TriBike Transport - Wheel Bags

Michael Quinton

I'm using TBT to ship my bike from AZ to IMWI and I'm trying to decide on the best way to get my wheels there. What do y'all say?

1) Ship my race wheels in a wheel bag that will accompany my bike equipped with my training wheels (only $25 to add a wheel bag)

2) Leave the training wheels at home and just throw my race wheels on my bike and ship it race-ready?

3) Same as number 2 but include my wheel bag with my training wheels as backup in case of damage in transit?

 

 

Brad Marcus

I used TBT once a couple of years ago and shipped 2 bikes (my wife and mine) from CT to CA. We both left our race wheels ON the bikes and there were no issues either way. If I remember correctly, additional insurance was available through TBT if you have concerns for a minimum charge. But, they drive the bikes out there in trucks and the bikes are standing up, so aside from the truck crashing, I'd be doubtful that damage would be done. I would recommend taking some photos of your bike right before you drop it off to be shipped.

Al Truscott

My opinion...leave your training wheels @ home. Just one more thing - having two pairs of wheels - you won;t need to worry about pre and post race. TBT has built a growing & well-respected business over the past decade; if they had a habit of messing up people's $X,XXX bikes and gear in transit, they would;t be where they are today.

Unless, that is, you;re a belt-and-suspenders kinda guy...

Michael Quinton

TBT definitely has a very fine reputation and I believe the convenience is well-worth the expense. Really appreciate the advice and happy to cross another worry OFF the prep list! You guys rock!

Paul Hough

Are your race wheels especially fragile or something? I've gone with TBT maybe 7 times using option 2. I've packed my bike in my case many more times with just the race wheels. I don't even own training wheels...got rid of any low end wheels that came stock with a bike. I train and race on top end wheels...for years and years. YMMV

Michael Quinton

@ Paul - no, wheels are not especially fragile but became curious when I was on the TBT site and had the option to add a "gear bag" and/or a "wheel bag." Glad to hear you've had no issues w/ option 2 on your top end wheels.

Scott Alexander

Leave your race wheels on when you ship - option #2.

However, please note that they sometimes have issues with a rear disc; it's not been consistent in my experience. A wheel cover is ok, but a full disc is sometimes problematic.

Michael Quinton

Thanks for the heads up on that Scott. My wheels are some older Zipp 808's so looks like I'll be in good shape.

John Withrow

The wheel bag is really for traveling with a disc wheel. TBT claims they will not ship a bike with a disc wheel on (but I know they have taken my bike with a disc cover before), so if you have a solid disc, you are supposed to ship it in a separate wheel bag.

If you are just using Zipp 808's, install them before you drop the bike off and don't worry about them.

(pro-tip, make sure to clean your chain and entire drive-train super good before shipping your bike. Gunk on your chain or in your cassette or little jockey wheels will bleed watts that you worked so hard to earn. Also, Don't forget to ship CO2's with your bike as you really aren't supposed to take them on a plane.)

Michael Quinton

solid advice JW. The silver bullet will be sparkling pre-race. Good reminder on theCO2 cartridges...i've flown with them once before I heard they aren't supposed to go on planes. whoops!