The Gravel Cyclist crew attending the 2016 Gravel Worlds in Lincoln, Nebraska had their final shakedown ride the weekend before the big race. You can read about that ride HERE.
Before the crew can fly to the race, the Ritchey Breakaway race bikes need to be disassembled and packed for the trip. JOM of Gravel Cyclist assembled a short time-lapse video which runs through the process from complete bike to bagged and ready for flight.
Thanks for watching!
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Is it an airline requirement that tire sealant be removed? If so, how would they know? i.e., what was the purpose of that step?
Hi Steve,
The tyres need to be deflated to fit into the case. When that happens, the seal between the tyre and wheel typically breaks; sealant could go all over the place if I tried to lay the wheels in the case in that state… not pretty. It is definitely a hassle for sure.
I like the tip to rubber band the brake levers, I’ll use that the next time I travel. A 58 frame is a bit of a tighter fit. I use pipe insulation for some of the bike tubes. It seems a little easier than the cloth padding that comes with the bike. I also usually pack some kit in the case for extra padding as well. I like to get as close to the 50lb limit as possible. I like to get my money worth. Do have a travel size pump with a pressure gauge that you recommend for travel?
Hi Mike,
Typically, I use this pump – https://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/mega_morph_bk – the half-size handle and half-size foot peg aren’t optimal, but it does the job nicely and has a gauge.
I am currently reviewing a Bontrager TLR Flash Charger pump at the moment – this is a full-size pump with a secondary air cylinder for doing tubeless tyres. It isn’t a travel pump, but fits nicely in my second suitcase. Obviously it adds a bit of weight and isn’t for everyone, but I am totally sold on tubeless, even for when I travel. Thankfully, if I see my folks in Australia, my dad has a compressor in his garage 🙂
I hope this helps!
JOM
I saw you weigh the bike and gear; what is the weight of the Gravel Cyclist? 😉
Seriously — awesome “how to” video — even if its primary effect on me is to confirm that my shift to running is a move toward simplicity. (Pack shoes).
Great stuff JOM! Good luck!
-TF
Yes, cycling of any type isn’t exactly simple… and I like the simple things in life! Thanks for the kind words 🙂
I’ve read that the case that the Ritchey BreakAway comes with measures out to be 64 linear inches (9x26x29) while the maximum baggage size allowed, without fees, by most airlines is 62 linear inches. Did you run in to any oversized baggage fees because of this?
Underneath this video on YouTube you also mentioned that you’re using a different bag now. What bag is that and what made you decide to use it instead of the Ritchey bag included with the frame?
Hi Alexander,
I never had an issue with the airlines charging for the Ritchey case. However, I swapped recently to an S&S hard case which falls within regulations. That case does a better job of protecting the wheels. With the Ritchey case, sometimes The wheels would remain perfectly true and other times, one of the wheels would need truing. With the compression members inside this case and a different packing order, that problem is solved.
It’s just a shame the S&S case is so pricey.