I've always found the biggest con for a bike bag is for point to point tours, or figuring out somewhere to store the bag if you are starting/finishing at the same spot.
On cost alone, a travel case that allows you to check on your flight (with no bike fees) is ideal. Ritchey Break--Away, Transfer Case, Orucase, Black Star bag allows you to do this. Just don't tell them it's a bike. The Transfer Case is the only that can fold up so you can ride away with it on your back. Black Star bag maybe, if you throw away your padding. I thought the Transfer case had the most possibilities so that's what I got.
Great review and summary of your experience! I've shipped a bike in a large hard case. The logistics of shipping ahead was a huge pain, espeically since I didn't have a second bicycle at home to continue my training. That hard case is has been sitting in my garage for 12 year. I really should get rid of it. Since then, I have only traveled with a Bike Friday packed in a Samsonite suitcase and checked as luggage. This is my favorite method thus far for the type of trips I take. I like knowing my bike is with me. The Samsonite suitcase only set me back about $100-$150 or so.
We took our bikes to France. Shipping was crazy money. United charged $200 each way each bike. Crazy, but no way am I riding 1000 miles in two weeks on any bike but my own. The EVOC cases served us well. A friend has a theory that airlines treat soft cases better than hard. We're touring out of Germany in 2019 and flying SAS. They are letting us take or bikes as our checked luggage. We had to write ahead of time to request it, but it's a huge savings. Loved your video!
I'm from Sydney, Australia, and have lived in NYC, London and Berlin. I've taken my bike along with me, always in a cardboard bike box. Have never encountered an issue, personally. I'm meticulous with my packing. I wrap the tubes, fork spacer with some foam to protect from bottoming out, zip-tie front wheel (have a carboard disc to cover each side of wheel) to frame (to TT and DT on the non-drive side, bars to frame, I bundle pedals and seatpost/seat to frame, and I bought a roll of foam that I slide inside the box, around the length of the bike ( I re-use it). I also try to protect/reinforce the outside of the box by taping two or three bands around the length and height of the box. I also reinforce the bottom corners,as a trolley might not always be available so dragging around the terminal won't destroy it.
I flew with a bike box from Japan to Australia as part of my baggage allowance. Recommend deflating tyres regardless of airline policy, because if you are asked to demonstrate it can be a real pain at check in desk. Keep your valves located as convenient as possible. Get bike packing doo dads that come with bike boxes, e.g. axle ends, fork separators. Sheets of corflute also good. Take a proper pedal wrench with you if there is any possibility you might bring a bike back, almost had to abort the mission! I packed the bike with other baggage allowance around it, this helped protect the bike. Also, as the box was cardboard I could bring more back. Oh, & cheap ratchet strap the box to reduce chance of it all bursting apart & to make inspection easier.
I usually transport my bike in a CTC bag. That way I can cycle directly from and to the airport. No need for an Uber. It's perfect when I'm flying into one airport and going home from another. I have the bag stored in one of my panniers. Plus the handlers at the airport usually treat the bike better when they can actually see it's a bike they're handling.
Big disadvantage of flying with your bike is that as none of the checked in baggage is guaranteed to arrive on the same plane as you, you could end up without your bike for some days. Even your whole holiday if you go to some less frequently flied islands.
Ha ha. Waited in Cape Town S.A. for over 2 weeks for my bike that somehow ended up in Korea, I had flown from Colorado and not over the Pacific. In the long run it was a good thing, I got to know Cape Town so well I fell in love with it. Ended up going back and taking a job offer I got while waiting there rock climbing great stone with brilliant new friends. The world works in mysterious ways, especially when bike touring! The Bike Caddy Box has treated me very well and recommend it.
I've traveled to Europe several times with a bike. Bikeflights was always substantially more expensive than bringing my bike on the plane when I compared prices. Heading over again this July. I'll check again and see if that has changed at all.
Well bike flights is pretty upfront about saying that international will likely be more expensive and you may be better off paying the airline fee. Also depending on your destination you may be hit with import duties
Generally I arrive at one destination and leave from another so a dedicated case isn't practical. Plus I always reinforced where the axles contact the sides of the bix
I like to fly down with the bag and Bikeflights the bag home. Bike flights rules. There is something fun about assembling your bike at the airport, ditching your box in the recycling and riding away though.
good video,, but really surprised you didn't put padding on the hub for the bike in the box maybe you should do a video on how to pack with a cardboard box as most people will use that especially if flying into a country and exiting at different point
While the case is very nice you would have to fly at least 4 times to justify the upfront cost, if you do fly often it is the way to go, especially if you can get it sent ahead to your end point. For those who rarely fly then a box would be best. IMHO
I've done it both ways, prefer shipping vs flying. Last time I shipped just turned it over to a local bike shop for the packing on return journey. Bikeflights is very easy to work with regarding changing itinerary. Most recently just rent a bike when on vacation.
Never traveled far enough to need to ship, but i would check it at the airport. Too many things can go wrong with shipping. Not to mention planning far enough ahead of time to get it to the destination by the time you get there.
Personally, I like the idea of self-sufficiency-packing ultra light and lugging my own bike in a travel case. Great video ... very informative and timely, as cities/places become more bike-friendly and a destination bike trip can now be a thing for us regular Joes. (However, I must admit I have yet to schedule my first bike vacation.)
I've heard flying with your bike in a cardboard box is an option (a good one?) Less assembly and reassembly once you've reached your destination. The shop that I bought my bike at, said that they'd box it extra good, though I'm still more than a bit nervous to fly it to S. America. Recommendations for bike-friendly airlines, perhaps that fly frequently to that region? Thanks a bunch!
