3 min read

How To Pack A Bicycle For a Move

Packing your bicycle properly will keep your bike in good condition during a long-distance move.
By · Updated July 10, 2024
How To Pack A Bicycle For a Move

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A bicycle is more than just a mode of transport. Bikes provide significant physical and mental health benefits and are environmentally friendly. Many people see their bicycles as a valuable asset, with many bikes valued at one or two thousand dollars. Naturally, most want to ensure their bikes are protected during a move.

The best way to protect your bike during a move is to use a professional moving service. However, if the cost is prohibitive or you prefer to move it yourself, our guide can help ensure your bike remains safe during the move.

Benefits of Shipping Your Bicycle with Wise Move

With Wise Move, you can transport your bicycle without the need to box or dismantle it.

Our network of specialised transporters can securely attach your fully-assembled bicycle to the truck wall, ensuring safe and secure transport. This method not only saves on costs associated with packing materials but also eliminates the time and hassle involved in disassembling and reassembling your bike.

Gather Packing Materials

If you choose to pack your bicycle yourself, proper packaging is crucial for its protection during the move. Here are the packing materials you will need:

  • 1 large cardboard bike box

  • 1 smaller cardboard box for disassembled parts

  • 1 fork protector

  • 4 wheel axle protectors

  • Bubble wrap or packing paper

  • 7 to 10 foam protection tubes (optional)
  • Cable ties

  • Packing tape

These packing materials are usually available at your local bike shop. You'll also need disassembling tools to take your bike apart.

Disassemble Your Bike

If packing your bike, you'll need to disassemble it into smaller parts to fit it properly into the cardboard box. Packing it properly will help protect the delicate mechanisms of your bike. Begin by removing the following parts:

  • Pedals

  • Handlebars

  • Seat post and saddle

  • Racks and fenders

  • Front wheel

  • Water holders

Use disassembling tools and clean your bike with a soft rag before disassembling it.

Pack the Disassembled Parts Separately

Secure the disassembled parts separately to prevent loss during transit. Wrap the smaller disassembled parts with bubble wrap or packing paper, secure with a strip of tape, and place them inside a small box. Fill any empty space with additional bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent movement during transit. Securely tape the small box shut and place it inside the cardboard bike box.

Pack and Box Your Bike

After disassembling the removable parts, ensure the remaining parts are well protected:

1. Protect the Rear Derailleur

The rear derailleur shifts the bike chain around the rear sprockets. This delicate part should be wrapped in bubble wrap and secured with packing tape.

2. Pad and Cushion the Frame

Protect the bike frame by sliding on foam protection tubes and securing them with cable ties. If you don't have foam tubes, use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent scratches to the bike frame.

3. Secure the Handlebars

Protecting the handlebars is crucial. For flat handlebars, fit them atop the frame tube of the wheel and wrap generously. For dropped handlebars, position them under the frame tube and partly inside the wheel, then wrap with bubble wrap.

4. Place the Bike in the Box

Carefully place the bike inside the cardboard box and seal it properly. Label the box "FRAGILE".

If packing and moving your bike seems too complicated, consider hiring professional movers in New Zealand. Wise Move can connect you with trusted moving companies that specialise in bicycle transport. Simply submit a job listing on our site to receive multiple quotes from NZ's trusted moving companies. We can also assist with motorcycle, car, or boat transport.

Bicycle shipping services at low-cost across New Zealand

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2 bedroom house move
Auckland, Beach Haven
Auckland, Takapuna
10
Annabel
Reviewed 43 minutes ago
These guys absolutely went above and beyond - dismantling and rebuilding furniture for me, even replumbing in my washing machine. We went way over time (I underestimated the move!) and they charged a really reasonable extra fee to cover that. I was highly impressed and am recommending to friends and family
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Orewa, Auckland
Cambridge, Leamington
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Reviewed 57 minutes ago
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Auckland
Whangārei, Northland
10
Tinelle
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Wellington, Kelburn
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Excellent service, would highly recommend.
$67
Simracing simulator & pc, Suitcase
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Wellington, Pipitea
10
Awais
Reviewed 3 hours ago
He went above and beyond to help me with moving. Even though there were more boxes than expected he was more than willing to help me load and offload stuff. Highly recommended
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Lower Hutt, Petone
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Reviewed 6 hours ago
Flexible to our schedule and easy communication. Would recommend 👍🏼
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Auckland, Mount Eden
Auckland, Herne Bay
10
Phoebe
Reviewed 8 hours ago
Anneke and Adam were absolute legends. Amazing communication from the get-go, friendly and professional which has not been my experience with movers in the past. Mine was a 1-bdrm apartment move, to which I added on junk removal (4-5 large pieces of furniture) and a couch pick-up on the same day. None of this was a problem and the total cost was extremely reasonable! It was a hectic move for me with lots of moving parts and these guys brought an amazing calm energy and just got it done. It’s been five days and I have already rebooked them for a carrier job. Highly recommend supporting this young team!
$300
Dresser, Large bookcase, Coffee table, Side table, Shelves (3), Old tr...
Auckland, Mount Roskill
Auckland, Mount Eden
10
Megan
Reviewed 17 hours ago
Tee and his colleague were fantastic. Communication was great all the way through, from quick responses when setting up the booking through to confirming their timing on the day. They were friendly and very careful with our items, including wrapping a couple of more delicate pieces. When delivering at the other end, they took care with where everything went. I would very happily use MoveForLess again, and would absolutely recommend them to anyone else looking for friendly, affordable and careful movers.

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