ADVeveryday: Bike Box Alan

What do you do when you need to transport a race bicycle to Japan? I asked the same questions, did some serious research, and decided Bike Box Alan was my best chance for a safe delivery.

I have a 2013 Cervelo S5. For me it's a training tool and a decent investment in top end bike technology. Strapped to my trusty steed are my Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR's. Equally important.

I need to fly from Los Angeles, California to Narita, Japan. First problem... Not the airline, they're pretty good... TSA and ground crew could give a shit what anything you own costs. Makes me sick but I don't have another option. I had a conversation with pro racer Dave Koesel from Felt / Audi about traveling with high end gear. He said a hard box with an anti-crush pole is necessary and when it comes to TSA just pray to the bike gods they are having a good day.

So with all my research and advice I purchased a black Bike Box Alan from their USA distributor and received delivery in only 2 days! Cost on the box was about $700 and $90 for shipping. Did you just throw up reading that? Gotta pay to play sometimes... It came perfectly wrapped in 3 layers of plastic via FedEx and it's as well constructed as the reviews say (which were a bit scarce and that is why I am writing this).

If you have a bike that needs a case like this for transport you should know some basic bike mechanics and be comfortable doing a little bit of packing. Wheels go in space specific cutouts that separate the wheels from the frame. Remove the handlebars at the headset, remove the seat post and pedals and bam you're done. Bike Box Alan doesn't say you have to remove the rear derailleur but I am going to out of principle.

Aside from that the process is simple and the opening and closing is simple enough for TSA (but ya never know).

Below is the official video from Bike Box Alan along with detailed photos of the unit I received. I will do a follow-up post with the packing of the bike in a couple weeks. If you have experience with this box or questions about it please chime in! Thanks!