Bike boxes

[pedaler]

Can anyone recommend where, in San Diego, I can get a bike box for my return flight home to UK in September?

[knolltop]

A nearby bike shop?

[John Nettles]

If you can get to the main Amtrak station, they might have one of their boxes you can buy for $15(?).  They are great in that you only have to reverse pedals, turn handlebars, and lower seats.  You do not have to remove wheels, racks, etc.

Since San Diego is not a major station for Amtrak, they may not have boxes though.

[John Nelson]

If you decide to use an Amtrak box, be sure to check its dimensions against the rules of whatever airline you will be using to be sure that they will take it.

[aggie]

I'm not sure I'd want to use an Amtrak box to ship a bike on a plane.  I've used the Amtrak boxes when I travel by train but knowing how they pack a plane I'd be afraid they would load the box in such a way that the wheels could be tweaked (bent).  If I were traveling by plane I'd want a regular box like you can get at any bike shop.  San Diego has a pretty good trolley system that should have stops that are reasonably close to a bike shop.  You should be able to have them box it up.  If it isn't rush hour you should be able to take it on the trolley back to your starting point.  You may have to take a cab to the airport as I don't think they have a line that goes to the airport yet.

[Galloper]

Just head into the local bike shop as Knolltop recommends.   They will nearly always have a supply of boxes and will crate your bike up for you for about $50.   

[staehpj1]

I'm not sure I'd want to use an Amtrak box to ship a bike on a plane.  I've used the Amtrak boxes when I travel by train but knowing how they pack a plane I'd be afraid they would load the box in such a way that the wheels could be tweaked (bent).  If I were traveling by plane I'd want a regular box like you can get at any bike shop.  San Diego has a pretty good trolley system that should have stops that are reasonably close to a bike shop.  You should be able to have them box it up.  If it isn't rush hour you should be able to take it on the trolley back to your starting point.  You may have to take a cab to the airport as I don't think they have a line that goes to the airport yet.

Airline policies are vague enough that I try not to push it with a bigger than necessary box.  I figure that the smaller the box the less chance there will be a problem checking it.

[pedaler]

Thanks so far. but I had in mind a bike shop, so a recommended one would be most helpful.  Well accustomed with air travel with a cycle so no problem there.

[staehpj1]

Thanks so far. but I had in mind a bike shop, so a recommended one would be most helpful.  Well accustomed with air travel with a cycle so no problem there.

There are a ton of bike shops in San Diego and I'd probably just google it and pick one close to the airport or maybe close to my hotel if staying in one.  A google search for "san diego bike shops" returns dozens, several of which are within a mile of the airport.

Another option might be to look up warmshowers hosts nearby.  In a town like San Diego I am sure there are plenty.  They often provide varying levels of assistance ranging from advice, to hospitality including a bed, meals, and even transportation or errand running like picking up a box for you.  Ask them what they advise and see what they offer.

All that said when I was planning a trip starting in San Diego and online friend recommended the following shop:

Zumwalt's Bicycle Center
6425 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115
(619)582-6440
www.zcbikes.com

I have not used them myself, but the guy who recommended them was a San Diego local.  It looks like it is about 8 miles from the airport though and several others are closer.

[pedaler]

Who'd have thought of Google?  and yes there are plenty to choose from.  Just need to make contact now.

Thanks.

[Pat Lamb]

Who'd have thought of Google? 

You'll find google (or yahoo) very useful when/if you're connected.  Break a spoke?  Google "bike shop rawlins wy"  Need a good night's rest in a small town?  Google "motel scott city ks"  And with almost every library in the nation connected, all you need to do is find one that's open.

But for good eats, look for the diner all the locals are parked around.

[pedaler]

Now been in touch with a contact and a promise of a box, thanks to all.  Now looking forward to the trip and hope it meets the scenic quality of the Great Divide route (I don't want to hear negatives etc, thanks, just watch-outs, maybe).