Refering to a post about a month ago regarding taking a bike on Delta in the
US with a Quantas connection to New Zealand. I removed most components
including chainwheel, cranks, deraileurs, wheels, fork from the frame. The
wheels were placed on either side of the frame next to each other, forward
of the spindle. Frame tubes were covered with pipe insulation from Home
Depot. Everything fit in a bike box with a heighth the same as a wheel. I
was able to shorten the box by a third. Components and tools were carried
in a handlebar bag intended to be carried on. Luggage was in a daypack that
was carried on. The box was perceptably light. At check-in the Delta CSR
asked no questions - it just went on! The handlebar bag had to be checked
as it contained tools (no knives or screwdriver). I guess someone could
have gotten decapitated by a chainwheel. On showing my separate ticket to
New Zealand, it was checked through. No lugging it around LAX. Incidently,
the person in front of me at Delta checked three HUGE suitcases and a TV
set, so it would have looked bad to charge me for a 20 pound box.
Everything arrived perfectly at the other end.
A note to New Zealand travellers: Scrub your tires, shoes, and camping
goods of all dirt before you depart.
Enjoying an Indian summer in Nelon on the South Island at present. Swimming
still possible in Abel Tasman National Park.
Cheers to those who offered suggestions!
Steve