This pack is durable and well built, but the plastic/resin panels are way too heavy and bulky to ever carry along on a tour. I simply replaced them with cardboard cut to a similar size (wheel boxes work well) and I plan to discard the cardboard panels after the flight over (4 month unsupported tour of Europe). I plan to use the pack without panels for those times when I will be carry my own luggage...such as trains and taxis. Still haven't worked out the return air leg, although I'll probably beg, borrow or steal another wheel box to sacrifice!

Packing a bike for traveling is never fun. Indeed, it is often a real pain. This case makes my life simpler when it comes to packing my S&S coupled touring bike. Like a previous reviewer, I do not use the plastic panels. Instead, I cut out cardboard to give the case some rigidity when I am traveling. The cardboard is tossed when I arrive; and, new cardboard is procured when I am ready to leave. With a knife, some cardboard, and a roll of duct tape I can pack the frame, wheels, racks, and fenders all into the case. Soft items and scraps of cardboard protect the bike parts from one another. On a related note, you will be much happier if you remove the chain and store it separately from everything else. Also, find a cheap plastic bowl to tape over the cassette.