Current model Brompton suitcase
 

Anyone have recommendations for a current model suitcase that can fit a Brompton as checked baggage? I've seen lots of recommendations for suitcases that are no longer in production and am really keen to find something current.

Cheers!

This is the only one I'm aware of but it's 65" so theoretically too large for some airlines. However I, as well as many people here, have only had their checked in luggage weighed, not dimensionally measured.
Brompton Folding Bike Case For Travel – NYCeWheels.com

It fits here: PORTO - STYLISH AND DURABLE EXPANDER

See this post: http://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...l#post17049431

This is the B&W "Clapton" case. It is less than 62" total. I believe the 65" total is for the box that the Clapton case ships in. I have this case and have flown with it. Note that the locks are not TSA approved. I recommend a luggage strap with a TSA lock. The strap will also secure the telescoping handle and help prevent it from being damaged.

Also, FWIW, a Brompton with an extended seat post will not fit in this case unless you remove the seat post (not a simple task). And a Brompton with a standard seat post is a tight fit in this case. For those reasons, we recommend the Brompton telescoping seat post for customers who intend to use the Clapton case.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

The internal and external dimensions specified are for the box that the case is shipped in and not the actual case?

I believe the listed internal dimensions are the inside dimensions for the case. I believe the listed external dimensions are for cardboard box in which the case is packaged. As you know, the external dimensions are often used to calculate the shipping cost of an item.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

Check out this thread.

http://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...-trailers.html

I don't know if it is Brompton specific, but it may work.

I believe you're mistaken... your explanation is completely illogical. "External dimensions" are usually of the product, not the box they choose to ship the item in. This is, after all, a hard-shell case, a non-collapsible item, not a soft-sided carry bag, a tent or a balloon. If the shipping box dimensions were worth noting it would would be specified as such (see "packing dimensions"):
B & W foldon case box black for Brompton-Bikes

---------------

Most places selling the B&W Clapton/Foldon case (marketed as a case to fit a Brompton) provide outer dimensions of 700 x 640 x 330 mm (including the manufacturer, B&W) which equates to >65".

I'll disagree on this one. It's pretty simple. I have the extended seat post on my Brompton, as well as the B&W case. I've flown a number of times. Yes, I remove the seat so that it fits better, and yes I also remove the seat post.

After I remove the seat, I just drop the seat post out of the bottom, wrap it up, and put it in the case. I fold down the bike as usual and use velcro straps so that it holds its folded configuration. When I arrive, I just lay the bike on its side and reinsert the post from the bottom, and re-attach the seat. This only adds a few minutes on packing up or setting up, and requires no special tools... so I'm not sure how much simpler it can get. I think it takes longer for me to unpack my clothes and figure out where I'm actually going to ride to.

I've packed my wife's Brompton too and she has the regular length seat post. It seems to fit fine.

You are correct on the procedure for removing the seat post. I realize it may be simple for you. It may not be simple for others. Unlike many other small folding bikes, removing the Brompton seat post does require some tools. With the telescoping seat post, no tools are needed to remove the saddle and top portion of the seat post. Our experience with several different standard-seat-post-and-saddle Bromptons is that they are usually a tight fit in the B&W case.

Following up - The clearance with the standard seat post may have to do with whether the pentaclip is set at the upper or lower position. If I have time in the next couple of days, I will test this theory. :)

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

Fair enough. Although I think the only tool you really need is your standard pocket bike tool with hex drivers. I would think most cyclists when traveling would at least carry that and know how to use it.

Well ... okay... maybe not... :rolleyes:... I recall an incident when I walked into a bike shop and an experienced looking triathlete was going to come back to get the shop to pump up the tires on her race bike. And when I commented to the service tech that an experienced cyclist should be able to inflate tires... he just replied... you would think so...

I agree. However, we sell more Bromptons to bicycle riders that we do to cyclists. ;)

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

I do not classify myself as either a bicycle rider or a cyclist. My friends who put in centuries are true cyclists.

I'm a cycling "enthusiast". This means I buy odd/semi-expensive bikes, lock them up in my garage, and just stare at them. And I jump in on forums every 3 months.

Of course, my lack of cycling currently might more have to do with our recent baby and what that entails... :p

My S-Type with extended seatpost fits in that case without removing the seatpost (I do have to remove the saddle) so I'm curious as to whether the extended seatpost not fitting is a model-specific thing.

I do find the bike is a bit of a squeeze in the short dimension (side to side on the upright bike) and the case 'top' has some give in that direction; I (once) found a brake cable had been crushed between fork and stem, which probably means it had something very heavy stacked on top. I rotate my Ergon grips so they lie 'flat' in transit.

Otherwise it's slowly getting more and more battered and the latches are finicky, but has basically protected the bike over dozens of flights.

And I think I may have Ozonation's definition of "cycling enthusiast" as my signature.