Packing our S&S Tandem - Wheels and parts
into the case
- Collect all the tools - wrap them up and place them in the
bottom of the wheel case.
- Place the cranks in the bottom of the wheel case with the
pedals at the corners. Put in the chains and all the other ziplocs
with parts, leaving the area in the middle free.
 
- If necessary, let air out of the rear tire. Slide the rear
wheel with axle protectors into the rear rack and wedge this
into the case - cassette down.
- Place the fenders on top of the wheel between the rack and
the wheel as needed.
- Add racktop bag, spare tubes, water bottle cages and anything
else I missed. Throw in a tube of grease to re-grease everything
you wiped
down.
 
- If necessary, let air out of front tire. Wedge it into the
top of the wheel case.
- Lower the top and make sure you can close the case without
resistance. This case should also come in under 50 lbs. If it
doesn't, put some of the tools in your other luggage. Same for
the frame case. We use straps around the cases, just in case
the latches get knocked open. Be aware that TSA regularly lose
straps and locks.
It reads much more complicated than it is. John
and I can do it together in about 45 minutes. The first time will
take much longer because you have to cut the padding. Labeling
and grouping all the padding makes things go much faster, as does
practice. We both work on the bike during disassembly, each with
our own known tasks. John steps away when its time to put it in
the case. I love puzzles and the challenge of making it fit nicely.
It will take longer for one person, but hopefully both members
of the tandem team will take part.
Pulling the cranks is easy, depending on what cranks
you have - and once you do it a couple of times, should not intimidate
even the most non-mechanical person. Depending on the size of
your frame and how high you like your bars, you may not need to
remove the fork.
|
