What bike box.

[Guest ctMTBer]

I am looking for a bike travel case and would like to know what you hubbers would recommend.

 

Need to fit a 29er in the case and don't like those soft cases.

 

What cases do you think will fit a bike without having to take the whole thing apart. And stil provide good protection.

[Doggone]

I saw this at the 94.7 expo last year. Will be buying one as soon as I need to fly with my bike. They also rent them out so you can try before you buy. Good SA invention.

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

[Guest Omega Man]

I am looking for a bike travel case and would like to know what you hubbers would recommend.

 

Need to fit a 29er in the case and don't like those soft cases.

 

What cases do you think will fit a bike without having to take the whole thing apart. And stil provide good protection.

 

Most bike boxes weigh an absolute ton. If you are looking to do the occasional bit of traveling it's far more cost effective to buy a spare hanger and derailleur and get your LBS to pack your bike every time you travel. Rather than than pay overweight all the time. Remember most airlines have very strict weight and dimension limitations. Just my 2 cents.

 

That bikesafe that Doggone suggested looks sweet but it weighs 13kg. So if you put your 10kg (guessing) bike in there that's your entire check in luggage limit used up. Unless you fly business class.

Edited May 20, 2012 by Omega Man

[zappa]

Why do you need spare derailleur? Should have a hanger anyway, but why would it affect packaging? Also flying next month and considering bubble wrap rather than boxing to save weight.

[Guest Omega Man]

Why do you need spare derailleur? Should have a hanger anyway, but why would it affect packaging? Also flying next month and considering bubble wrap rather than boxing to save weight.

 

Just in case the friendly airline staff break/bend it.

 

Last year I went on a riding holiday and my LBS packed my bike for R100. He did a great job. and packed some of my clothing and kit into the box for me as well. It worked out great and when I got back home I was able to use the box to start a nice toasty fire.

 

I'm doing the same this year.

[zappa]

Did you remove derailleur/hanger and tape to frame? I need total box weight max 23kg, going to be difficult because bike is a farm gate and box is also quite heavy.

[Guest Omega Man]

Did you remove derailleur/hanger and tape to frame? I need total box weight max 23kg, going to be difficult because bike is a farm gate and box is also quite heavy.

 

The dude who packed my bike left the rear wheel on. (and with that the derailleur/hanger) He took off the seat and pedals. and he took the stem off (Direct mount DH stem) and taped that with the bars to the top tube. The front wheel was taken off and packed in the box.

 

With a 29er you might take the rear wheel out too. I'd probly take the derailleur/hanger off if you are doing that.

 

If I were you I'd take my bike to a shop to get packed. They will have access to boxes and they will have done it before. They will also be able to weigh your bike so you don't get any expensive surprises when you get to the airport. Your niner probly weighs around 14kg (guessing) so you might even be able to pack some clothing in as well to come in at the 23kg limit.

 

Also. you can carry your helmet in your hand. Oh and one last thing. Don't use a wheely bag as your carry on. They weigh a lot. I'd use a light togbag so you can maximize on clothes/kit etc.

[Ysterperd]

Use a Polaris bike case myself - low weight and not as expensive as some of the other cases. Fits my XL 29er if you unscrew handles (@stem), derailler from frame & pedals. SAA also stil allows 20kg free for bicycles. Mango may do so as well, dont know. BA and Kulula however does not provide any free carraige for bicycles.

[zappa]

Thanks Omega