Hisamatsu

Looks cool. Don't understand a thing said in the video, maybe someone can translate, but has anyone tried this?

Think this will survive airline checked bags? Comparable to hard shell cases? Seems cheap/easy to build and repair since PVC pipes are available everywhere. It can easily be disassembled on arrival to save space. I would add cardboard or plastic coroplast on the sides for additional protection like this https://ahpekbiker.blogspot.my/2015/...5-packing.html

My estimation would be ~20ft of PVC pipe. Assuming it is 1/2" schedule 80, would weigh about ~4lbs

badmother

We used Dimpa bags minus the Pvc pipe. I think we stuffed things into the bags but nothing stiff and solid. Maybe some old sleeping mats (foam). Maybe we were just lucky but both bikes survived.

Winfried

It says that the structure can be combined with shipping carton on the sides for added protection. The nice thing about that solution is that the PVC pipes can be disassembled and the pipes + Dimpa bag don't take much space.

fietsbob

put a wooden dowel inside the PVC piping to stiffen it up , before putting on the elbows?

Hisamatsu

https://formufit.com/pages/formufit-...flection-guide

their PVC pipes are schedule 40. The dimple bag is around 2', so it could hold 5lb deflection or before bending at the weakest load point. I plan on using schedule 80 which is stronger. It should handle much more with a load evenly spread top like any cardboard box would do being stacked.

Maybe I can add a cross sectional bar to support it more. But anything added will make it heavier. Could add a wooden dowel or fill it with something like epoxy glue etc.

edit:

Found that aluminum tubing is much lighter than pvc pipes; seems stiffer/stronger too. 24" 1/2" OD tube only weigh about 36g. Question now is if I can find proper fittings for the corners.

badmother

25Mm 1" Metal Square Tube Speed Frame Fittings Plastic Joiners Inserts System | eBay

Hisamatsu

lol, now I have to find square tubing since I was looking at the cylinder/pipe.

edit1: looking at the ebay post again they sell the aluminum tube too as well.

edit2: https://8020.net/shop/9000.html tons of options.

jur

Seems to me the Dimpa bag would be punctured by the square profile stuff. I would try to get round tubing with PVC corner joiners.

Also, PVC would flex under load whereas aluminium would kink and permanently deform. Seems to me the PVC is a superior solution, plus you may be able to get replacement pieces in far-off places.

wesgreen

Try it out by all means, but I'm afraid baggage handlers would eat that construction for lunch.

1nterceptor

Will it survive; hard to tell with any certainty. With US baggage handlers; most likely - no.
Comparable to hard shell? No.

If you're going to use Dimpa bag, PVC pipes and carboard; just go with the original box. Are you trying to save money? Box is usually free. Are you trying to save space when you get to your destination? Throw out/recycle box. Find/make new box for your return flight.

Over a dozen flights; no damage so far:
Nagoya Station by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
Brompton folding bike; ready for check-in by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

jur

I wouldn't shoot down the PVC pipe idea so quickly.

The pipes connected by corner connectors form a box-like structure able to resist a certain amount of force in bulk, say for example a lot of luggage lying on top of it. Like that, the bike would be located inside that framework and not bear the force of the surrounding luggage. It's like the roll cage on a vehicle, protecting the occupant. In that respect, assuming the PVC piping is more robust than a cardboard box, it is clearly superior. It might even be superior to a hardshell suitcase.

Hisamatsu

If a cardboard box can survive, i think a PVC pipe frame could survive. Cost isn't a huge factor, but convenience and space/weight is. Don't feel like lugging around a hard case.

Feels bit of a hassle having to play find a box game when it is time to take a flight home or in-between. Then I gotta stuff it with newspaper and/or find packing tape.

That was my thought too. PVC pipes are cheap, widely available, easy to find replacement pieces. However, I did find aluminum pipe or tubes stronger and lighter than PVC, but also more expensive.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/50-Pair-10-T...-/391591241141

I have something like this at home which I can size down. Aluminum 1/2" tubes with 3-way connectors. Feels more sturdy than similar sized PVC.

If I want to spend more and be more sturdy. 80/20 company makes a variety of tubes and connectors fittings. Like the Quick Frame models. Their https://8020.net/deflection-calculator is nice to see what kind of load you can put on. 24" can bare hundreds of lbs before showing signs of bending.

badmother

Make a frame that can fit innside a Dimpa that can protect the bike in the bag and be used as atrailer when you arrive.

Hisamatsu

Might as well use the BF trailer system that can be added to any hard case. My goal

I guess if i make one it would be cheaper. Not sure where I would get wheels for it.

ttakata73

I think it would be a cheap enough experience to try the PVC pipe. If you put a pipe in the middle of each side then I think it would be very strong. Having pipes make 1 cube/8 corners might be too flexy, but 4 cubes would be very strong. You don't need to glue the elbows until you are sure it's worthy. I made a pvc frame for a softbag for my old Silvertip many years ago but it was only subjected to a van ride with little weight above it.

badmother

I am always looking for wheels. Approx one week ago son and me rode to where we do our shopping. Decided to have lunch outside in the sun and as we were eating an old guy walked slowly down the sidewalk on the other sidewalk, leaning on his walker. I was impressed by the light and strong looking (12") wheels and said to my son:"I`d really like to get my hands on those wheels.." my son said:"why, do you want to see him crawl?"

As the old man was sitting on a bench resting this big fat youngish guy came speeding down the sidewalk on his electric wheelchair carrying his daily dose of canned beer...

fietsbob

Skyway is a maker of 12.5"/ 203 rims.. fiberglass filled nylon..

may not be from them but my Carry Freedom City trailer has 47 - 203 tyres. on that type of rim.