I’m in the market. Anyone selling or have advice as to what to look for?
Yeah, i’ve done that about 10 times now and i’m not satisfied with it. Just this last time they had ripped open the box, didn’t re-tape it, and let my helmet / tools spill out. They gave them to me seperately (damaged) but didn’t honour any damage claims since it was a “packing problem”. It works, sure, but since I’m travelling a lot I’d like to have a real case.
I used to have this one:http://www.lacordee.com/en/brands/v/voyager/voyager-bicycle-travel-bag before loosing it and was pretty happy with it. One of the seams on a strap had broken, but it was an easy fix and otherwise worked fine.
CRC has a pretty good selection and they’re cheap.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=514
The “just use a cardboard box” argument is not without flaws Phil. I’m not saying it’s impossible to do safely - I’ve shipped across the country with no damage that way - but it’s a massive pain in the ass and even in the best case is vastly less protective in terms of being crushed under other luggage and being dropped, survival while sitting on the tarmac in the rain, and ease of transportation. Really, the ONLY entries in the plus column are cost and weight (weight likely not being an issue unless we’re talking about DH bikes). The disadvantages are magnified if we’re talking about an ultralight carbon road bike like Keith’s S3 - I doubt impact protection was high on Cervelo’s list of design parameters for that bike, and you’re not really saving money on a bike box if you end up needing a new frame.
You pretty much have three options Keith: bags, hard cases, and hybrid combinations of the two. The pros and cons of each category are pretty obvious. In my opinion the cheap softsided bags are totally not worth it - I looked at a couple and I would not be comfortable with the perceived level of protection. I didn’t see any hard or hybrid cases new for less than around $400, and the second hand market was hard to track down.
I ended up buying a Biknd case at the beginning of the summer and am very happy so far, having flown with it twice. It is on the pricey side, at $600, but I’m impressed with the manufacturing and expect it to last the better part of my lifetime. It has a totally hard bottom which the frame attaches to, as well as a hard front to give the bag some more shape. There is room for two sets of wheels, and the padding on the sides is in the form of inflatable air bladders which squeeze everything together nicely and seems to protect quite well against drops. It also folds up nice and small when not being used (as compared to a box) which is fairly nice when you arrive wherever you’re travelling. I know there are similar hard-bottomed designs, but the air blatter concept is unique. No problem getting under 50lbs, including a floor pump, helmet shoes etc. Westjet opted to only charge me $20 each time, as supposed to $70 that they would have if I was using a cardboard box.
Not sure what you’re looking for a bag for, but I’d definitely lend mine to you if it’s not being used.
I’ve travelled with the voyager with a Trek Madone series 6 and an opus allegro carbon frame, as well as a mountain bike without issues. I did pad the bikes up when travelling, but appart from the semi integrated seat mast on the Trek, it was always pretty easy, and it’s under 300$. It has a hard(ish) bottom, with the panel continuing up front partway to help protect the fork. No air padding though, but with the wheels on the side and some foam, it’s been plenty. It also straps down to keep everything tight. I’ve also had west-jet charge me only for the extra luggage.
I’ve rented the Bike Box Alan and used a friend’s Thule case before. The Thule is heavy, a pain to lug around and doesn’t have nearly enough space for all the extra essentials you need (pump, hlemet, etc.). The Bike Box Alan was much easier to push around, had a ton more space and lighter. However, you can only bring 1 set of wheels with you which could be issue depending on if you need a trainer and race set wherever you’re going.
The Binkd case Eric posted looks quite intriguing. I might have to look into one of those next time.
All this is to say; I’d stay away form the typical Thule box and only go with the Bike Box Alan if you’ve tried it and like it. I didn’t like it enough to buy one. [/negative nancy]
Guys that’s awesome. And thanks Eric for a perfect post. You were who I had in mind when I made the original posting as I remember seeing your bike bag at Charlevoix and oogling.
I’ll definitely look into the Binkd, and I had also looked at the Bike Box Alan. Thanks for the tips staying away from Thule. I find it ultra cool that they often charge you only for extra luggage. That could pay for itself after a few flights!
If you think it it will last a lifetime, Eric, then yes it’s definitely worth the $600 for my S3 and whatever else comes along in the future.
Cheers guys
I’ve got this case:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1102801_-1___000000
It’s flown my cervelo to Russia, and mountain bikes to Europe.
It’s got a lot of problems, but none that can’t be fixed with adding more foam and using zip ties. It’s also a fraction of the cost of most other cases.
The issue with bike boxes is not the weight so much as the size. You get nailed no matter how light it is. Try to fly with airlines that let you take a bike in lieu of a suitcase with only a small surcharge. There are several that do this.
Westjet is excellent for this for eg. Avoid US carriers like the plague.
IMO, the Bike Box Allen is ridiculous. Including shipping, taxes and duty you’re looking at $1000 for a bike box.
The Ritchey break-away framset + hard case travellers case can be had for $1000 + tax + duty and the bike then collapses into a regular suitcase footprint so you will never be charged for oversize. Ever. IMO a coupled frame is a superior choice for the frequent traveller unless you go with something < $400.
You can always also look into shipping the bike freight, or using a service like this: http://www.bikeflights.com/ if you’re moving or whatnot, rather than going on a trip where you need your bike.
I have a wheel bag to sell.
Beautiful zipp bag for two wheels and some tools.
It is on the ZIPP website