So here is the story, I will be traveling in Asia and then Europe for one year. I was thinking of backpacking around Asia (b/c that is relitively cheap compared to somewhere like Europe). Then once I get to Europe I will bike around (to save money, and for good exercise b/c of the really good food in France and Italy). I have a bike, bike that would do fairly well in Europe, so I want to send it to myself from Canada to Europe. I have parents that can aid in many ways (except flying over to bring me the bike personally, but they can put it the mail box....a big mailbox).
How do I do this?
Lets say I will start my biking in Germany, and I don't know anyone in Europe, so should I send my bike to a hotel? A post office? A bike shop and buy my used bike back? or would I better off buying a bike in Germany? Starting in Europe instead of Asia and sending my bike back home? Any ideas from anyone, do you have any experiences to share?
Thanks in advance.
A few thoughts and please no bold text, it is not necessary, I can read normal print perfectly well.
Firstly why not cycle in Asia - great place for it, probably better than Europe (in my opinion).
If you have your bike with you all the time, you won't have to pay to transport it - it'll go with you on plane, train, bus, boat, etc and more importantly road. Also have you thought about the luggage problem? Panniers are best on bike, small shoulder bag (or backpack) if no bike.
Post offices have Poste Restant, but I don't know if they will hold a bike - why don't you find out. You can also ask how much posting your bike will be. Another option is someone like DHL who would hold in storage till you arrive. Contact them and ask how much.
If you need a contact point, try searching for a good German cycle club and making contact with them. They can probably help.
You would be better off buying a used one in Europe than shipping it. You won't be able to use the postal service because it exceeds the maximumj dimension allowed. Shipping it privately is quite expensive particularly by air because they usually use volume weight which is calculated at about 45kg if it's put in a box. If you absolutely want your bike, I would try posting a message on craigslist or something similar and offer to pay someone to take it on a plane as luggage.
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