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bike that is being packed and prepared for shipping

How to pack your bike

Selling your current bike for Cash or Trading it for a new bike has never been easier!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

A Bike Box

  • Your local bike shop often has bike boxes & packing material lying around that they would be happy to donate.
  • Box must be no more than 160 inches total using this formula: (1 x Length) + (2 x Width) + (2 x Height).
  • A Prepaid Shipping Label (provided by Cycle Limited).

PACKING MATERIAL

  • Bubble wrap
  • Foam
  • Newspaper/filler paper
  • Zip ties
  • Packing tape

Disassembly

  • Shift your rear derailleur into the largest gear.
  • This will move your derailleur closer to the bike and away from the outer edge to prevent it from coming in contact with the box.
  • Remove the pedals and place them on the side.
  • Remove the front wheel and place it to the side.
  • Depending on the size of your bike box, you may need to remove the handlebars. To remove the handlebars, remove the faceplate on the stem.
  • Make sure to put the faceplate back with the bolts to ensure they don’t get lost or damage your bike during transit.

Protecting the bike

  • First, wrap the bike’s frame, forks, and rear triangle with bubble wrap or foam. Use the packing tape or zip ties you have to make sure it does not get loose.
  • Pay special attention to the rear derailleur as it is fragile and at a vulnerable spot.
  • If you have removed the handlebars, make sure to use bubble wrap or padding and attach it to the frame.
  • Check to make sure none of the cables are stretching unnaturally.
  • Once the bike is placed in the box, place the front wheel in the box.
  • At this time, you will see which areas additional bubble wrap or filler paper will be needed to ensure your bike has a safe and secure arrival to our facility.
  • There should be no areas of the bike directly touching the box without bubble wrap or padding in between.
  • Place the pedals and any other accessories that come with the bike in a small box or bag. Place the small box or bag in the bike box.
  • Make sure to use bubble wrap and attach it to the wheels or box to ensure they do not bounce around and possibly damage the bike while in transit.

Securing the box

  • Tape the box closed using packing tape along the box seams.
  • Tape the prepaid shipping label to either end of the box.
  • It’s a good idea to use clear tape over the entire shipping label protecting it from potential water damage.

Ready to sell your bike?

Visit our Sell & Trade page now to get started.