Tandem Cycling - Travel Cases - non-coupled tandem

I've done a quick search and not much to be found on this forum. My wife and I might take one trip/year where we need to ship our tandem. I'd like a real case versus cardboard box assuming airlines are not an option. I've seen a bit of a shout-out for the US Pro tandem case, but I'd like to hear feedback on some other options if anyone out there has an opinion. BTW, I don't see us going overseas.

Crate Works makes excellent tandem boxes. Waiting list for the rest of 2009 unfortunately.

http://crateworks.com/c/Tandem-LWB-Recumbent-bikes/Tandem+and+LWB+Recumbent+bike+boxes.html

Hard to beat the price of an old tandem cardboard box . . . or 2 single bike boxes spliced TWogether!

Hard to beat the price of an old tandem cardboard box . . . or 2 single bike boxes spliced TWogether!

+1

If you are going to ship it UPS or similar, a cardboard box is not bad. If you would like something a little stronger you can always buy a couple of sheets of coroplast to reinforce the cardboard if it makes you feel better. Just put the coroplast on the inside of the box.

Keep in mind that your tandem has likely already been shipped in a cardboard box to your LBS. Odds are it will be fine if you pack it smartly.

I have used a Racecase and find it well suited to airline travel - although for a non-coupled tandem in todays pay for excess baggage environment expect to shell out $$$. I have not checked the website, but I think the case itself weighs near 30 lbs. The other problem with a Racecase is that it is not UPS shippable. I got around the weight limit by getting a wheel case and loading that up with parts. I ended up with practically just the frame in the tandem case, wheels and parts in the wheel case and some parts in my regular luggage. All just making the 50lbs limit.

I have also used a cardboard box, an ironcase and a plastic bag that the airline gave me to put my bike on the plane. No damage on any trip so far (keeping my fingers crossed). When it is your turn for your bike to get trashed by the luggage gorillas I don't think it matters what it is in. Much of it is just luck.

I now have a coupled tandem and very much like the convenience. We hopped on Amtrak last Friday and would not have been allowed on if we did not have couplers. If you travel often, couplers are the way to go.

Bike bought used - no couplers . . .
I'm going to build a 4mm-ply-and-epoxy-fillets case for future air travel. Two handles and skate wheels will help. I'll research the two case solution when the time comes. I know it's going to cost us money, but shipping internationally looks to be a much more expensive option.

Or maybe we can build the case so that it becomes a trailer for transport to hotel or garage. Now that's an idea!