bike is to make sure you read the airline baggage policy in relation to bikes as the booking process varies between airlines. Some airlines will require you to notify them that you are bringing a bike when you book while others do not have any special requirements and the process is the same whether you bring a bike or not. If a fee is payable it is usually cheaper at the time of booking versus when you check in at the airport.

I have experienced both booking processing over the years. I flew with both Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airlines and simply made my booking as normal and turned up at the airport with my bike. When I flew EasyJet I booked and paid for my bike when I made the booking. I recently flew with Air France and had to gain permission from the airline that my bike could be carried. This process took 24hrs and once the bikes were approved my tickets were confirmed and I was all good to go.

5. Will my bike get damaged when flying?

A quick search online about damage to bikes when checked as baggage on planes will reveal a myriad of horror stories and may turn people away from the idea of flying with a bike. My experience has always been positive, and the bikes have arrived in perfect condition every time. I always take the time to pack the bikes well with lots of padding and protection to mitigate the chances of damage. 

When flying with a bicycle I would also recommend good travel insurance to cover you in the event of damage to your baggage. So to answer the question, there is never no chance of damage but I suspect the number of bikes that are damaged by airlines is a small percentage of the overall number of bikes that fly around the globe on a daily basis.

6. Bike bag, bike box, or cardboard box? How do I pack a bicycle for flying?

Your bike will need to be packed in some sort of covering or box per the airline’s instructions before it is checked. There are broadly 3 options here, a plastic wrap, a soft-sided bike bag, or a hard-sided bike travel case. Airlines generally state that pedals should be removed, handlebars turned sideways and tires deflated before packing into the bag or case. If you plan to use plastic wrap, be mindful that some airlines will not accept a bike unless it is in a bike case or bag. Other airlines will allow a bike in plastic wrap but you will need to sign a waiver against damage to the bike. 

How you pack your bike will also depend on the type of case you use. For example, some travel cases, like mine, require that the handlebars be removed completely to fit in the case. Other cases require handlebars to be turned sideways and others require no removal or moving of the handlebars. As long as your bike is well packed and the bag will do no damage to other luggage you should have no problems. Airlines know that commercial cases are designed to protect both the bike and other passengers’ luggage. 

I have used both an EVOC bike bag and a cardboard bike box when flying with our own bikes as baggage. The cardboard box is great when you are cycle touring as you simply discard it at the end of your trip and grab a new one for the way back. It always takes longer than you think to pack the case or box for the first time, so allow some time to practice before you travel. If you are not comfortable with removing or turning handlebars have a chat with your local bike store and they will be able to assist. 

7. Do airlines provide cardboard bike boxes?

Some, but not all, airlines will provide cardboard bike boxes for purchase at the airport. My recommendation is to check directly with the airline as they may offer this service at some airports but not others. You can also check directly at the airport you are flying from as the airport services may have cardboard bike boxes available for purchase.

I flew from Geneva airport and was able to purchase cardboard bike boxes from Swissport, the terminal services operator. Before leaving I researched the airport website and determined that this was possible. The box cost us €20 and was big enough for each of our bikes. You will need to remember that you will need to supply packing tape and anything you will use to protect your bike.

Another option for obtaining a cardboard bike box is to check with local bike shops in the city you are flying from. Often a bike shop will be able to provide you with a bike box free of charge. I recommend checking with bike stores before you leave home as many shops simply throw out their bike boxes as soon as they unpack the bike. If you get really desperate, you can make a bike case out of any cardboard box with some packing tape and a bit of ingenuity.

8. What are bike box dimensions for airlines?

Bike box dimension allowances change depending on the airline you choose to fly with. Some airlines quote a maximum length, while other airlines quote a linear length (W + H + L). Bike box dimension allowances based on linear range from 158cm to 320cm while those based on length only range from 180cm to 277cm. For those airlines that do not specify dimensions, I recommend contacting them directly before you book to clarify.

My EVOC bike travel case is a tapered design in that their dimensions are wider at the back of the bag than they are at the front. To make sure I don’t have any issues with the dimensions I always measure the widest point of the bag. In all my flights I have never had the dimensions of the bags and cases checked by the airlines.

9. How heavy can a bike box be when flying with a bike?

The weight allowance when checking your bike as luggage is set individually by each airline but will fall somewhere between 23kg and 32kg (50 lbs and 70 lbs). Class of ticket, airline policy, loyalty program membership, and flight route will all impact the weight allowance of your bike. Any bike box over 32kg (70 lbs) will be treated by most airlines as cargo and will not be permitted as checked luggage. This applies even if your luggage allowance exceeds this weight.

A cardboard box or plastic wrapping offers the lightest options if you are taking your bike as baggage. Remember to count the weight of your bicycles and bike bags when determining your total weight.

Once I have finished packing my bike, I always weigh it at home so I know it is under the allowable weight. My goal is always to be at least 2kg under my allowance. I figure this allows for any error in my weighing and ensures there are no questions at check in. So far it has worked well. I usually just use bathroom scales do weigh it.

10. Is it hard to fly with a bike?

Based on my own experience I would say it’s not hard to fly with a bike but it’s not as easy as flying without a bike. Getting around the airport with oversize baggage can be tricky, especially when getting on buses or trains between airport terminals. While these are usually designed with space for baggage, they are not always designed with oversize baggage in mind. Travelling with two people always makes it that little bit easier especially if you have to navigate stairs or bollards.

Another consideration when flying with a bike is getting to and from the airport, especially if you need to rely on public transport or a taxi. Busy public transport can be more difficult when you have a large bike bag with you and the average bike box will not fit in the boot of a standard car. None of these things are deal breakers but are worth considering.

I flew into Barcelona airport with my bike bag for a three-day visit. I didn’t want to ride the bike in Barcelona so I left the bikes at a luggage service at the airport. The fee for the service was the same amount as the fee for a taxi to and from the airport which meant it was easy to jump on the train into the city with a small backpack only.

My standard answer, when asked about flying with a bike, is that it’s definitely worth it if you will use your bike the whole time you are away. If your holiday is all about riding your bike, the extra hassle is worth it. If, however, you only plan to ride your bike for a small portion of your overall holiday, I suggest hiring a bike and leaving your bike at home.

11. How do I check in when flying with a bike?

I have always checked into our flight as normal when flying with a bike bag. The only difference I have ever experienced is that once the check-in process has been completed, I had to take my bike to an oversize luggage drop.

While it has not happened to me, I have heard of people who have been charged a fee for their bike when they arrived at the check in counter when they were not expecting one. My tip here is to make sure you read all the fine print about the bike fees and when they will or will not be charged. It could also be a good idea to either print off the page about bike fees from the airline’s website or have it bookmarked on your phone. 

12. Where do I collect my bike bag at the end of the flight?

Bike boxes and cases will always arrive at an oversize luggage pickup point rather than the standard luggage carousel. The location of these varies from airport to airport but they are well-marked, and I have always found them easily.

13. Flying with a bike vs shipping a bike

A question that often comes up is whether it is better to travel with your bike on the plane with you or ship it to your destination instead. I have looked into this option before but for me, shipping a bike proved to be much more expensive than flying with a bike. Given so many airlines offer to take a bike as part of your normal baggage allowance and charge no fee, it is hard to justify paying a shipping company to take your bike. Even if the airline does charge a fee it is often much cheaper than the cost of shipping a bike. 

However, there are a few instances where it may be better to ship your bike and not travel with it on the plane with you. Firstly, if you have a significant amount of luggage you might find yourself being charged an excess baggage fee. In this instance shipping your bike could be cheaper than the excess baggage fee. Secondly, it might simply be more convenient to ship your bike and have it ready and waiting at your destination for you. You don’t have to worry about hauling a large oversized bike bag or bicycle box around an airport and it makes transport planning that bit easier. Finally, if you compare the cost of shipping your bike to renting a bike at your destination you may find it works out cheaper to ship your bike.

14. Can I take bike lube with me on a plane?

As long as your bike lube is not flammable, there are no issues with it being packed in your checked luggage. Have a look at the bottle to ensure there is no flammable liquid symbol and as long as there is not, you are good to go.

15. Can I take co2 canisters with me on a plane?

CO2 canisters are a little different in that some airlines allow them and some don’t. The regulators for air travel allow up to 4 X 28g CO2 canisters on passenger aircraft but not all airlines accept them. For this one, it is important that you check the policy of the airline and see if they are allowed or not.

How to read the information in the table.

Before you dive into the table read the definitions of what each of the columns means.

Airline name – click on the link to be taken to the airline website page that includes the airline policy on flying with a bicycle.

Bike allowed free if with luggage allowances – this column identifies whether an airline charges a separate fee for bikes. Remember that for the bike (or any luggage) to be considered free it must be within the allowed weight and dimensions. If it is outside of these then normal excess baggage fees will apply.

Fee (per leg) – this is the fee that will be charged for flying with a bicycle. You need to consider that this fee is charged “per leg” so the fee will be doubled for a return flight.

Maximum dimension allowed for bike bag – this is designated as either linear or length. In the case of linear, you need to add together the length, height, and width of the bag/box and ensure it is less than the amount set. Where the limit is based on the length you need to make sure the longest side of the bag/box does not exceed the limit.

Maximum weight allowed for the bike – airlines set a maximum weight allowance for bikes which is set out in this column. The maximum weight for any single piece of luggage is 32kg and anything over this weight will not be accepted even if your total luggage allowance is above this. Some airlines set a maximum limit for bikes at 23kg even though an economy fare will allow you 30kg which is something to keep in mind.

Pre-booking required – there are quite a number of airlines that require you to advise them if you are planning on flying with a bicycle. Some require this at the time of booking while others stipulate it must be completed within a certain period of time prior to travel. If you do not do this your bike may not be allowed on board.

By clicking on the + button next to the airline name you can see the luggage allowances based on the fare type. Where an airline charges a fee for all luggage the columns are blank.

Check airlines and airfares

To help you with your choice of airline when flying with a bicycle you can head over to Skyscanner to see which airline gives you the best price for your proposed trip. I find it a great resource to quickly check prices on a proposed route as well as check to see which airlines actually fly on the route you choose. The search results show you the cheapest option, the fastest option, and the best option, which is a combination of the first 2. Once you click on a fare that suits you the site lists the different booking sites you can choose from to actually make the booking. In many instances, you still make the booking directly with the airline.

I have used Skyscanner extensively over many years and it is usually one of the first things I check when planning a flight, with or without our bicycles. It saves you lots of time by comparing hundreds of fares and airlines so you don’t need to head to multiple websites and do the research yourself. Note, if you do make a booking after clicking on the link, we earn a small commission from Skyscanner. This helps fund our website to continue to provide lots of free information about traveling with a bicycle.

Airline fees for bikes table

The table below shows all the measurements and weights in metric. If you would prefer to read the table with imperial measurements just click on the button below and you will see exactly the same information but in inches and pounds.

This table was last updated in January 2024 and is reviewed every few months. Please ensure you check with the airline directly before you book your travel to confirm that the rules have not changed in between updates .

Taking a bike on a plane - fees for bikes

14 thoughts on “resources – airline luggage requirements metric”.

Can you check an E Bike? Trek’s Domane+LT has a removable Fazula battery & motor. Their newer Domane+SLR has a TQ battery & motor not designed to be easily removed.

E bikes are not allowed with the battery installed as the battery is too big and prohibited on passenger airlines. Some airlines do allow the bike without the battery, while others ban them completely

Thanks for the details….the table is very useful.

Thank you for the great information. Im planning to bring my bike to finland from Philippines using a standard bike box which i kept when i purchased the bike. My question is when you total the dimension of the box it is out of the normal standard dimension given on the airlines. I saw on your photo you have two bikes using bike box. Did you pay extra baggage for this boxes? Or the airlines accept it as a normal baggage? Thank you and hope to hear you comment.

most airlines allow a larger dimension for the bike box which is listed in the table on the page. Some airlines don’t specify the size for a bike box but do state in the small print that they waive excess size fees for sporting equipment including bikes. We never paid anything extra for the bike boxes on any of our flights.

Which airline are you planning on flying with and I can take a look for you.

Hi there I’m hoping to bring my bike back from the Philippines in November.After checking the astromonical costs some shipping companies wanted.(The best part of £700+) So it works out a bit cheaper for me to fly over and go and get it.I was also just wondering would i be hit with any customs charges for bringing the bike back to the U.K. ? It would be in a proper bike bag that i’m taking over with me.Or do i just walk striaght on out and not worry about declaring that i brought the bike in PH ?

not sure about that one. I have never purchased a bike internationally. You would need to check what the rules are for bringing something into the UK that has been purchased overseas.

