"Bike Safe" bike boxes - opinions wanted

[DaleE]

I'm in the market for a bike box (must be hard shell, not a bag). Does anyone have any experience / comments / opinions on the Bike Safe range?

 

http://www.bikesafe.co.za/

 

And if not Bike Safe, any others that can be recommended? Needs to be able to take 29'er (medium size).

 

TIA, Dale

[flames]

29er struggles to fit into it. I got a Spez Epic 29er.

 

Need to remove bars. Back derailleur pushes against the rear of the box - you end up removing it to protect it. Not sure if it is related but the 1st time I used it (didnt remove the derailleur) the delailleur broke at the housing (XO) on the second ride down at the coast. Not sure if it was the box but and it could be a coincidence. It definitely doest fit as easily as it says on the packaging and web, unless I am doing something wrong.

 

In saying that though, the baggage handlers at OR Tambo said that they far prefer the bike boxes to the bags....if that makes a difference. Once closed, it is secure and hardy.

 

It is large, and doesn't fit into a normal sedan as easily as it says on the website. I have an A4 and cant get it in the car. I have to put the seats down in my wifes Golf.

 

Besides that, all good.

[gadget]

I find mine also fine.

 

Only adjustments I made was to put different wheels on so that it can roll 360* and a racket grip for the handles. It's made a trip to JHB and EL this year already, and will go to the States at the end of this year as well.

 

The negative is the weight and the size as some airline charge a lot extra for it - it is BIG (but it needs to be to hold the bikes as it is meant to)

[VT2jp]

Great Product - 29er MTB needs handlebar and rear Der removed.

[DaleE]

Many thanks for the replies - great to get first hand comments.

 

Looks like a reasonable option (in fact the only option for a 29'er) ... even if I have to remove the RD.

[eraser]

I use mine to transport my road bike (medium) and absolutely love it. Just remove wheels and put them alongside the frame, no removing of handlebards or derailler.Great to have the peace of mind. Used it many times with no problem.

 

On Mango it costs R200 per flight.

 

The bikebox (with the lid removed) fits into the back of my A4 (2010) and the Toyota Yaris pool car I use on the other side

Edited February 9, 2012 by Eraser

[GLuvsMtb]

Big plus is that you don't have to remove the pedals when packing your bike

[Thomo]

Work well and should accommodate most bikes ... some with a bit more dismantling than others.

Just very heavy.

[b-rad]

Our whole team for the DC got one and they worked really well...no problem with my ISP frame (didn't have to worry about cutting any of my seatpost off which is always a plus ), only issue I found may be the weight which is rather heavy compared to a bike bag...

If you are going to try and squeeze in you bike in the box as part of your 20kg allowance it won't work!