Bicycle Cases
 

I just bought a new Cervelo and need a carrying case for flying. What should I buy? I've seen a few that are soft sided but padded -- I'd like something that had wheels but that also REALLY protected the bike. I've found websites that sold them here and here. Any recommendations would be really appreciated.

I like my Trico Ironcase

use the search engine.

If you're anywhere near the western suburbs, you can borrow mine for the great rate of $0/day.

I haven't used it in about 2yrs, but it served me very well.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4415

I have a SunLite Bike Suitcase...

It is very easy to wheel around but a little heavy itself...

The TSA guy said he had never seen such a big suitcase...

It takes a little adjusting to get the bike in but protects it well...


If I had to do it again, I do not know if I would get this case...

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...keSuitcase.jpg

These are good ... and I've used them a couple times. But I usually just use a cardboard box.

I swear by my Sci-Con Aero Comfort soft case. I have flown everywhere with it, commercial and press charters. It is often thrown into a truck with hard cases full of network equipment. My carbon Orbea Orca arrives without a scratch every time, my wheels in perfect condition, and it take 10 minutes to pack 3 minute to unpack, 5 more minutes for the bike to be ride ready. Other than removing the pedals and the wheels, I loosen only 4 bolts, and no part of the bike has to be disassembled. Its also super light and glides on the caster wheels effortlessly through airports. You should find it online for $350.00. I paid even less than that.

I just flew into Chicago with it yesterday on American Airlines.

http://www.cbike.com/index.asp?PageA...ROD&ProdID=770

cbike carries it, or you can see mine if you want while I'm in town if they don't have it in stock.

I've got the trico. But honestly, it still will get scratched up.

I have both the sandwich type (Trico) and the suitcase one (TC-1).

After a while the TC-1 hinges don't line up and when you close it, it squishes the bike outwards. You can never seem to get it right. Also, the locking mechanisms get banged up by the airline handlers.

Whereas, on the Trico, you align everything and then slowly tighten each strap. Everything is prefectly lined up, no movement away from the hinged area because there are no hinges, no little buckles and little parts to break.

+1
I've shipped my back up bike FedEx to multiple places and the Trico ironcase has been awesome. I can put a floor pump, bottles, clothes, etc, in it when I ship it.

bike case
 

I have a Sci-Con Aerotech hard case that I have used for international and domestic air travel several times this past year. It rolls very easily upright, which is actually pretty nice when trying to get it around in the airport and hotels. Also, although I was put off a bit by its not quite rectangular shape, I have concluded that the shape makes it less likely that the baggage guys stack other bags on it, because they slide off. I have watched them put in on and off planes several times through the windows at the gate, and they always seem to have it standing up a the end of the baggage carts, and handle it last. I also have experience with a Trico Iron Case that my wife has used this past year domestically. It also works just fine, but is more difficult to move around in the airport than the Sci-Con Aerotech hard case. On the other hand, the Trico Iron case costs about 1/4 to 1/3 the cost of the Sci-Con. Good luck! Mark

Get the Bike Pro USA soft case:

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/BKPULZKP

That's what I'll replace my current soft case with eventually. The case cited just above is far better, but the older case I've used for the past 20 years is great, I've been back and forth from Europe multiple times. Soft cases are far easier to travel with because when you get to your destination they are easier to squish into cabs and trunks, and far easer to strap down to the roof of a car.

You put your racing bike in a foam stuffed case that's made well (and the one above looks fantastic) and they could throw it off a building and it would be fine. They'd have to drive over it with the heavy jet tug to really damage it.

I second Orcanova on the SciCon Aero Comfort case - I've had nothing but good luck with mine. Additional benefit is that it's easy to store when you're not using it - it rolls up into it's own stuff sack, takes up a lot less room than one of those Trico coffins.

Trico Iron Case would be my recommendation. Never had an issue traveling with my bike in one of those babys! I love mine.

+1

I have one of the original versions of that case. I've used it and a number of my friends have used it with zero incidents.

Just remember, the airlines are going to charge a lot (each way) to transport your bike.

tri all 3 makes a solid case

Most of 'em, yeah, but Southwest is $50 each way. They seem to want a hard case in order to not make you sign a damage waiver, tho.

I have a Sunlight case (post 5 above) for my carbon bike and a SciCon Aero Comfort soft case for my aluminium bike.

The hard case is not very strong, I'm sure there are better. If I were buying another hard case I would get something else. The problem is the latches that stick out. If the case gets bumped, which it will, then it causes a dent. I have had one replaced by the airlines.

Also I find that hardcases are a pain to get into ground transport so airport - hotel trips become a pain.

I agree with orcanova, the SciCon Aero Comfort is a great case. I am sure it would protect my carbon frame but I hesitate because I also have carbon bar/ stem/ post on the bike. The bar can take some knocks using this case. It is so much easier to use and transport in hire cars / taxis etc.

I travel long and short haul.

(The Sunlight case is branded dhb in the UK.)

I like my tri-all...minimal disassembly...built like a tank.

They don't charge extra on international flights. I haven't paid extra, and I've been to Europe 3x over the last four years. They run it through as a regular bag on Continental, SAS, Olympic, etc. The surcharges for those bike bags are on domestic flights in the US.

It depends on the airline ... and how nice you are to the check-in person.

http://www.ibike.org/encouragement/travel/bagregs.htm

That used to be the case, and I've often got my bike case on for free just by big-tipping the skycap up front and having him push it through without a charge, but I think the airlines are strapped right now and they are all under orders to charge for any large or overweight bag. In fact I just flew American and every checked bag is subject to a charge, so once they are looking at your bags and charging fees, it might be hard to avoid a bike charge.

However, it may be easier to coax them into charging just for a bag, instead of the bike fee, or whichever one is cheaper, especially if its light and compact. That's why I like the Sci-con case: its only about 8 lbs, so with a 15 lbs bike its under 25 lbs.

only if you have no clue on how to pack a bike.

It still depends on the airline. If you're going to fly with US airlines, you'll definitely be charged. But if you're going to go with other, nicer airlines, the charges will likely be less or possibly even free. Have a look at that link I posted.

I've got a couple of Serfas Bike armor cases and they are HUGE !!!, so big they barely fit into the back seat of the car and don't fit the boot. Great protection but really hard to manoveure around.

Don't underestimate the size of the Serfas, they look medium sized which is deceiving.

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=2227

I've just ordered picka packworks bags as replacements, as they are much more manageable and compact.

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6...6835-1,00.html

http://flickr.com/photos/ewwhite/set...7605378425108/

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...7/IMG_1222.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...7/IMG_1223.jpg