Packing a bicycle up is an interesting process because you can’t simply get a huge box and walk the bike inside. Very few cardboard boxes are made to hold something the size of a fully assembled bicycle because weight is an issue for cardboard.
The larger a cardboard sheet, the more likely it is to bend and tear. How big is a bicycle box?
Bicycle boxes are oversized, with the smallest usually measuring around 43 x 11 x 32 inches. Children’s bikes or those made to fold up into a compact space may come in a smaller box, but adult bicycles typically have frames at least 40″ to 42″ long. There are other common bike box dimensions available, which include 48 x 8 x 24’s and 54 x 28 x 8 boxes.
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Cardboard Bike Box Dimensions
Bicycle boxes come in a wide variety of dimensions. However, most adult bicycles don’t pack down any smaller than 43 x 11 x 32, even if you take off every possible piece.
Measuring before you buy is essential because you won’t be able to fit a bicycle in a too-small box.
Most shipping companies frown upon open packages with only tape covering a gap, and they may refuse to send them, so make sure you pick the correct dimensions.
You can pick up boxes for your bike at local moving companies for less than fifty dollars apiece.
The only downside is that the selection tends to be more limited in-store, and it’s best if you call around to see if any of the shops have what you need before wasting gas on a guess.
Luckily, you can also order online, which gives you access to any box size you could need.
Bike Box Dimensions Inches
Bicycles are relatively easy to ship. You will need to take off the wheels and front fork to pack it properly, but once you have the correct box, it’s simple enough to add packing material and bike parts.
Then you only need to tape things up and add a label.
Below is a quick chart showing the dimensions of several standard bike boxes in inches and what size bike should fit inside.
Bike Box Chart
| Bike Box Dimensions In Inches | Bicycle Sizes |
| Up to 43 x 11 x 32: Smaller boxes are sometimes used for kids, BMX, and folding styles. | Children’s Sizes, Adult XXS, XS, Small, and Medium |
| 48 x 24 x 8 | Adult XXS, XS, Small, and Medium |
| 54 x 28 x 8 | Adult Large, XL, and XXL |
| 54 x 29 x 9 and Up: This size or larger may also be used to pack bikes with the fork and one tire still on the frame. | Adult XL, XXL, Custom Oversize, Fat Tire Styles & Tandem Bikes |
Bicycle Box Dimensions CM
Not all bike boxes are measured in inches. However, there are typically only two common bike box styles measured this way.
Small boxes are 120 x 78 x 25 cm and the larger style is 140 x 80 x 30 cm.
Below I’ve made another easy reference chart to show you the conversions from the common bike boxes in inches to centimeters if you are using the metric system.
Bike Boxes Inches to Centimeters
| Boxes Commonly Measured in Inches | Dimensions Converted to Centimeters |
| 43 x 11 x 32 | 110 x 28 x 82 |
| 54 x 28 x 8 | 138 x 72 x 21 |
| 54 x 29 x 9 | 138 x 74 x 23 |
Mountain Bike Box Dimensions CM
Mountain bikes use the same boxes as other bicycles. Although the frames on these tend to be thicker, with wider tubes, this makes more weight difference than a size change.
Riders still need a top tube length that is roughly the same to be comfortable as they ride.
The minimum MTB box dimension in centimeters is 110 x 28 x 82, so a standard 120 x 78 x 25 box will also work fine.
Bike Box Dimensions For Airlines
- COMPATIBILITY: The case is suitable for 700C road bikes with QR and Thru axles wheels & Not compatible with MTBs and integrated seatpost & The case dimension is 115cm x 25cm x 84cm / 45" x 10" x 33" & Case Net Weight is 8.3kg / 18.3lbs. TSA lock included.
- QUALITY MATERIAL: The case is formed by EVA material under 200 degree heat, the surface thickness is 1cm, and the hardness (Hs) is up to 80. It is high impact strength and good tear & abrasion resistance.
- PROTECTION: Thanks for the hard shell massive storage design of this bike travel case, so you can take your beloved bikes anywhere in this world securely and easily just like a pro. Easy to pack and assemble, making travelling simple!