United may have just quietly changed their bike bag policy 🙁 https://twitter.com/JohnLMatthews/status/1679779292429922305

Interesting. I notice there has not been an answer on the Twitter post, I will see what I can find

A little investigation and yes United Airlines have changed their policy regarding bikes, specifically there is now a 62 inch (158cm) linear (L + W + H) size restriction in place. Most bike cases are in excess of this which means a US$200 oversize fee will apply to each leg. This would add US$400 to a return trip.

This applies to all sporting equipment, not just bikes.

The table should be updated, as United clarified around September of ’23 that the oversize fee does not apply for properly packed bikes. https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/baggage/sports-equipment.html

Thanks, I missed that, table all updated

THank you for this generous service–it’s a super helpful table for all the research you assembled! I’m considering buying a hard bike box in order to take my beloved carbon road bike travelling (always travelled with a beat up mt. bike before) for the extra protection and your table was helpful to be sure the 80x77x110 case won’t land anything more than the standard bike charges. Cheers!

In Las Vegas , the bike bag comes out on the same carousel as all the other luggage – not oversize.

Their carousels have the capacity to do that.

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Airlines with the Best (and Worst) Bike Fees

• October 22, 2023
• Baggage Fees , Checked Baggage , Sports Equipment

Bringing a bike with you on your next trip can be a bit of a challenge. With some research and preparation, your bike will reach its destination without too much hassle. That’s where this article comes in!

In this post, we are going to take a close look at the bike policies of the eleven largest U.S airlines. We’ll examine the rules and fees of each airline – you’ll soon discover that not all airlines are created equal in this regard. Some airlines are definitely more bike friendly than others.

The airlines that we will be examining in this article are as follows:

• Alaska Airlines

Allegiant Air

• American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

Frontier airlines.

• Hawaiian Airlines

Spirit Airlines

Sun country airlines, united airlines, maximum weight of bicycle packed in container, airline bike size and weight rules, maximum size of bicycle packed in container.

Most airlines that we looked at have generous maximum size limits for bicycles. In fact, two airlines (Spirit and Sun Country) don’t state a size limit at all.

However, as can be seen in the table below, some of the ultra-low-cost carriers have size limits well under 100 linear inches.

What Does Linear Inches Mean? Linear inches are a measurement that airlines use to express the total length of luggage. It is calculated by adding the height, width, and depth of the bag in inches. For example, if a bag measures 28 inches high, 18 inches wide, and 11 inches deep, its linear inches would be 57 inches (28 + 18 + 11 = 57).

Make sure that your packed bicycle is within these limits by measuring it carefully . Otherwise, the airline may refuse to check your bike at the airport. There is no wiggle room with these size limits. They are the airlines’ absolute maximums.

The following airlines waive oversize limits for bicycles. However, you will still have to be within the respective airline’s bike weight limits:

Airlines with the largest bike size limit (126 linear inches):

Airlines with the smallest bike size limit (80 linear inches):

There aren’t many things that all airlines can agree on, but the maximum weight of your bike is one. Your packed bike can weigh up to 99 to 100 pounds (45 kilograms).

Bear in mind that the size limits listed below are absolute limits. Weight is something that airlines strictly enforce as it directly affects their bottom line through fuel costs. So, don’t expect that your airline will let a few pounds overweight slide.

Sun Country will not accept bicycles weighing 70 pounds (32 kilograms) or more when flying to/from the following destinations:

• Puerto Rico

Airline Bike Fees

Most airlines waive oversize fees for your bicycle. Many airlines also waive overweight fees. These waivers only apply to cases holding your bike and its accessories. If the airline finds items unrelated to your bike within the container, they will assess your bicycle as a standard bag. Oversize and overweight fees will apply.

The airline may inspect your container at check-in .

Alaska Airlines applies its standard bag fee for bicycles.

Alaska will waive all oversize and overweight charges.

With respect to baggage fees, Allegiant Air applies its standard bag charges for bicycles. The standard fee will vary, based on your itinerary.

Your bike will also not be subject to oversize or overweight fees.

If your packed bicycle is no larger than 126 linear inches (320 centimeters) and not heavier than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), standard checked bag fees will apply.

However, if your packed bike weighs more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it will be subject to standard checked bag overweight fees.

If your bike is no greater than 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) and not heavier than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), standard checked bag fees will apply.

Delta does not apply any oversize fees.

However, if your bike is heavier than 50 pounds, the airline will apply an overweight fee.

Frontier is the first airline on our list that applies a special checked bike fee in lieu of its standard checked bag charges . This is welcome as Frontier adopts variable pricing for its checked bags, based on when you when and where you’re flying to.

Your bicycle will be subject to a flat $75 fee. Frontier, in one of its rare acts of fee mercy, waives any applicable oversize and/or overweight fees.

If your packed bicycle is within standard checked bag allowances , it will be subject to Hawaiian Airlines’ standard checked bag fees. In this instance, the airline does not enforce having to pack your bike in a cardboard bike box or a hard-sided bicycle case. However, we recommend that you always pack your bike in a suitable case to best protect your equipment.

If your bicycle is oversize (more than 62 linear inches / 157 centimeters and less than 115 linear inches / 292 centimeters), special bicycle pricing will apply instead of the standard bag fee.

For packed bicycles weighing up to 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms), the special bike fee is as follows:

• Travel within Hawaii: $35
• Travel elsewhere within the U.S.: $100

If your bike weighs between 51 pounds (23 kilograms) and 70 pounds (31.5 kilograms), you will be subject to the following special bike fee, based on your itinerary:

• Travel within Hawaii: $60
• Travel elsewhere within the U.S.: $150
• Travel within Hawaii: $120
• Travel elsewhere within the U.S.: $250

Standard Checked Bag Fees

If your packed bike is within standard checked bag limits , standard fees apply. The standard checked bag limits and fees are as follows:

• Size: 62 linear inches (157.48 centimeters)
• Weight: 50 pounds (22.68 kilograms)
• First bag: $35 ($30 if prepaid)
• Second bag: $45 ($40 if prepaid)
• Third+ bags: $200 each

Special Bicycle Handling Fee

If your bicycle exceeds the above size or weight limits, your equipment will be subject to a $100 handling fee. This is in addition to the standard checked bag fee. You can only pay for the handling fee within 24 hours of departure – either during online check-in or at the airport.

In this case, your packed bike must be within the following limits – otherwise JetBlue will not accept it for check-in:

• Maximum size: 80 linear inches (203.20 centimeters)
• Maximum weight: 99 pounds (44.90 kilograms)

JetBlue will waive any oversize or overweight fees.

Southwest Airlines

If your packed bicycle is no larger than 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) and weighs no more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it will be treated as regular checked baggage. It’s no secret that Southwest allows you to check your first two bags at no charge . Your bike can travel for free!

Southwest’s standard checked bag fees are as follows:

Southwest will not accept bicycles beyond 80 linear inches and/or 100 pounds.

Spirit has taken a refreshingly simple approach to its bicycle fees. To check a bike, the airline applies a $75 flat fee – no standard checked bag fees apply. Spirit does not apply oversize limits or charges, nor does it apply overweight fees.

It doesn’t get much simpler than that!

Sun Country is one of the more expensive airlines on this list, when it comes to traveling with a bike. Not only is your bicycle subject to standard checked bag fees , it also attracts a $100 “special sports equipment as oversized bag” fee.

If you’re traveling with a bike, this airline is difficult to recommend.

United applies standard checked baggage fees when checking in bicycles:

Thankfully, United recently scrapped its overpriced $150 bicycle handling fee, which is now in line with the other legacy carriers.

Types of Bikes Allowed by Airlines

All airlines accept only non-motorized bicycles (e-bikes need not apply).

The types of bicycles accepted by airlines include:

• Touring bikes
• Mountain bikes
• Racing bikes

Most airlines accept single-seated bicycles only, but there are a few airlines which will allow to check in a tandem bike:

Allegiant’s website does not provide any specific information about traveling with bikes. They do have general information about checking in sports equipment, which this post has referenced.

However, many travelers on online forums have said that they’ve successfully been able to check-in their bikes without issue. I would recommend that you contact the airline for your specific itinerary for confirmation.

Delta Airlines

Delta will not accept bicycles on some flights with its subsidiary, Delta Connection. It would be wise to contact the airline if you intend to take your bike on one of these flights.

Interestingly, United allows up to two bicycles to be packed in one case. Doing this and meeting the size and weight requirements would be a challenge. This would be best suited when traveling with children’s bikes.

Bike Travel Cases

An important requirement when traveling with a bicycle on a plane is acquiring a suitable packing case. Airlines will only accept containers or cases that are specifically designed for the transport of bicycles.

All airlines will accept the following types of bike cases:

• A sealed box, designed for the transport of bicycles.
• Soft-sided bicycle case
• Hard-sided bicycle case

Exceptions: Spirit will not accept soft-sided bicycle cases

It’s important to note that airlines do not supply bags or boxes for bicycles.

Hot Tip : If you plan to pack your bike in a cardboard box, you may be able to get one for free from your local bicycle shop.

Airline Packing Requirements for Bicycles

There are general packing requirements that all airlines expect:

• The handlebars are turned sideways.
• The protruding pedals are removed and packed in a protective container, or
• The pedals don’t have to be removed if they’re covered with protective padding.

Bicycles that are unsuitably packed or contained in general packing boxes may not be accepted at check-in.

Spirit has the added requirement that your bicycle tires be deflated to avoid damage.

Airline Liability for Damage to Your Bike

An important factor to consider is whether your airline will accept liability for accidental damage when your bike is in their custody.

Generally, airlines will waive liability if it is assessed at check-in that it’s not appropriately packed or adequately protected. In this case, it will be considered a fragile item. In this instance, you will have to sign a limited release of liability form. Signing this form absolves the airline from being responsible for any damage to your bicycle, while it’s in their care. This will severely inhibit your ability to receive compensation from the airline.

All airlines categorize bikes packed in soft-sided cases as fragile items.

With regards to hard-sided cases, the airlines’ liability for accidental damage is mixed:

To be clear, when airlines are liable for damage to your luggage, the maximum liability amount allowed is $3,800. Your bike (and its case) may be valued at more than this amount.

You may want to consider getting travel insurance for your bicycle. If you have a qualifying credit card, it may already provide you with baggage insurance.

You could also think about using a dedicated cargo service to ship your bike to your destination. This could be more suitable for those of you who intend to travel with a hard case. They can be quite heavy – it can be difficult to meet the airlines’ weight requirements. However, these cargo services don’t come cheap.

Something else to consider – you could forget to bring your bike with you, and instead use local bike services instead. Many cities now have public bike services that you can use to get around. Or you could hire a more specialized bike at your destination.

Bicycle Baggage Embargoes

Certain airlines impose baggage embargoes on bikes for select destinations.

JetBlue will not accept bicycles when flying to/from the following destinations:

• Dominican Republic
• Port of Spain

When traveling to/from Cuba, JetBlue will only accept bicycles if they are packed in a hard-sided bicycle case. The case can be no larger than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters) and no heavier than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

Final Thoughts

Taking your bike with you on an airplane is definitely doable, but it does require some extra planning and preparation. It’s important to check the airline’s requirements beforehand, and to properly package and prepare your bike for transport. With the right approach, you can ensure that your bike arrives safely at your destination and that you’re ready to hit the road as soon as you arrive.

Hands Off My Suitcase

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Bike Travel Is Surging Around the World. Will It Last?

TripSavvy / Alison Czinkota

It’s time to rethink travel with a lighter footstep in mind, which is why TripSavvy has partnered with Treehugger , a modern sustainability site that reaches more than 120 million readers each year, to identify the people, places, and things that are leading the charge in eco-friendly travel. Check out the 2021 Best of Green Awards for Sustainable Travel  here .  

This past November, a friend asked if I’d bike with her to Tigre, a river town about 40 kilometers away from Buenos Aires where I live. Tigre is a popular day trip for its artisan craft market, the mate museum, and boat tours around the delta, and most visitors reach it by train. I had never biked 40 kilometers, nor had I done an overnight bike trip (the other part of my friend’s plan); a trip like this was something I’d considered in the past but never embarked on due to one reason or another. But this time was different—we had spent most of the year at home or within a short distance of it, so when case counts began to decrease and quarantine restrictions eased, we were eager to get out and explore. 

