Cycling enthusiast or wanting a trip bike, traveling with his bike has so many advantages: but how do you transport him from home to his holiday place?
As the adage says “who wants to travel far, cleans up its mount”, it may be long or difficult for you to reach your holiday place with your simple bike, even in France.
Be it for a court or long journey , you will often need to use another means of transport to travel: car, train, plane, bus or ferry. How to go on vacation with his bike? We explain everything in this article!
Go on holiday with his bike when we use his car
If you use your car to go to your holiday location, you can choose several solutions with respect to the transport of your bike:
Use a bicycle carrier Three systems are available to you: the roof, chest or towing rack.
The roof rack is attached to the roof bars of your vehicle and allows you to carry up to 4 bikes. Its main advantage lies in its ability to carry several bikes, regardless of type, weight or size. However, your fuel consumption will be higher and your driving will be less comfortable. Bridge, tunnel and parking can cause problems because of height.
The trunk rack is the most economical, reliable and durable solution. Unfortunately, the system is not compatible with all cars, so do not hesitate to inform you in advance with specialists in stores or on internet . We advise you to choose a switching model to keep access to the safe. Anti-theft and rubber protections can complement the device. The main disadvantages are the loss of visibility, the addition of a registration plate and the risk of larger breaks.
The coupling belt is a system that is attached to the vehicle’s towing ball. Simple to use and compatible with all vehicles equipped with a matching ball, a strap will block the bikes on the frame. This is the most secure system of the three, perfect for long trips. As with the trunk rack, you lose visibility and need a second registration plate, in addition to a signal light kit.
Carry his bike in the safe If you want to avoid investments and facilities, you can carry your bike in the trunk if it is not too bulky or if you have a large car.
To gain space, you can also remove the two wheels from your bike and put them in the trunk with the frame, or have the wheels in the space between the front/rear seat, with the frame on the rear seats (closing it to keep it in place).
To not damage the bike and your car, you can also use a cover.
Travel with his bike when we leave by train
Photo credit: Flickr – Caroline de Francqueville
If you travel by train, two options are available to you to carry your bike: either you disassemble it and put it in a cover, or you transport it up.
If your bike is disassembled in a cover, it is considered "hand luggage". You can carry it free of charge if it does not exceed 120cm height and 90cm width. For a bike mounted, you will need to book a location if you take the TGV for example.
For other trains, some specificities apply: do not hesitate to consult the conditions of transport on the company’s website especially if you are travelling abroad.
Go on vacation with his bike when you fly
To take your bike with you on the plane, you will have to anticipate and check with the company the elements to be respected.
As with any unusual baggage, you will often have to bear an additional cost, in addition to preventing the company in advance. She'll let you know conditions to travel with your bike . Some companies can carry it free of charge if the maximum weight of the baggage is respected.
For transport, you will also need to include a packaging (to avoid breakage and dispersion of elements), in addition to removing pedals, deflate tires and put the handlebar in the front wheel axis. We recommend that you protect the most fragile elements of your bike.
Carry your bike when you travel by bus
As with the train, each company applies different conditions. The Flixbus company, for example, offers to carry your bike for only 9€: either as a baggage in the cargo compartment, or for buses equipped, on a bike carrier.
Many companies may refuse to carry your bike mounted. Preaching a cover is therefore essential: you can dismantle your bike and put it in a hold.
Travel by bike and take a ferry
The ferry, or the boat, is a widespread means of transport in Europe: to cross a lake, sea arm or strait. As with other modes of transport, you can carry your bike mounted or dismantled. You'll have to bear an overcost, which varies according to the companies.
We recommend that you plan a cover (rigid or not) and equipment to dismantle your bike. Often it will prevent you from paying to travel with his bike: it will be considered a hand luggage.
How to travel by bike? Our latest recommendations
Regardless of the mode of transport used, we recommend that you always anticipate and anticipate the equipment necessary to protect your bike (hard or flexible cover) and to dismantle it. Learn from the companies used to check the specificities and conditions to carry your bike.
To go on vacation with his bike, there is nothing better than a foldable bike. It is very convenient to carry and does not require special equipment.
Loading comments ...