V20c on Amtrak
- Thread starter TransAm
- Start date
Ohoh. I am thinking of taking S40 on Amtrek this summer from Vancouver to Seattle. What happens if the handlebar sticks out? Do you must disconnect the steerer? And the back wheel too?
Not me. A group is us in August are doing a 6 day 500 mi ride from Seattle to Vancouver Island BC and taking the train back from Vancouver to Seattle. Should be a lot of fun. But now I am a little alarmed at the bike storage on the train isuue. I bought a bike ticket but didn't know how it really works.
kizarmynot
Active Member
Amtrak has a few different bike options depending on the route. The ”in-car” option shown requires one wheel removed. As you can also see since the wheelbase of a CB is similar to a DF it will fit - can’t say the same for some longer recumbents. There are also routes that allow you to roll the bike into a storage car. There may be others that require a box. This page should be a good place to start
www.amtrak.com
When I rode with a DF 2 years ago (changed trains at Penn Station, not enjoyable but doable) I only had to remove the front tire (and bags). BUT, this kept the handlebar within the storage area. You may be able to remove the front wheel of a CB to keep from disconnecting the handlebar, but I would also want to remove the derailleur to prevent damage.
Bring Your Bike on Amtrak
How to bring your bicycle with you on your next Amtrak journey.
www.amtrak.com
Thank you for the link! It looks like I will have to check in the bike at the station with the staff for our route. Fingers crossed that the Canadians know what to do!Amtrak has a few different bike options depending on the route. The ”in-car” option shown requires one wheel removed. As you can also see since the wheelbase of a CB is similar to a DF it will fit - can’t say the same for some longer recumbents. There are also routes that allow you to roll the bike into a storage car. There may be others that require a box. This page should be a good place to start
When I rode with a DF 2 years ago (changed trains at Penn Station, not enjoyable but doable) I only had to remove the front tire (and bags). BUT, this kept the handlebar within the storage area. You may be able to remove the front wheel of a CB to keep from disconnecting the handlebar, but I would also want to remove the derailleur to prevent damage.Bring Your Bike on Amtrak
How to bring your bicycle with you on your next Amtrak journey.
Attachments
TransAm
Well-Known Member
Probably not this year....
TransAm
Well-Known Member
Not sure if an S40 would fit. If you need to know, then take a test ride for one station stop and ride home.
I have also taken the V20c on the Lake Shore Limited a half-dozen times. That train has a baggage car where you hand the bike up to the attendant. Never had a problem, but Amtrak officially does not support recumbents, so you could be refused. Just pay the few extra $ for the flex option so you can get a refund if they do.
Sometimes they hang the bike in the baggage car, sometimes they just lean it against the wall. Let them know that they can reverse the steerer in either case to make the bike more like a DF. If they lean it against the wall, they should point the wheels into the wall on each end so the bike doesn't roll.
