Soft vs Hard Bike Case

[stevesbike]

If you want to travel with a gravel bike, some cases that do not remove handlebars like the Scicon aerocomfort will likely not work. Flared drops are too wide. So, for my gravel bike I use a Scicon Aerotech Evolution X TSA Case. Note that integrated handlebars require removal at least enough to twist them down. It's a good case but has some puzzling features. The slot to loop an airline ticket through doesn't work - it loops through both sides so wouldn't allow the case to be opened to be inspected without ripping the ticket (solution was to use a heavy zip tie for the ticket). The slots for wheels also doesn't work for larger size tires so takes some work but otherwise is a sturdy case.

I used a pikaworks soft case for years - many international trips and never had a problem. Was useful more in the days when airlines would charge huge fees for a bike as it wasn't oversized. Plus also is its super easy to haul around and put in a rental car.

Whatever case you use I highly suggested putting an airtag in it to track its location.

Hey Steve good advice in regard to the Airtag will have a look at this or an alternative such as samsung. It will ntresting to see how accurate they are so will see if there are any videos on YT.
The box i have ordered says yiu can get GPS tracking so have asked for more info on thes from manufacturer

The airtag has been eerily accurate - I watched my bike box move around the terminal in Zurich last year and when it showed it near the plane I was getting on, I looked out the window and saw it being loaded onto the plane!

[qwertzuiop]

AirTags are using Apples Find My Network. Switzerland has a high density of iPhones >50%. Therefore it works well. In places with less iOS devices an AirTag will work less reliably. So what works best depends on where you travel to. You can always put an AirTag in the front and a Tile or similar in the back of the case. Better save than sorry.

[Ronin416]

If you want to travel with a gravel bike, some cases that do not remove handlebars like the Scicon aerocomfort will likely not work. Flared drops are too wide. So, for my gravel bike I use a Scicon Aerotech Evolution X TSA Case. Note that integrated handlebars require removal at least enough to twist them down. It's a good case but has some puzzling features. The slot to loop an airline ticket through doesn't work - it loops through both sides so wouldn't allow the case to be opened to be inspected without ripping the ticket (solution was to use a heavy zip tie for the ticket). The slots for wheels also doesn't work for larger size tires so takes some work but otherwise is a sturdy case.

I used a pikaworks soft case for years - many international trips and never had a problem. Was useful more in the days when airlines would charge huge fees for a bike as it wasn't oversized. Plus also is its super easy to haul around and put in a rental car.

Whatever case you use I highly suggested putting an airtag in it to track its location.

I have the 1st Generation Evolution. As for putting on the baggage tag,

I unlatch the sides and crack it open at the ticket counter and have the attendant thread the baggage tag through. You usually have time to do this when they’re looking up your ticket.


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[dmp]

I am surprised no one has mentioned Orucase (www.orucase.com). I have travelled with mine for about 8 years. Its a softshell case with polyurothane sidewalls, very light and compact (downside is you need to remove the fork, but that is not too big a deal, although I don't know how difficult that is with a fully internally routed frame- might be more of an issue, but they say it's not difficult). For airlines that still charge for bikes, noone has ever recognized that its a bike case, and I've never been charged for it.

I've flown at least a dozen times with it, never had any damage, and I think it's the best thing out there. It also is incredibly easy once you arrive at your destination- fits in a small rental car, easy to store in your hotel room.

[Ronin416]

I am surprised no one has mentioned Orucase (www.orucase.com). I have travelled with mine for about 8 years. Its a softshell case with polyurothane sidewalls, very light and compact (downside is you need to remove the fork, but that is not too big a deal, although I don't know how difficult that is with a fully internally routed frame- might be more of an issue, but they say it's not difficult). For airlines that still charge for bikes, noone has ever recognized that its a bike case, and I've never been charged for it.

I've flown at least a dozen times with it, never had any damage, and I think it's the best thing out there. It also is incredibly easy once you arrive at your destination- fits in a small rental car, easy to store in your hotel room.

Out of the question for internal router one piece handlebars.


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[Ronin416]

The EVOC Pro Bike case I’ve found is the best compromise between hard and soft cases for integrated handlebars.

The upper is a hard shell and bottom soft with retractable fiberglass shafts which allow you to compress the case down. That’s useful in tiny European hotels.

If you’re looking for all out protection, go for a Bike Box Alan or Buxton Box. Just make sure you get a vehicle larger enough to handle it or you have a place to store it upon your arrival.


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[liam7020]

Anyone have any views on these bags I see on Aliexpress? They both look like the Scicon Aerocomfort, in particular the Think Rider, but at less than half the cost... The Nooyah seems to be provided with a sizeable amount of extra padding.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006 ... nav-review

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006 ... 6514686224

[eins4eins]

Scicon is having black week discounts and the original in only a 100€ more expensive. You also get a rain bag and 50€ gift card for free. No need to support chinese plagiarism.

[MrRolandos]

Also shipping is €100 and it takes a good 1.5 months.

You are better off with this deal indeed : https://sciconsports.com/en-eu/collecti ... p053105013

I'm thinking about it, when you got a case you like this, you are more likely to travel I think. Renting one does cost about 100-150 per trip. Has anyone ever rented out their case when they don't use it to make some of the cash back?

[SeanOB]

I am surprised no one has mentioned Orucase (www.orucase.com). I have travelled with mine for about 8 years. Its a softshell case with polyurothane sidewalls, very light and compact (downside is you need to remove the fork, but that is not too big a deal, although I don't know how difficult that is with a fully internally routed frame- might be more of an issue, but they say it's not difficult). For airlines that still charge for bikes, noone has ever recognized that its a bike case, and I've never been charged for it.

I've flown at least a dozen times with it, never had any damage, and I think it's the best thing out there. It also is incredibly easy once you arrive at your destination- fits in a small rental car, easy to store in your hotel room.

I've had an Orucase for roughly the same length of time and my experiences with it have also been great, for all the reasons you mention. Unlike you, though, on pretty much every occasion I've flown with it, I've been asked if it's a bike bag. I have been flying with airlines that don't charge for bikes, so it hasn't made a difference, but it doesn't augur well should I ever have to take a non-bike friendly airline.
On a related note, Zeno Q-Connectors for hydraulic brakes, in tandem with non-internal cables/hoses, make pulling the fork and packing the bike a breeze.

[Ronin416]

Wait till the seat stays gets crushed with ten bags piled on top and you’ll think twice nothing something that protect the sides of the rear triangle. Hence the EVOC PRO case ideal. I had friends go through two SCICON cases from where and tear. Stay away from the other Asian cases if you ever break a zipper or anything like that, you’re screwed case is trash. At least with a reputable brand you’ll have some one to reach out to and get some service or replaceable parts.

[izy]

just back from tenerife and they have managed to damage my hard case best part was i recorded a video of them loading it on the plane safely
was free standing and all.

come to get it back at collected and it instantly felt off and wouldnt roll smooth/stand

turns out the smashed the plastic like they had slammed the wheels down so far im in a back and forth with airline over reimbursement which is funny because they sent me a full size large suitcase as a replacement while im still mid conversation (i think its an automated thing)
sent them a picture of it inside my bike box and said i dont think this is suitable reimbursement

either way its gonna need replace/fixed

[Ronin416]

Same happened to My first generation Scicon Aerotech Evolution. From what I’ve seen they have reinforced it now. But probably wont stop a super hard hit.