It’s frightening to place your bicycle down the conveyor belt or even place it in somebody else’s hands for a prolonged time. Time-pressed baggage handlers and automated baggage methods might not be as mild.
The good news is you no longer have to worry you’ll experience horror stories of airlines destroying bikes.
In this post, we’ll go through the best bike travel cases and bags to make your travel easier and your bike unscathed.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick
The best bike travel case is the Evoc Bike Travel Bag with its sturdy material and protection.
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What to Consider Before Buying a Travel Case
Mountain biking and also street biking for sports have grown to be preferred vacation activities. Some of this includes traveling, whether by land or by air.
The task with bicycles though is transporting them by automobile as well as the airline. To reach your destination with your bike in tow is often difficult and cumbersome.
That doesn’t mean it’s not possible to have your bicycle anywhere you go. Below, you will discover what you need to consider before purchasing your ticket.
Hard or Soft Shell
Soft or hard shell Hardshell bike traveling cases had been the most effective way to go however, bike manufacturers are fairly brilliant, and softshell bags are almost on par for safety, weigh less frequently, and usually have removable ribbing so that they could be nicely rolled up for storage space.
Hard-shell cases tend to be more protective but weigh much more, leaving much less for packing gear and materials. Softshell cases are lighter and means you are able to carry a heavier bike without exceeding the weight limit but could provide less protection.
Buying a bicycle travel bag depends upon several things like the dimensions and style of the bike, or if you need more protection. For instance, in case you have a bigger need and less travel time, then a softshell bag will do. In case you have to ride a plane, choose a hard shell to keep your bike safe.
Empty Weight
Empty weight is the mass before you place your bike inside. Almost all airlines are going to give you 23kilograms or 50 pounds before they strike you with an exorbitant baggage charge. So be sure to check the weight of the bag before making your purchase.
Size
Give consideration to the size, especially as it pertains to the mass of the bike you intend to carry. Some brands only cater to road bikes, while others can accommodate mountain bikes. To make your online purchase experience smoother, check the dimensions of the bag first.
Disassembly Time Required
Some disassembly is required when using bike travel bags. At the very minimum, you will need to pop your wheels off, but several bags additionally want you to eliminate the seat post, handlebars, as well as fork.
When you’re not clear on how to disassemble and reassemble your bike altogether, think about a larger travel bag that may install together with the pedals, handlebars, and even bike seat on. This particular way, the one thing you will have to stress about will be the wheels.
Wheels and Handles
Wheels and also handles allow you to go around with a bicycle in tow. In my experience, bicycle travel cases are cumbersome and awkward to go around with. Additionally, you will need lots of handles to support you hoisting your bag onto a conveyor belt or perhaps to the rear of a car.
6 Best Bike Travel Cases Reviewed
Traveling in any regard has started to be a complex endeavor this season, but as lockdown restrictions are localized, the chance to have your bicycle out for a few much-needed downtimes is, at last, getting possible once again.
With that in mind, here are the best bike travel cases.
1. CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case
Key Features
- Made with hard case
- Net Weight: 8.3kg or 18.3lbs
- Dimensions: 115cm x 25cm x 84cm
- Compatible with 700C road bikes
CyclingDeal Bike Case is the best in-between of a bicycle box and bag. It’s a hard shell case enforced with EVA material that comes with wheels to provide balance. Portability is simple since it’s built with two wheels. Simply by lifting the case on one side, you are able to drag the traveling case around with very little to no hassle! This will save the strain on your back and ease your traveling experience with your bike.
During my trip, I’ve found the straps and buckles around the case adds additional security to my bike. The straps inside will keep my bike safe and despite the bulky appearance and you need to lean it on a wall otherwise it would fall flat on its own. I suggest packing it days ahead of time as you’ll have space to include your cycling shoes, helmet, and a few tools when packed right.
Pros
- Has additional straps inside and outside the case
- Front and rear wheel works well without resistance
Cons
- The front strap can be unwieldy to roll
- Not compatible with MTBs
Last update on 2024-05-08 at 05:14 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Aophire Folding Bike Bag Travel Case
Key Features
- Folding bike bag made of 600D oxford fabric
- Net Weight: 4.95lbs
- Dimensions: 140cm x 80cm x 28cm
- Compatible with bikes that measure up to 29 inch
Aophire folding bike is terrific for recreational and competitive bikers. The powerful, oxford fabric protects your bike against any abrasions from outside elements.
When fitting your bike, you’ll find the bag opens up to three quarters, allowing you to position your bike conveniently. The travel bag comes with front pockets to quickly access items and adjustable shoulder straps.
If you have a short flight and won’t need to travel around that often, then a folding travel bag is for you. With the Aophire folding bag, you should be prepared to have additional protection details. In my case, I used cardboard to enhance and keep the walls of the bag sturdy, then wrapped the frame and handlebar with bubble wrap. It kept my bike safe and held well. With this bag, you have the option to decide which part to protect and still keep the weight limit.
