<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Bikesafe hardshell bicycle case]]></title><description><![CDATA[Articles]]></description><link>http://www.bikesafe.co.za/</link><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright Bikesafe hardshell bicycle case]]></copyright><generator>sNews CMS</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Travelling to Cape Argus or other Cape Town event]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Travelling to Cape Argus or other Cape Town event?  

  This useful information for those traveling to the Argus or other Cape Town events published on the  ‘gotravel24’ website.  

  However we would suggest that you also phone the airline first.  

  Those travelling to Cape Town for the events should consider the following airline regulations for Bicycles:  

  
  British Airways (BA) gives you a 23kg sporting equipment allowance, a stand-alone from your usual 20kg luggage weight.  
  You don't need to be a special sportsperson to qualify for this - just give them a call beforehand to make arrangements.  
  SAA charges a handling fee of R48 per kilo.  
  Mango charges R150 for the whole thing.  
  1Time does not charge a fee for transporting your bike. But you must stay within the 20kg luggage allowance. It's R20 per kilo if you exceed.  
  Kulula has a similar process, although the luggage allowance is 23kg and you pay R25 per kilo if you exceed.  
  As a general rule, deflate the tyres, take the wheels off, turn the bars backwards and pack the bike in a box/bag. Bubble wrap is also a good measure.  
  ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:19:52 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.bikesafe.co.za/blog/travelling-to-cape-argus-or-other-cape-town-event/</link><guid>http://www.bikesafe.co.za/blog/travelling-to-cape-argus-or-other-cape-town-event/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cost of transporting your bicycle by air]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Cost of transporting your bicycle by air  

  Flying within the borders of South Africa with your bicycle generally, but not always, is free. Certainly for the big races eg Argus, 94.7, Cape Epic the airlines are lenient. Although they may stipulate that you bring your bike to the airport a few days before the event and collect from a large warehouse at the destination airport. In South Africa the airlines are entitled to charge you R250 for transporting a bicycle no matter what the weight.  

  I recently spoke to someone flying with El Al to Israel and his bicycle will be transported free.
People flying overseas from South Africa on SAA will never pay more than R250 – and then often that fee is waived.
We checked out 53 random airline sites and found that they all have different rules and measures when it comes to transporting sporting equipment. Most are specific in stating that a bicycle must be boxed to be transported by them. (They do not want the hassle of a broken bike either) Weight allowances and rates differ from airline to airline, literally from travel free to charges of $100 in the USA. Airline baggage regulations for bicycles are a moving target and the airlines can be very inconsistent.  The airlines’ argument for surcharges are, bicycles require special handling and are quite bulky causing luggage holds to be loaded in very specific ways.  This is also true for large musical instruments and very large dogs in kennels.  Many airlines have specific charges for other sporting equipment as well: golf bags, surfboards, ski equipment, etc.
One of the websites we visited stated that one traveller going from Asia to Europe on Malaysia airline paid nothing extra for his bike going, but was charged Euro 483 on the return.  Another email on the same site says two people had just flown from the U.S. to Spain and weren't charged and were told there was no charge for taking a bicycle trans-Atlantic if it was one of two pieces of checked baggage.  

  Generally the check in staff are not sure of the rules themselves and if you treat them right they seem to be able to use some discretion and usually do not charge. We have never yet had to pay to transport our bicycles in the BikeSafe.  

  Our advice in negotiation with the airlines is as follows  

  
  Phone ahead and tell them you will be travelling with a bicycle  
  If you are dealing with a travel agent make sure they sort out all the arrangements for you  
  Make sure you have in writing a confirmation of what has been agreed upon when you arrive to check in  
  When you arrive to check-in tell them you phoned ahead, explain and show letter  
  Be friendly and polite but not subservient and overly compliant. You are entitled as a sportsperson to travel with your equipment  
  You are usually allowed 2 pieces of luggage in the hold and one piece to take on board with you. Rarely is your onboard luggage weighed – put extra heavy items into this luggage to make sure your BikeSafe is as light as possible. But do not put your “bombs” for inflating tyres or multitool into your hand luggage  
  Enjoy your flight – it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that your bike is in the hold, safe and sound and totally protected  
  

  When you arrive at your destination and need to hire a car: the 3 least expensive hire cars are the Citi Golf, Corsa Lite and Toyota Tazz. You can pack 2 bikesafes into the Tazz and Corsa and one into the Golf.  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:57:04 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.bikesafe.co.za/blog/cost-of-transporting-your-bicycle-by-air/</link><guid>http://www.bikesafe.co.za/blog/cost-of-transporting-your-bicycle-by-air/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Frequently asked questions]]></title><description><![CDATA[      

  

  What are the dimensions of the BikeSafe?  