- QUICK ACTION: The excellent quality wheels secure your travelling more smoothly and effortlessly. Soft handles on top and side of the case help you move this big guy with more confidence. Front two 360 degree spinning wheels & Rear super rubber wheels, which it can be horizontal pushing and it is more smoothly and relaxed for carrying.
- SECURITY: The thick layer will protect the wheels and frame for impacting each other, various stout buckles, straps and strong integrated industrial strength zips to protect the bicycle parts for extra security, never worry they will fall out during transit. ORDER NOW, WORRY FREE! We're so confident about our product quality that we can provide 2-YEAR WARRANTY!
Most airlines have a cargo size limit of 62 linear inches. To get on a plane with a bicycle, you may need to make arrangements in advance.
Generally, you also need a bicycle bag or hard-sided bicycle case rather than a cardboard box.
I recommend the CyclingDeal Air Travel Hard Case Box Bag from Amazon. This clever, lightweight EVA-formed case with wheels can handle most standard 700C road bikes.
The CyclingDeal case comes with a TSA-approved lock. Best of all, this air travel approved bike bag also comes with a 2-year worry-free warranty.
Learn more about it when you click here.
Standard Bike Box Weight
Bike boxes arent very heavy when they are empty. Before you add the bicycle inside, you can expect it to weigh between 1.75 and 5.5 pounds.
To get the correct shipping weight, you need to account for the box, any packing materials you use, and the weight of your bicycle.
Overall a typical bike box is around 17 to 19 lbs or more, depending on the weight of your bicycle. Some mountain bikes get up to forty pounds, and bikes weigh even more.
Bicycle Box For Shipping
- These cartons open along the ends for easy insertion of frames, mirrors and other flat products
- Designed with full overlap (FOL) flaps for added protection
- Boxes are manufactured from 275#/ECT-44 kraft corrugated
- Corrugated boxes are reusable and recyclable
- Cartons are sold in bundle quantities and ship flat to save on storage space and shipping Proudly made in the USA
Most bicycle boxes are standard corrugated cardboard one layer thick. Although you can get double-thick specialty boxes, most bicycles don’t need them for shipping.
Once you know the dimensions you need, the biggest choice you have to make is whether you want an 8, 9, or 11-inch wide box.
The 9-inch boxes offer more room for padding, while the 8-inch options hold your large parts in place more securely.
For regular bikes such as road bikes, I recommend Ship Now Supply Side Loading Boxes from Amazon.
These convenient large boxes come in a ten pack that is 48″L x 8″W x 24″H. Most XXS to medium-sized bikes will fit, and depending on the style you ride, large frame bikes may also fit if you remove the fork before packing.
You’ll appreciate the complete overlap or FOL flaps that help secure your bike inside.
Get yours by clicking here.
Helpful Tips To Know About How Big A Bicycle Box Is
If you are sending a gift or relocating your favorite ride using the post, you’re going to need a good, high-quality bicycle box.
Are you packing up for a move? Consider putting your bike in a box instead of leaving it loose to get stretched up in transit.
Here are more helpful tips to know about how big a bicycle box is.
- Folding bicycles are made to be more compact than most, so this style has different box-size standards. These lightweight bikes often cost less to ship and may even come in child-bicycle-sized boxes.
- It is rare to get a single box in the size you need when buying larger boxes for your bike. Most available bicycle packing-sized boxes come in groups of ten. You can always check with a local packing and shipping store to see if they sell large boxes in single units.
- In a pinch, you can construct a box yourself. When mailing a bike, no rule says you need a prefabricated box. If you have unusual sizes of bicycles and you can get your hands on some large cardboard sheets or a few too-small cardboard boxes, then you are welcome to cobble together a DIY bike box. Please ensure you tape well if you choose this route, so the package doesn’t come apart.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing about a bike box is choosing one sturdy enough to make the trip that your bicycle fits inside.
It’s vital to close your box up properly so it’s sealed, and you should always use packaging materials to help hold the bicycle parts in place within the box.
Unfortunately, the more your bike shifts during shipping, the greater the chances of it getting damaged.
Always disassemble your bicycle first and measure how long and tall it will be sitting flat. Then check how high the stack of parts is when assembled for packing to get a wide enough box.
You don’t want the package to bulge because metal bike parts are pressing outward on it. Once you know what size box you need, getting packed up is a cinch and only takes a few minutes.
