Hard sided, full size travel case recommendations?

[cp43]

Hi,

I will be taking a training trip with some teammates in March. We'll be flying from BOS to LAX. We did the same trip last year, and I used a soft sided case to pack my bike. It wasn't damaged at all, but I didn't get any warm fuzzies about how well it was protected.

So, for this year I'm looking at getting a full size hard case. So far I've been looking at the Thule (http://www.thule.com/en-US/US/Products/Bike-Carriers/Accessories/699-Round-Trip-Bike-Travel-Case) one, and the Serfas (https://www.serfas.com/products/view/75/referer:products%7Cindex%7Cbike-accessories%7Cbike-travel-cases) one. Any comments on these, or other suggestions?

If it matters, this is for a big, but not gargantuan, road frame (62cm).

Thanks,

Chris

[93legendti]

I have a Tri all 3 double bike case. It's outstanding. I haven't used it in years, as I've taken my Bike Friday on trips since 2008.

[weisan]

Chris-pal, have you considered AirCaddy? Google it...

[Don49]

http://www.tricosports.com/iron_case.html

Pretty much indestructible. The downside is the empty weight is 30lbs, so it'll likely be both oversize and overweight. It used to be that you only got hit with one or the other of those charges, but I believe they are cumulative now, based on the airline. Could end up being a $300 roundtrip.

People seem to like the Pika http://pikapackworks.com but not hard sided

[cp43]

The Trico looks nice. Thanks.

We're flying Virgin America, it's $50 each way for a bike in a case, I think even if it's over 50 pounds. We didn't have anyone get dinged for an overweight charge last year.

Air Caddy looks pretty good, but it's not much cheaper than bringing the bike on the plane, and would require a trip to pick up the bike.

Thanks,

Chris

[weisan]

The Trico looks nice. Thanks.

We're flying Virgin America, it's $50 each way for a bike in a case, I think even if it's over 50 pounds. We didn't have anyone get dinged for an overweight charge last year.

Air Caddy looks pretty good, but it's not much cheaper than bringing the bike on the plane, and would require a trip to pick up the bike.

Thanks,

Chris

Sorry, I meant checking in as oversize luggage, no extra charge...the best thing of it is minimum take down/setup both at start and final destinations.

[cp43]

Sorry, I meant checking in as oversize luggage, no extra charge...the best thing of it is minimum take down/setup both at start and final destinations.

I didn't realize you could just get the box. I think for Virgin America it's the same charge for oversize luggage, as it is for a bike in a bike box. Less tear down and build back up would be nice though. I think I will probably end up getting a hard case though, just for the peace of mind of the bike being better protected.

Thanks,

Chris

[weisan]

In terms of protection, hard case won't offer more than air caddy box.

[ultraman6970]

I have the one performance sells and works just fine at least for international flights. Just get to good locks, put your clothing inside aswell.

[Jaq]

Just out of curiosity, is there anything to be gained by shipping the bike by FedEx, UPS, or other service ahead of time?

[Pete Mckeon]

shipped in USA. SOuthwest is 50 , so they are cheaper than fedex but must stand the TSA "stir"


Just out of curiosity, is there anything to be gained by shipping the bike by FedEx, UPS, or other service ahead of time?

[bikinchris]

Just out of curiosity, is there anything to be gained by shipping the bike by FedEx, UPS, or other service ahead of time?

Yes, you can buy insurance. If the airline breaks your bike. That's just too bad. ALso, it can save you a lot of money depending on a few variables. For instance, if your company has an open account with a shipper and ships a lot, you can pay a lot less than someone walking in off the street.
My brother in law did Ironman Hawai'i a few times and they spotted a stack of bike boxes laid on their side ten deep while they were on the plane. Luckily it was on the way back home.

You could also ship it to a shop who can assemble it and check it over before you actually get there. That way if it IS damaged they can repair it before you get there. They can also pack it and ship on the way back.

[MattTuck]

This one (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/product-accessories/2013-scicon-aero-tech-evolution-tsa-bike-case-11219.2836.1.html) is expensive.

How is riding in Littleton? I grew up in Groton and still ride (mostly Groton, Dunstable, Hollis, NH) when I am back there to see my parents.

[cp43]

This one (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/product-accessories/2013-scicon-aero-tech-evolution-tsa-bike-case-11219.2836.1.html) is expensive.

How is riding in Littleton? I grew up in Groton and still ride (mostly Groton, Dunstable, Hollis, NH) when I am back there to see my parents.

That case is really expensive :eek: It puts the ~$400 for the Thule into perspective a bit. I'm going to head to Landry's over this coming weekend and check out the cases they have.

Riding in Littleton is pretty nice. Although, I usually end up riding south to Harvard, Bolton, Stow, etc. I've done some riding in southern NH, and that's been great too.

Chris

[Brucer]

I just looked for some bike cases and bags for a friend, and here's what I found, for what it's worth:

1 DHB Elsted Wheeled Bike Bag
DHB is a house brand for an English bike shop called Wiggle. I've used DHB clothing, shoes, bike components and pedals and it's all first-rate and reasonably priced. Wiggle ships things in a way that usually gets through customs without any hassle or duty. It's a good shop. Order from : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/

Serfas Bike Case
This one's a hard case, and it weighs twice as much as the DHB soft case. But from the video below, it looks pretty efficient. Also, you can order one from Amazon, which makes everything pretty simple.
http://www.amazon.com/Serfas-SBC-Bike-Armor-Case/dp/B001SJQCRC
Here's a short video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpbArt4sH5M

Here's a good list of other options:
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/best-bike-boxes-and-bike-bags-33421/

[rustylion]

I have used them for several years but the cost of shipping (out and back) is something not to ignore. And, if an international trip, I bet I could not afford it.

