Travel case tips?
 

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a good, but affordable (ideally between 150 and 250... but could go higher if worth it) airline-safe travel case. I have two bikes, and I'd hope to be able to use the case for either of them. The first is an aluminum trek road bike with 650 c wheels, the other is a steel surly cross check (currently set up as a single speed) with 700 c wheels and somewhat thicker tires (32 in the summer, 37 in the winter). Since I live in a tiny apartment, I've been thinking a soft case might be better since it would take up less space when not in use, but a case with wheels would be nice.

I've been looking at these options. If anybody knows anything about these cases, or has another suggestion that might work, I'd be eternally grateful. I've never purchased a travel case before, and I'm not 100% sure of what I should be looking for.

http://www.wekeepyoucycling.com/en/p...us-racing.aspx
http://www.amazon.com/Voyager-Bike-T..._sim_sbs_sg_17
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...8_10000_202591
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0052_522000_-1

(and i;ve looked at the Thule cases too)

I've been using an softcase EVOC bag. It's really well built and thought out. Internal straps and blocks keep the frame secured. Separate wheel pockets on the sides. Roller wheels and handles make getting around a terminal super easy. Doesn't scream out "there's a bike in here". I've flown several times and only been charged additional bag fees. No crazy bike fees. My small 29er fits but you'll need a separate adaptor for road forks.

You only have to remove the bars, wheels and pedals. Maybe un bolt the derailleur.

the serfas case is pretty popular. i have fit 29ers in them with the tires off and fork compressed or off

You have to pick something that is airline friendly to start with, i have gone overseas with a 200 bucks one that is sold at performance, the only drag is that once the bike is inside the darn thing weights a ton hehehe, 4 international flights and the bikes are in perfect condition, one thing tho, at least in the one i have i had to take some parts out and put them in my suitcase just in case, for example the pedals and RD, took them off to play safe because u never know what is going on inside of the box.

My wife and I use Aerus soft cases as described in the following article. Even with helmets, shoes, etc, in the bag they still come in under 35 lbs and are pretty easy to lug around. Way better than hard cases in this respect. They now come with a set of pads for the tubing instead of having to use pipe insulation as described below.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/02/h...h-my-bike.html

I have an earlier version of the pro bike case you linked to on the performance website. It worked well to get my road bike to morocco.

A friend just bought the current model of the same case and the mods they made are nice.

The butterfly latches, the changes to the frame the bike mounts to, the fifth wheel in the bottom center, the additional exterior velcro strap, and the wheel bags are very nice additional features to have.

This case is a bit big but it fairly bombproof. The bike mounts to a metal frame via the fork and rear triangle dropouts which keep it from bouncing around much. I think the only things I removed were my wheels (obviously) and pedals, and possibly my saddle and post...but depending on the size of your bike you may be able to keep the saddle and post on if you drop it down some.

For the cost of my road bike the box was a good investment.

-j

I see used hard shell boxes for sale periodically on craigslist if you're looking to save money and have time to wait for one to appear.

Thanks all! That Aerus case looks pretty ideal for the price. I may have to expand my budget slightly.

Me too... this is the Performance brand but I think it's the same.
Soft case has some advantages, but my mistake is not getting the wheels to go with it.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h...0/P7090006.JPG

DiabloScott - If you leave the chain on the big ring when the bike is bagged then you reduce the chances of bending a tooth - or having the ring chew holes in your bag.

Maybe there are reasons this is a dumb idea. Don't know. hth.