insomniac

I'm looking for a hard case that's easy to open and close for the TSA goons, but otherwise stays securely latched shut. I expect it to go through all sorts of punishment, so durable is a must. Naturally, the cheaper, the better. I'm think the $300-$600 range, $600 being the very most I can even hope to pay.

The bike frame will be 'almost track geometry', and around 58cm (I haven't bought it yet, but I should have it soon...details pending.)

Thanks!

Machka 

Go rent some from your local bicycle shops and see what you like best. Many bicycle shops have cases which you can rent, and different bicycle shops may have different brands.

If you're only planning to fly 2 or 3 times a year with your bicycle, it might be cheaper to stick to renting.

jolly_ross

I've traveled on biking holidays a great deal with 20 or so other guys - one or two use hard cases, what often happens with hard cases is that the wheels get broken off. Have a look at the design of the box with this in mind. If you buy a really good brand then you might even be able to get spares.

You are likely to have to loosen up on one of your criteria if you want to buy the box quickly.

I know this is not what you're asking - but feel free to ignore: I've air freighted bikes on holidays for 12 years now - with soft bags - never had a problem. Tricks are - clamp in a couple of old hubs to stop crush problems with forks - remove the rear mech from the hanger (be super careful and patient putting it back - don't try to do this with the chain pulling the mech out of alignment) - none the less, take a spare hanger - before you remove the wheels shift the chain onto the big ring (it will protect the teeth) tie the chain into place on the chainring with velcro straps or something - foam pipe lagging clips onto the frame tubes all by itself if you're really precious about paintwork.

Looigi

A bit OT, and similar to jolly_ross above, but FWIW: My wife and I have been using Aerus soft cases for our CF road bikes. Under 35 lb fully loaded with bike and riding gear, much easier to deal with on shuttle buses, cabs, and rental cars. Of the last two trips I've taken, I was charged the bike baggage fee only one way out of four.

Here's some info: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/02/h...h-my-bike.html

It's a bit dated in that the case now comes with frame pads so no need to make your own.

We do put spacers between the dropouts. We use to leave the chains on the big ring (remove RD to prevent bending hanger), but now remove the chains and zip tie a piece of split hose to big ring to protect it and other things from it.