Bike Case Buying Guide

If you're inclined to take your bike on holiday -- whether it be across the country or overseas, you'll need to consider buying a bike case  to protect your bike while it's in transit. Basically there are three types of bike carry bags/containers: there's the cardboard box (handy if you need to dispose of it at your destination), soft padded bags, many of which come with metal protection frames and then there are rigid plastic cases for ultimate protection. 

When shopping for a bike case you'll first need to decide if you want a hard-shell or a soft-shell case. Choose a hard-shell if you're shipping your bike or know you'll be doing a lot of travelling. Soft-shell cases are very durable and keep your bike well protected, but are a little less bulky and easier to carry. Keep in mind that these cases will require that your bike be disassembled in order to fit it inside. Most cases have lots of extra room, so if you're an over packer or want to toss in some more gear, there's plenty of room.

Bicycle Cases Available in Australia

• Scicon Bike Case

  Bigfoot Bags - Australian made, these bags are endorsed by the pros for their practicality and longevity. 
• Hard cases: Elite Series Bike Case  ($875), Extreme Plus Bike Box  ($750) and Elite Double Wheel Case. 
• Soft bags: Pro Series Padded Wheel Bag  ($165) and Pro Series Padded Bike Bag  ($450).
• Scicon
• Hard cases:Aero Comfort,  Aero Comfort Plus  and the Aero Tech  ($1280).
• Soft bags: Basic Bike Bag  ($175), Travel Plus Bike Bag  ($280),
• TC-1 BS-5
• Bike Suitcase  - Described as the Rolls Royce of bike cases. This hard case has an alloy frame, side handle, security lock and high-density sponge inside. Around $700.  
• Tioga
• Tioga Bike Bag  - Basic soft-sided bicycle carry bag. Comes with carry straps and internal pockets. $125

Keep in mind where you're planning on storing the case when it's not in use. Sure it's great when it's en route or in the storage compartment, but is there room for it in a motel room or behind your friend's lounge? A soft-case like Bigfoot's Pro Series  is easy to handle once out of the airport, in the cab and in the hotel. Disposable cardboard bike boxes are available at your local bike store or some airlines sell them for around $15. The Scicon Aero Tech  is made of sturdy 4mm ABS plastic - but it weighs in at 10kgs. 

Most cases require removing your pedals, seat and wheels. The Scicon Aero Tech bike case  is a popular case for the pros. The case requires that you remove the seat post and the wheels, which fit neatly into hub blocks. The case features dense foam padding and five latches with two combination locks. It's ideal for air travel, but at around $1280, it's the most expensive case on the market.

Related Products
Bike Pedals	Bike Tyres	Bicycles	Bike Helmets	Bike Shoes

External Links

• Bigfoot Bags and Covers Australia - bike bags and accessories
• Frequent Flyer.com - information on bike boxes for travelling