It took us three and a half hours to reach the center of Tigre, including our stops for lunch and viewing street art along the river. It wasn’t as efficient as the train (which only takes an hour), but it was far more healing after a long winter quarantine to have the sun on our skin and to be moving of our own will and leg power. We felt freed mentally and physically. I noticed a marked difference in my mental state upon returning to my apartment in Buenos Aires. The sense of despair I had been feeling for much of the year had dissipated. I felt less stressed than I had in a long time and empowered, capable of handling new challenges in the pandemic. 

The Rise in Bike Travel Around the World

As the world locked down a year ago, people searched for a way to stay healthy, sane, and socially distant. Like me, they found it on a bicycle. Countries from South Africa to Italy saw bike sales skyrocket. The NPD Group, a market research company, reported the U.S. had a 121 percent spike for the year in leisure bike sales. And when this rapid rise in bicycle transit became apparent last spring, cities and countries around the world rushed to accommodate two-wheeled travelers. 

Some countries, like France, began providing biking subsidies to citizens for repairs of up to 50 euros in designated bike shops, and many city governments around the world began expanding cycling infrastructure. London, Brussels, and Bogota all saw new bike lanes added to main thoroughfares and reduced speed limits for the cars driving alongside them.  

Even in countries where governments were slower to promote biking during the pandemic, citizens started biking anyway. Bike activists in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and Nairobi, Kenya, petitioned governments to expand biking infrastructure, while many more citizens began cycling on streets without bike lanes to avoid mass transit lines and potential contagion. The cyclists of these countries showed that while government support helped to grow the bike boom to an extent, the real fuel for it came from individuals themselves. 

While many of these riders were using their bikes as an alternative commute to get to work, seek healthcare, or tend to other essential needs, others bought bicycles or broke out their existing ones simply for a safe and fun way to explore their home cities and countries outdoors. Before the onset of the pandemic, bicycle travel in itself had a strong appeal, offering a multitude of benefits to travelers. 

“It was a way to get exercise, a way to connect with your surroundings more,” says Jim Taylor, Ph.D., a sport psychologist and consultant to USA Triathlon. “You really can’t enjoy your surroundings when you’re going 70 mph.” Those long-standing benefits of bike travel were further amplified by the challenges and stresses of the pandemic, driving more people into saddles this past year.

Is This Trend of Bike Travel Sustainable? 

At some point, life will return to a version of normal where people will feel comfortable enough to travel via more traditional modes, such as planes, trains, and other shared spaces, whether for vacations or day-to-day activity. But during the pandemic, bikes became essential to many. 

“One of the most unsettling aspects of the pandemic is that it’s not something that we can control,” says Taylor. “We have this innate need [for control]. Biking at a very fundamental level gives us a sense of control in terms of moving our bodies, being healthy…a way to get away from all the pressures and the stresses of the pandemic. Overall, it just has this very broad psychological, emotional, and physical benefit.” 

That loss of our control pushed us on to our bikes. Biking became a source of refuge for millions of people when cars, trains, and other modes of transit felt unsafe. But when a sense of normalcy returns, what will that mean for this turn toward leisure bike travel? 

“My guess is that the amount of time spent biking will decline some,” says Taylor. “At the same time, the sheer number of volume and miles being ridden now compared to past years, it’s never going to go back to the way it was.”

Data from Rails to Trails Conservancy (a nonprofit that works to transform rail corridors into trail networks) supports his projection. The organization tracked weekly trail use of cyclists in the U.S. in 2020. Every week since the pandemic’s onset, except one, trail ridership increased. The peak last year was in the first week of April with ridership increasing 217 percent year over year from 2019; by mid-December, it had dropped to a 26 percent increase from the same time in 2019. 

Still, that 26 percent is a significant increase from the previous year. Perhaps the greatest takeaway of bike travel during the pandemic is simply realizing we can do it and that it’s a viable option for short and sometimes long trips. “More people are realizing you don’t need to drive three blocks to go to the supermarket,” Taylor says. 

But does he think there will be a large shift to bike travel from other forms of travel post-pandemic? “I think the pandemic’s been around long enough that some of the habits have been retrained and other habits have been ingrained. I certainly expect [leisure bike travel] will continue,” he says, though he projects it to be mostly half-hour to one-hour rides for the general population.

4 Reasons the Enthusiasm for Bike Travel Is Here to Stay

As we continue to predict what trends from the past year will end and which ones will stay, we’re hoping that bike travel is among the few that stick around. Undoubtedly, more traditional modes of travel will make a comeback, reducing the need or desire of some people to travel by bike. So, what will be the driving force to encourage two-wheeled travel? Here are four reasons that this trend could live on.

The Environmental Impact

There’s one obvious benefit and reason as to why biking hopefully becomes a norm for some people: It’s a great eco-friendly mode of travel. A study by the Environmental Change Institute and Transport for London in 2019 compared the effects of replacing short journeys (eight kilometers or less) by car with bikes in Cardiff, Wales. They found that walking or cycling could replace up to 41 percent of car trips overall, leading to a lowering of CO2 emissions in the city by nearly five percent. Other studies have measured the same thing in Barcelona, New Zealand, and the U.S. with similar statistics.

Due to bike travel’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recommended switching from car commuting to biking as a way to stop the global temperature from rising. As more studies come out, more benefits of biking continue to be discovered. A Swedish study found that 111,000 car commuters in Stockholm could realistically switch to biking, thereby reducing black carbon and nitrogen oxide in the air and saving 449 years of life for the general population per year.

Those benefits of cleaner air, less traffic congestion, and fewer carbon emissions are hard to ignore. And, of course, switching from cars to bikes for shorter distances is easier to do than longer ones. But there’s no doubt that many people will continue to choose their two wheels over four for the health of the environment when they need to get somewhere. 

Mental Health Benefits

For some, mental health will become a driving force. In Buenos Aires, there was a strict quarantine in the beginning months of the pandemic that heavily contributed to declines in mental health. After 100 days of a lockdown in which locals could only leave home to purchase food or medicine, the National University of La Matanza conducted a survey on the effects of the quarantine on residents’ mental health. They found 43.8 percent of those surveyed said they needed psychological attention due to anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, and emotional instability directly tied to their pandemic experience.

When the quarantine eased and we could exercise outside again, we got on our bikes; so much so that the bicycle became the most used form of transportation in the country according to Google Maps analytics. In Buenos Aires, bike ridership increased 98 percent . This was partially due to public transportation still being restricted to only essential workers, but also because people needed to be outdoors.

Improvements to Bike Infrastructure

Another key to preserving the enthusiasm in bike travel comes back to national and local governments. While popup lanes in Buenos Aires have served to reduce road congestion and pollution, governments must enact permanent changes for lasting effects.

In Buenos Aires, the city municipality has declared the goal of having residents take one million bike rides per day by 2023. Throughout the pandemic, the city worked in tandem with the Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety to expand biking infrastructure, going from 227 kilometers of bike lanes in September 2020 to 267 kilometers by January 2021. One major change has been the addition of bike lanes to major roads like Corrientes and Córdoba avenues, as opposed to only side streets, which is where the majority of them were pre-pandemic.

To encourage bike ridership, the city could keep speed limits lower for cars sharing the road with bike lanes, as well as turn painted lanes into protected lanes. How many of these changes the municipality follows through with will directly link to the rise or decline of leisure bike travel.

The Appeal of Bike Travel

And for others, the challenge and novelty of taking a long-distance leisure trip by bike will be reason enough, whether they’re new to that type of travel or they’ve enjoyed it in the past. French-Canadian Yvan Frasier had been traveling for a year and a half from Canada’s Northwest Territories to the tip of South America when the pandemic hit, and he got sidelined in Argentine Patagonia. When asked if he thinks a greater amount of the global population will continue taking long-distance bike trips post-pandemic, he’s optimistic: “I think [the pandemic] just made a lot of people realize that life is pretty fragile. I guess that’s why people want to just go out in nature and bike and have some good simple, healthy experiences.”

Frasier particularly enjoys the social and emotional components of it as well. He cites meeting new people, the ability to learn on the road, and the daily physical challenges a long bike trip entails as some of the reasons for choosing bike travel over other forms of travel. 

We don’t know exactly how or when our lives will return to the pre-2020 version of normal, but hopefully biking as a means of travel is here to stay for many people, staying top of mind when we need to go somewhere. In other words, next time you’re planning a trip—whether to the grocery store or farther to a neighboring city—ask yourself: Can I bike there?

NPD Group. "Sporting Goods, Home Fitness, and Cycling Sales Surge in the U.S., Report the NPD Group." May 7, 2020

Bicycling. "France Wants More People to Bike. So The Country is Paying Them (...Kind Of)." May 4, 2020

The Guardian. "World Cities Turn Their Streets Over To Walkers and Cyclists." April 11, 2020

Africa News. "The Covid-19 Pandemic Sees a Growing Cycling Trend in Nairobi, Kenya." February 19, 2021

World Economic Forum. "New Buenos Aires Scheme Aims for 1 Million Daily Bike Rides." January 11, 2021

City of Buenos Aires. "Boom of Bikes: The Trips and The Women Cyclists Who Circulate The New Bike Lanes of Corrientes and Cordoba Avenues are Multiplying." February 9, 2021

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Home » Budget Travel » How To Travel With a Bike – ALL You Need to Know

How To Travel With a Bike – ALL You Need to Know

There is a popular adage amongst bikers (both the motor and pedalling kind) that says that while four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul. There are few joys like travelling by bike. Travelling by way of pedal power is about the freedom of the open road, the intimacy of exploring new places, and of course the healthy, active lifestyle that comes along with it.

Biking takes travel to a whole new level. You have the option of bikepacking – turning your bike into your primary mode of transportation for your adventure, or you could simply bring your bike along with you on vacation, to use for city exploration or longer rides.

In this post, we will look at the practicalities of travelling with a bicycle.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

How To Travel With a Bike

Do i need a licence to travel with a bike, what insurance do i need to travel with a bike, which bikes are best for travelling, bikepacking vs travelling with a bike, final thoughts.

So, you’ve been through all the different options and picked out the best bikepacking bike for your trip …

The first step in planning a trip with your bike is working out exactly how the hell you are going to transport it. Different modes of travel require different preparations, and the rules, costs, and practicality can vary significantly. Let’s take a look.

The good news is that trains are often very bike-friendly. In many cases, you can bring your bike on the train for little or no extra charge. However, this does vary from one train company to another, so it is essential to try and check the specific bike policy in advance. 

The safety and practicality of bike travel by train can depend on the facilities available for storing bikes on the train and at stations. Personally, whenever I bring my bike onto a train I try to sit within eyesight of it.

Bus companies also tend to have varying policies on bikes. Some will allow them at no extra charge, while others require a fee and then some outliers do not permit them at all. The safety and practicality of bus travel with a bike can depend on the storage options provided by the bus company.

Travelling with a bike by plane can prove to be more challenging and more costly. Bikes are typically (almost always) considered oversized luggage and as such are subject to additional fees. If your bike is worth under $200, then the transport fees may well cost as much as the bike is worth itself! 

They also need to be packed properly to prevent damage during transport. Airlines have strict guidelines on this so again, it’s crucial to check these in advance.

When travelling by car, options for transporting your bike include roof racks or stowing it in the boot. It is a lot easier to stow it in the boot if you take the wheels off so maybe look for a bike with clip-off wheels if this is your intention.

Both methods have pros and cons in terms of safety, convenience, and potential impact on fuel efficiency. If you are looking for a roof rack, then check out the selection on offer at REI.

In most cases, you do not need a licence to travel with a bike. In fact, we cannot think of one destination where it is mandatory to have a licence for a cycle ! However, when crossing borders, you by bike you may sometimes need to prove ownership of the bike to avoid complications. 

Always have your receipt or another proof of purchase handy when travelling internationally. In some destinations, a well-placed ‘discretionary payment’ may soothe any concerns that zealous border officials might have.

Note that while some travel insurance policies will cover bikes as personal items, many cap their coverage limit, often to around $1,000 and some to $500 per single item. 

To ensure your bike is fully insured, you may need to seek additional coverage specifically for your bike. It’s important to read the fine print of any insurance policy and to understand what is covered and what isn’t – for example, some may not cover using your bike in a foreign country which would defeat the whole object!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

When it comes to choosing a bike for travel , I would advise that you look for a model with a light frame and easily detachable wheels. Some examples of travel-friendly bikes include the following selections.

Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 Touring Bike

The ADV 1.1 Touring Bike from REI’s Co-op Cycles brand is designed with travel in mind. It boasts a durable steel frame that can handle rough roads and heavy loads, making it ideal for long-distance bikepacking. It also features a variety of mounting points for racks and water bottles. Its disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in all weather conditions.