Pros
- Holds the bike well
- The material is sturdy despite the foldable feature
Cons
- Not designed for a longer travel period
- Adding protection bits can be tedious
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3. Thule Round Trip Transition Bike Travel Case
Key Features
- Made with hardshell
- Empty Weight: 48.9lbs
- Dimensions: 37.0″x54.0″x15.5”
- Compatible with road and mountain bikes
Thule Bike Travel Case is perfect for individuals who wish to move or even travel by automobile, train, bus, and plane. The smooth case comes with a click-rail base, allowing it to guarantee protection without damaging your bike. The case is big and will store the frame securely as it comes with adapters that lock in your frame to the rail base.
With additional wheel bags, your frame and other items are completely prevented from getting in contact with the wheel. Finally, the bag is moved easily with the handle and rear wheels.
Personally, I found the travel case easy to roll even with luggage on the other hand. The case is spacious enough I was able to put other items inside and still under the airline weight requirements. It has kept my bike safe and I don’t have to worry about damaging my expensive bikes.
Pros
- Spacious and can carry more than the bike
- Protects the bike very well
- The click-rail holds well even after going through TSA checkpoints
Cons
- The handles are not that comfortable but not a deal-breaker
Last update on 2024-05-08 at 05:14 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Evoc Bike Travel Bag
Key Features
- Made of a hybrid construction combining a hardshell case and soft bag
- Empty Weight: 20lbs
- Dimensions: 53.54” x 15.35” x 31.5”
- Compatible with trail, road, and downhill bikes
The Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro is terrific for tourists or cyclists that plans to take their bike on international flights. The unique setup on the Evoc bike bag makes for a little, gentle bag travel option.
Equipped with 2 wheels along with a handle, you will not need to be concerned about lugging your bicycle around in the hand of yours, ultimately saving your strength and back for whenever you truly want it on the drive.
The unique arrangement of the Evoc Bike Bag requires you to disassemble your wheels, pedals, and handlebars of your bike to fit. The Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro is going to ensure your bike remains secure while traveling and can be stowed into a smaller bag easily.
I have found this as the perfect travel bag for international and local flights. Previously I had trouble looking for a case that could fit smaller planes without being flat out rejected. I still add additional protection, but overall I get to pack my bike exactly the way I want it and an Evoc traveling bag is among the very best on the market.
Pros
- Well built with removable stand and wheel
- Perfect for custom frames
- Can easily store without taking too much space
Cons
- Disassembling can take longer
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5. B&W International Bike Sack Travel Case
Key Features
- Soft shell made of nylon
- Empty Weight: 2.2lbs
- Dimensions: 47.2” x 33.5” x 9.1”
- Compatible with MTBs
The B&W travel case is perfect for cyclists looking to travel with their bikes by car, train, or bus. The soft bag is well made with the right angles all around. I don’t recommend this when traveling through planes, as you know how baggage handlers can cause more damage to our bikes.
I can easily carry the bag on my shoulders without problems. The bag folds neatly and you can store it away when not in use. It has enough storage to fit a sleeping bag and a few tools but doesn’t forget that it’s a bag.
Pros
- Perfect for land travel
- Well built and can accommodate road bikes
Cons
- Not recommended for air travel
- Need additional support to keep your bike safe
Last update on 2024-05-08 at 05:14 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. CamGo 20 Inch Folding Bike Bag
Key Features
- Soft bag made of 600D polyester
- Empty Weight: 1.2kg
- Dimensions: 85cm x 33cm x 69 cm
- Compatible with bikes of 14”-20” wheel
The CamGo Folding Bike Travel Bag is terrific for all those planning to keep their bicycles with them when camping or on local travel. This bag is big and will fit every section of the bike. In order for your bike to fit properly, you have to disassemble your bike, which includes the pedals, handlebars, seat, and wheels.
There’s an additional room spot for your cycling shoes as well as a helmet if packed correctly. This bag in addition tends to make transportation effortless with its handles and folding feature.
The CamGo bag is terrific in case you do not care about disassembling your bike and placing it back together.
Pros
- Compact and has excellent water repellent properties
- Perfect size to store
Cons
- Could easily tear when dragged on a rough surface
Last update on 2024-05-08 at 05:14 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is Best?
When it comes to choosing, I would say the best bike travel case is the Evoc Bike Travel Bag. It’s the perfect combination- the sturdy frames protect my bike and the soft bag allows it to be folded and stored away when I don’t need it.
The compact size makes it easy when pulling it around the airport, and I can easily carry it on my shoulders when I’m in a crowded area. It’s my go-to bag whenever I’m traveling.
Last update on 2024-05-08 at 05:14 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
