1nterceptor

Initial testing seems okay; but I only have a Brompton for testing.
Anybody with a folder in New York City want to meet to see if your
bike will fit?

Brompton in S & S backpack by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

1nterceptor

I stopped by BFold in NYC yesterday. Tried to stuff a Tern(or was it a Dahon?) with 20 inch wheels
inside the bag. I couldn't zip the bag shut; bike was just folded. I was going to ask the store if I
can let out the air in the tires. That may have been enough to squeeze the bike inside. But I can
see that they were already getting nervous that their brand new bike might get scratched; and I
didn't want to take any more of their time - so I just thanked them and handed back the bike.

The stated size for the backpack is 26in. X 26in. X 10in. But since the bag is canvass; there is a bit
of give unlike a solid suitcase. I think removing at least one wheel; a Dahon or Tern or Citizen with
16 in. or 20 in. wheels will fit. Bike Friday looked like they were too long to fit.

1nterceptor

So I finally got around to taking more photos. Measurements are 26in. X 26in. X 10in.
The material has a little bit of give; so if your bike is just a bit bigger - it's possible that
it might squeeze in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fig...6zPoymgKaIoDLA

2_i 

Is the back padded well? The concern might be obviously of the bike protrusions prodding the back. The lack of wheels at the bottom is a bit of an issue as it is unlikely to have the bike as the only piece of luggage for maneuvering around, at least at one time or another.

jur

Excellent job on the info video.

ShortLegCyclist

To me the most compelling thing about a dedicated hardside case is the protection from baggage handling, plus there is room to stuff some clothes or dedicated frame padding in there. A very tightly squeezed in bike into a soft side case does not appeal at all to me.

I tried doing something similar with a Brompton in an Ikea Dimpa bag, the $3.50 plastic bag which oddly and famously is exactly the right size to fit a folded Brompton, but after I had it all packed and padded with fragile labels all over it, I couldn't bring myself to give to baggage handling and ended up renting a bike on that trip.



Since then I've bought a B and W hardside case and it's held up fine through 3 airline trips to date.

1nterceptor

There is no padding built-in anywhere in the bag. At the 3:30 mark on the video; you can see it comes with a removable plastic perimeter protector.
This provides protection by the top/bottom and left/right sides. At the 3:10 mark; you'll see that there are 2 back as well as 2 front pockets. The
manufacturer intended this to be filled with clothes and that would also act as padding. In the photo of my 1st post; I had a 2013 Brompton inside the
bag. No padding, handlebar side towards my back. I had the backpack on for about 30 minutes while I did chores and walk around my home - simulating
being in the airport. Didn't feel any part of the bike stabbing me. It was also pretty comfortable; not any different than having a stuffed backpack in my
previous travels - my Bromtpon is a superlight/titanium model, 10 kgs/22 lbs.

Not sure yet if I'll use this the next time I travel. I usually put my bike in a cardboard box and roll it around a folding trolley:
Brompton folding bike; ready for check-in by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

1nterceptor

Glad you liked my silly video.

1nterceptor

I'm a member of a few Brompton/folding bike discussion boards/Facebook groups; Brompton Talk, Brompton Society, London Brompton Club, etc.
I'm familiar with the Ikea bag and B & W Clapton case for a few years now. As well as other bags from Vincita, Dahon and Brompton.

The S & S backpack has never been tried or even mentioned as an alternative before. Perhaps since the manufacturer's target market are full sized
bikes that seperate; not folders. The B&W case gets good marks from Brompton travelers. But I believe that the bike's weight + the case is getting
close to the max weight allowed. This is why I use a cardboard box + trolley(see post above). The trolley gets folded and I take it inside the plane.
Since the box weights very little; I'm able to bring more items. Tools, clothes, lights, spares, helmet,etc.

jur

There is a dedicated backpack sticky thread, you might like to add your review & video to it.

1nterceptor

Thanks for reminding me. Haven't seen a post in that stickie for a while; almost forgot about it.