These tips and instructions will help prepare your bike for return shipping to ensure it arrives undamaged.
1. Clean Your Bike: Remove any dirt, mud, and grease. A clean bike is easier to handle and inspect.
2. Remove Accessories: Take off all removable accessories such as water bottle holders, bike computers, lights, and saddlebags. Keep any accessories that you added after your purchase.
3. Remove the Front Wheel, Handlebars, and Pedals: Take off the wheel and handlebars. Protect them with bubble wrap or cardboard. Remove the pedals.
4. Prep the Box: Return the bike in its original box if available or purchase a bike box from a bike shop. Fill the bottom of the box with cushioning packing materials.
5. Protect the Frame and Components: Use bubble wrap, foam padding, or cardboard to protect delicate components and the frame. Pay special attention to the front fork, rear derailleur, and other vulnerable parts. Turn the front fork so the brake is facing the rear wheel. This protects the brake from damage.
6. Securely Fasten Bike: Use zip ties or packing tape to secure parts to the bike within the box.
7. Return All Original Materials: Be sure all manuals, accessories, and components that arrived with the bike are included with the return. Put all small parts in a small box or bag and seal it.
8. Shake It and Tape It: Close the box and shake it. If you hear rattling or parts moving around, add more padding or use cable or parts ties to secure the parts to the frame, then use package tape to seal the box.
9. Label the Box: Write the provided Return Authorization number on the outside of the box. Print and tape your shipping label to the outside of the box. This ensures your package will be quickly checked in on arrival.
10. Shipping Drop Off: Drop off your package at a FedEx near you. https://local.fedex.com/en