Small enough for airline carry-on luggage?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pacific, WA
Posts: 1,260
Bikes: Custom 531ST touring, Bilenky Viewpoint, Bianchi Milano, vintage Condor racer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Small enough for airline carry-on luggage?
Plenty of bikes fold small enough to fit in a non-oversize suitcase. What bikes would you suggest that fold small enough for carry-on baggage?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 310
Bikes: Cervelo R3, Trek 6500, Brompton M6R, Dahon Speed D7, TidalForce S-750 custom, Breezer Uptown
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
sorry, the only bike that might work as a carry on is the a-bike and i wouldn't recommend it.
one of the smallest folds is the brompton with its 16" wheels but it's still too big for a carry on. i suppose if you took everything apart, you might be able to fit the frame in one bag and everything else in another bag, etc. but probably not.
one of the smallest folds is the brompton with its 16" wheels but it's still too big for a carry on. i suppose if you took everything apart, you might be able to fit the frame in one bag and everything else in another bag, etc. but probably not.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Bay Area, Calif.
Posts: 7,239
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Even if some bike were small enough to fit the airline carry-on size limit, there's also the issue that it leaves you open to the whims of the particular TSA agent. Their list of prohibited and allowed items doesn't mention bikes or bike frames, but it also says that it's not all inclusive. OTOH, it does prohibit any "tool" over 7" in length in carry-on and I could see an agent classifying metal parts of the bike frame as prohibited tools. Most probably wouldn't - but I don't think I'd feel comfortable taking the chance of running into problems.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,720
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 317 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Even if some bike were small enough to fit the airline carry-on size limit, there's also the issue that it leaves you open to the whims of the particular TSA agent. Their list of prohibited and allowed items doesn't mention bikes or bike frames, but it also says that it's not all inclusive. OTOH, it does prohibit any "tool" over 7" in length in carry-on and I could see an agent classifying metal parts of the bike frame as prohibited tools. Most probably wouldn't - but I don't think I'd feel comfortable taking the chance of running into problems.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 922
Bikes: Wheeler Mtn bike, Strida 5.0, Tern Link Uno, FSIR Spin 2.0, Dahon Mu P8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 34 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
If your location has pristine roads I would get the A-bike. but the official one only. it wouldn't compare to any other folder out there but at least you can carry it on the plane . at least you can get around easily on 42 gear inches.
#6
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 43
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have read reports of people "gate checking" their Bromptons as long as the bike can fit through the x-ray machine. I remember reading that you might have to remove the seat to do that.
#7
Administrator
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Delaware shore
Posts: 13,557
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 2,171 Times
in
1,462 Posts
I guess the question is why would you want to carry on a bike? Plus where is the rest of your belongings going? I know helmet, shorts, shirts, bottles, etc. plus shoes might come close to filling a second bag
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,706
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 840 Post(s)
Liked 336 Times
in
251 Posts
We have traveled with a Brompton as a carry-on, with auxiliary items going into the T-bag. The T-bag remained attached to the bike, through the gate. The Brompton needed to be concealed under a cover.
#9
New usename ThorUSA
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Southern Illinois USA
Posts: 2,469
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
popcorn ready ......
please .... when making remarks from the past ...please add the year ..... and possibly the carrier .....
I have taken full sized 700 C bikes INTO the plane ..2 of them .... 25 years ago on Lufthansa.. ( flight to one of the first Vegas bike shows from Germany )
I have been harrassed and almost thrown off a flight for trying to bring a micro mini tool into a plane ( protoyype Titanium one, with nothing longer than a inch sticking out ...... Vegas 2011....
thor
please .... when making remarks from the past ...please add the year ..... and possibly the carrier .....
I have taken full sized 700 C bikes INTO the plane ..2 of them .... 25 years ago on Lufthansa.. ( flight to one of the first Vegas bike shows from Germany )
I have been harrassed and almost thrown off a flight for trying to bring a micro mini tool into a plane ( protoyype Titanium one, with nothing longer than a inch sticking out ...... Vegas 2011....
thor
#10
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
popcorn ready ......
please .... when making remarks from the past ...please add the year ..... and possibly the carrier .....
