How to transport a bicycle in a train?

Many people like a bicycle - it is, indeed, a useful and convenient form of transport. However, moving it by rail is not so easy. You need to know a number of subtleties, as well as take into account probable problems.

The need to transport a bicycle on a train periodically arises from almost every owner of an “iron horse”. Not everyone has a car, and it’s not always convenient for him or even, in general, you can come to the right place. And Russian Railways has its own rules, and they differ from those orders that operate in the metro or on land public transport.

In each vestibule they put 1 bike maximum, and charge for them a fee, as for full travel.

If you take apart the bike and put it in the case, you can carry it for free. However, the rules of the railways say that without paying a fee you can only carry things that are recognized as oversized cargo. Russian Railways considers oversized cargo such baggage that freely passes through regular aisles and is placed in standard places for baggage. For a one-story car, the limit indicators are as follows:

• height 1.75 m;
• width 0.5 m;
• 0.45 m deep.

For double-decker wagons, the total sum of all three dimensions should be a maximum of 1.8 m. Obviously, it is quite possible to transport a teenage or small adult bike in a long-distance train compartment. And not a single conductor or even the head of a train / station can forbid this.If passengers weigh their luggage and have a receipt from the Russian Railways weight service, there should not be any obstacles to travel. In case of refusal of baggage, passengers can receive the previously deposited amount in the complaint procedure.

Important: special rules for the transport of sports equipment and equipment say that bicycles should not create problems for other passengers and railway personnel. Subject to this rule, bicycles can be transported in places for hand luggage or in places occupied by passengers themselves. For each bike you have to pay, as for a luggage weighing 10 kg. Russian Railways even provides instructions for packing such things.

Special attention deserves the transportation of bicycles on the train "Swallow". Experienced travelers mention that you must immediately look for the box office that also sells baggage tickets. To purchase them, you must provide a regular passenger ticket or e-ticket number. You can find out the order number so as not to wait until the cashier (also for a fee) finds it from the database using the application from the railways.

In the train Peregrine Falcon You can carry up to 36 kg of hand luggage on 1 passenger ticket. The rule “height + width + depth = 1.8 m” also applies to the fastest Russian train. Non-motorized bicycles on the “Sapsan” do not pass unassembled. As in other cases, they need to be packaged and not disturb other passengers. It is worth remembering that the travelers ensure the safety of their luggage themselves. In case of loss or damage, the railway is not liable.

But sometimes it becomes necessary to travel with a "two-wheeled satellite" in foreign trains. In the vast majority of cases require to disassemble and pack it. It is assumed that the packaging should be laid out on a standard luggage rack, the overall size of which is approximately the same as in the Russian Federation. In separate trains abroad, special wagons are used; it is possible to fit in them upon making an additional payment. An additional ticket is composted and divided into 2 parts: one is glued to the bike itself, and the other is kept with them until the end of the trip.

The instruction from Russian Railways is as follows:

• lower the saddle;

• put the bicycle on a film intended for packaging;

• pack it completely;

• place the packed vehicle on the third shelf or in the luggage space (preferably with wheels against the wall).

They are paired and packaged. For greater reliability, their vehicles are tied with a rope to the handles, handrails and other fixed elements.

When the bike is placed in a cover, you need to:

• dismantle the front wheel (preferably 2 wheels);
• turn the steering wheel;
• unscrew the pedals;
• screw them on the opposite side inside the frame;
• put the wheels either in the same or in a separate case.

It must be remembered that Parts such as the connecting rod system, rooster and rear dropout are most susceptible to damage. They are covered with pieces of an old tourist foam mat. Or use bubble wrap plastic film - then there will be less risk of scratches and other damage. Covers can be replaced with large garbage bags of 120 liters. Two bags are put on the wheels, two more cover the frame on both sides.

Summarizing what has already been said, it is not difficult to notice that it is possible to carry a children's bicycle even when unassembled. However, very large adult models will not be allowed to take on a train. Yes, and one "iron horse" rarely does business - almost always there are some other things. because disassembling a bicycle for transportation is simply convenient. Even if the railway rules do not directly require it.

Most often, removing the front wheel is enough. But in some cases this is not enough, and additional details have to be removed. Only then the bike will be quite compact. For work, in most cases, typical sets of keys with 6 faces are useful. You have to clean:

• additional items;
• pedals
• special fasteners;
• bike computers;
• steering horns;
• headlights.

It is advisable to move the seat to the lower position. Then it will be easier to pack the bike in a bag. The removal of the front wheel is slightly different depending on which brake systems are installed. The rim elements are unclenched by squeezing the pads with their hands. Only then can the arc part be pulled out of the recess.

The disc-shaped brake can be removed immediately, without thorough advance preparation. The bicycle is turned upside down, looking carefully so that all the components do not break or get dirty. It is advisable to put rags or unnecessary newspapers, then the speed switches will remain intact.

The wheel supported by the nut is disconnected with a pair of keys. One is held firmly in place, and the other is driven counterclockwise. Unscrewing it to the limit is not necessary; loosening the nut is enough so that the wheel can be pulled out freely. The eccentric fastening involves releasing the lever, which is then twisted counterclockwise. The mounting nut located on the opposite side must be held.

Inexperienced cyclists often find it difficult to remove the rear wheels. There is a complication of additional equipment. In practice the only difference is the need to loosen the chain. It is transferred to the smallest stars possible. The subsequent actions are the same as when dismantling the front wheel.

To unscrew the pedals using adjustable or special keys. It must be remembered that pedal thread is directed in different directions.

Steering horns are desirable to remove. Bicycle computers are removed from the mount, and the mount point itself is left in place. The lights are removed by removing the screeds or the screws are removed with the hex keys. If the wheels are removed, there is no reason to leave the wings. As for the rest of the accessories, you need to remove everything that can interfere with transportation or may break.

As already mentioned, you need to buy a baggage ticket in advance. If you do this at the station, you will have to figure out which cashier you need to contact. It is necessary to verify that the receipt has been issued correctly. I.e so that it indicated the transport of a bicycle with the note “with you in a carriage”. In addition, it should be remembered that in compartment cars, the luggage compartment is too small. Therefore, although now there is no indication in the rules that with a bicycle (even disassembled) you must ride strictly in the reserved seat, this can create inconvenience for other passengers.

As for the luggage compartment, when transporting a bicycle there, railroad workers often rely on restricting the size of their luggage. In response, you need to refer to the fact that all these restrictions apply to other things. And to the item directly indicating two-wheeled transport among the items allowed for transportation. To reflect all the claims of conductors and other railway workers, it is worth carrying printout from the current edition of the railway rules. In case of persistent claims, you need to appeal to the head of the train; if this does not help, go to the station attendant.

You can watch the video below on two ways to pack a bicycle for transportation on trains.