  1200mm x 900mm x 320mm.  

  What stops the bicycle from moving around in the case? How is it fixed in place?  

  The bicyle fits into the case upside down. The case comes with a set of very sturdy straps which holds the bike in place and stops it from moving up and down. The pedals are left on the bicycle and when the bicycle is placed in the case the pedals hold the bicycle in a central position. There is absolutely no movement.  

  Do I need a skewer or a splint to protect my bicycle in the case?  

  Because of the way your bicycle is fixed in the case your bicycle and derailleur, chainring and forks ( which are the components that most often get damaged during transport) are suspended in air in a hardshell cocoon which totally protects it from any damage.  

  What do I do with my wheels?  

  These fit easily into the case one on each side of the bicycle. You can purchase wheelbags for extra protection or use the foam supplied to place between your frame and your wheels.  

  Does the case come with wheels?  

  Yes, two wheels front and back which makes it easy to move around.  

  Will my mountain bicycle fit into the BikeSafe&reg;?  

  No problem.  

  Will my time trial bike fit into the BikeSafe&reg;?  

  Yes, without a problem, and in fact, you won’t even have to remove your tri-bars.  

  Do the airlines accept the BikeSafe&reg;?  

  Yes they do. It helps them too, because they have a big problem with claims for  bicycles that have been damaged in transit.  

  Can I fit the BikeSafe&reg; into my saloon car?  

  Yes, the BikeSafe&reg; fits across the back seat of most salon cars. One would need to take the lid off and put the lid in front of the case. It is also possible to travel with the BikeSafe&reg; on a roof rack – either inflatable or otherwise . This makes it possible to transport two or more BikeSafes on top of a car.  

  How many BikeSafes can I put in a hatchback car?  

  Most hatchbacks will easily fit two BikeSafes by folding the back seat down and sliding them in through the hatch.  

  What is the weight of the BikeSafe&reg;?  

  13 kilograms. It is the lightest hardshell bicycle case available.  

  What colours can I have?  

  See   customising your BikeSafe&reg;  .  

  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:36:07 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.bikesafe.co.za/faq/frequently-asked-questions/</link><guid>http://www.bikesafe.co.za/faq/frequently-asked-questions/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pricing]]></title><description><![CDATA[      

  

  
  
  
  Hardshell bicycle case  
    Bike case : R2995.    
  Contact us to place an order  .  
  
  

  
  
  
  BikeSafe&reg; wheel bags  
    Wheelbags : R595.    
Suitable for road, time trial, MTB.   Specify for 29er.    
  Contact us to place an order  .  
  
  

  
  
  
  BikeSafe&reg; kit bag  
    Bicycle kit bag : R795.    
  Contact us to place an order  .  
  
  

  
  
  
  BikeSafe&reg; chain cover  
    Chain cover : R130.    
  Contact us to place an order  .  
  
  

  
  
  
  Personalised decals  
    Name with or without telephone number : R50.    
  Company / club logos or country flags : R60.    
  Contact us to place an order  .  
  
  

    





  

    ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:34:40 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.bikesafe.co.za/products-and-pricing/pricing/</link><guid>http://www.bikesafe.co.za/products-and-pricing/pricing/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Setting the combination locks]]></title><description><![CDATA[      

  

  

  
    The default factory setting for all locks is &lsquo;0-0-0&rsquo;    
  Open the lock by lifting the red button  
  Lift the base plate and locate the little combination change lever  
  Slide the lever toward the centre and then back toward the case  
  Lower base plate and turn dials to set your favourite combination (e.g. birthday, phone number, etc)  
  Lift base plate again and release change lever  
  Your combination is now locked in until you change it  
  You cannot close or open the padlock on the wrong numbers  
  To provide total protection for your valuables, simply secure the locks and rotate the dial for one or more of the numbers  
  Please set all four padlocks to the same combination  
  

  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:33:55 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.bikesafe.co.za/locks/setting-the-combination-locks/</link><guid>http://www.bikesafe.co.za/locks/setting-the-combination-locks/</guid></item></channel></rss>
