# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Packing for Trips

How to Dismantle Bicycles for Air Travel

Even though they are light for their size, bikes are hard to ship. To keep expensive bikes out of harms way when flying they need to be protected. One popular method is to encase bikes in large plastic bags, but these don't offer the protection needed, they need to be boxed. To get them in a box takes some preparation, but its well worth it. All you need is a few small hand tools to dismantle your bike and then have it up and running minutes after your plane lands.

5 mm allen wrench
15 mm open end wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the pedals with a 15 mm open-end wrench. The left pedal will have reverse threads, look for the letter "L" stamped on the pedal axle, and turn it backwards to take it off.
- 2
  Turn the front wheel 90 degrees to the bike and straddle the wheel. Locate the 5 mm set screws on the front of the handlebars; there will be either two or four of them. Loosen them but don't take them out.
- 3
  Tilt the handlebars down easily so that the end of the handlebars turn and slide beneath the top tube of the bike behind the handlebar riser or "top tube." Tighten the 5mm set screws slightly.
- 4
  Remove the front wheel by first flipping the large lever, or "quick release lever," on the axle on the left side of the front wheel. Open the brake release lever on the front caliper. Pick up on the front of the bike, allowing the front wheel to drop out.
- 5
  Loosen the 5mm set screw located where the seat post leaves the bike frame. Slide the seat down bottoming it out. Re-tighten the set-screw slightly.