Having looked at a few other videos before first using my bikebox Alan for the first time, I can testify that this is clearer than many other videos out there. I bought the pull-along strap for an extra £18 & made manoeuvring through airport even easier. Beware, though sturdy, these nearly fill the average hatchback
Great Video Steve, I am about to pack my Aero box for the first time. I didn't realise until I bought the box that the bike goes in upside down. How were your hydraulics after being stored upside down for transit etc? Concerned that spending a fair bit of time upside could affect those.
For larger airlines, its not the overall size that is typically the problem but this is not true for some smaller or regional airlines where size limits are typically in the 70-80 inches/178 - 203 cm - NOTE: BBAA is 109 in./277cm inches which is well over some smaller/regional airline limits). Instead, it is the weight limit. The Bike Box Alan Aero is a very heavy bike box. From my experience the typical bike box limit weight with bike is 50 lbs. or 22.7 kilos on the low end and 60 lbs or 27.2 kilos on the high end. Anything over that weight is charged an over weight cost (or, not allowed in rare instances). My guess is that your box with the added gear is likely to approach 60lbs or 27 kg. since the bike and case combined weight (depending on frame size - 55cm/Med or larger) will alone be likely over or very close to 50 lbs/22.7 kg (including chain and pedals with 55cm/medium tri-frame). The goal should be to try and be under or close to 50lbs/22.7kg to avoid any potential issues with some airlines. That being said, most airlines are very liberal in their limit restrictions with regard to bikes but it is best not to test those limits to an extreme. Another issue that is seldom a problem but be prepared to explain is with regard to the battery in the bike (...only had this problem on a Asian flight). Any battery with GREATER than a100 watt hour (wH) battery and is NOT installed in the bike is not allowed in the cargo of a plane. However, the DI2 battery is less than 100 wH (if my memory is correct, the DI2 battery is 4 wH and INSTALLED). This meets both criteria (installed and under 100wH) to allow the bike battery to be allowed in the cargo. NOTE: You can NOT put extra batteries in the bike case. www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries-100-watt-hours-or-less-device However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) prohibits baggage with non-removable batteries that exceed 0.3 grams of lithium metal or 2.7 Wh for carriage. When the baggage is to be checked in, the lithium battery must be removed and carried in the cabin as a carry-on item. That being said, I have never had (or heard) of a problem with bike batteries being a problem in spite of the the watt hour for the DI2 exceeding the IATA limits. Also, the zip ties are mostly a waste of time from my experience. The agents who inspect the box will typically simply cut them off and the box will travel without any secured clamps. TSA lock(s) are the best (although, I have found one lock is sufficient). Inspectors will unlock and re-lock the case with an approved small TSA lock(s). I also seldom add anything but the bike and tools (...especially tools, since they can not be in carry-on baggage). Why? The inspectors will simply throw them back into the box in a way they can scratch or damage the bike. Plus, the added cushion is not enough to make a difference.. this is why the following is a better way to protect the bike. The culprit is loose small items and a lesser know issue with bladed spoked spokes packed in the BBAA. Blade spokes can scratch your bike even with the padding if you don't protect the frame directly (...same is true for the Velcro tie downs - but they are rub marks and not deep scratches). Note the padding has slots that are intended to allow added support for different wheel types (aero wheel vs. spoked wheels). These slots in the provided foam will allow contact of any bladed spoke to the frame that can scratch the bike. My suggestion is to wrap the bike with 80 gauge Min Stretch Plastic Wrap with Handles (especially around tie-down area and the where the wheels are locate adjacent to the bike frame). It is very easy to put on and easy to remove but adds a lot of protection since it can not shift. In contrast, bubble wrap or stuffed clothing shifts in the case and is likely to be removed by inspection and haphazardly thrown back into the box. The BBAA provided foam protection and Stretch Wrap Plastic will not be removed and stay firmly intact by design. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BZQVPXCL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 Finally, you should indicate the top vs. the bottom of the box. If not, I have had the inspectors open the box upside down and mess up the foam padding. To solve this problem, I added smiley face decals on the sides of the box arranged in a way that the smiley face is rotated in the correct position to indicate the top of the box (right sided smiley face) vs. bottom (upside down smiley face). This is more intuitive for the inspector and better than simply adding "TOP' and/or "BOTTOM" decals... which are mostly ignored.
Thx very helpful. Do you not get over the 23kg limit with all the extra stuff you pack in there? Also, what is size of your bike (for sizing reference)?
Glad you found it helpful (be sure to hit like too as helps my channel) - bike frame is 52 and re the extra weight - no always manage to keep it under - as despite looking bulky it is mainly training gear (light by nature), some runners and bubble wrap ;-)
Good video...but one point to share, I rent out Bike Box Alan's and would not recommend packing quite so many clothes and bits in with your bike. Typical airline weight limit is 23kg, a BBA aero easy fit is 13.5kg empty so with a 9kg bike you don't have much wiggle room. One client used his like a suitcase and got charged additional oversize luggage fees.
Fair point - I personally haven’t been caught out yet as the majority of the items I use as extra padding is light training gear eg I take the pedals in my carry on
Having looked at a few other videos before first using my bikebox Alan for the first time, I can testify that this is clearer than many other videos out there. I bought the pull-along strap for an extra £18 & made manoeuvring through airport even easier. Beware, though sturdy, these nearly fill the average hatchback
Good point on the car leg of the journey
Will check it out ... thanks for the demo
Welcome
Great video! I have a questons does one pull the cable ties tight on the box clasps when closing up the box?
Super Q - no need to pull too tight as want easy enough access to slip a scissors in to cut open 💪
Alan is a legend
We love Alan! Engineering genius
Great Video Steve, I am about to pack my Aero box for the first time. I didn't realise until I bought the box that the bike goes in upside down. How were your hydraulics after being stored upside down for transit etc? Concerned that spending a fair bit of time upside could affect those.