The downside of this bike for travel is its weight. Being made of steel, it’s heavier than bikes with aluminium or carbon frames, which could make it less convenient for throwing into buses or car roof racks.

Cannondale Quick CX 3 Bike

The Cannondale Quick CX 3 is a versatile hybrid bike that could be a good little option for travelling. Its aluminium frame is notably lighter than steel, making it much easier to transport. It also features front suspension to smooth out rough roads or paths so it could suit those rougher roads and trails. 

While this bike does not come with a rack, it does have mounting points so you can add one. This could be a great bike for getting around town on vacation or for shorter bikepacking trips that cover mixed terrain. However, for long-distance touring or for very rough trails, you will probably want a bike that’s more specialized.

Salsa Journeyman Claris 700 Bike

The Salsa Journeyman Claris 700 is a versatile all-road bike with drop bars, providing a balance between speed and comfort. It is built with a lightweight but durable aluminum frame and carbon forks. 

The bike includes mounting options for racks and fenders, which makes it a suitable choice for travelers who want to bikepack or tour around. The Journeyman has 700c wheels that are well-suited for pavement and smooth paths but might not be the best choice for those rough trails.

Want a bit of help along the way? We’ve also put together a post on the best electric bikes too.

As mentioned, bikepacking is when the bike IS the mode of transport. You load it up with your gear and set off on your adventure. On the other hand, traveling with a bike means you transport it to your destination and use it there.

Both have their advantages and unique joys. If you are bikepacking then you will need to invest in some specialised gear including bike bags. You can either check the range of bike bags on offer over at REI, or you can check out our guide to the best bikepacking bags .

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

FAQs – Travelling With a Bike

1. What kind of bike case do I need for air travel?

The type of bike case you need will depend on the specifics of your bike and the regulations of the airline. Hard-shell cases offer the most protection but are heavier and can be more expensive. Soft-shell cases or padded bags are lighter and often cheaper but provide less protection. Some airlines will accept a bike in a cardboard box, provided it is well-packed and secured. Always check with your airline for their specific requirements.

2. How do I pack my bike for travel?

The best way to pack your bike will depend on the type of case you’re using. Generally, you’ll need to remove the pedals, deflate the tires slightly, and turn or remove the handlebars. In some cases, you may also need to remove the wheels. Wrap each part of the bike with foam or another type of protection to prevent damage during transport.

3. Are there weight limits for traveling with a bike?

Yes, most airlines have weight limits for checked luggage, including bikes. This limit varies by airline and can range anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds. Exceeding this limit may result in additional fees. Always check the weight limits and fees with your airline before you travel.

4. Can I rent a bike instead of bringing my own?

Yes, renting a bike at your destination is often an option and can be a good alternative to traveling with your own bike. However, it’s important to research bike rental options at your destination beforehand to ensure they have the type of bike you want and to compare costs.

Traveling with a bike can truly unlock a whole new world of experiences. Whether you’re bikepacking across a whole continent, or just taking leisure rides around your vacation destination, a bike makes a perfect travel companion.

Just remember, the key to a successful bike trip is in the planning. By considering how to transport your bike, what documents you’ll need, investing in a good bikepacking tent and how to insure everything properly, you’ll give yourself a break and set yourself up for a smooth and rewarding journey.

Happy biking peeps!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Results have arrived, mtb travel - how much mtb suspension travel do you need what does it mean.

Do you want more suspension travel or less? How do you know how much you need? Here's how to decide whether a long-travel or short-travel MTB is better for you and your trails.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Mar 9, 2022

Posted in: MTB

You’re going to a big, important party, but you’re iffy about the dress code. Would you rather show up overdressed or underdressed?

A lot of mountain bikers face a similar dilemma, but instead of choosing the right clothes, it’s about choosing the right bike. You've probably heard certain bikes described as “too much bike” or “not enough bike.” But what does that mean?

In mountain biking, suspension travel often receives the most attention when riders are looking at bike specs. Depending on your skill, riding style, and terrain, there is likely an ideal amount of suspension travel. Other specs such as geometry , wheels , and tires  matter too, but they are usually tailored to match a bike's suspension.

Most modern mountain bikes will have somewhere between 100mm and 170mm of suspension travel. This covers everything from cross-country race machines to versatile mid-travel trail bikes to hard-hitting enduro bikes . (If you want to learn more about how mountain bikes are categorized check out our Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide .)

So what's the right amount of travel for you?

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MTB travel basics: what is travel on a mountain bike?

In case you're new to riding, mountain bike suspension travel is a measurement of how much a wheel can move to absorb bumps. On the front, mountain bike travel comes from your suspension fork. At the rear, MTB travel is provided by some configuration of frame pivots that compress a rear shock.

When to choose a long-travel MTB

Long-travel bikes usually have 150-170mm of rear travel to handle tough downhill trails. Front travel often matches rear travel but sometimes can be more.

Trail and enduro bikes fall into this category. They absorb big hits and smooth out rough terrain. If you regularly ride steep or gnarly trails, a bike like this makes a lot of sense. 

If you're mostly riding mellow flow trails though, a big and burly long-travel bike might be overkill. You won't be able to use all the suspension travel you paid for. The bike may feel cumbersome, maybe a bit boring, and you’ll have to expend more energy to push it around and climb uphill.

But let’s say you lack confidence on descents. A more capable enduro bike with ample suspension travel could help you enjoy riding more by increasing your confidence, comfort, and giving you more margin for error. 

Some ride big and burly bikes everywhere because they're fit enough to pedal a long-travel bike up big climbs and on long rides without much trouble. For them, being overbiked isn't a handicap, and it's worth it for when the trail gets gnarly. If you care more about descending as fast as possible more than having a bike that's efficient for pedaling or climbing, long-travel bikes will cater more to your style.

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When to choose a short-travel MTB

Short-travel bikes usually have 100-120mm of travel to maximize efficiency. In some cases, these bikes could have forks with 10-20mm more travel to make them more versatile on descents.

XC and short-travel trail bikes fall into this category. They are efficient and usually feel more agile than longer-travel bikes. If you race cross-country, do long adventure rides, or stick to mellow trails, these are the best option.

If you venture onto steep and gnarly downhill tracks with big rocks and jumps, a short-travel bike will start to feel sketchy. There’s a good chance you’ll have to ride slower and more cautiously than you would on a long-travel bike, taking easier lines and occasionally skipping tough sections.

But let’s say you dread going uphill and are constantly getting dropped by fitter riders. A bike with less travel that’s lighter and more efficient could help you go faster and expend less energy. 

If you’re a skilled rider that just wants to make riding more exciting, short-travel bikes provide a lot more trail feedback and give you less room for error. You have to stay focused, be more selective about lines, and be more active with your body. For some, this can be a more enjoyable ride experience than just sitting back and letting a long-travel bike do the hard work for you.

[button] SHOP SHORT-TRAVEL MOUNTAIN BIKES [/button]

So how much suspension travel do I need?

Seth H., Merchandising Manager   "I started on an XC hardtail and rode everything, even gnarly downhills on it. It had a dropper and I did just fine. I really thought it was all I would ever need. Then I went to Moab. I rode a borrowed enduro bike on The Whole Enchilada and it kind of opened my eyes. I bought a bigger bike not long after and started riding all my regular trails again. It changed how I rode.

"Personally, I really don’t mind being overbiked for most of my riding now. I ride alone a lot so I go my own pace. But I'm also decently fit and I can keep up with everyone I ride with on my bigger bike (an Ibis Ripmo). If you’re fit, I say go as big as you want."

Chad H., Warehouse Manager   "I would prefer to be underbiked on the majority of trails. Being underbiked keeps the skills sharp and makes the trail an exciting challenge. I feel that being overbiked takes the challenge and excitement out of trails. It leads to laziness and dulls your skill as a rider.

"Right now for me, I believe the best bike for 85 percent of the riding I do will be a full suspension cross country bike, like the Santa Cruz Blur. I would add a dropper seatpost and Fox Step-Cast 34 120mm fork just to give it a tiny bit more capability. Or the new Trek Top Fuel, or possibly a Yeti SB100 are good options. It's what people are calling 'downcountry' now, even though I hate the term. It will be a little bit more capable than a full cross country bike, but it’ll have the same quick handling and speed. That'll be perfect for me." 

What about mid-travel "quiver-killer" mountain bikes?

I always keep at least two mountain bikes in my quiver: a long-travel enduro bike and a short-travel XC bike. This lets me tackle everything from downhill bike parks to short-track XC races. But for many riders, a mid-travel trail bike is all you need.

Mid-travel bikes are a good compromise between downhill performance and pedaling/climbing efficiency. They usually have 120-140mm of travel. Many call these bikes "quiver-killers," because they can do it all (well, almost). I even spent a full season on a quiver-killer , just to see how well it worked for a wide range of riding and was pleasantly surprised by how versatile it actually was.

However, these bikes don't completely excel at anything. A longer-travel bike will be better downhill and a shorter travel bike will be more efficient for racing. Ultimately, if you can only have one bike for casual riding, or you're unsure what type of mountain bike you need for your local trails, this category is the best option. 

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How to choose a mountain bike

Are your trails rough and rocky or smooth and flowy? Are they fast and steep or tight and technical? Your terrain has a big impact on bike selection. Generally, the rougher, steeper, and faster a trail is, the more travel you'll want and vice versa. 

The second step is to know yourself. Your riding ambition is nearly as important as terrain. If you are a ripper who lives for downhills, you'll probably want to support yourself with more travel. But if your ride fantasy involves conquering high mountains, and exploring miles of backcountry trails, you might want to stay light and efficient with less travel.

No matter what, it's possible to have fun riding any bike, and having the ideal amount of suspension travel isn't everything. Keep in mind too that the rider is always going to make a far bigger difference than the bike. Fast descenders drop me on gnarly downhills riding XC hardtails, and fit climbers drop me on uphills riding heavy enduro machines. Good riders take what they have, and make it work. 

That being said, you can always play to your strengths or weaknesses. Having a bike that enhances the parts of riding that you care about the most will make mountain biking more fun. 

Are you overbiked or underbiked for your trails? Do you prefer long travel or short travel? Or do you have a bike that sits somewhere in the middle? Let us know in the comments!

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Your essential guide to choosing cycling travel insurance

Cycling travel insurance. Let’s be honest – it’s not the most exciting of things to organise before your trip, but it is important…

If you’re going on a cycling-specific holiday, or just planning to do a bit of cycling while you’re abroad, you’ll want to know that you’re covered should anything go wrong. If you have a cycling accident, it’s important to know that your medical expenses will be taken care of and that any damage to your bike or other people’s property will be paid for.

Since we recently had to look at taking out cycle holiday insurance ourselves, we thought we’d share the points we thought about.

We’re not experts on the subject, but hopefully these pointers will be of use!

How to choose the right cycling insurance policy for you

We were quite surprised to find that there are many different kinds of cycling travel insurance policies – and that travel insurance doesn’t always cover the kind of cycling you want to do.

Like bikes, not all policies are created equal – and what’s right for one cyclist might not be right for another.

For example, do you need standard travel insurance that covers your medical expenses as well as cover for your bike? Are you looking for cover for your bike at home? Are you after travel insurance for cycling holidays in Europe or further afield? Do you need an annual policy that covers events if you’re only planning to do one or two a year – perhaps you could take out insurance just for that/those events? Will your policy cover Covid-related cancellations or curtailments?

Different policies cover different things, so you need to know what you’re looking for – and what you’ve already got under other insurance policies.

(Not sure what cycling travel insurance might look like/cover? Our list of what to look out for in a policy might help (go here now) .)

To help you pick a policy that works for you, below we’ve set out our thoughts on:

• some of the key questions we found it helpful to have answers to before getting quotes   (go here now)
• cycling travel insurance v other insurance you may have   (go here now)
• some points to consider in a bike travel insurance policy (go here now)

The big questions to ask yourself (before you compare bicycle insurance for travel)

Decide the answers to the five questions below before you start your research and it should save you some time. That’s because your answers may exclude you from being eligible from some policies, so these things should help you decide whether your current policies cover you and/or help you narrow down the policies you’re comparing.

1. How much cover is needed?

To make sure that you get quotes for the right level of cover, think about how much it would cost to replace your bike as well as any cycling accessories such as gadgets, helmets, clothing and additional wheelsets.

