Shipping a bike to the USA

[montage]

In a couple of weeks I'll be moving to the USA for about a year, and I'd like to ship my bike out there - does anybody have any recommendations as to what company to use, and how to pack the bike? (A solid bike box may be problematic as there are storage limitations when there) - if those cost to ship it out there and back is too high, then perhaps I would be better off buying a bike out there and flogging it come the end of the year?


Edit: Apologies for the typo in the title

 

[Dayvo]

To be honest, Monty, I'd recommend buying a new bike there (if you've got a few spare quid).

I bought a CAAD 10 105 (as the whole CC world knows ) in DC and it was sveral hundred pounds cheaper than in England.

You could probably get hold of a good second-hand bike, too, although I do understand you wanting to take your own bike over.

As regards cost, just check the airline you're flying with, and look at the charges for transporting sporting goods.

I don't know about using a shipping company.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I bought a CAAD3 in the 90s for half UK price and bought it back on the plane. As check-in baggage, they wouldn't let me put it in the overhead locker!

If you are taking one over though just buy a purpose made case.

 

[Red Light]

Take it with you as luggage. It'll be far cheaper than having it shipped and all you need is a CTC poly bag to put it in. Depending on which airline it is it may be free.

But buying out there if you are going to use it for a year (and hence tax and duty free when you bring it back) is worth seriously considering. Think $ for £ in the pricing.

 

[MacB]

Another vote for buying one out there and then just sell or bring back as luggage, you could even invest in a bike travel case for the return leg.

On buying one I'd just grab a cheapo hack to start with and then do some serious research into what you might want and what the local marketplace is like. When I've been on US bike forums I've seen some, to us, crazy low prices on secondhand high spec kit/bikes.

 

[Red Light]

Another vote for buying one out there and then just sell or bring back as luggage, you could even invest in a bike travel case for the return leg.

On buying one I'd just grab a cheapo hack to start with and then do some serious research into what you might want and what the local marketplace is like. When I've been on US bike forums I've seen some, to us, crazy low prices on secondhand high spec kit/bikes.

Agree with the caveat that make sure you know what you are buying. Bikes in the US market can have quite different specs from the same name bike in the UK market.

 

[Tollers]

When i moved over i flew BA and brought one of my bikes with me for just an extra 50 quid as oversize baggage. OK, admittedly i also got myself a lightweight case so i could keep it under 23kg. Now that i'm here, the case is used for storage of other bits and peices so it doesn't really take up any more room.

Where in US are you moving to Montage?

Tollers