A travel bike with hard-sided case, in my opinion, is a better alternative if you can afford it (which I can't yet) meaning the bike and the case.

Chris-pal, have you considered AirCaddy? Google it...

[weisan]

Rusty-pal, I am sure you are right. I have only flown from St Louis to Melbourne (Qantas) and Melbourne to Singapore (Jet star), both times no extra charge, it took me all but 5 minutes to get the bike outta box and ready to ride. I threw everything in; shorts, jersey, helmet, shoes, toolbox, even a bag of spare parts such as tires, tubes, cable wires, lights etc. Just under 40 Ibs.

[rustylion]

Weisan, my friend,

Do I understand you hauled a travel bike with hard-sided case on this long international trip you described?

If so, what brand case did you choose that had room for you bike and gear?

Thanks,
bill

Rusty-pal, I am sure you are right. I have only flown from St Louis to Melbourne (Qantas) and Melbourne to Singapore (Jet star), both times no extra charge, it took me all but 5 minutes to get the bike outta box and ready to ride. I threw everything in; shorts, jersey, helmet, shoes, toolbox, even a bag of spare parts such as tires, tubes, cable wires, lights etc. Just under 40 Ibs.

[weisan]

rusty-pal, I am referring to the AirCaddy that I used for travel.

BTW. I got this from United policy:

If the bicycle(s) are packed in a container that is less than 50 pounds (23kg) and 62 (158 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H), there is no bicycle service charge

Does anyone know whether the Serfas Hard Case meet the above-mentioned requirement?

SERFAS Hard Bike Case
Description:
- Two heavy duty casters for mobility
- Sturdy polyethylene shell
- Includes 3 foam layers
- Internal size: 44" x 27" x 9.75"
- External size: 47" x 30" x 11"
- Weight 14kg

[ultraman6970]

62 (158 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H) <-- yes, if you cut a bike in 3 parts.

[weisan]

Ultraman-pal, my bike is a ritchey breakaway, I can easily break it into three parts, that's not a problem.

However, my interpretation of the total linear inches when it comes to the serfas is
47+30+11=89
Which far exceeds the 62 max requirement.

[ultraman6970]

That's my point... they basically told you, as long as you bike is a 12 inches kid's bike you we wont charge you extra hehe

Remember a guy putting his frame in a big ass regular suit case, together with some of the parts, wheels in another suitcase or in a wheelsbag (you put them in front of your legs) and ready to go. Whats the maximum suit case you are allowed to bring with you??

[William]

Check out the S&S travel case in the Vendetta Cycles Spotlight....
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=124342&page=8






William

[cp43]

Ultraman-pal, my bike is a ritchey breakaway, I can easily break it into three parts, that's not a problem.

However, my interpretation of the total linear inches when it comes to the serfas is
47+30+11=89
Which far exceeds the 62 max requirement.

The Serfas is designed to take a full sized bike. For a Break-Away frame, you'll want a smaller box, designed for coupled frames.

The S&S case that William mentioned is designed for coupled bikes, but from what I understand, a larger Ritchey Break-Away frame won't be small enough for one. You might want to check out the Ritchey case here (http://ritcheylogic.com/dyn_prod.php?p=14-299-202&k=472765). I think it's technically over the 62 inch limit, but the airlines don't always measure, so you might get away with out the charge.

You are correct, the serfas will incur the bike charge from the airline. But if you don't have a coupled bike, it's a good option for bringing your bike on a trip.

Chris

[weisan]

We are flying back to the States in a week's time, using United, don't think I would be able to escape incurring the horrendous extra charges with my Air caddy box. Wished I had thought about this earlier and bought a S&S or ritchey breakaway case. What's the point of having a ritchey breakaway bike if I can't make use of it to save on travel cost?:rolleyes:

With seven of us, we are entitled up to 14 pieces of checked-in luggage which we are not going to use it all up, I may have to break down the bike into 2 or more boxes that meet the airline requirements. I think that's what I may end up having to do.:help:

[ultraman6970]

One piece of the bike per suitcase doesnt look like that bad, specially if it saves you a few hundreds.

[weisan]

Agreed.

I have to make sure I packed them well, immobilized and stuffed with loads of padding...william-pal, thanks for the link, the pictures gave me some ideas how I want to pack the bike.

[SpeedyChix]

Since building up the S+S travel bikes, our full-size BikePro USA deluxe hard cases have been sitting (and probably could be sold).

For regular bikes we used the BikePro USA deluxe hard cases. While the piano hinges have taken a bit of a beating the cases have held up well and bikes always arrive in unharmed condition. Can't find them on the BikePro site but found them on another: http://tinyurl.com/b537u2d

Prior travel bags used and sold or trashed included a soft-sided bag with metal frame in bottom for the dropouts. Impacts eventually popped the welds for the fork mount. Another was in the same design of the Tri All 3 case that has casters on the bottom. Carriers dropped that enough that the casters punched into the bottom of the case. Rebuilt it with some plate inside and out only to have it blown out again. That's when the move to the BikeProUSA case was made. Those have held up to a bunch of trips. Apart from the hinge getting bent on one, they still function. Pretty easy to pack.

All the options for un-coupled bikes have plus/minus so sort out how often you plan to travel and/or where. Domestically there are only a couple airlines that won't crush you with fees. Frontier is a bike friendly. Even with S+S cases we often use FedEx to ship rather than fly with them. You can insure things with FedEx and really can't when using the airline. Not having to drag another case around the airport is pretty nice too.