Dear Bike Friday Customer,

As you start to travel this year, some things have changed for travelers as a result of the 9-11 attacks. You may experience your bike BOX (whether a Bike Friday or some other bike) being opened for security inspections. We are advising that you consider the following solutions so that your bike comes through the process in ridable condition.

Obviously the person who opens up a suitcase for a security inspection will not necessarily have the skill to repack your bike. While the following may not completely prevent a problem, it will go a long way toward making sure your bike arrives in good condition and that if need be it can be inspected.

What has happened to a couple of our customers is that the BAGs were opened and when the inspector tried to repack the bikes, the CASE would not close and the bike had some damage and parts were missing.

Our suggestion is that as you pack the bike, strap all the pieces together. (I think old style toe straps would be just the ticket). When you get done packing the bike, test the straps. You should be able to lift your bike out of the CASE, set it aside, and then set it back into the CASE and shut the lid without losing anything or have to make adjustments. We carry toe straps if you cannot find them at your local shop.

DO NOT LOCK YOUR CASE! The inspector will open it somehow and the lock will not latch properly again after it has been forced open. Instead use a long strap to insure that your CASE stays shut during handling. These straps can be purchased at luggage stores.

Have a great holiday season and we'll see you on the road.

Sincerely,

Hanz Scholz Bike Friday Designer and Co-founder HanzS@bikefriday.com http://www.bikefriday.com