I live in Toronto however I've started working 1/2 time in California and I'm trying to decide if I want to get one great bike + travel case or two bikes with one of them being a bit of a beater. I'd rather just have a single great bike but I know how luggage handlers handle luggage (my suitcase is a testament to that) and I'm worried that even a properly wrapped bike could see damage with some cases.

Does anyone travel a lot with their bike and can recommend a great bike case and packing tips?

Thanks!

Have you looked into folding bikes? They fit in standard airline cases and fly as regular luggage.
I have a Bike Friday New World Tourist, which is a really great bike and flew with it overseas no problem.
https://www.bikefriday.com/

Travel bikes are great, but perhaps in your case the 2 bike solution might be the way to go provided you have secure storage for your bike when you are not there. If baggage is handled enough, eventually something will happen whether it is loss or damage. If you are traveling frequently enough, some damage may result from the simple act of packing and unpacking your bike. No idea how often you are going back and forth, so maybe I am wrong. If the airlines charge enough, that second bike could pay for itself pretty fast, it wouldn't have to be a beater. For sure, most full size bikes involve extra charges for transport, travel bikes maybe not, Once you factor in the price of a travel case, that second bike looks even better. This all hinges on you always traveling to the same place.

Yup, going to the same place every two weeks. Two bikes does sound like not such a bad idea considering I do have secure storage available.

Given the cost of a case and what airlines charge to handle bikes, the payback on a $2,000 or $3,000 bike would be very short indeed. Even an expensive second bike would be the cheaper option.

I have to go with tsl on this one. With that much flying, dragging a bike back and forth will get old quick, not to mention that you might look funny in winter riding on studded tires in California. I'd probably extend that modus into clothing and give your self a set for California, both bike and work as well.

Especially when you factor in the added risk of damage while in transit

And I forgot to mention it complies with N+1.

Been there, done that.

If you're spending 1/2 time in CA, I hope you're getting an apartment instead of staying in hotels. An apartment will be MUCH cheaper - and easier on you, too, as you'll be able to travel REAL light and won't worry about forgetting anything.

And if you get an apartment, you get two bikes - one for each location.

Because unless you're travelling first class, you'll probably get dinged a good bit on hauling your bike as luggage.