Etape 1: TGV, how to take my bike?

legsdontfailmenow
legsdontfailmenow Posts: 15
edited July 2011 in Sportives/audaxes/training rides
Hi all,

Does anyone have experience of taking a bike on TGV? I have a DHB bike bag, length 134cm, I'll be travelling Gare du Lyon -> Lyon St Expury on a Eurostar ticket. I'm not sure if I need to reserve a place in the luggage car in advance or just turn up and load it on.

Many thanks!

Comments

  • toontra
    toontra Posts: 1,160
    If it's packed up in a bike bag then it's just ordinary luggage, so just turn up and put it in the luggage vestibule at the end of the carriage. Be aware that there isn't much space available and on busy trains it can turn into a bit of a scrum. Also, beware of people putting suitcases weighing several tons on top of your precious bike!

    a serious case of small cogs
  • twotyred
    twotyred Posts: 822
    Size limit on Eurostar is 120cm which is one reason I didn't buy the DHB bag. It won't fit on the Eurostar luggage racks which are 120cm long. However you might be able to get it into the large luggage compartment.

    On the TGV there is even less space but they don't seem to mind you leaving a bike bag by the door. Just be prepared for strangers moving it if they need to exit the train on that side.
  • pedylan
    pedylan Posts: 768
    Did this 3 years ago to the Etape - Eurostar then TGV to Bordeaux. Also had a ridiculously large DHB bag.

    At Eurostar check in they clocked the size and just arranged for it to go in the goods compartment, told me where to stand on platform and opened it up for me.

    On TGV, without a booking, it went into luggage compartment at the end of our carriage without problem.

    Sold the bag when i came back and bought one that wasn't designed for a tandem! :)
    Where the neon madmen climb
  • legsdontfailmenow
    legsdontfailmenow Posts: 15
    Thanks folks. As I'm getting on at Ebbsfleet (where the luggage car is not opened) and have a mortal fear of being let down by registered baggage I've bitten the bullet and ordered the Duffbag stealth which comes in at 120cm. Now I just need an empty luggage rack (and better research next time!). Cheers!
  • polocini
    polocini Posts: 201
    You might struggle getting on at ebbsfleet as the bike will take up a full shelf in the standard carriages. In my experience it's bad enough getting on in London. You might have to move peoples bags which can be a ball ache. There never seems to be enough luggage space.

    AL
  • twotyred
    twotyred Posts: 822
    Agreed. I got on at Ashford week last Sunday and th luggage racks were full. Fortunately the goods compartment was open and my bike went in there.

    On the way back yesterday I got on in Paris and the goods compartment was sealed. Fortunately there was still room on the luggage rack.
  • legsdontfailmenow
    legsdontfailmenow Posts: 15
    Luckily I have a secret weapon in the form of my travelling companion getting on at St Pancras. Maybe he can sit in the luggage rack to hold some space...

    Or maybe I should ask this guy's wife to pack the bike for me:

    http://uk.news.yahoo.com/suitcase-escape-bid-foiled-mexican-prison-082426528.html

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