No one wants to go for a cycling expedition whether within the city, to other countries or even to another continent and get their bicycles stolen. No matter what type of cyclist you are, namely if you are a public commuter or a competitive rider, bike transportation becomes critical.A good quality bike travel case is important when it comes to deciding whether your trusty bicycle will be in the same condition when it reaches your destination as it was when it started out. Read on to discover what the ultimate bike travel case is, why that is important for any type of bike ride, and what factors to consider when choosing the case.
What is a Bike Travel Case?
A bike travel case is manufactured and intended for use in protecting a bike being transported or while in transport. While a normal bike bag can sometimes be somewhat protective, a travel case is usually even more protective and brings out characteristics that will help to protect your bicycle from damage during the trip, whether it is on a plane, in a train, or car. Usually used for road bikes and constructed from hard shell materials, Bike travel cases provide external and internal protection to resist impact, abrasion and even water damage. These cases are appropriate for any serious adventure cyclist to keep the bike in good working condition.
Why is a Bike Travel Case Important?
Whenever you are carrying your bicycle especially by flight then this always comes with risks of getting damaged. Aike can also be damaged by an airline, a bus or any other means of transport if not protected or packed well enough will lead to broken parts and scrapes. A well designed bike travel case also ensures, once your are packed for traveling, the chances of destruction of bicycle is out of the question. Second, they have the case specifically for traveling which just makes it easier and less stressful to pack because you know your bike is going to be protected no matter the distance.
Features to Look for in a Bike Travel Case
Here are the features that, in my view, should be combined in the best bike travel case. One of the biggest is durability. The case should be very hard and have a very good ability to bounce back like polycarbonate or aluminum in order to cope with vehemence acts of travel mishandling. Another decision aspect would be the weight of the case. Although hard-shells give protection, durability and almost unbreakable material, they are rather heavy. Those who wish to travel light, hence having a small baggage allowance, would prefer a lightweight luggage that can also be strong.
Furthermore, a good bike travel case must be large enough that in addition to the frame it also holds the wheels, the handlebars, and other parts. The choice of inner lining and variety of inner trays is a great factor as well because each part should be fixed and it is impossible to let two parts shift or hit each other. Some cases wheels or handles for easy maneuvering go a long way when you are carrying the luggage through busy airports or stations.
Types of Bike Travel Cases
There are two primary types of bike travel cases: The two different types are soft case and hard case. Soft cases are generally made from tough, heavy weight material with pockets of cushioning inside for the equipment. They are mostly smaller in size and lighter in weight as compared to others, so such suitcases are favorable especially for travelers who don’t wish to carry heavy bags. But they are not as protective as hard-shell cases and are probably not ideal for a constant traveller.
On the other hand, hard-shell bike travel cases provide more protection due to the various form and material they are made from and more frame-like characteristics. These are usually a little costlier but make sure the bike will not be vandalized regardless of how much havoc is on the road. Novice travelers or casual users of bikes mostly prefer the soft case while several professional
How to Choose the Right Bike Travel Case
travelled for a while without the use of a bicycle stand until the author explains how to choose the right bike travel case.
Following is a checklist or considerations to make when choosing the right bike travel case. Traveling is great…
Similarly, there are certain considerations to make when choosing travel biking cases. The first factor that should be considered includes the frequency of traveling a person makes. If, however, you are a person who travels often then a hard case will suffice as it is the most protective of all. Maybe, for short holidays, just a soft case is sufficient enough. Then, look at the type of the bike that you possess. There are some recreational vehicle cases which are particularly made for road bikes and the others can work best with mountain bikes, or even the foldable ones. Make sure the case that you settle for is the right size and shape meant for your cycling machine.
Other specifications which you should consider include size and mass of the case. Hard shells offer more protection compared to soft ones, however they are normally much heavier. If you are flying; it is recommended to liaise closely with your flight’s baggage allowance to ensure the case does not contravene with the usual allowable size and weight. Also, watch out for some characteristics, including wheels for mobility, handles for portability, and pockets for equipment like pumps and tools.
Top Bike Travel Cases on the Market
When it comes to the best bike travel cases; the best ones in the market include the EVOC Bike Travel Bag, Thule RoundTrip Pro, and the B&W International Bike Box. These cases are much appreciated due to its long lasting convenience and the protection it offers. For instance, the famous EVOC has an inner cushion to protect the frame and components within from demolition. The Thule RoundTrip Pro has extra pockets for the storage of small items and the B&W International Bike Box includes a hard shell body that makes it impact well.
All these models are targeted at cyclists and are developed to provide protection, convenience, and transportability. Any of these could be ideal depending on the nature of your travel and the kind of bike you might be planning to ride.
Conclusion
Perhaps the epitome of the bike travel case is a long-term bet that can guarantee that your bike will be secure during the trip.Whether you are a casual rider who is cycling for fun at the weekend or a professional cyclist in a cycle tour, it makes a difference to have the correct travel case. This makes it possible to look at other factors such as, durability of the material, the size and weight of the material. As with any bicycle travel, a good bike case will not only shield your bike during the journey but also make your trip more comfortable. Use good selection and next time, you will be equipped for the next big thing in your life!
FAQs
Can I use a soft bike case for air travel?
If your journey involves air travel then a soft bike case we’ll serve you but a soft bike case is not nearly as protective as a hard bike case. For the flyers, or those who want to get the maximum protection for his or her bike a hard shell case is advised.
How do I pack my bike in a travel case?
To fit the bike into the travel case the bike preparations include removing the wheels, the pedals, and even the handle bars. Some stuffing like foam, padding should be placed within the frame and other parts in a bid to avoid them shifting within the transporter.
Are bike travel cases waterproof?
Some cases of bike travel are not waterproof, but are only water resistant; this is important because not everything you do is done inside a shed. When riding your bike mostly in wet conditions, you should go for a bike that can have a waterproof product or you should have some sort of precaution against water…
How much does a bike travel case weigh?
The weight of a bike travel case depends therefore on the type of material that made the construction of the travel case and size of the travel case. Soft cases generally might vary between 7-10 kg or 15-22 lbs with hard ones likely to be between 10-15 kg or 22-33 lbs.
Are bike travel cases compatible with all bike types?
Many bike travel cases are made for road or mountain bikes but they may not accommodate large or specifically shaped bicycles. Make sure you read the case’s description so that you can confirm its compatibility with your particular bicycle model.