Bike on train?

[Giel]

Hej hej,

I am planning to ride the Bergslagsleden and Vastra Vatternleden from Kloten to Hjo by the end of this month. To get to my starting point in Kloten I intend to take a train from Skovde to Kopparberg. Swedish Rail just informed me that one is not allowed to bring a bike on the train, even if you take the wheels out. I wonder how strict this policy is enforced. Could I take a gamble and bring my bike on the train or is SJ strictly "zero tolerance" on this issue?

Would taking the bus be a viable alternative?

I guess one alternative would be to drive my car to Kloten, ride the trails, drop the bike at my summerhouse in Hjo, catch the train in Skovde to Kopparberg, take a taxi to Kloten, pick up the car and drive back. The inefficiency, waste of time and fuel makes me cringe :)

Thanks! Giel

 

[Globalistic]

If you put your bike in a bag it will not be a issue. Once I put mine in a hockey trunk. No hussle about that. And they are also special bike bags in hardshell or softbags.

Without bag - It might become a issue... The drivetrain is usually the main problem with traveling with bikes on a train.

Good Luck!

 

[rikard]

Without a bag, you could get removed from the train.

You could have a lot more luck with a bus, but it varies from company to company.

 

[Giel]

Thanks chaps, one bikebag ordered :) And I sent a kind note to SJ that this policy doesn't gel with their environmentally friendly credentials.

 

[tropfrog]

Giel skrev:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks chaps, one bikebag ordered :) And I sent a
> kind note to SJ that this policy doesn't gel with
> their environmentally friendly credentials.


+1.....Way to go:)

 

[Deus_X_M]

Giel skrev:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks chaps, one bikebag ordered :) And I sent a
> kind note to SJ that this policy doesn't gel with
> their environmentally friendly credentials.


+1, that policy is ridiculous. You can bring so many other things on the train (that are far bulkier), but a bike gets you thrown off...... Way to go SJ :(

 

[jesperC]

Just a note. It does not have to be a specific "bikebag".

I have wrapped bikes in black plastic bags (the kind normally used for garbage disposal) and tape, it worked just fine on SJ-trains.

But a reusable bag is of course a better solution if you plan to do this regularly .

//j

 

[JojjeM]

But what will you do with the bag once at your starting point? You don't want to bring your bag on the trail I assume? If I understand your plan correctly a disposable packaging would be preferred. maybe three plastic bags (one per wheel and one for frame) and some bubble wrap is sufficient.

I have travelled by train with my bike in a cardboard box and you should be able to get one of those for free from any bike shop.

/Johan

EDIT: Jesper beat me to it. Slow even on the Internet :)

 

[Giel]

JojjeM skrev:
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> But what will you do with the bag once at your
> starting point? You don't want to bring your bag
> on the trail I assume?

You're right, disposable would be best. The less weight on the bike the better. I'll wrap it up in plastic and see how it goes.

Cheers, Giel

 

[Carl A]

since train-travelling could be deemed as climate friendly, making it tricky to bring a bike is some kind of "climate-compensating"...