CameraMan

Has anyone had success packing a Brompton or Bike Friday into one of the large XL or more likely the XXL The North Face Duffels ?

These things are very robust and great for air travel ; a regular sight at airports.
I have a large size already, but it is too small to fit a bike.
I was thinking it would be a very incospicious way to fly with a bike checked in inside one - no one would ever think to question is there a bike inside = no hassles.

p.s. I know I will have to - not to over pack it and add compression straps to keep the linear inches and weight in check.

prathmann

Do not know the size of the duffel. But no one has ever asked about the contents of my regular Samsonite suitcase and it has been on many dozens of flights with my BF inside.

fietsbob

Brompton a 24x24x12, 4 cubic feet will bw enough do you have a tape measure?

XL/XXL I have no clue about those things as a dimension.. ask NF.

I have a Plain white canvas Bag , but I think Id have to remove the saddle.

CameraMan

The XL is 19" x 32" ; the XXL 19.5" x 35.5".
If the cylinder is flattened to an oval 24" x 12", it should just fit the circumference.
But it's probably too close to call without trying it - so I was hoping someone had been there before me.

fietsbob

Brompton has their own bags , or there's this one Enviro-bag

Which do you own the bike or the bag, or neither ?

prathmann

Both of those look like they'd be above the common airline size limit of (L+W+H < 62") even if flattened a little. They usually aren't too quick to bring out a tape measure, but if you're looking for no hassles and a stress-free check-in I'd look for something that complies with the airline published policy. [The current Samsonite suitcase used by BF is also an inch or so over but is a normal suitcase and unlikely to be measured and my older Samsonite is well within the 62" limit.]

CameraMan

I have a B+W hard case, but was looking for something that could roll up as well as being less obvious.
To make the duffels comply, I think all I need to do is cinch in the (empty) ends of the cylinder to reduce that extra length.
I might resort to going down to the local REI with the Brompton and see if it works - XL only as no XXLs in stock.

fietsbob

Places that do industrial sewing, Upholstry or awning or sail repair can do what I uppose was done,
hire a fitted canvas bag sewn, with heavy duty Zipper like Number 10 YKK coil..

If you want PVC truck tarp and Seatbelt webbing strap handles that can be done too ..

Buy and ship? perhaps a Carradice made bag, of that UK source..

derail3

I use a Radicalde Design Brompton Travel bag. well made and thin padding can be added. www.radicaldedesign.nl

In the USA you can order them at Calhoun cycle MN.


Brompton Transport Bag by Radical

CameraMan

I took a chance and ordered the XXL from REI ( as it is 20% off and annual dividend time ).
The Brompton fitted in with easy - no parts needed to be removed
Once I've worked out a scheme to strap up the extra length of the duffel, to minimize the linear inches, I will post some photos.

CameraMan

As the Brompton fitted into the XXL so easily, I went back and tried the XL.
It the fit is snugger - but the bike still fits and the ends of the bag are a non-issue.
The bag has compression straps on the sides and I used the backpack straps to pull together end ends; it really does conform to the minimum size of the folded bike.
I think I have succeeded in finding my no one would guess it's a bike bag

smallwheeler

you scored, dude.

now, please share with us the exact name and product code on that snazzy north face bag. is that business waterproof?

edit: got it.

campmor

hmm. moment of meaningless nostalgia.. my very first online purchase was a kelty backpack from good old campmor. i had just graduated from univ and was preparing to take a trip. that was 14 years ago... i suddenly feel very depressed...

CameraMan

Yep that's the one - also other sites with more colors e.g. with -20% offer The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag - 1525 - 9460cu in | Backcountry.com

DoubleDiamonDog

Got room to add any padding / shock absorption?

CameraMan

The seat and tires form the longest dimension.
There is room to pad the front hinge and 1/2" under/over the bike.
Lots of length left in the bag.

1nterceptor

Have you tried putting the bag on as a backpack with the bike inside?
How is it? Uncomfortable? Are the straps strong enough?

wagonfanatic

Any ideas if you could fit a Bike Friday into one of these XXL bags?

CameraMan

Absolutely no issues with the duffel in backpack mode with Brompton inside:
The straps are long enough with plenty of adjustment.
I felt no sharp protrusions in my back - I would be quite happy carrying this a good distance.

I will see if I can get my BF Llama to fit tonight

wagonfanatic

Excellent thanks! Are the Llama's about the same size as the New World Tourist?

fietsbob

Unlike Brompton , Bike Friday has a spectrum of options which is much larger ..


Knock down packing with parts that come off rather than fold, and the racks which are also a knock apart when removed ,
to pack flat..

CameraMan

Bike Friday Pocket Llama fits in the XL bag.
27"x21"x13" = 61 linear inches

wagonfanatic

Sweet! That's perfect, especially for buses and trains. I'm concerned about airlines-- even with a bunch of foam packing, I think theres a high change of bag handlers and TSA damaging the derailleur.

CameraMan

Standard procedure with any packing would be to unscrew the derailleur and put spacers held on with the wheel skewers.

prathmann

I've known some people to remove the derailleur and twist-tie it to the frame even when packed in a suitcase. I haven't bothered so far, but always use the hardcase for airline travel.

wagonfanatic

You can pick up one of these bags for $125 shipped right now...very tempting