Etape Bike Shuttle to/from UK

openshac

Does anyone know a firm shuttling bikes to/from the UK for the Etape (Acte II)?
We used a firm last year that was £100 and worked out really well, however this year they are charging £175 so we're having to look at other options.

Don't have a bike bag/box and not keen to take my bike with a budget airline in case it doesn't actually arrive.

Cheers

Charlie

LeDomestiqueTours

Eek that is expensive.

Have you considered renting a box? Works out pretty cost effective - quite a few shops offer rentals so it might be worth investigating that option. Which airline are you flying with?

The other option is renting a bike locally which is something we can help with - let me know if you want further details.

bigpikle

just fly with it - loads of people do constantly, and as long as you pack it sensibly there seems little risk. Doesnt save much with the crazy costs some airlines charge though...

flamite

im in 2 minds too, was going to train it, but managed to get some good BA flights with airmiles for the marmotte...

I have flown with my aluminium bike before on easyjet in a ctc clear bag, but nervous about taking the carbon bike, all i have is a soft bag, will bubble wrap, foam rollers etc suffice, or should i splash out for a harder bag... bag needs to fold up fairly small for 2 bags and 2 of us in a rental car...

dodgerdog

Get a 5 seat MPV, they are almost as cheap as a group B/C car. With the back folded flat you should be easily able to get two bikes in laid flat in bags and your other luggage around the outside.

I am using this option although admittedly as a solution for myself rather than wrestling my bike into a Golf sized car.