NW Cyclist

I agree with Dan - Last summer I shipped a 62CM bike to the east coast via
FED-EX, it cost me $50 each way and I put a bunch of cycling gear in the box
as well. It was delivered to my destination (approx 30 miles from the
FED-EX station). It takes a little extra planning, but it was well worth
it. Obviously this won't work for every situation, as Dan points out
several disadvantages.

JD

On Thu, Jan 21, 2010 at 9:37 AM, Dan Silvernail wrote:

> I've had pretty good luck using FedEx to ship my bike whenever I've gone
> somewhere. (NOTE: UPS is probably just as good but I used to live in N
> Portland and it was very easy just to go to FedEx on Swan Island.)
>
> Here are some of the benefits:
> First, you know it will be waiting for you when you arrive.
> Second, yes, there is a fee but it's usually lower than the airlines.
> Also, there is the matter of principle that you're not paying the airlines
> their ridiculous add-on fee.
> Third, you can insure it. If the airlines damage your bike when they toss
> your bike box across the room (and they will do that), you are out of luck.
>
>
> Now, here are the downsides:
> You have to have a destination to ship it to, meaning you have to have
> someone at the other end willing to receive shipment of your bike.
> Also, you have to take it in to a shipping office.
> You have to be without your bike for few days on either end of the trip.
>
>
> Words to the wise: BE VERY CAREFUL about how they measure your bike box at
> FedEx! My bike box is right on the line between OS2 and OS3 (OS stands
> for oversize). If they measure it wrong (which they have!) they will charge
> an extra $50.00 or so. Another word to the wise: KEEP YOUR RECEIPT! It's
> twice bailed me out of that extra $50.00 overcharge.T
>
> The bottom line is, you're going to pay.
>
> On Thu, Jan 21, 2010 at 9:09 AM, Mike Murray wrote:
>
>> When I flew to Portillo we were 1 week ahead of when the airlines were
>> going to start charging for skis. Some do charge for skis and golf clubs.
>> Some will fly surf boards for free but not windsurfing equipment. They will
>> occasionally open board bags and look for mast parts or sails so they can
>> charge for what is basically the same thing. It is sometimes destination
>> dependent. It also changes frequently.
>>
>> One of the differences between bikes and skis is that most resorts are
>> well set up to rent you skis. Renting bikes is much more challenging.
>>
>> Of course now some airlines charge for ANY checked baggage. Last fall I
>> flew to San Jose. I ended up having to go down 1st class as that was the
>> only space available at the time. I came back coach. No checked bag fee on
>> the way down but I get a surprise fee on the way back. This was particularly
>> bothersome as I could have carried the bag on but it contained just a couple
>> of items not allowed in carry on bags.
>>
>> When flying you need to make luggage charges part of the total purchase
>> price. Sometimes shipping stuff ahead is not only cheaper but also keeps you
>> from having to schlep the stuff through the airport.
>> Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: chood1@comcast.net
>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:48:09
>> To:
>> Cc: ; ; <
>> obra-bounces@list.obra.org>
>> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Email from Delta
>>
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