Bike Packing Foam Noodle?

[nelsoc]

Hey Folks. I'm going to be packing up three bikes for transporting internationally in the next few weeks. I'm wondering about the best place to get foam noodle to wrap around various parts of the frame for protection?

I've tried the local bike shop, but most bikes now come with cardboard tubing rather than foam. They helped me out with the boxes and I've got the zip ties, but foam protection is what I need.

I did check to see what was available from Amazon, but it is amazingly expensive given I used to get it for free.

Any help, insights or guidance will be much appreciated.

[jm714]

Go to your hardware store and get pipe insulation

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by jm714

Go to your hardware store and get pipe insulation

+1

this

[Mike V]

Any place that sells things for a pool

[steelbikerider]

1" or 3/4" inch for stays and fork, 2" for frame tubes, also duct tape

[flying]

Yes as others have said just hit Home Depot or similar & get pipe insulation
But dont use zip ties just a touch of duct tape is all you need as zip ties can actually scratch things

Usually $3 for 6'

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...1812/204760805

[guyintense]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-Ki...XB-6/202318553

[Hank Scorpio]

Even cheaper is dollar store pool noodles that cost gasp $1 to 1.25$ depending on which one you go to. Might be a seasonal item though so don’t wait too long.

[johnniecakes]

I get them at dollar tree.

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by jm714

Go to your hardware store and get pipe insulation

Shipping a bike from Florida years ago, I went to the local big box stores in West Palm and they didn't carry pipe insulation!

I ended up using bubble wrap. Not as good, but it's what I had...

When I shipped a Moots frame to the UEA recently, I had extra room in the box and a couple of spare UHaul shipping blankets. Those worked pretty well too.

[jm714]

Originally Posted by C40_guy

Shipping a bike from Florida years ago, I went to the local big box stores in West Palm and they didn't carry pipe insulation!

I ended up using bubble wrap. Not as good, but it's what I had...

When I shipped a Moots frame to the UEA recently, I had extra room in the box and a couple of spare UHaul shipping blankets. Those worked pretty well too.

I only go to the big box when I have to, typically I go to the local Tru Value and they have the pipe insulation there in multiple sizes.

[nelsoc]

Many Thanks everyone. I'll go searching on the weekend for some pipe insulation in 1 inch and 2 inch at the hardware. Much appreciated.

[AngryScientist]

yes, any home depot or lowes should have half an aisle of what you need.

Tip: there are in my experience two different kinds, one has adhesive on the edges of the slit running lenthwise and one style doesnt (or doesnt have a slit at all, can be cut manually...) - go for the second. the adhesive can be a pain in the butt when packing/removing.