1  Deflate the tyres and take off the wheels, pedals and fragile items such as computer sensors. Wrap everything in plenty of padding, such as bubble-wrap or pipe lagging.

 2  Remove the rear mech, wrap it and tie it between the rear forks.

 3  Brace the front & rear forks with an old axle, a piece of 4x2, or something similar.

 4  Remove the handlebars, wrap them well and pack them parallel with the front fork or the frame. (If the bag/box is big enough, you may get away with loosening them off, turning them through 90 degrees and re-tighteneing.)

 5  Wrap rags around the chain rings and then bubble-wrap around the chain rings and front mech.

 6  Pack lots more bubble-wrap or pipe insulation around the frame.

 7  Stick the whole lot in the box or bag, together with lots more bubble-wrap or padding (even your cycle clothing if weight allows) - don't forget to pack the wheels and pedals!

 8  Finally, for anyone crazy enough to be visiting anywhere other than here, don't forget your tools and track pump!