preventec47

I was thinking of purchasing a used bike long distance. I was thinking going to a bicycle store and getting one of their used boxes .... of course call first

Where else would you get a box or how do you package a bicycle ? What kind of costs to expect if I am not in a hurry. UPS, I assume ?
Any other options ?

I am just preparing for how I could advise the seller to minimize damage and keep his costs low etc.

veganbikes

I would generally not recommend buying a used bike long distance unless you have someone at the other end you trust to inspect it and make sure it is right. Loads of high quality pictures can be great (if they are even provided) but aren't a substitute for actual checking out the bike and that screaming deal is probably only screaming because something is wrong or stolen. Buy local if you are buying used and make sure you know what you are doing or have someone with you that truly knows what they are doing. Keep in mind the bicycle commuting friend probably doesn't know much about bikes and won't be as helpful as you think. I have seen enough commuter bikes in rough shape or beyond rough shape and talked with enough commuter friends that I can say they might be really nice people but bikes aren't their field of expertise. For how to commute sure but maintaining bikes and knowing about more than just the generally one bike they own, not so much.

If you are reading this and looking to ship a bike, BikeFlights generally has cheap shipping for all sorts of bike related stuff and generally if given some time most local shops can box it for you (be nice and don't rush us please) or get you a box and so long as you wrap everything well, you should be ok. Plenty of info online for best boxing practices.

indyfabz

Why would you be getting a box for a bike you are purchasing from far away?

badger1

I think the idea would be that the op will use his Heavy Bike (with Short Reach shifters) to travel far away, to where the seller is located. He will tow the special bike box in a trailer, along with his Bike-Boat -- which he will use for any water crossings encountered in this journey. He will deliver the bike box to the seller, and then return to his home base, to await receipt of the used bike from long distance.

This strikes me as an extraordinarily efficient exercise, and of course the fitness benefits of riding the Heavy Bike are undeniable.

preventec47

You can re read my very last sentence.. which was "I am just preparing for how I could advise the seller to minimize damage and keep his costs low etc."

tomato coupe

Now I understand why he wears a hockey helmet when riding.

indyfabz

You also wrote this:

"I was thinking going to a bicycle store and getting one of their used boxes .... "

That's more than offering advice. That's getting a box for an alleged seller and getting it to him. A free box, no less, so the bit about keeping costs low is inanity

You're not good...or amusing. "Oh, what a tangled web we weave...." Maybe getting to bed earlier would help, but I kind of doubt it.

Time to supplement the iggy list.

P.S. BF shows when you edit a post. You added that last sentence at 1:14 a.m., long after I responded, and three minutes before you replied to my post. Hmmm.....

unterhausen

Bike shops will usually save a box if you ask. Depends on how much room they have