Also be clear in your mind about the sort of cycling you’re planning on doing, to ensure your policy covers you. For example, if you’re planning on entering cycling competitions, races or triathlons, and want to be insured for them, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right level of cover, and can for example, claim back race entry fees if you’re unable to participate for any reason (but bear in mind what we said above about how many you’ll be doing each year).

2. Cycle trip insurance cover AND general bike insurance?

Some travel insurance companies require that, in addition to bicycle travel insurance, you also have general bike insurance for when your bike is at home. Or, you may be offered a combined bicycle insurance policy which covers both home and holiday.

Do you want/need this?

If not, you might want to look at a provider that will let you just take up cycle travel insurance.

3. Single trip cycle insurance or an annual policy?

Is your cycling holiday a one-off trip, or do you plan to travel several times per year? If you plan on cycling abroad more than twice per year, it often makes financial sense to consider an annual policy rather than a policy which only covers a single trip.

How long will your trips be for? You’ll need to make sure the policy permits the length of your trip.

4. Solo, couple, family or group cycling insurance?

When travelling with a partner, your children or a group of friends or family members, it can be more cost-effective to take out a joint travel insurance policy.

5. Where do you want to travel?

Consider the countries which you plan to visit and how long you will spend on holiday. Premiums can vary according to the countries that you visit, and you may have options to choose between cycling travel insurance for Europe only or worldwide cover.

(As an aside, the Foreign & Commonwealth office advises against travel to certain countries, and these are unlikely to be covered by travel insurance policies. So, be sure to check the FCO website for the latest travel advice.)

Do I need additional cycling travel insurance?

You might already have various insurance policies such as standard travel insurance, home insurance and specialist bicycle insurance for your bike at home in the UK.

You’re probably asking yourself: does travel insurance cover cycling? Do I really need a specialist travel insurance cycling policy?!

So, once you’ve answered the questions above and are clear on the general sort and level of cycling travel insurance you’re after, then check the terms of any existing policies to see what it covers and whether there are any gaps between that and what you want cover for.

For example:

• Standard travel insurance policy: check whether your normal travel insurance covers the specific type of cycling you plan to do on holiday, such as point to point riding, racing or sportive riding. A general travel insurance policy might cover the odd day of recreational riding, but what if the main purpose of your trip is cycling? Are you covered?
• Home insurance policy: this may cover your bicycle if it’s stolen or damaged whilst in your home, but does it cover it in other places such as a hotel abroad or whilst on the road?
• Bike insurance policy: if you already have bicycle insurance, does this extend abroad, and if so, what does it cover?
• Club membership: for example British Cycling membership includes some cycling travel insurance. Check exactly what it covers and whether it’s enough for your needs.

If, after reading your current insurance policies, you think you’re not fully covered for the kind of riding you’ll be doing or your current policies don’t give you enough cover (e.g. things like lost/stolen/damaged bikes whilst riding sportives abroad, medical treatment needed as a result of a cycling injury, personal liability, cover for your bike while it’s in transit) then you should consider taking out further insurance, perhaps via topping up an existing policy or by taking out a specialist cycling travel insurance policy.

What should you check when comparing bike travel insurance policies?

So, you’re considering taking out some cycle specific travel insurance.

You’ll probably want to be sure that your cycle insurance covers you for every eventuality, to guarantee that you’ll get paid out should the worst happen.

Don’t just go straight in for the cheapest cycle insurance. It might be a bit time consuming and boring, but it’s better to spend some time taking a good look at the terms and conditions and policy wording to find the right insurance for your cycling holiday.

There’s lots of articles out there on what to look for in a normal travel insurance policy (things like medical expenses, hospital benefit, delayed/missed departure, delayed baggage, lost money/documents, legal advice). Since early 2020, it’s also become important to check you’ve got cover for missed departure, early return home, medical expenses etc. due to Covid-19 (and be aware some eventualities might be uninsurable, so you need to cover them off in the agreement you have with your operator/accommodation provider).

Of course you’ll want to know you’re covered for all of these “normal travel” kinds of things, but below we focus on some of the more cycling specific things you’ll also want to consider:

1. Bike cover limits for theft/damage

Your bike travel insurance policy will have a limit if they have to pay out for loss/damage/theft of your bike and possibly also for any cycling accessories/gadgets. Check these are sufficient and the exclusions (more on those below).

You may be asked to enter an estimate of how much your bike is worth. To ensure that you’re fully covered we’ve been told it’s best to enter the value that you paid for the bike, assuming you bought it recently, rather than what you think it might be worth currently (you’ll probably underestimate it/would you actually be able to find one and buy it back for that amount?).

2. Multi-bike insurance

If you have more than one bike, you’ll want to look out for multi-bike insurance.

We guess it’s possible you may have some non-road bikes that’ll need insuring too so you’ll have to admit if you have any mountain bikes, recumbent bicycles, electric bikes, trikes etc! E-bikes are something that many insurers raise premiums for.

3. Repair or replace

Carbon fibre bike frames have the advantage of being light, but they can also be easily damaged and expensive to repair. Can a repaired frame ever be quite as reliable, or safe, as a new one? Ideally, if your carbon fibre frame breaks, you’d want to replace it. So, check what your road bike insurance policy states about this and whether your cover is on a ‘new for old’ basis.

4. Transit cover

If you’re taking your bike on a train, plane or ferry, you’ll want to know that it’s covered should it get lost, stolen or damaged during the journey. You should be sure to pack your bicycle securely using an enclosed bike bag or box and to get a receipt from the carrier which shows that you have placed your bicycle with them.

5. Destinations and length of trip

If you’re planning a cycling tour of multiple countries, you’ll need to make sure that this is covered under your policy. Each policy may also have a limit to the number of consecutive days you can be away. So, if you’re planning on travelling multiple weeks, look for one with a higher maximum trip duration.

6. Liability

Cycling liability insurance covers your third-party liability as a rider, meaning that if you injure someone or damage their property, those costs should be covered. There is no legal requirement in the UK for cyclists to have third party cycle insurance. But, if (for example) you hit a car and it’s deemed to be your fault, these claims can be very expensive. So, it’s worth making sure that cyclists liability insurance is included in your quote.

See the section below for more information on liability where you’re taking part in an event.

7. Cover for competitive cycling or racing

If you plan to do anything like cycle racing, time trialling, cyclosportives, gran fondos, triathlons or cyclocross, then you’ll probably want to make sure that you’re covered specifically for that. This should include third-party liability mentioned above, so that if you injure or damage a fellow competitor/their bike, as well as your personal injury, damage to your bike and kit and theft from transitions is all covered.

Some policies also include cover if the event you’re due to take part in is cancelled or if you get injured before an event and can’t attend. Particularly in the Covid era, it’s important to check this detail; does your policy cover you if the event is cancelled due to Covid or travel restrictions would require you to quarantine? Are you covered if you or one of your dependents gets Covid or gets told to isolate?

Bear in mind that if you’re doing a sportive or event, they will generally require you have a licence to take part (which often includes third party liability insurance). Don’t assume that this licence will cover everything a cycling travel policy would cover (or that if you have the travel insurance, you don’t need the licence – these tend to be a mandatory requirement for taking part in the event).

On a separate note: if you ride your bike for work or are deemed a professional rider, then you may need specialist cover.

8. Cycle breakdown cover

If your bike breaks while you’re on the road, how will you get back to where you’re staying? Roadside assistance isn’t covered as standard with many policies. But, if this is something that’s important to you, and you’re going on a guided cycling holiday that doesn’t provide a roving mechanic, check whether the policy you’re taking out includes it, and/or consider standalone bicycle roadside assistance insurance which can rescue you and transport you and your bicycle to your destination.

Alternatively, you may be happy with a policy that just includes taxi fare reimbursement in this situation. Again, the message is: if you want it, make sure it’s included in the policy you select! It’s much better to be over-prepared for these eventualities than to not have suitable policies and find out you needed them.

9. Replacement cycle hire

Some policies include a benefit that means if your bike is stolen/lost/delayed or gets broken abroad, they’ll pay for cycle hire so that you can keep riding.

10. Repatriation for bike

If (heaven forbid) you have to finish your trip early/be repatriated, what will happen to your bike? Will your insurer repatriate that too? Make sure you check the fine print.

11. Insurance for hire bikes

The cost of flying with your bicycle can be expensive, so some people opt to leave it at home and instead hire a bicycle abroad. This can be cost effective, as for the price of buying a bike box and a plane ticket for your own bike, you could instead hire a fantastic carbon fibre bike worth twice the value of your own.

You may be able to get hire bike insurance from the company you hire the bike from, but the excesses can be hefty. Instead, you could take out a short term bicycle insurance policy to cover the hire bike, with a much lower excess. You’ll need to think about this though – be warned that standard bicycle insurance policies won’t usually include this, as they only cover against a bicycle which you actually own.

12. Medical expenses and personal accident

We’ve talked a lot about damage to your bike, but what if you damage yourself while riding? It’s important to check you’ve got appropriate cover for your medical expenses – whether under your normal travel policy, a specialist bike travel insurance policy or the EHIC or GHIC cards (but UK residents, bear in mind the EHIC/GHIC only gives access to state hospitals and things have changed due to Brexit, more info from the NHS, here ).

Be aware that many of the bike insurance policies that aren’t specifically for travel don’t include medical expenses – there’s more detail on this distinction in the chart below.

Some cycling policies also include provision for a lump sum pay out where you are killed or injured when riding a bicycle. They may also help cover medical costs such as physiotherapy and dental work.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, many sports travel insurance providers have included a clause that states they exclude any claims relating to Covid-19. With this in mind, it’s incredibly important you check the fine print when buying any cycling holiday insurance and compare cycle insurance across multiple providers to make sure you’re happy with what level of cover you will receive.

13. Security requirements and policy exclusions

Certain bicycle insurance policies require that a ‘Sold Secure Gold’ lock is used whenever you leave your bicycle unattended away from home or that you have your bike tagged with a security mark. There may also be requirements about where you can leave your bike overnight. You MUST comply with these requirements or else the insurer may well not pay out if you claim.

Other points to be aware of:

• Some policies won’t cover certain kinds of crashes – for example if you drive your car into the garage while it’s on a bike rack on top of your car (whoops, been there!), you crash into a parked car or hit a pot hole.
• Will you be with a guide? Some policies require this.
• Does the accidental damage cover replacing individual components and accessories?
• Does the policy cover you if the bike is in use at the point that it’s stolen?
• How long can you leave the bike unattended when it’s locked up away from your home? 12 hours? 24 hours?
• Is your bike insured if you let someone else ride it? Or if you’re riding someone else’s bike?
• Have you got any pre-existing medical conditions? You’ll need to disclose these before you take out the policy…
• If you ride recklessly or whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you’re unlikely to be covered in the event of an accident.
• Can you prove your ownership of the bike? This is usually a policy requirement, so retain those receipts and take photos of you and your bike, especially if you make any upgrades from what it was like when you bought it. A photograph of the frame number on the bottom bracket will also help in finding your bike if it’s stolen.

There will undoubtedly also be other exclusions/loopholes/things to consider on your policy; insurance wouldn’t be the profitable industry it is if insurers paid out every time… Check your policy well, it’s a minefield!

Cycle insurance comparison

So, you’ve worked out what cover you’ve got and what cover you need.

Now it’s time to look at the details of some policies to get the cover you need.

It’s always a good idea to get a few quotes before you take out a bike insurance policy – that way you can compare the terms and pricing that are applicable to you.

Choosing a provider that’s also received a good DeFaqto score and/or has won industry awards can also be a useful indicator, though as you’ll have seen from the points above, the right policy for you is a very individual thing depending on your exact requirements.

As part of your checks, remember to look at the policy’s Covid cover – there’s considerable variety on who covers (or doesn’t cover) what in the insurers listed below.

Also, the exact terms of the bike cover will also vary – and change frequently.

Check the terms carefully!

Finding the best cycle insurance: a few providers

Here are a few names in the business that target cyclists (because we’re talking about insurance, we have to let you know we aren’t endorsing or recommending them – just letting you know they exist!).

Head to their sites to get the detail on their products and find out if they’re suitable for your needs:

Yellow Jersey

Sportscover Direct

This is a long article on what seems like a relatively simple subject – but it’s pretty complicated and there’s lots to consider.

Check the small print before you buy, and after you’ve got the policy, comply with it!

While choosing the right policy might seem a big hassle now, it’ll feel like nothing if and when you ever need to claim on it…

Which insurer do you use for your cycling insurance? Have you ever had to claim on the policy? How was it? Let us know in the comments below!

