Introduction: How to Pack a Bike With S&S Couplers

About: Eric J. Wilhelm is the founder of Instructables. He has a Ph.D. from MIT in Mechanical Engineering. Eric believes in making technology accessible through understanding, and strives to inspire others to learn …

My bike has S&S couplers (also known as S and S Machine Bicycle Torque Coupling) that allow it to be broken apart and packed into a normal-sized checked luggage box that flies at no additional charge. Getting it to fit is always a challenge, so I took photos to help me remember.

Your S&S-enabled bike will probably pack in a slightly different configuration, but you can still use this as a starting guide.

Step 1: Disassemble Bike

Take off the brakes, the rear deailleurs, the cranks, the handle bars, and fork.

Step 2: Fork and Front of Frame

Cover the frame with pipe insulation to protect the paint. Place the support bases, fork, and frame.

Step 3: Rear Wheel

Take the tires off both wheels, and place the rear in with the cassette facing down.

Step 4: Cranks

Wrap up the cranks and chain rings in a plastic bag, and pack them.

Step 5: Seat and Rear Frame

Place the seat and rear frame section.

Step 6: Front Wheel

Place the front wheel.

Step 7: Handle Bars

Fit the handle bars in.

Step 8: Tires and Finish

Squeeze the tires in. Place the top parts of the supports, add in the remains pieces, and carefully check if the box closes.

I always try the pack my bike the night before flying, to ensure I have time to do it properly.