Used bike box A for 10 + races - never had an issue - your steed will be fine - good luck in your race
Great tip thanks
Glad to help
For larger airlines, its not the overall size that is typically the problem but this is not true for some smaller or regional airlines where size limits are typically in the 70-80 inches/178 - 203 cm - NOTE: BBAA is 109 in./277cm inches which is well over some smaller/regional airline limits). Instead, it is the weight limit. The Bike Box Alan Aero is a very heavy bike box. From my experience the typical bike box limit weight with bike is 50 lbs. or 22.7 kilos on the low end and 60 lbs or 27.2 kilos on the high end. Anything over that weight is charged an over weight cost (or, not allowed in rare instances). My guess is that your box with the added gear is likely to approach 60lbs or 27 kg. since the bike and case combined weight (depending on frame size - 55cm/Med or larger) will alone be likely over or very close to 50 lbs/22.7 kg (including chain and pedals with 55cm/medium tri-frame). The goal should be to try and be under or close to 50lbs/22.7kg to avoid any potential issues with some airlines. That being said, most airlines are very liberal in their limit restrictions with regard to bikes but it is best not to test those limits to an extreme.
Another issue that is seldom a problem but be prepared to explain is with regard to the battery in the bike (...only had this problem on a Asian flight). Any battery with GREATER than a100 watt hour (wH) battery and is NOT installed in the bike is not allowed in the cargo of a plane. However, the DI2 battery is less than 100 wH (if my memory is correct, the DI2 battery is 4 wH and INSTALLED). This meets both criteria (installed and under 100wH) to allow the bike battery to be allowed in the cargo. NOTE: You can NOT put extra batteries in the bike case.
www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries-100-watt-hours-or-less-device
However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) prohibits baggage with non-removable batteries that exceed 0.3 grams of lithium metal or 2.7 Wh for carriage. When the baggage is to be checked in, the lithium battery must be removed and carried in the cabin as a carry-on item. That being said, I have never had (or heard) of a problem with bike batteries being a problem in spite of the the watt hour for the DI2 exceeding the IATA limits.
Also, the zip ties are mostly a waste of time from my experience. The agents who inspect the box will typically simply cut them off and the box will travel without any secured clamps. TSA lock(s) are the best (although, I have found one lock is sufficient). Inspectors will unlock and re-lock the case with an approved small TSA lock(s). I also seldom add anything but the bike and tools (...especially tools, since they can not be in carry-on baggage). Why? The inspectors will simply throw them back into the box in a way they can scratch or damage the bike. Plus, the added cushion is not enough to make a difference.. this is why the following is a better way to protect the bike.
The culprit is loose small items and a lesser know issue with bladed spoked spokes packed in the BBAA. Blade spokes can scratch your bike even with the padding if you don't protect the frame directly (...same is true for the Velcro tie downs - but they are rub marks and not deep scratches). Note the padding has slots that are intended to allow added support for different wheel types (aero wheel vs. spoked wheels). These slots in the provided foam will allow contact of any bladed spoke to the frame that can scratch the bike. My suggestion is to wrap the bike with 80 gauge Min Stretch Plastic Wrap with Handles (especially around tie-down area and the where the wheels are locate adjacent to the bike frame). It is very easy to put on and easy to remove but adds a lot of protection since it can not shift. In contrast, bubble wrap or stuffed clothing shifts in the case and is likely to be removed by inspection and haphazardly thrown back into the box. The BBAA provided foam protection and Stretch Wrap Plastic will not be removed and stay firmly intact by design.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BZQVPXCL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Finally, you should indicate the top vs. the bottom of the box. If not, I have had the inspectors open the box upside down and mess up the foam padding. To solve this problem, I added smiley face decals on the sides of the box arranged in a way that the smiley face is rotated in the correct position to indicate the top of the box (right sided smiley face) vs. bottom (upside down smiley face). This is more intuitive for the inspector and better than simply adding "TOP' and/or "BOTTOM" decals... which are mostly ignored.
All good info - thanks for sharing - especially like the top vs bottom tip
Thx very helpful. Do you not get over the 23kg limit with all the extra stuff you pack in there? Also, what is size of your bike (for sizing reference)?
Glad you found it helpful (be sure to hit like too as helps my channel) - bike frame is 52 and re the extra weight - no always manage to keep it under - as despite looking bulky it is mainly training gear (light by nature), some runners and bubble wrap ;-)
Good video...but one point to share, I rent out Bike Box Alan's and would not recommend packing quite so many clothes and bits in with your bike. Typical airline weight limit is 23kg, a BBA aero easy fit is 13.5kg empty so with a 9kg bike you don't have much wiggle room. One client used his like a suitcase and got charged additional oversize luggage fees.
Fair point - I personally haven’t been caught out yet as the majority of the items I use as extra padding is light training gear eg I take the pedals in my carry on
Amazing. You could pack all your extras in there and just take a small carry on for ease of travel ❤❤❤
So true!
Nice one 😮
Thanks 🔥
Thanks Coach Steve, what size is your bike??
52 inch frame
What was the total weight including wet suit and other bags ?
Came in around 23kg but in the end I just left wetsuit (extra protection around derailleur) and some training gear in the box
How do you find people snacking when videoing?
They didn’t make it past the editors cut
Wow it is handy
I know
Don't forget to toss an Airtag in there to keep track of it :)
That’s a top tip!
How many bikes does CS have? 🤦🏼♀️
Better question is how many does he need … answer N+1
Does everyone have to get a green box? 😂
Nope engerlish can get blue, white or red