Travelling by Bus and Rail

[BikeBuddha]

Hi

I finally got my bike, but find myself needing to travel with it. I am new to travelling with a bike, and find myself having to use both a train (space reserved) and a bus (in hold of a Scottish Citylink).

I was thinking of leaving the filled panniers on.

Can anyone offer any tips or advice as regards whether to remove pedals, twist handlebars, etc.

What brand/model of bike bag would fit the bike and panniers.

A high quality chain, or something to take travelling and securing bike.

Pictures of bike to come.



Thank you for any adivice you can give.

[st599_uk]

I finally got my bike, but find myself needing to travel with it. I am new to travelling with a bike, and find myself having to use both a train (space reserved) and a bus (in hold of a Scottish Citylink).

Where are you travelling? In the UK, you're normally OK on local stopping services as long as you avoid rush hour. Just look at the carriages and there's usually a bike symbol. On longer services, you can book in advance - some trains require you to hang the bike in a cupboard, some in the guards van.

[richardfm]

I finally got my bike, but find myself needing to travel with it. I am new to travelling with a bike, and find myself having to use both a train (space reserved) and a bus (in hold of a Scottish Citylink).

Where are you travelling? In the UK, you're normally OK on local stopping services as long as you avoid rush hour. Just look at the carriages and there's usually a bike symbol. On longer services, you can book in advance - some trains require you to hang the bike in a cupboard, some in the guards van.

Guard's Van? I didn't think they still existed

[axel_knutt]

I was thinking of leaving the filled panniers on.

Can anyone offer any tips or advice as regards whether to remove pedals, twist handlebars, etc.


A high quality chain, or something to take travelling and securing bike.

I normally get the panniers off at the first opportunity, it can be difficult enough manoeuvreing a bike on trains as it is, without any more unnecessary weight, and I prefer to have them on the rack above the seat.
They won't usually allow you to lock bikes on trains, they like to reserve the right to shift it out of the way if necessary.

[Sweep]

No need to remove anything at all with West Coast.
I use quite often with a full load of panniers and stuff on top.
I carry a small strap to help secure the bike if access to the train fitted one is obstructed by another bike etc.
Wonderful way to travel if the train isn't cancelled/delayed (when you can get compensation) - need to book the bike of course but this is reassuring.
West Coast station staff/drivers always been very helpful in my experience.

[rareposter]

I finally got my bike, but find myself needing to travel with it. I am new to travelling with a bike, and find myself having to use both a train (space reserved) and a bus (in hold of a Scottish Citylink).

Congrats on finally getting the bike sorted, look forward to seeing the pics!

ScotRail - best bet is to look on their website as there are different rules depending on the route / type of train:
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-jo ... kes-trains

You don't need a bag or box for taking the bike on a train anywhere in the UK.

Citylink had a trial system of issuing a "VeloSock" cover for bikes - I doubt they'd fit on a touring bike though with the racks, mudguards etc, they're designed for bikes without a lot of attachments but you can see pics of it in action here:
https://www.citylink.co.uk/conditions-o ... /bicycles/

I recall from previous posts that you're on Skye, yes? In which case the 915 and 916 services to Glasgow will both take bikes. Again, no bag or box required.

Check with other train operators before you travel. Bikes are free on all rail services but sometimes need booking on and the rules vary wildly between operators and often between routes as well - going into a big city during rush hour for example.

Also, if you're doing long distance train travel, look at https://www.splitticketing.com/ - it's often much cheaper to buy several split tickets than one "straight through" ticket and that website helps you find the best deals.

[MrsHJ]

Congratulations on getting the bike- so glad you got there in the end.

Panniers on or off depends on the access to the train -can be narrow and steep requiring a trip with the bike and a second trip with the panniers- newer commuter style trains are generally better . Also depends on the configuration of the bike storage. It isn’t that easy to get a fully laden bike onto a hook for the front wheel.

No experience on buses recently. Picture from the line between Exeter and Barnstaple in June where as you can see the panniers did stay on. This was supposed to be enough space for 3 bikes though and the panniers would have had to come off if there had been 3.

Ps leave the pedals and handlebars alone for trains.

[BikeBuddha]

Thank you everyone.

Some bus drivers seemed to think I need a bag, to put the bike in the haulage area. That is why I was looking for it.

But, I will just take some plastic bags in case they want to protect the hold and other luggage from grease.

Pictures coming soon.!

PS. Do you use a lock in the trains?

[rareposter]

PS. Do you use a lock in the trains?

No. Bikes sometimes need to be moved to allow others on or off, re-jig space and so on plus you often don't have much time at stations to be faffing around with locks.