OK, next step in the R20 saga: will it fit in a suitcase?

Frame came without the main hinge fixing unit -- the release on to top side of the main hinge. Looks like it broke off and theres a nut on there which acts as a locknut once the fixing bolt is threaded into the bottom part. Actually works very well and keeps the bike together and stiff... but precludes easy folding. There's gotta be spares out there, and I could even get something welded up, but it works fine as is.

In any case, bike was together and I happened to have a Samsonite Oyster suitcase hanging around:



Although a quick search of the Samsonite site does not turn up the Oyster. I imagine the F'Lite would work just as well if not better.

So this is going to fit in there...?



Yep.

Bike disassembled, by case:



Couple notes at this point. No way the folded frame was going in whole, so the frame had to separate. Also, bars had to come free of the frame, so cork came out, brake line fed through steerer tube. And finally, the steerer tube had to come off the bars to fit. Just a tad more disassembly than I wanted to do or counted on.

Here's how it goes in. There's other ways, and I'd probably play around with it a bit before I call it ready for prime time.

1) front frame


2) wheels



3) handlebars/stem, seat/seatpost, misc bits like pedals and steerer


4) rear frame w/ cranks & chain


5) done


R20 x S2C Travel Bike! Yar!

There's other ways to do it. First go was front wheel w/ handlebars and seat first, then the frame with front inserted into rear triangle, then the rear wheel. Fit, but definite bulge from one of the axles. Note: would be much easier with quick release wheels. This way worked out OK, and after futzing around with it for a while, was as far as I was going to take it. A few bulgey places on the case, but everything nicely contained without having to force the case closed... too much.

To get the bike broken down, I used a combo tool with 15mm wrench on one end, and a multi-tool but only the 4 and 5mm allen keys -- only three tools needed to break this sucker down:



Re-assembly was 20 minutes. Yes, I built it in the first place, but this really goes together quick, without much fuss.

To make it work for realz, I'd do some detail stuff like get some tubing to go over the axle ends for protection and bag the axle nuts to save width; make some padded sheets to go in-between the components, probably just leather; and deflate the tires. Add one of those mini- floor-pump hybrids to the bag. Either cut down existing bars or find shorter ones.

After all was said and done, I could probably fit some other stuff in there. A rack, maybe, but definitely some riding apparel and shoes. Maybe not a helmet--that would have to go in other luggage. Or just wear it while traveling...

In any case, I'm totally psyched it fits in a case I already have.