I have taken full sized 700 C bikes INTO the plane ..2 of them .... 25 years ago on Lufthansa.. ( flight to one of the first Vegas bike shows from Germany )
I have been harrassed and almost thrown off a flight for trying to bring a micro mini tool into a plane ( protoyype Titanium one, with nothing longer than a inch sticking out ...... Vegas 2011....
thor
please .... when making remarks from the past ...please add the year ..... and possibly the carrier .....
I have taken full sized 700 C bikes INTO the plane ..2 of them .... 25 years ago on Lufthansa.. ( flight to one of the first Vegas bike shows from Germany )
I have been harrassed and almost thrown off a flight for trying to bring a micro mini tool into a plane ( protoyype Titanium one, with nothing longer than a inch sticking out ...... Vegas 2011....
thor
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#12
LET'S ROLL
https://www.bicycletimesmag.com/conte...-world-tourist
Submitted by AdamNewman on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 16:51
By Adam Newman
Fold It
Working in the cycling industry requires quite a bit of travel. We go to press camps, trade shows, bike shows, festivals, and, some- times, just-for-fun trips. Bringing a bike with you on your trip has never been simple. You can box it up and ship it ahead of time, or you can pack it and fly it in an oversize case. Both methods have their drawbacks. Enter Bike Friday.
Bike Friday got its start in 1991 when co- founder Hanz Scholz traveled to Australia with a prototype. He was able to move freely between planes, trains, and buses without hassle, while his traveling companion was forced to pay fees for her full-size bike. Bike Friday is primarily about traveling and pack- ability. Their bikes do not fold into neat little transformers like some other folding brands, but they also pride themselves on building bikes that ride like “normal” bikes.
The New World Tourist is Bike Friday’s original model; now there are several others. Each new Bike Friday is built with specifications and components customized for the customer’s needs. When we contacted Bike Friday about a test ride, I was put in touch with a “Bike Consultant” who listened to what I was going to use it for (commuting and general road rides) and what specific components I had to have (drop bars and bar-end shifters), then he put together the bike you see here. At $1,295, the bike is not flashy, but if you’re looking for something that goes faster, carries an even larger load, or is more adept at packing up small, they can make that happen.
The standard New World Tourist is available in three sizes (based on top tube length rather than the more typical seat tube length), but custom sizing and heavy rider upgrades are available as well. There are nearly 20 stock colors to choose from. All the frames are handmade of steel in Eugene, Oregon, and include a lifetime warranty.
As I requested, this bike came equipped with drop bars, Shimano bar-end shifters, a double chainring crankset, and a standard derailleur drivetrain. The wheels are 20” and are drilled for Schrader valve tubes, so you can use standard BMX tires and tubes should you need a replacement while out on tour.
The second half of this travel combo is the case-turned-trailer. Made from a standard Samsonite hard- shell suitcase, it is modified by Bike Friday to accept an undercarriage that supports the wheels and bike attachment. The trailer chassis mounts to the suitcase with butterfly nuts and lock pins, and can be completely disassembled without tools. The hitch is a piece of pneumatic tubing—just like you’d find on an air compressor—that flexes to allow for cornering, while the pneumatic coupler mechanism makes connecting and disconnecting it a snap. The materials used in the case are simple and unpretentious, with a sturdy, DIY feel. The design of the set-up isn’t refined, but it keeps the price down and allows you to repair or modify the system easily, with commonly available materials. Almost all of the pieces could be had from a big-box hardware store.
Submitted by AdamNewman on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 16:51
By Adam Newman
Fold It
Working in the cycling industry requires quite a bit of travel. We go to press camps, trade shows, bike shows, festivals, and, some- times, just-for-fun trips. Bringing a bike with you on your trip has never been simple. You can box it up and ship it ahead of time, or you can pack it and fly it in an oversize case. Both methods have their drawbacks. Enter Bike Friday.
