Gather the equipment
| Before going ahead and packaging your bike, gather everything you need so it's all to hand.
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Remove the pedals
| The bike probably won't fit inside the box with the pedals on, and even if it does, they could poke through the cardboard and get damaged. Use a pedal spanner (you can buy one for a couple of pounds on eBay) to unscrew the pedals. Remember, the left pedal spindle is reverse threaded, so turn clockwise to remove the pedal when facing the crank arm.
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Remove the saddle
| Most newer bikes use a quick release lever, but on some models you'll need a spanner. Whichever type you're bike uses, just loosen it off and pull the saddle upwards. Try wiggling the saddle in turning movements if it's a bit stuck.
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Remove the front wheel
| Like the saddle, most newer bikes feature quick release mechanisms, but some will use standard nuts. They should be fairly easy to undo with a spanner or socket and ratchet.
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Protect the rear wheel
| Wrap some bubblewrap or similar material around the rear wheel axel to prevent it poking through box and damaging the thread.
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Protect the frame
| Use foam pipe insulation or bubblewrap to protect the bike frame and forks from scratches
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Turn the handlebars
| Use an allen key to loosen the stem slightly, and turn your rotate your handlebars so they align with the frame of the bike.
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Prevent movement
| Using cable ties, fix the loose rear wheel to the frame of the bike to prevent it moving around inside the box. You should also fix the loose handlebars to the frame, as shown in the clip above.
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Fill the voids
| This is a really important step in packing the bike, as it prevents scratches caused by loose objects inside the box. Polystyrene or recycled packaging chips are best..
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Seal the box
| When sending a bike, we always recommend using 'the H seal', which means taping down the centre of the box, and then across each of the smaller ends.
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