BOB Trailer Ibex storage versus YAK

[chrisk]

I found this page that talks about how to assemble the ibex when it's delivered:

http://www.bikeshophub.com/step-by-step-bob-ibex/

It does appear that the rear shock and fork assembly is removable.

[staehpj1]

Good to know. I will try and fit as much bike and camping gear as possible in the boxes. I'll then have a back pack to take on the plane with me that will have clothes and such.

I always figured that wasn't a great idea.  The more stuff in the bike box the more issues with TSA.  They will be more likely to unpack the box if they can't see everything at a glance and I have found that they are pretty likely to damage stuff.  My last trip the TSA scratched my bike, broke the cable for the speedometer, and dumped out my little seat wedge tool bag and ripped the liner out.  They left the tools that were in the bag loose in the bottom of the bike box.

I think that my home airport (BWI) just may be the worst in the world for TSA scrutiny, but regardless of where you fly you might consider this.

[chrisk]

If I could figure out how to get from where I would physically arrive/depart from a location to where my bike had gotten shipped to/from via UPS/FedEx then I'd probably always ship ahead.

I haven't investigated this, but I assume airports would have some sort of UPS/FedEx office. The question is could I ship it ahead to the airport where it might sit a day or so, so that when I landed the bike would be there.

Some places I can only get to/from by bus and hopefully I could box things up and take them on the bus with me. I assume there are less restriction for the bus line. I should probably check that. But for bus travel there is still the same problem of shipping ahead which is that the bus is going to drop me off at on be location, but my bike might be somewhere else. The question remains how do I get to my bike.

Thanks
Chris

[chrisk]

Here's the Greyhound bus baggage info:
==============================================================
Greyhound baggage restrictions:

    * One (1) piece of baggage is checked free of charge for adults and children. One (1) additional piece of baggage may be checked for a charge of $10.00 for adults only. Baggage carried beyond two (2) pieces will be charged based on Greyhound Package Express rates. One (1) small bag up to 25 pounds can be taken on board for each adult or child. Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat.
    * The maximum allowable weight for checked baggage is 50 pounds per individual piece of baggage. A charge of $30 - $40 (depending on the distance traveled) will be charged for any baggage above the 50 pound limit.
    * Baggage must not exceed 62 inches when adding the total exterior dimensions of the piece (length + width + height). A charge of $30 - $40 (depending on the distance traveled) will be applied to any baggage above the 62-inch limit.
          o Packaging exceptions will only be made for the following items: bicycles, skis and ski poles must be packed in wood, canvas or other substantial container, and securely fastened; towing equipment must be enclosed in rigid containers or wrapped in a strong material such as canvas and securely strapped or tied. Towing equipment is limited to 100 pounds actual weight. These items are not exempt from oversize charges.
    * If bags exceed maximum size and/or weight, customers must ship the item via Greyhound Package Express.
==============================================================

It has the same 62" limitation, although the oversize charge doesn't seem very bad.

I don't think I have to worry about TCA though for busses at least.

Basically I want to finish section 7 of transamerica trail in one trip and each of the 4 western express trails. I'll do them one section at a time ~300 miles at a time is fine by me. So, I'll probably be taking the bus to get to/from those end points from Colorado Springs. But, after those are done I will probably investigate other trails that I would probably want to fly to/from the endpoints.

Clearly being able to fit my bike and equipment in two boxes that meet the 62" requirement, that I could take with me on the bike, offers me the most flexibility.

Thanks
Chris Kottaridis

[gpshay]

Have you considered this single wheeled trailer .. I belive it will break down and possible fit your needs... just a thought ....
http://spokane.craigslist.org/bik/2588237418.html

[forrest]

I have just purchased a Topeak trailer and it is great.  It is the Same design as the bobs but it has a couple of better features than the bob.  First there it a molded solid protective plate inside the trailer that keeps the road dirt off the bottom of the water proof bag, bobs does not.  Second the quick connect couplers are very easy to use and you don't have to worry about carter pins and such as you do with the bobs.  the trailer with the bag weights only 13lbs.  I now have about 500 miles on my and have had no problems at all.  Look up the Topeak journey trailer and you will also see that it cost less that the bobs and is  built just as well.  It will hold 70lbs of gear, I have everything I need in the trailer and I am only at 55lbs which includes the trailer and bag weight, take a look at it before you buy a bobs...

[aggie]

The ortlieb big zip is less than 62" total dimensions so it will not be subject to an additional charge by the airlines as long as you don't exceed their 50 lb weight limit.