Bike Friday got its start in 1991 when co- founder Hanz Scholz traveled to Australia with a prototype. He was able to move freely between planes, trains, and buses without hassle, while his traveling companion was forced to pay fees for her full-size bike. Bike Friday is primarily about traveling and pack- ability. Their bikes do not fold into neat little transformers like some other folding brands, but they also pride themselves on building bikes that ride like “normal” bikes.
The New World Tourist is Bike Friday’s original model; now there are several others. Each new Bike Friday is built with specifications and components customized for the customer’s needs. When we contacted Bike Friday about a test ride, I was put in touch with a “Bike Consultant” who listened to what I was going to use it for (commuting and general road rides) and what specific components I had to have (drop bars and bar-end shifters), then he put together the bike you see here. At $1,295, the bike is not flashy, but if you’re looking for something that goes faster, carries an even larger load, or is more adept at packing up small, they can make that happen.
The standard New World Tourist is available in three sizes (based on top tube length rather than the more typical seat tube length), but custom sizing and heavy rider upgrades are available as well. There are nearly 20 stock colors to choose from. All the frames are handmade of steel in Eugene, Oregon, and include a lifetime warranty.
As I requested, this bike came equipped with drop bars, Shimano bar-end shifters, a double chainring crankset, and a standard derailleur drivetrain. The wheels are 20” and are drilled for Schrader valve tubes, so you can use standard BMX tires and tubes should you need a replacement while out on tour.
The second half of this travel combo is the case-turned-trailer. Made from a standard Samsonite hard- shell suitcase, it is modified by Bike Friday to accept an undercarriage that supports the wheels and bike attachment. The trailer chassis mounts to the suitcase with butterfly nuts and lock pins, and can be completely disassembled without tools. The hitch is a piece of pneumatic tubing—just like you’d find on an air compressor—that flexes to allow for cornering, while the pneumatic coupler mechanism makes connecting and disconnecting it a snap. The materials used in the case are simple and unpretentious, with a sturdy, DIY feel. The design of the set-up isn’t refined, but it keeps the price down and allows you to repair or modify the system easily, with commonly available materials. Almost all of the pieces could be had from a big-box hardware store.
__________________
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
#13
LET'S ROLL
I realize you asked for a bike that can go in a carry on luggage,
just thought that this might be another option
just thought that this might be another option
__________________
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,706
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 840 Post(s)
Liked 336 Times
in
251 Posts
The problem with a NWT air travel for me is that it takes me 1h to disassemble and pack the bike and another 1h to reconstitute it back. Altogether, this is 4h of hard labor per trip. If I have not done it for while, it may spill to over 1h. One may discuss it why it takes me so long, but over and over statistically that is where it ends up. I am still inclined to do it when I go for a week+ trip and have opportunities to ride at the other end, but it is a serious drag.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: NW England/Aveiro
Posts: 638
Bikes: Joey Sport; Mezzo D9;Curve D3; Surly LHT self build cargoesque
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
The problem with a NWT air travel for me is that it takes me 1h to disassemble and pack the bike and another 1h to reconstitute it back. Altogether, this is 4h of hard labor per trip. If I have not done it for while, it may spill to over 1h. One may discuss it why it takes me so long, but over and over statistically that is where it ends up. I am still inclined to do it when I go for a week+ trip and have opportunities to ride at the other end, but it is a serious drag.
#16
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 283
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Maybe the first time you do this it will take you one hour. And the first time you unpack it 30 minutes.
One of the advantages of the normal Bike Fridays is that they can be fit into a normally found suitcase. The Brompton will need something a bit more specialized. BF can fit into a <$50 large clamshell case due to its rectangular shape and ability to naturally disassemble it more completely.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Oklahoma, U.S.A.
