Start by giving yourself more than ten minutes for the project. Asking your local shop for a bike box is a good first step. Be prepared to purchase the box from the shop (although it's not uncommon for some shops to give them away.) The shop may also have some great recycled bike packing materials to assist with the job.

Boxing bikes can be a jigsaw puzzle. Ballooners and touring bikes with racks and fenders may require extra patience and a larger than normal box or additional boxes. Your local shop may offer this boxing service for a fee of $20-$30.

Step 1 - Start by putting geared bikes in the largest rear cog for derailleur protection, than remove the pedals. Either a 15mm or 9/16" pedal wrench should do the trick.

Step 2 - Protect the fork dropouts. A fork block from a new bike is ideal, wood will also suffice.

Step 3 - Protect the hub/axle of the front wheel. A front wheel without blunted ends can poke through the box or worse, scar a beautiful paint job. Pack quick release in box with pedals.

Step 4 - After removing the handlebar assembly, wrap all the tubes with paper or cardboard tubes to protect the paint. Affix the front wheel and handle bars to the frame before placing in the box. Bicycle Traders make great packing material.

Step 5 - Remember to collect the pedals and other miscellaneous tidbits and place in a container to go inside the box. Do not place small loose items in shipping box, they may escape or bounce around during shipment potentially being damaged or damaging other items. Bag and tape box well.

Step 6 - With the frame wrapped, the front wheel and handlebars attached prior to insertion of the box, the assembly slips into the box more readily than inserting the items independently. Remember to leave 1/2 to 3/4 air pressure in the tires to protect the wheels. Close up the box, check for loose parts around work area, then close up with a liberal amount of tape.

Step 7 - Remove all old labels from box. Label the box clearly to avoid confusion. Check the mailing address twice. Write FRAGILE on it and make a prayer to the shipping gods for safe delivery.