achanez

Hi all - New to the forum, and hope I found the right category for this post.

I have been casually riding for about 10 years, but only recently for exercise. Before, it was just cruising around or getting from A to B. I signed up for Seattle to Portland, and shortly after, we found out my wife is pregnant, and decided we wanted to move to be closer to family before she gets into the third trimester. This means we are moving one month before STP.

I currently ride a ~2007 Specialized Allez Elite. With the big move, baby on the way, looking for a new job, etc., I am trying to make this ride as hassle free as possible. Currently, my plan is to leave my bike with my riding partner, try to buy a used bike of similar fit in California to train on for the month leading up to the ride, bring my Allez Elite back to CA with me after STP, and sell the used bike I bought for training. I'll have plenty of free time for my first week in California to find a bike and tune it up, but come race time, I imagine I will be flying out, riding, and flying back. Am I overthinking traveling with a bike, or do does my plan seem viable?

I tried to look into renting a road bike, and it seems like I could buy/sell for much cheaper, even if I were to buy a brand new entry level bike and sell it.

For reference of my mechanical aptitude, I just now started servicing my own bike, after spending more than I could afford at bike shops. Basic maintenance like derailleur adjustments, bottom bracket replacement, wheel and tire changes, etc.

Thanks in advanced!

HerrKaLeun

I assume you have a moving truck for all the other crap. Why not just add the bike?

I'm no racer, but think one would want to train with the exact bike one is racing. Same fit. Gearing etc.

achanez

It's not so much moving it down that is an issue, because I will eventually bring it down after the race, regardless. It is really the transport back up from California with the bike and having to worry about assembling it, any issues in transport, etc. I've only done one other organized ride, but it was local, so my experience both in organized rides and traveling with a bike are limited.

indyfabz

Overthinking/worrying. What assembly issues? You wrote that you can tune up a bike. The GF and I flew to Italy with boxed bikes. I "re-assembled" them with a multi tool. Same during the four Cycle Oregons I have done.

And as noted, you want to train on the bike you will be riding in STP.

achanez

Thanks, indy. I guess just getting into bike maintenance, I haven't quite gotten my confidence to know that I'll do fine packing it up/reassembling, but I think you're probably right, there's not much to it as long as I pack it carefully.

Cheers,
Andrew

TiHabanero

Aircaddy.com

Great reusable bike box that doesn't cost and arm and a leg. Works much like a car top fork mount bike carrier. Just remove the saddle and seat post together along with the front wheel and put it in the box.

The hardest thing about it is assembly of the box itself. Can be confusing, but is simply tab and slot assembly.

Gresp15C

This sounds like a perfect N+1 moment. Since it sounds like you will only need a new bike for a short time, but need to train for your race, you might be able to use a different kind of bike, i.e., anything that keeps your muscles and lungs in shape will suffice. For this reason, why not buy a different kind of bike, like maybe a hybrid or something that will be convenient for towing the baby in a trailer / tag-along when the time comes.

50PlusCycling

I have traveled a lot internationally with a bike. Hunt for a used case on eBay, Craigslist, or put a wanted sign on the bulletin board at your local bike shop. You might even try offering to rent a case. Try to get a bike case which does not look liked a bike case. You will have to pay an oversize bag fee. Most airlines charge a bicycle fee in addition. If they ask me what is in the case, I say "camera equipment." I'm not fooling anyone, but airline check staff think bike fees are as silly as bike riders do. When you are done with your ride, sell the bike case for what you paid for it.

Darth Lefty 

Buying a used bike at a moment's notice isn't too hard. Selling it at a moment's notice is a different story.