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Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels – and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they’re there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

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3 Responses to “Your essential guide to choosing cycling travel insurance”

Great information! Thanks!

Do you know any companies that insure European residents?

It’s not something we’ve looked into I’m afraid. If you find any options please do let us know! Clare

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• General Discussion

Flying with a bike - how do you stay under the weight limit?

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So, I understand that several airlines now accept bikes as regular luggage, but I'm not seeing how to stay under the usual 50 lb weight limit with a FS bike at ~30lb and even the soft cases at ~20 lbs. Am I missing something?  

A challenge in your dojo.  

Take small small stuff like cranks and cassette and put them in your carry on or another checked bag. Would they see a crank arm with a 34t ring on it as a threat/weapon in a carry on? Let us know.  

IMHO, the 50 pound weight limit is mostly a marketing gimmick. They probably did enough research to know that some percentage of high end road bikes would fit under the limit, but that they'd probably get 80% of bikes to weigh more than 50 pounds and thus have to pay the $150 or $200 for over-weight bicycles. And a lot of those would probably be people who didn't read the fine print and showed up at the airport thinking it was free. Nobody's going to walk away from their vacation because of the fine print around baggage charges, even if it means an extra $300 apiece times multiple bikes. I suspect that mountain bikes take up a fair bit more cubic volume than road bikes in hard shell cases, so they can't afford loss leader pricing for mountain bikes, hence the 50 pound limit. Right now, especially with high demand for belly cargo space, I don't think they'll be all that motivated to raise the weight limit to 60 pounds or higher. I don't know how much a cardboard box weighs, but that plus a lot of bubble wrap might get you under the 50-pound limit. Might be OK for a cheaper MTB but I don't know if I would want to ship my S-Works Enduro that way.  

You won't be able to get under 50lbs with a soft shell case if your bike is already 30+lbs. As already mentioned, you'll have to remove parts from the bike to put into other bags. Or use a cardboard box.  

Loss leader my ass, it translates to profit gainer! They adhere to the Ferengi rules of acquisition fervently...  

Pack the frame separately from the wheels and fork. Twice the bags, twice the headache, and very little cost savings--the airlines will charge you for additional bags as well.  

I make sure to fly Southwest when I fly with a bike. $75 and it's good up to 100lbs. They have flown several of my bikes around the country with me, no issues to date.  

I fly with bikes a lot. But they are super light XC bikes, which makes that limit possible. It really depends on how sticky the airline is about weight limits. Some airlines most airlines are good as long as your bike is around 50lbs. Others make you pay a fee if you are over. Just keep it under 70lbs, over that and you run into issues.  

20lbs is a heavy soft bag. Mine weighs about 13lbs so I can fit my 35lb or so XL 29er in there as long as I have another bag to put tools and pedals in.  

I don't know where you are, but for us the major carrier is Delta. I have a skymiles card and get free checked baggage, bikes included, with no overweight baggage fees. No way I could easily get it all packed up and under 50lbs.  

This won't help most but I have the Delta Skymiles Platinum card and I get two free bags up to 70lb. I normally check in a buddy's bike when we fly because of the 50lb limit. Before this my buddy had to pay $150 extra because his bag was 57lb….7lb over their limit. I would’ve sat there in line and taken everything I could’ve out of the bag to avoid that. The notion that airlines set the limit at 50 to gouge mountain bikers is laughable. Surely way under 1% checked bags are mountain bikes.  

It's mostly about cashing in on tourists, at least from who I see get charged the extra when I'm traveling.  

I've never heard of a weight limit, just a flat fee. I fly with a hardshell Trico case and stuff that thing with all my gear. I used to ship ahead but it's either pay $100 or $50 each way to Europe or $700ish to ship each way these days. What irritates me is golf clubs fly for free but my bikes and surfboards cost a fee.  

milehi said: What irritates me is golf clubs fly for free but my bikes and surfboards cost a fee. Click to expand...

Sounds like you got a hella-heavy "soft" case. I can pack an enduro bike in my Evoc case, although I do take the rotors and pedals off and this assumes an air shock. If you need to lose more weight, take the seatpost out, the chain off if you have a quick-link, stem, handlebar even if you need. My fat-bike is a lot lighter than my other bikes, but the volume is the hard part. An original bike-box would probably be the best, but I wouldn't put it past the airline for an oversize change...since it is so...oversize. The overweight on the other hand, that can get crazy depending on the airline.  

Huh. The Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro is listed at 22 lbs. Not accurate? Do you have a case you suggest?  

I flew a good deal this summer with my XXL hightower. Only took my light carbon wheels. used an Evoc bag on all flights. I put the pedals, chain, and tube pack in my checked baggage. I was 49.999lbs every time. HOWEVER I was flying back from Bentonville and got lazy. I left the chain on. The dude at the counter asked my wife and I if we were there to MTB. We said it was the ONLY reason we came. He smiled and told us to have a nice day while he lifted the bag a scootch. Bentonville WANTS you there. Work of caution: Evoc bags and 29 x 2.6 tires are an outright battle royale. It works but is sweat inducing.  

My Evoc bag is usually right at or just barely over 50 lbs with my bike in it. I'm usually checking another bag with bike gear/tools, so I remove the rotors, axles, pedals, and whatever other small parts necessary to get to 50 lbs and put those parts in the other checked bag. Removing the rotors is important aside from the weight; they are almost guaranteed to get bent in transit if you leave them on the wheels. I learned this lesson once, and that'll be the last time I waste time truing rotors immediately after arriving to a riding destination... Sometimes my wife flies with me and brings her bike, which is smaller and lighter than mine. This lets me swap her lighter wheels into my bike's bag and my wheels into her bike’s bag, getting both of our bags at or below 50 lbs. There is some risk to doing this, as one lost bike bag would mean zero rideable bikes. Thankfully I haven't run into this problem. While it is definitely smart to get your bag below the weight limit, what actually happens at the bag check counter depends mostly on the individual person checking you in, more so than the airline's official policy. I've had everything from no charge when there probably should've been a charge, up to ~$150 or so per bike. I also had a guy (in Bentonville, actually) who wanted to charge me overweight at 50.1 lbs, so I removed some extra parts from the bike while in line... Its a total crapshoot in my experience. Note that TSA will definitely open the bike bag, and most likely not re-pack it correctly. Just be prepared for this.  

crj5 said: Note that TSA will definitely open the bike bag, and most likely not re-pack it correctly. Just be prepared for this. Click to expand...

Question for those of you who travel with bikes: I'm wanting to fly from Minnesota to Sedona this winter to ride. It'll be my first biking trip that I fly vs road trip. Is it better to fly with the bike or ship it to the hotel? Any other tips for traveling with a bike (other than the above 25 posts) would be helpful. Thanks!  

%100 fly with it. It will be cheaper even If you have to pay the overweight fee.  

Put it in a cardboard box and disassemble as necessary. My ~32lb hardtail + tools and gear and some clothes added up to around 45lbs and no damage at either end of the flight.  

Put some bigger wings, like Paulie Gualtieri, your bike should fly with more ease.  

Take your bike to weight watchers and stop feeding it fast food! 😉  

You guys burn insane amounts of fossil fuels in a plane just to take a bike ride? I though bikes would be good for the environment...  

Yeah just ride your bikes across the ocean!  

I've been using a Pika Packworks softbag that only weighs around 12lbs (IIRC) and have never had an issue being over 50lbs.  

Looks like a nice bag! Can't tell if it has wheels or not? Does it also keep you under the size limit of 62 linear inches? Or do they just get you on that instead of the weight?  

Just ride a bike like this and the weight limit is never a problem  

Attachments

A friend of mine has a Moonmen that is similar however, the rear triangle is also removable. Very unique.  

[/QUOTE] Funny picture but it's not doing him any good. Physics.  

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Sports equipment

Find out if you can bring your sporting equipment on board with you, check it in to your baggage allowance or if you need to take extra steps before you travel. From golf clubs to pedal bikes, diving equipment and more, explore how we can help make your journey as easy as possible.

Looking for something else? Visit our baggage hub

No matter if you’re a golfer, a rock climber, deep sea diver or snowboarder, there’s plenty of space for your weird and wonderful items. Just tell us you are bringing your sporting equipment by using our online chat via our contacts page as soon as you have booked your flight.

If you’ve already used your free checked baggage allowance, you may have to pay to put extra bags in the hold.

Anything heavier or larger than the maximum checked baggage dimensions must be shipped as cargo.

What sports equipment are you bringing?

Need to go over the weight and size limits? No problem. Heavy and big items can be shipped as cargo .

The only exception is a pedal bike box, which can be taken as checked baggage. Just let us know you’re bringing it beforehand.

We know how precious and valuable your equipment is, so make sure it’s packed securely and that you have adequate travel insurance.

Some sharp, electrical or potentially dangerous items aren’t allowed on board the aircraft. It’s best to contact us to check or have a look at our list of restricted items.

You can take non-motorised, non-electric pedal bicycles or push bikes in a bicycle cover or box on our flights. They count as one item of your checked baggage allowance.

If you’re on our Economy Basic fare, which has no hold baggage allowance, or you’ve already used your free  checked baggage allowance , you’ll have to pay to put your bike and container in the hold as an  extra checked bag .

What size bike can you bring?

We need to know how big your bike container is and how much it weighs.

Your bike can be transported in a hard-shell box or padded bike bag up to 190 x 95 x 65 cm (75 x 37.5 x 25.5 in).

A bike box or bag is considered an oversize or out-of-gauge bag. You’ll need to check your bike in and drop it off at the airport out-of-gauge bag drop at least 90 minutes before your flight departs for it to be more likely to travel with you.

Let us know you’re bringing your bike

As soon as you’ve booked your flight, let us know that you’re bringing your bike by using the online chat on our  Help page .

Please do this as soon as possible, as some flights are very popular with cyclists. Your bike is more likely to travel with you if  you tell us  in advance, and at least three days (more than 72 hours) before you fly.

Travelling with your bike

Please ensure your bike is clearly labelled with your details on the outside and inside of its cover or box, preferably fastened to the bike frame.

Clothes and other personal items must not be packed in your bike cover or box. This may cause delays during security screening or mean your bike cannot travel. 

You can take most items as part of your checked baggage allowance if it’s packed in a recognised kit bag and doesn’t exceed the maximum size and weight for checked baggage. 

Accepted items are: 

• Scuba regulator
• Tank harness
• Tank pressure gauge (pressure-sensitive devices may need special packaging; refer to the manufacturer for advice)
• Buoyancy control device
• Weight belt
• Cylinder tank 
• Diving lamps 

Cylinder tanks must be empty and presented at check-in for inspection. Spear guns and harpoons must be packed separately

If you’re taking a diving lamp, please  contact us  at least 24 hours before you travel to get approval. Please remove the bulb or fuse and pack it separately from the power source.

Golfing equipment packed in a protective golf bag, or hard case, can be taken as one item of your checked baggage allowance if your ticket includes baggage in the hold.

Your golf bag may include items such as a set of golf clubs, a golf umbrella, a dozen balls, golf tees and a pair of golf shoes.

As it is larger than our standard checked bag, it is considered an  oversize or out-of-gauge bag . You’ll need to get to the airport early to check the golf bag in and drop it off at the airport out-of-gauge bag drop at least 90 minutes before your flight departs for it to be more likely to travel with you.

If you're travelling on our Economy Basic fare, which has no hold baggage allowance, or you’ve already used your  free checked baggage allowance, you’ll have to pay to put your golf bag in the hold as an  extra checked bag . The best price is available online, before you get to the airport where the full charge will be applied.

If you carry your golf umbrella or any large umbrella or parasol separately, it will need to be checked in and will count as an item of checked baggage. You may have to pay a fee if you are over your free baggage weight or number allowance.

Let us know you’re bringing your golf bag

As soon as you’ve booked your flight,  let us know that you’re bringing your golf bag by using the online chat on our Help page. 

Please do this as soon as possible, as some flights are very popular with golfers. Your golf bag is more likely to travel with you if you tell us in advance and at least three days (more than 72 hours) before you fly.

You can travel with firearms as checked baggage under very specific conditions.

You must  contact us  at least 72 hours before you fly to request approval and to comply with any government embargoes and restrictions. If you don’t contact us, your equipment won’t be allowed on board. Read more about  firearms requirements .

You can take skiing or snowboarding equipment as part of your checked baggage so long as the bag is within 190 x 75 x 65cm.

Skis and snowboards must be packed in a protective bag and can be in the same bag as your boots or clothes. 

