CMOS

Want to purchase a hard shipping case for my bike. Which ones require the least dissasembly of your bike and also do a good job protecting it during shipping?

Hammertoe

They all require just about the same amount of disassembly...

Pedals, handlebars, wheels, saddle/seatpost (sometimes)...

As for protection, I can only comment on my SunLite, No problems when flying with the bike...

slopoke

Tri-all 3 ...the best...bike remains upright...no
handlebar removal and depending on your frame
size you may get away with the seat post. Great
protection.

botto 

Trico Iron Sportscase

HokuLoa

Unless cost is not important to you should consider two things: size, weight.

Most airlines will charge you extra for BOTH oversized and overwieght cargo. Frankly, all the hardcases I know of exceed the standard linnear inch restrictions of 62". That means virtually all airlines will charge you an oversize fee of $50-100 each way if the measure your bike box. However, the narrower clamshell boxes attract a bit less attention and the airlines will sometimes not measure and will simply weight your case instead. Now, the weight restriction is currently 50lbs and the average clamshell case weighs 31lbs. How much does your bike weigh/do you also ship mountain bikes? Does the weight of your ride plus a larger hardcase exceed the weight restrictions? It is almost guaranteed that if the weight is too high, you will be charged for oversize. If you are under the restriction weight your are MUCH more likely to get a "pass" on the oversize inches and not be charged.

Anyway, just something to consider if you like to fly with your bike. I prefer the clamshell cases (I use a Serfas) because they protect perfectly fine and the only things I remove are the wheels, bars, pedals, and seat. The latter two I shove in my carryon to further cut the case weight. I always call ahead to make a "bike reservation" and I arrive super early with a VERY lite case considering the oversize inches. When the case hits the scale the agents look surprised and figure the case must be smaller than they thought. Guess who regularly ships the bike for free....

CMOS

The kind of box I would be interested in is one that does not require you to remove the handlebars. Of course, I still want to have the best protection possible for my baby, and especially for my wife's. No need to explain that pain I'd have to endure if something happened to her ride. :-))

botto 

if you don't have a quill stem you've got two options: take off the plate that holds your bars; or loosen the stem and turn.

HokuLoa

Sorry, don't know of one. That would really increase the size/cost of the case anyway. Why do you not want to remove the bars? It is VERY easy and safe even for a non-wrench.

Good luck!

iab

Is there a two case option? One for wheels the other for the frame and other parts? My thinking is with two cases, both will be under the 62" and 50# limit. Clothes can go in a carry-on or if you are traveling with someone, you get an additional two check-ins per person.

HokuLoa

Not that I know of. Certainly you can buy a seperate hardcase wheel box. I don't know of any smaller sized boxes for the frame though. That would be an easy solution if one does not need to transport much else...

botto 

fwiw - when they ask what's in the box, tell them sports equipment. if they ask what kind, tell them a frame.

haven't paid for my bike in since i learned that one.

Stray Cat

+1

10,000 miles so far and not a scratch on the bike

Blue Jays

Hi CMOS-

Agree 100% with slopoke in his post above. Definitely examine the Tri All 3 Velo-Safe Custom Road as you consider this purchase. The nice thing is that one can pack LOTS of clothes, helmets, shoes, pumps, and anything else that might be needed on an extended ride. Once I secure my bike inside, I cover it in thick black plastic (to prevent any greasy stains) and then completely fill the case with other items. It really helps lock the bicycle into place. It rolls beautifully through airports with the detachable nylon leash and you can just stack your reduced amount of remaining baggage on top. The bulky size of the case also prevents baggage handlers from throwing the thing around, which is an added peace-of-mind benefit. This is the case to have if transporting custom bikes or ones where ANY damage is unacceptable.

The body of the case is a thick, high-grade polyethylene plastic. The perimeter is crafted of durable steel and there is a well-fitting PVC bar in the center section secured between rubber fixtures to prevent crush damage. There are two fixed wheels and two pivoting casters on heavy steel platforms bolted to the floor, along with a QR fitting for the forks. There is no need to remove pedals, handlebars, or stem. All that needs to be detached is wheels and pulling the seatpost/saddle from the frame. Mark it with tape to make reinsertion a snap. At your destination, you'll be on the bike as fast as you can reattach your wheels and slide the seatpost into the frame.


When stored, the two halves fit handily inside each other. They can be filled and slid beneath a shelf. This is easily the nicest travel case I've owned and would never seek another vendor. Good luck with your purchase.

~ Blue Jays ~

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HokuLoa

Just curious, who do you fly and what are you typically charged for that case?

Blue Jays

HokuLoa, all major domestic airlines are flown with United, Continental, and American as the primary choices. The most I've been charged was about $105.00 in one direction because the airline charged for size and weight when I had LOTS of stuff shoehorned inside for a longer cycling vacation. Typically it is the basic bicycle charge when I honestly say what resides inside the case.

HokuLoa

Thanks for the info. I was curious about how costly the bigger box filled with other stuff would be. Not too bad if you are taking a big trip...

Blue Jays

HokuLoa, the nice part about the design is that instead of wrestling with a bike case, a second checked piece of luggage, and a third carry-on piece, I now only have two pieces. The TriAll3 case pulls smoothly behind me with my carry-on placed on top, leaving one arm completely free. It's a pleasure to own this case and it rolls very smoothly.

jit5

It's a one time purchase that you never want to repeat, so go with the best.

https://www.bikemania.biz/PhotoGaller...5FAeroCase2007

Blue Jays

jit5, that was one of the other models that I considered. What do you think of yours SCI-CON AeroTech so far? The pockets for the wheels seems like a good idea.

jit5

Wish I could say it was the first case I've bought.

Had the Trico Iron Case and hated it. Won't fit in anything less than a minivan. When TSA opens it they screw it up.

The SciCon is smaller dimensionally and fits in a large trunk. Easier to wheel around. Secures the wheels better. And when TSA opens it they take a quick look and are able to close the case.

Blue Jays

jit5, fitting inside a regular sedan trunk is certainly a significant challenge for the TriAll3 case that seems to be solved with the TRI-CON case, which is definitely sleek.

Realistically one would need to travel to the airport in a medium-sized station wagon, a standard minivan, or a pick-up truck with the TriAll3 case secured in the rear bed.
If one has convenient access to those kinds of vehicles, the level of protection is unbelievably good because of all the clothes and/or bubble-wrap one can place safely around the bike. It's like a cocoon!

HokuLoa

Yeah, size is why I chose the regular clamshell design. I need to also be able to slide it into a car trunk w/ the seat down. However, if I were traveling to races (and $ were not an issue) I think I'd choose the TriAll for convenience/size and I would simply rent a minivan for the event.

Ritterview

Is it the Bike Armor that you have?

https://www.serfas.com/bike_cases/SBC.shtml

PezCycling Review of Serfa Bike Armor:
https://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=2227




Bike Armor

* Meets UPS size requirements
* Bike securely encased in foam
* Two heavy-duty rollers located on end for easy transport
* Bulletproof Polyethylene shell
* Four stainless steel locking latches offer the ultimate in security

* Size: 47" x 30" x 11"
* Weight: 31lbs / 14kg
* MSRP: $350.00

Blue Jays

Ritterview, the case the original poster CMOS seeks is one that doesn't require removal of handlebars, stem, or pedals.
From the hyperlinked review of the Serfas model, it appears it requires removal of those items + derailleur removal + bottle cage removal at times.

botto 

BJ-

anyone who's ever taken their bike on a plane would be well aware of the fact that taking of the RD is common sense.

~ ~