Rent or Ship bike 1/2 way across the World?

Leslie Sedlak

Anyone have any experience renting a tri bike for an IM?  I'm traveling to NZ next March and contemplating renting as the flights directly to the race site will not accept bikes. 

Or any words of wisdom on the best ways to pack/fly/unpack tri bike to another country?  I have a Trek Concept and have heard nasty things about trying to re-assemble without a mechanic.  

Suggestions on good/bad bike cases very welcome.

Looked for a topic in the forums but couldn't find anything related - feel free to send me to a link if there is one.

 

Paul Hough

Leslie - are you saying the airlines won't take a fully built bike or are you saying they won't take any bike even in a bike case? Anyway, my Pika Packworks has flown international several times and more counting domestic. I expect to fly with it 3 or 4 times just this year.

Bob McCallum might be able to answer your question about the Trek. I know the original speed concept has a reputation for tough wrenching, but the new one is supposed to be travel friendly.

kevhill

Hi Leslie, I have an original Speed Concept and have flown many times around the world with it in a bike case. I would certainly recommend taking your own bike due to issues with fit if you were to rent (unless you can rent exact same model and get them to match your exact measurements). To me the potential fit issue for an IM is greater than the wrenching side. To pack I just take off the cover over the stem (3 small bolts), and then the four bolts that hold the stem piece on. Make sure bubble wrap everything well and then at other end is fine to put back together. Just take a torque wrench to make sure to get the right force on the bolts. Obviously would suggest practicing before and you have plenty of time for that (if need any further instructions let me know and I can explain further or try do a video etc).

I am also quite surprised that the airlines will not accept the bikes - unless you mean of course the flight Auckland to Taupo. That's a very short flight in a very small plane so maybe that is the leg you are having issues on? If so many people either drive down or take a bus (it's around 3-3.5 hours driving).

For the bike case I use the Scicon Aerotech Evolution, is the heaviest of their bags but have never had anything break while using it (and it's been on umpteen international flights over the last few years). Everyone has their own opinion on bike cases though so if do some searching here and the internet should get more than enough info.

I'm actually from NZ originally and have done IMNZ in 2010. Nice course, really lovely swim if the lake is flat. Bike course is good but the road service is a bit rough (big chip gravel in the tarmac). If want any info on the race or NZ in particular please just let me know.

Jan Schorpion

I have rented tri bikes twice now, however both times were for 70.3 events. My regular bike is a Felt B16, and last year in Hawaii I rented a Specialized Shiv. This past weekend for FL 70.3, I rented a Trek Speed Concept. I sent them my bike fit measurements about a week before, and when I picked up the bike it was all pre-adjusted to my measurements. Just had to put my own saddle and peddles on the bike. Obviously for the IM distance, you'll be on the bike much longer and so you want to make sure its comfortable, but so far I only have had very positive experiences with bike rentals. Its usually cheaper as well. 

Juan Vergara

Leslie, I gave up on (a) learning how to take my bike apart and put it back together ..... I'm a disaster at it and (b) paying bike shops at home and destination to do it for me ..... I purchase this bag http://sciconbags.com/bike-bags/aerocomfort-triathlon.html
Have done 3 races since and I'm extremely happy with it!!!! Check out the YouTube videos. Good luck.

Leslie Sedlak

Kevin, Thanks so much for the information!  It is the flight from Auckland to Taupo that doesn't accept bikes.  We were thinking of renting a car - but wasn't sure as my husband is only staying for a week, and my son and I are staying for another 3 weeks to visit friends (using their car).  the bus option sounds like a perfect compromise - I'll look into that.  Are there any companies in particular that you know of?  I'll check on the IM site as well to see if they have any companies listed.

I'll look into that travel case for sure - I'm going in to the bike shop tomorrow and was going to ask if the mechanic would spend a session with me showing me break down and set up to make sure I don't run into any stress when I get to NZ.

I'm so excited for this race!  My best friend moved to NZ a year ago and I just can't wait to see her and spend some time with her.  My husband and I have been talking about moving there as well, so this will be our litmus test to see what we think.

My friend lives in Rangiora, so we'll be traveling South to her area after the race.  Any information you have regarding places to visit - or not - are welcome!

Thanks again for your input - it makes me less nervous to fly with my bike knowing you have successfully done it many times

Leslie Sedlak

All, Thanks for the thoughts! I am still going to look into rental (prices etc) and compare my options. I still have quite a bit of time to figure it out, but figured getting these logistics decided early is better than later.

Hearing others experiences helps me feel like this won't be as stressful and I'm imagining.

Coach Rich

Personally, there is no way I'd trust months of training and $$$$$ in travel costs to the success or failure of a rental bike. Not when I have a known quantity / system at home and getting it to the race is a relatively simple matter of saving up some extra dough to make it happen. 

Drink Sanka for a few months, set up a carwash in a parking lot, staffed with triathletes in spandex...endless list of fundraising opportunities 

Leslie Sedlak

The Carwash idea is priceless - I know just the folks - and actually not a half bad idea!

kevhill

Hi Leslie,

Sorry for delay, just to follow up I would suggest you get a shuttle bus from Auckland to Taupo if you don't want to drive. There's one on the IMNZ website (sharee@onroute.co.nz). Or just google for Auckland to Taupo shuttle bus and should be able to find some other options, just let them know you have a bike case as well 9they can tow a trailer behind with luggage).

Please just be aware that public transport in NZ is not that great and taxis are quite expensive, so depending where you are staying in Taupo you may want a car while there anyway. We have some cheap rental options - I normally hire a station wagon when going back with my bike. If want a cheaper option just get one of the ones that have a location off the airport. I have used http://www.gorentals.co.nz/ and http://www.omegarentalcars.com/ but there are plenty out there and also Juicy who are sponsors of IMNZ I think.

In South Island there is so much to see, it is Lord Of The Rings country of course. Christchurch is nice but still rebuilding from earthquake a bit. Queenstown is fantastic and an adventure junkie must see (bungy, jetboating, rafting, luge etc etc). Lots to see and do there. If want a little quieter Wanaka is lovely too (site of Challenge Wanaka in Jan). More relaxed but less to see and do. Plenty of walks all over country if you are into that as well.

Hope that helps a bit - if need anything else please let me know or can also drop me an email as well (me@kevhill.kiwi)

Cheers

Leslie Sedlak

Thanks so much for the info Kevin. I'm sure to be e-mailing you as the race gets closer