Posts: 807
Bikes: Brompton H6L-X, Dahon Curve D3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 56 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
https://www.gaerlan.com/dahon/pack.htm
-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,706
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 840 Post(s)
Liked 336 Times
in
251 Posts
They fit into 2 suitcases acceptable to airlines that I am aware of, one Carlton and one Samsonite. The Carlton cost over $100 and this after European VAT refund (Samsonite $220 at BF, merely to illustrate how inflated your claims are). It takes iterations to distribute the bike properly within the suitcase, this with deflated tires, make sure that different parts don't fly around and damage other. The rack often ends up in the second suitcase. I've done it also a couple of times with the trailer pieces as in the photo that was brought and this might have gone into 3h. I can assure you, I am plenty skilled both around bikes and packing - for good piece of a year I live out of a suitcase and some of it hopefully with BF.
#20
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 43
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
As a bf owner I agree that the claims of a 15 minute disassembly is ridiculous! If you have a rack it takes a solid 30 minutes to pack it up in the case if you are really good. I don't have to take off fenders or deflate tires otherwise this would take another 15-30 minutes.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Bay Area, Calif.
Posts: 7,239
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
I usually take my time packing my Bike Friday, but one time I pedaled up to the airport in Las Vegas a little late so I had to pack the bike and trailer into the suitcase in a hurry. I got it all done and was in the terminal in just under 15 minutes. I don't deflate the tires when packing it.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,706
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 840 Post(s)
Liked 336 Times
in
251 Posts
As a bf owner I agree that the claims of a 15 minute disassembly is ridiculous! If you have a rack it takes a solid 30 minutes to pack it up in the case if you are really good. I don't have to take off fenders or deflate tires otherwise this would take another 15-30 minutes.
Last edited by 2_i; 02-05-12 at 05:10 PM.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 912
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
In this video, Rob English packs a Model-T tikit into a suitcase in 8 minutes including lots of explanation. But it usually takes me about 30 minutes to pack my tikit at my house or a hotel room. Note that Rob's bike doesn't have fenders, racks, attached bags, or oversize tires in need of deflation.
I have two Dahon Helios P8s. It took *quite* some time figuring out how to pack them successfully in similar bags, but I've only packed them once (to take them to, and leave them in, Italy), so perhaps I'd get better in successive iterations.
I think the clear winner hear is the Brompton, assuming you have custom luggage for it.
I have two Dahon Helios P8s. It took *quite* some time figuring out how to pack them successfully in similar bags, but I've only packed them once (to take them to, and leave them in, Italy), so perhaps I'd get better in successive iterations.
I think the clear winner hear is the Brompton, assuming you have custom luggage for it.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 283
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There are also plenty of science fiction movies around. Packing in 10 min, 15 or less - I have not heard something this ridiculous in quite a They fit into 2 suitcases acceptable to airlines that I am aware of, one Carlton and
ends up in the second suitcase. I've done it also a couple of times with the trailer pieces as in the photo that was brought and this might have gone into 3h. I can assure you, I am plenty skilled both around bikes and packing - for good piece of a year I live out of a suitcase and some of it hopefully with BF.
ends up in the second suitcase. I've done it also a couple of times with the trailer pieces as in the photo that was brought and this might have gone into 3h. I can assure you, I am plenty skilled both around bikes and packing - for good piece of a year I live out of a suitcase and some of it hopefully with BF.
The price you were willing to pay for suitcases is irrelevant. The point here is that you can buy American Tourist (?) at Walmart, faux-Delsey at Carrefour in EU for $50 or some other junk suitcase. You don't need the specific expensive case sold for strange dimensions. The Bike Friday will fit in this. You will not find a non-custom Brompton case widely available. I've both bikes; I've suitcases for both; I know.
Realize that I've been doing this for quite a while and fly very often with bikes.. I have no motivation to lie or exaggerate here.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 283
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
They fit into 2 suitcases acceptable to airlines that I am aware of, one Carlton and one Samsonite. The Carlton cost over $100 and this after European VAT refund (Samsonite $220 at BF, merely to illustrate how inflated your claims are). It takes iterations to distribute the bike properly