Saving money when you travel with a Bike Friday folding bike.
John T. and his Pocket Rocket Pro, and an extra $400 in his pocket.
Traveling on your bike is a wonderful way of exploring the world, enjoying nature and staying active. The only thing you should worry about when traveling with your bike is where you want to go, not how you are going to get there.
This week’s blog was inspired by John T. a Pocket Rocket owner from San Francisco. For his latest cycling trip with his brother, John happily packed up his Pocket Rocket for another dream trip to Hawaii. On the other hand, his brother had to rent a bike locally and $400 later he had a fancy Trek Domane to ride for the week.
“I spent just a little more to keep my Bike Friday Pocket Rocket for a lifetime”
shared John in the Bike Friday Community.”
The price of a baseline can quickly be surpassed by all the regular bike handling fees, bike rental fees or car rental fees associated with vacation transportation.
A New World Tourist will pay for itself:
1. In just two weeks worth of car rental costs, gas, and hotel parking.
2. In 4 weeks worth of rental bike costs for a mid-tier road bike.
3. Less than TWO airline trips to Japan with a full sized bicycle inside a hard bike travel case
The costs of vacation transportation:
Renting a bike:
Renting a bike during vacation can be a hassle. Many rental bikes are often overpriced, under-performing and often the wrong size. This can really put a damper on what is supposed to be a relaxing time.
The average city bike rental is anywhere between $40-$60 per day and up to $100 per day for a better performing road or mountain bike. On average, a one week rental trip is $300-$400 depending on bike type.
Have an accident during your ride? You might as well kiss your deposit goodbye!
In Theory: Let’s say you want to ride your bike in Tokyo, Japan. The cost to rent a Bianchi with Shimano 105 for a week from LiVelo is $525.
Bringing your own big wheeled bike:
Bike Fee + Standard Checked Bag Fee / Oversize Fee + Overweight Fee = Costs to Bring a Standard Bike (each way)
Bringing your own bike when traveling is an option, but often getting the bike to your destination is enough of a headache to make you reconsider. To ensure your precious bike makes it to your destination safely you will need to acquire some extra tools, have some mechanical ability and some time to spare before, during and after your trip.
Bike travel case: often priced around $200 for a soft case to $500+ for a hard case.
Current baggage fees for each major US airline in 2024:
Alaska Airlines: First checked bag $35; second checked bag $45
American Airlines: First checked bag $35-$40; second checked bag $45
Delta Air Lines: First checked bag $35; second checked bag $45
Hawaiian Airlines: First checked bag $25-30; second checked bag $35-40
JetBlue Airways: First checked bag $35-$45; second checked bag $50-60
United Airlines: First checked bag $35-$40; second checked bag $45-50
Airline oversize/overweight fee (each way): On average about $100 (Alaska Airlines, 51-100 lb) to $450 (American Airlines, 70-100 lb).
Uber XL or large taxi to fit your luggage and bike case: $20
Time spend assembling your bike again instead of riding it: Priceless
In theory:
Let’s take my dream cycling trip as an example: I wish to take my former favorite, a 700c Giant Revolt gravel bike, to Japan via American Airlines.
The total cost to bring my bike from Portland, Oregon to Taiwan would be: $495
1. Hard case: $934 (on sale) SciCon AeroTech Evolution X – 25 lbs.
2. 2nd checked luggage fee: $45
3. Overweight fee: $450 (Bike is 23 lbs + 25 lbs from hard case + spares and bike tools to assemble bike again)
Packing and Unpacking Your Big Wheeled Bike
All bike cases require some level of taking apart your bike to fit inside the case. This not only requires some level of mechanic experience and confidence but also some tools, which you will also need to bring with you, adding weight and more things to keep track of. Depending on your bike and case, packing your bike may require removing:
- Wheels
- Forks
- Pedals
- Handlebars
- Seatposts
- Derailleur
Smaller bike bags are designed specifically to avoid airline oversize fees and are about the size of a large suitcase. These bags are somewhat challenging to pack and require significant bike deconstruction— fork, handlebars, pedals, both wheels, and rear derailleur usually need to be removed.
Renting a car or using ride sharing / taxis:
One of the most popular ways of getting around is with a car, either in the form of a rental car or ride sharing. Below is a breakdown of the average costs associated with using a car on vacation.
Airport Parking: $18/day
Rental car: $49/day (Forbes)
Gas: $3.29/gallon
Uber/Lyft: $1-$2-mile
The value of the experience
Bike Friday’s Bike Expert Walter experienced the benefits of having a Bike Friday during a trip to Los Angeles. He arrived at LAX during peak traffic hours. Even if he wanted to call a taxi, the price and time it would have taken him to reach his destination was simply too much. Thanks to bringing his Bike Friday, one he retrieved his suitcase he just put the bike together outside of the airport and road past all the standstill traffic LA is known for.
The solution:
A Bike Friday Folding Bike
Spend your vacation time riding not wrenching! Forget the expensive bike cases, cumbersome wheels, and heavy bike tools. Most Bike Friday bikes will fit inside an airline checkable suitcase without the need to remove derailleurs, the need to fully remove the bars or removing the cranks.
Once you arrive at your destination just unfold your Bike Friday and head to your hotel, beat the traffic as you enjoy your destination. No need for a taxi or Uber!
No need to worry about airline weight or size limits. No need to buy a bike specific airline case, just use your old checkable Samsonite! Don’t have one? You can find them used on the Bike Friday community group, the Yak, Craigslist or Facebook marketplace.
This NerdWallet article breaks down the cheapest way to travel with your bike.