If you pack your boots separately from your skis or snowboard, your boot bag can be carried as your larger piece of hand baggage if it's within the correct dimensions . If it isn't, it must be checked in and will count as an extra checked bag.

For safety reasons you can’t board the aircraft wearing ski boots.

Let us know you are bringing your snow sports bag

As soon as you have made your booking,  let us know that you’re bringing your snow sport bag, especially if you know that you are on a popular snow sport route. Your snow sport bag is more likely to travel with you if you tell us in advance and at least three days (more than 72 hours) before you fly. 

A snow sport bag is an oversize or out-of-gauge bag so check your snow sport bag in and drop it off at the out-of-gauge baggage belt no later than 90 minutes before your flight departs so it is more likely to travel with you. 

You can take short surfboards and small kayaks with paddles in a protective bag as part of your checked baggage as long as the packed bag is under 190cm in length. Clothes and other personal items must not be packed in with your equipment.

Larger surfboards, kayaks, canoes and paddles need to be booked in as  cargo .

Items such as tennis or squash rackets, collapsed fishing rods or billiard/snooker/pool cues, hockey sticks or traditional skateboard decks cannot be carried as part of your hand baggage due to their length, as they generally over the 56cm length limit of  items in the cabin .

In addition, they may not be permitted through many airport security points across our network.

These sporting items need to be carried in the hold, so it’s best to pack them in a protective bag or pack them in your suitcase.  

Each piece packed separately counts as an extra item towards your total baggage allowance and you may be charged for extra bags if you exceed your free checked baggage allowance.

Electric skateboards are not permitted on our aircraft at all, either in the cabin or in the hold, due to the unstable nature of  lithium batteries .

Travelling on partner airlines

If your flight number begins with anything other than ‘BA’ (e.g. AA123456X), you’re flying with one of our partners and your baggage allowances may be different.

If a journey with connecting flights includes ‘BA’ and other airline codes, your baggage allowance is generally determined by the airline that operates the longest flight in your itinerary.

Please note: SUN-AIR: You can take 1 checked bag up to 90 x 75 x 43cm (35.5 x 29.5 x 16in) and 23kg (51lb).

American Airlines

Japan airlines, qatar airways, china southern airlines.

Suspension travel: Understanding fork length and how it affects your mountain bike

Forks come in varying lengths of suspension travel and stanchion sizes, this is what they mean for your riding

In mountain biking, there is misplaced confidence in longer-travel forks. With your front wheel having to steer and balance traction on those big trail features and steep descents, the logic is often that more suspension travel is better. But is this the case?

To better understand how the suspension travel of the best mountain bike forks influences your riding and what should be best for your trails, you need to understand the relationship between terrain absorption and trail feedback.

Modern mountain bike geometries are designed explicitly around suspension travel. For example, the best XC forks for cross-country mountain bikes are short-travel forks as the trails are relatively smooth and comprise lots of climbing. They need to be light and responsive while still providing a decent range of compression.

As you move through the various types of mountain bikes, fork travel requirements change. The weight, stanchion thickness, and travel all increase to meet the demands of each discipline – and longer forks aren’t superior in every application.

Cross-country: 100-120mm travel, 30-32mm stanchion diameter

Shorter travel forks are generally aimed at cross-country mountain biking , designed to balance performance, lightweight and just enough suspension travel to help smooth out bumpy singletrack. 

Cross-country forks can work with narrower 30-32mm stanchions because the upper tubes aren’t exposed to much leverage. This helps to keep the overall fork weight down.

But why shouldn’t you fit a cross-country mountain bike , recommended for maximum fork travel of 120mm, with a 130mm fork? Isn’t that a great idea? Not really.

Any increase in fork travel will slacken the bike and shorten its reach. Slacker head angles boost confidence in steep descending terrain, but they make a mountain bike less agile at climbing technical singletrack as well as unbalancing the bike by moving the rider's weight backward. It will also raise the bottom bracket which will cause the bike to feel less planted and confident in corners.

For many years 100-120mm forks were designed either as ultralight racing components or cheap beginner bike suspension. That has changed with the popularity of downcountry and there are now 120mm forks that have much stiffer crowns.

Consider the terrain you are riding. A 100- to 120mm lightweight cross-country fork will be ideal if your trails are smooth and flowing. The shorter suspension travel gives a more responsive feel and you’ll enjoy greater trail feedback through the handlebar and grips.

Shorter suspension travel forks also bob less when climbing up steep trails in a standing position. Many short travel forks further support climbing with the addition of a lockout switch.

Trail: 120-150mm travel, 34mm stanchion diameter

The best trail mountain bike market is probably the most competitive category in mountain biking and these bikes are often ridden right up to their design capabilities.

Reasonably efficient climbers and confident descending bikes, the trail machine is a hybrid between cross-country and enduro. And as you would expect, it needs a fork with more travel and stiffness than those 100-120mm options.

There has been significant development with the Fox 34 in recent years. RockShox has reacted too with its latest Pike range, blending 35mm stanchions with low fork weight.

At 150mm of suspension travel, you are probably pushing the limits of what a 34mm stanchion can deal with, especially for aggressive trail riding. The sweet spot for suspension travel and stanchion size for trail bikes would be 130- to 140mm.

Yet again, it is a tale of less being more. If you use a 34mm stanchion fork at the upper reaches of its travel, there might be a higher risk of terrain-induced steering deflection due to flex. Those roots and rocks can ping you offline, despite being sure of your steering inputs.

Too much travel can also dull the feedback of your trail bike. We recommend that a trail fork ideally have 34mm stanchions, at 130-140mm, for a 29er - possibly, up to 150mm, for the smaller 27.5in wheel size.

As fork travel increases with trail bikes, the latitude of responsiveness from your damper becomes more complex. You will see premium trail bike forks offering high- and low-speed compression adjustment, allowing riders to balance full travel benefits on gnarly terrain without having the fork dive too much in high-speed berms. 

Enduro: 150-180mm travel, 35-38mm stanchion diameter

The fork stiffness formula is simple: when adding more suspension travel increase stanchion size.

Single-crown fork design has had to go longer, with the best enduro mountain bikes now ripping down terrain once reserved for downhill rigs. RockShox and Fox introduced 38mm stanchion single-crown forks last year, especially for the riding demands of enduro mountain biking .

Having more travel is great but potentially useless if the fork internals can’t make the best use of it. That 180mm enduro fork is pointless if it blows through its travel or is entirely unresponsive to small-bump impacts.

With 150- to 180mm single-crown forks, you don’t need a lockout control for climbing, but you want to control the multiple channels of compression and rebound. Balancing the increased leverage effect and fork dive under braking in steep terrain is the crucial enabler with long-travel single-crown forks.

As a forks suspension travel lengthens, set-up becomes crucial. This is why you'll find 150- to 180mm enduro single-crown forks with intricate compression and rebound adjusters and dials. These allow riders to make the best of all that travel by configuring the damping circuits and rebound to work across all terrain.

A decade ago, the idea of a 180mm single-crown fork that could provide an adequate compression platform for pedaling uphill was unfathomable. But today’s big-hitting 38mm single-crown forks are hugely adaptable, giving riders all the precise cornering support and cushioning when landing those huge drops or landings.

Downhill: 180-200mm travel, 40mm stanchion diameter

These are the largest forks you can buy with the most suspension travel and a dual-crown design to cushion the rider from the huge, repeated impacts when riding the most technically demanding descents possible.

With the amount of leverage involved at 200mm of travel, and considering how slack the best downhill mountain bikes are, the dual-crown design is crucial. There would be enormous flex issues if you were to produce a single-crown fork at 200mm of travel and ride it down very steep and technical terrain.

Downhill riders are less bothered by weight or climbing efficiency. This frees engineers to focus all their resources on making the stiffest structure containing sophisticated internals and valving.

The speeds that downhill bikes roll over highly technical terrain require exceptional torsional stiffness at the axle to prevent riders from being deflected off-line and crashing. That dual-crown structure increases the stiffness of these long-travel forks, although steering angle is reduced, at very low speeds.

Dual-crown forks are at the complete opposite spectrum of those short-travel,100-120mm forks, with nearly rigid lockout control. Downhill mountain biking is solely about descending, with huge dampers that react intuitively to terrain impacts and help maintain the front tire's contact with the ground when cornering and braking.

• Suspension 101 : Everything you need to know about your mountain bike suspension dials
• How to adjust mountain bike suspension

Lance Branquinho is a Namibian-born journalist who graduated to mountain biking after injuries curtailed his trail running. He has a weakness for British steel hardtails, especially those which only run a single gear. As well as Bike Perfect , Lance has written for MBR.com , Off-Road.cc and Cycling News.

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How Fast Can A Bike Go? The 4 Factors That Affect Bicycle Speeds

Bicycle speed is a fascinating subject because it contains several variables that might impact how quickly a bike can travel.

The sort of bike itself, the rider’s skill and fitness level, the terrain, the weather, and even the boundaries of what is feasible on two wheels are some of these variables.

We will go into these elements and examine the various facets of bicycle speed in greater detail in this post.

The Limits of Bicycle Speed:

There are physical restrictions to what is feasible on two wheels, even if all of the elements mentioned thus far can influence a bike’s speed to some extent.

The record-breaking bicycle speed is 133.78 mph, attained by Fred Rompelberg in 1995 while riding a modified bike with a streamlined fairing with a tailwind.

It should be emphasized that this speed was only attained under precise, controlled circumstances, therefore it may not be an accurate representation of what is feasible in normal riding circumstances.

Generally speaking, depending on the rider’s skill level and the terrain, the fastest speeds that can be reached on a bike without the help of external assistance like a motor or a downhill slope are likely to be in the region of 40-50 mph.

Types of Bikes and Their Top Speeds:

The type of bike a person rides is one of the key elements that affect their speed.

Each sort of bike has its own set of attributes that determine its capacity for speed and is created for a certain purpose.

For instance, road bikes are made to be quick and effective on paved surfaces.

To reduce wind resistance, they frequently include aerodynamic handlebars and frames, lightweight frames, and narrow tires.

Depending on their power output and aerodynamics, a fit and talented rider on a road bike might expect to reach speeds of about 30 to 40 mph on level terrain.

Mountain bikes, on the other hand, have wider tires, greater suspension, and a more upright riding position because they are made for off-road terrain.

Mountain bikes may still travel at a high pace on downhill portions of trails even though they are slower than road bikes on paved surfaces.

On steep, smooth slopes, an experienced mountain biker on a downhill bike can travel at speeds of up to 50 mph.

Although hybrid bikes, which combine elements of both road and mountain bikes, are adaptable and useful for a range of tasks, they are often slower than either road or mountain bikes on their respective surfaces.

Rider Ability and Fitness:

The speed of a bike is significantly influenced by the rider’s skill and degree of fitness.

A rider who is more competent and fit will typically be able to produce more power and ride quicker than a rider who is less skilled or fit.

In road cycling, where the rider’s aerodynamics and power output may significantly affect speed, this is particularly true.

Body weight and position, in addition to knowledge and fitness, can have an impact on a bike’s speed.

All other factors being equal, a lighter rider will typically be able to reach higher speeds than a heavier rider.

Similar to this, a rider would typically be able to travel quicker than one who is sitting erect on the bike if they are squatting low and in an aerodynamic stance.

There are a number of methods one can use to increase their biking skills and fitness.

Training and practicing riding a bike can help to increase competence and confidence while also enhancing muscle strength and endurance.

A balanced diet and consistent exercise can also help to increase general fitness and help you perform better on the bike.

Furthermore, it’s critical to ride within one’s comfort zone and be conscious of one’s own limitations.

The danger of accidents and injuries can be increased by pushing oneself too hard or trying to ride above one’s capabilities.

Riders can increase their skill and fitness over time and reach higher speeds on the bike by balancing training and practice with rest and recovery.

Terrain and Conditions:

A bike’s speed can also be significantly influenced by the terrain and the weather. Gravity inherently causes a bike to travel faster on flat or downhill terrain.

The rider’s power output and the gradient of the hill, however, will limit a bike’s top speed when traveling uphill.

Similar to how a rider’s speed can be influenced by wind conditions, a bike’s speed can likewise be increased by a tailwind and decreased by a headwind.

The traction and stability of a bike can be impacted by rain, snow, and other bad weather, which can therefore have an impact on its speed.

For instance, slick pavement can make a bike slip or slide, and loose sand or gravel might impair stability and traction.

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Personal Injury Navigating Electric Bike Laws in Florida: A Law Guide

• October 24, 2023

PORCARO LAW: Navigating Electric Bike Laws in Florida: A Law Guide

In recent years, electric bikes (e-bikes) have taken Florida, and the entire nation, by storm. These sleek and eco-friendly two-wheelers have become a favorite mode of transportation for many, offering a convenient and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional bicycles and gas-guzzling vehicles.

With the surge in electric bike popularity comes the need for riders to understand and adhere to Florida’s e-bike laws. Whether you’re a seasoned e-bike enthusiast or considering buying an electric bike in the near future, knowing the legal framework governing these machines is crucial. Compliance ensures not only your safety but also the safety of others sharing the road.

The attorneys at Porcaro Law Group understand the intricacies of electric bike laws in Florida. We’ll break down the rules, rights, and responsibilities of e-bike riders, providing you with a clear understanding of how to navigate the roads within the bounds of the law. Whether you’re curious about where you can ride your e-bike or wondering about licensing requirements, we’ve got you covered. 

So, let’s explore Florida’s e-bike regulations and ensure you can ride legally and confidently in the Sunshine State.

Florida’s E-bike Classifications

Three recognized e-bike classes.

In Florida, electric bikes are classified into three distinct categories, each with its own set of regulations and capabilities. Understanding these classes is essential for compliant and safe e-bike usage:

Class 1: Encompasses e-bikes equipped with a motor that provides assistance solely when the rider pedals, disengaging when the e-bike reaches 20 miles per hour .

Class 2: Refers to e-bikes featuring a motor that can be used for propulsion independently, without pedaling, and ceases assistance at 20 miles per hour . Typically equipped with a throttle, these e-bikes are often referred to as throttle assist.

Class 3: Designates e-bikes with a motor that assists only while the rider pedals, terminating assistance at 28 miles per hour .

Differentiating between e-bikes, mopeds, and motorcycles is important, as these vehicles have varying legal requirements and privileges on Florida’s roadways. E-bikes, as noted, have speed limitations depending on their class. In the United States, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are usually limited to 20 miles per hour (mph), while Class 3 e-bikes can go up to 28 mph. These speed limits are typically enforced through the e-bike motor assistance. 

Distinguishing E-bikes from Mopeds/Motorcycles

The main differences between electric bikes (e-bikes) and mopeds/motorcycles are based on their design, speed capabilities, licensing requirements, and road usage. Here’s a breakdown of the distinctions:

Design and Pedal Assistance:

Electric Bikes : E-bikes are designed to provide pedal assistance, meaning the motor assists the rider’s pedaling effort. They have pedals and can be ridden like regular bicycles, with the option to use the motor for added assistance. 

Mopeds: Mopeds are equipped with a gasoline engine or electric motor. They are powered by the engine alone, with a footrest platform for easy riding. 

Motorcycles: Motorcycles are two-wheeled vehicles with no pedals. They are powered solely by internal combustion engines or electric motors and do not rely on human pedaling for propulsion.

Electric Bikes: E-bikes typically have speed limitations depending on their class. In the United States, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are usually limited to 20 miles per hour (mph), while Class 3 e-bikes can go up to 28 mph. 

Mopeds: Mopeds can have higher speeds, often reaching 30 mph or more . They are capable of sustained motor-powered operation at low speed.

Motorcycles: Motorcycles have varying speed capabilities, with some models capable of exceeding highway speeds. They are designed for high-speed travel and are not limited by low-speed restrictions.

Licensing and Registration:

Electric Bikes: In Florida, e-bikes do not require a special license or registration, and riders generally do not need a motorcycle endorsement. They are treated more like traditional bicycles in terms of legal requirements and as of 2023, there is no age limitation to operate.

Mopeds: Mopeds may require a special license, registration, and insurance, depending on local regulations. Riders may need a specific moped license or endorsement on their driver’s license. In Delray Beach, specifically, you do not need to be registered with FLHSMV nor wear a helmet if over the age of 16. 

Motorcycles: Operating a motorcycle requires registration and insurance under Florida law. Riders must register with FLHSMV to legally operate a motorcycle on Florida streetways. 

Road Usage:

Electric Bikes: E-bikes are often allowed on bicycle lanes and paths in South Florida, and they are subject to the same rules as bicycles in many areas.

Mopeds: Mopeds may be allowed on roads and streets, but they are subject to specific regulations and restrictions, including where they can be ridden. According to Florida statutes, a moped driver must drive as close to the curb or right edge of the roadway as possible, unless making a left turn.

Motorcycles : Motorcycles are allowed on roads and highways, and they must adhere to all traffic laws applicable to motor vehicles.

Other Rules

Recent legislation, under section 316.20655 of Florida statutes, grants e-bikes the same rights and responsibilities as bicycles. Meaning, e-bikes can be ridden on various paths, including bike lanes, streets and sidewalks under Florida law. They are also exempt from state registration, auto insurance, and licensing requirements. 

In addition, e-bikes produced after January 1, 2021, must display a permanent label with classification details. Tampering with these details is prohibited unless modifications are recorded on a new label. 

To enhance safety and promote responsible road sharing, it’s essential to note that in Florida, motor vehicle operators must provide a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing an e-bike rider, similar to the requirement for bicyclists outlined in section 316.083. E-bike riders are categorized as ‘vulnerable road users’ under section 316.027, which pertains to accidents resulting in injury or fatalities.

Age, Licensing, and Safety for E-Bike Riders in Florida:

Age restrictions for e-bike riders in florida.

In Florida, there are currently no specific age restrictions for operating e-bikes. Unlike mopeds or motorcycles, which may have age requirements, e-bikes can generally be ridden by individuals of any age. However, it’s crucial for parents and guardians to ensure that younger riders have the necessary skills and maturity to operate e-bikes safely.

Driver’s License Requirements for E-Bike Operation

E-bike riders in Florida are not required to have a driver’s license to operate their e-bikes. These vehicles are classified as bicycles, and therefore, no special licensing is necessary. This accessibility makes e-bikes an attractive option for individuals who may not have a driver’s license or are looking for an alternative mode of transportation.

Emphasizing Helmet and Safety Regulations

While Florida law does not mandate helmet use for e-bike riders over the age of 16, it is strongly recommended for safety purposes. Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident. Therefore, all riders, regardless of age, are encouraged to follow safe riding practices, obey traffic rules, and exercise caution when operating their e-bikes on public roads and paths.

Riding on Florida’s Roads

Where e-bikes are allowed to operate.

E-bikes in Florida are generally allowed to operate in the following areas:

• Streets and Roads
• Multi-Use Paths

Understanding Speed Limits and Restrictions

E-bike speed limits in Florida are class-dependent:

• Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are generally limited to 20 miles per hour (mph) when using motor assistance.
• Class 3 e-bikes can provide motor assistance up to 28 mph.

It’s important to note that e-bike riders should respect and comply with posted speed limits on specific roads and paths. Also, e-bikes should not be modified to exceed these speed limits, as it may result in legal issues.

Navigating Traffic and Signaling Best Practices

When riding e-bikes in Florida, it’s essential to follow traffic laws and practice safe riding behaviors, such as:

• Obeying traffic signals: Stop at red lights and stop signs, and yield the right-of-way as required.
• Signaling turns: Use hand signals to indicate turns and lane changes.
• Riding with traffic: Always ride in the same direction as traffic, on the right-hand side of the road.
• Staying visible: Wear bright clothing and use lights, especially during low-light conditions.
• Avoiding distractions: Refrain from using electronic devices while riding.
• Giving right of way: Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
• Riding predictably: Maintain a steady line and avoid sudden maneuvers.

E-bike riders remain eligible to receive Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance benefits if they are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, ensuring that they have coverage in case of injury.

Recap of Essential Electric Bike Laws in Florida

In conclusion, it’s crucial to remember the essential e-bike laws in Florida:

• E-bikes are treated as bicycles and can be ridden in bike lanes, on streets, and on sidewalks (with caution).
• Speed limits vary by e-bike class, with Class 1 and Class 2 limited to 20 mph and Class 3 up to 28 mph.
• E-bike riders should follow all traffic laws, including signaling turns and obeying traffic signals.
• Helmets are recommended for all riders and safety should always be a top priority.

Invitation to Seek Legal Assistance for E-Bike-Related Matters

If you ever have questions or encounter legal issues related to e-bike use in Florida, we invite you to contact Porcaro Law Group . Navigating the complex world of e-bike regulations and potential legal matters can be challenging, and our team is here to help.

Assurance That Our Law Office Can Provide Guidance and Support for E-Bike Riders in Florida

At Porcaro Law, we are fully dedicated to offering guidance and support to e-bike riders throughout Florida. Whether you seek clarity on e-bike regulations, require legal assistance, or need advice on safety measures, our team of personal injury attorneys are here to assist you. Your safety and legal rights are our utmost concern, and we are committed to ensuring that you can fully enjoy the advantages of e-bike riding while staying compliant with the law.

Are electric bikes legal in Florida?

Yes, electric bikes are legal in Florida. They are classified as bicycles, and their use is regulated under state law.

Do you need a license for an electric bike in Florida?

No, you do not need a driver’s license or any special license to operate an electric bike in Florida. E-bikes are treated like traditional bicycles in this regard.

Are electric bikes allowed on Florida roads and sidewalks?

Yes, electric bikes are generally allowed on Florida roads, streets, and sidewalks. However, riders should be aware of local ordinances and regulations that may apply to sidewalk riding, as well as exercise caution when sharing space with pedestrians.

What are the speed limits for electric bikes in Florida?

Electric bike speed limits in Florida are class-dependent:

• Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are typically limited to 20 miles per hour (mph) when using motor assistance.

Are helmets mandatory for electric bike riders in Florida?

Helmets are not mandatory for electric bike riders over the age of 16 in Florida. However, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended as a safety measure, especially for all riders.

How are electric bikes classified and regulated in Florida?

Electric bikes in Florida are classified into three main classes:

• Class 1: E-bikes with a motor that assists only when the rider pedals, and assistance ceases at 20 mph.
• Class 2: E-bikes with a motor that can be used exclusively for propulsion (no pedaling required), and assistance stops at 20 mph.
• Class 3: E-bikes with a motor that assists while the rider pedals, and assistance stops at 28 mph.

These classes are regulated under Section 316.20655 of the Florida Statutes, and e-bikes are afforded the same rights and privileges as bicycles while being exempt from registration, insurance, and licensing requirements.

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Flying with a Bike on Air Canada (Updated 11/2022)

By Elias Howe November 02, 2022

The Bottom Line on Taking a Bike on Air Canada:

Our team of highly specialized bicycle travel scientists give Air Canada a Bicycle Flight Grade (BFG) of A- . Standard baggage allowance and checked bag fees are in line with other major airlines. A carry-on bag is included, which is always nice. The bicycle handling fee of $50-59 is actually pretty reasonable, especially since it exempts you from the standard size and weight requirements.

Air Canada Baggage and Bicycle Policies at a Glance:

Please note that this information is subject to change and may not reflect the most recent information available on Air Canada's website. (Updated 11/1/22) 

*Each way, for Economy Class tickets. Included for Premium Economy service and above. 

1 Each way, size/weight limits become 115in (292cm) / 70lbs (32kg)  

A few general notes on flying with a bicycle: 

A few things to keep in mind when flying with a bike on Air Canada actually apply to all airlines. It’s important to come to the airport prepared with a knowledge of airline policies and procedures. Screenshots or printouts of relevant information can come in handy to help clarify these policies for less well-versed airline employees.  It’s also prudent to take baggage policies into account when planning a trip and buying tickets. Why take the budget airline if they are sticklers at the baggage counter and will likely charge you double or triple to fly with your bike? 

Lastly, a true Airport Ninja knows that airline employees don’t always play by the book, and this can both help us and hurt us as customers. Many gate agents will never look twice as your bags, while others are vigilantes who play fast and loose with the tape measure. Checking in early, approaching a well-rested-looking ticketing agent and being very polite, or using curbside check-in and offering a small tip are all strategies that can all help turn the odds in your favor.  For more advice on how to be an Airport Ninja, see our blog Ninja Tutelage Lesson 1 - What's in the Bag?

As always, your best chance to avoid paying fees is to pack your bike in the smallest possible bike case, especially one with no obvious markings that indicate that it is a bike. This is where the Orucase Airport Ninja comes to the rescue. Designed and tested by professional cyclists to minimize or even eliminate excess baggage fees. Become an Airport Ninja Today. 

• Tags: Airline Guide

Flying with a Bike on United Airlines (Updated 11/2022)

Flying with a Bike on Frontier Airlines (Updated 11/2022)