I heard Air France sells carton boxes for passengers flying with bicycles. I have never used Air France though, but according to the information on their website the carton boxes are only available at a limited number of airports. The most significant con of a bicycle bag is that you have to plan the route to return to the same airport and keep the bag somewhere at a hotel or a storage room, or you have to carry it with you, which, even if it is a thin shell bag, will take up half of your backpack. Also, if you have an aluminium frame, your bike will exceed the 10kg luggage limit most common for many airways, and you will not be able to fly with some promo rates, and you automatically fall into a standard rate (
I have flown with my bike (in a cardboard bike box) 4 times and shipped via UPS once. Bikeflights is certainly cheaper. Flying isn’t too bad with Southwest as long as you keep the weight under 50lbs. Cost $75. That said, I have heard many horror stories of bent/broken parts and internal routing cables ripped out by TSA agents. I’m not sure there is a “best” way to travel with the bike...unless it is just riding it! :)
Some airlines will require pre inspection of contents of bike box so if already taped you will need to cut open than retape after inspection. Take a roll of duct tape with you to airport just in case! 2:42
If you have the money buy a bag, after 3 round trips depending on distance you got your money's worth and the thing will last you 5+years in most cases.
Brompton TI in Bbag - Norwegen Airlines said they lost it for 3 days - then suddenly they found it and shipped it to us. Ah - one problem the rack, Bbag and ez wheels were crushed bad. I filed a claim - turns out we only had 5 days from date our flight landed, but I did not get the bike within five days. Then they said UPS might have broken it when they shipped it to me... Damn, we had travel insurance but they said because I had the bike, even though it was broken, they would not pay. I was about to file small claims court and my wife said to just let it go and Steve Rex a bike builder here in Sacramento got it running again. Wonder if I can fly Alaska Air to Spain next year.
Question: you are going to your parents’ house so you have somewhere to leave your shipping box. Are there any bike travel cases that are light enough that you can carry it on your bike. This is important if you ending destination is not the same as the beginning. Otherwise you might as well use a cardboard box and throw it away at the arriving airport. Any solutions?
So what to do with that case when u arrive? I fly from Anchorage to Seattle ride northern tier to MI then head south to Atlanta. Think box will work best
If you leave pokey parts against the exterior of the bike box, you can’t blame shipping for the box being torn up (or damage to the parts). Padding, my friends!!! I’d say you got darn lucky there.
Do you think its okay I squeeze in my guitar and a misc tools too? It fits I already check, quite nicely too (bikes just a single speed). Will the airline care?
Hi Russ, I'm strongly thinking of purchasing this case. Do you still like it? Have you used it more since? Would you be able to compare it to Orucase's Airport ninja? Keep up the good work!
Came here to ask this same question. How has the Transfer Case held up? Have you had any other trips with it? I just bought a 59cm Warbird and I'm between the Transfer Case, the Airport Ninja (because I think 59cm is too big for the Sub 62 case). I've seen positive reviews for both but more for the Orucase option.
Bob i got one (Transfer Case, 150), and did some trips by plane and lots of packed minivan with stuff on top of it. It’s easy to pack, confortable to move around, rolling it, picking it up or on your back. I usually say that it’s a music instrument and have no fees at all, no bike fees, no oversized fees ( I was once checked in by someone getting a training who was told that she had to measure the case and so I had to pay oversize fees but this has happened only once so far ). The case is pretty solid but I did add some cardboard where the hubs are (the side that faces the outside of the case). This protection was suggested by Russ in his other video on the Case (look it up!), and it protected the case from the hub adding pressure against the material (which has extra padding in that area as well)). I get almost all of my stuff in the case (Bikepacking bags and gear) and I can get 45mm tubeless tires in. I was told you could go up to 50mm if the tire is completely deflated. All and all this is a great case and the service was great and fast. I had many questions that were all answered and I was leaving soon on a trip and got my case on time (from California to Quebec). Hope this helps. Look for Russ’ other video on the Case (where he reviews it after a few trips).
Would you be more worried about a carbon bike as checked luggage in the Transfer Case or boxed for bike flights? Or do you think frame material is immaterial? 🤣
Flats or clips? If clips, would def go with a MTB SPD pedal. Won’t clog as badly as road pedals if you have to hike a bike. If flats, like the VP Vice pedals, Crank Bros 50/50s or iSSi Stomp or Thump.
What did you mean when you said you weren't truthful to the airline? I assume you told them it was 'transport' but not a bike 😜. Did they think it was something other tha a bike?
I think what Russ means is that if asked what's in the case, if you are willing to say something other than a bike, you may be able to escape the bike fee.
I've always found the biggest con for a bike bag is for point to point tours, or figuring out somewhere to store the bag if you are starting/finishing at the same spot.
On cost alone, a travel case that allows you to check on your flight (with no bike fees) is ideal. Ritchey Break--Away, Transfer Case, Orucase, Black Star bag allows you to do this. Just don't tell them it's a bike. The Transfer Case is the only that can fold up so you can ride away with it on your back. Black Star bag maybe, if you throw away your padding. I thought the Transfer case had the most possibilities so that's what I got.
Great review and summary of your experience! I've shipped a bike in a large hard case. The logistics of shipping ahead was a huge pain, espeically since I didn't have a second bicycle at home to continue my training. That hard case is has been sitting in my garage for 12 year.
I really should get rid of it. Since then, I have only traveled with a Bike Friday packed in a Samsonite suitcase and checked as luggage. This is my favorite method thus far for the type of trips I take. I like knowing my bike is with me. The Samsonite suitcase only set me back about $100-$150 or so.
We took our bikes to France. Shipping was crazy money. United charged $200 each way each bike. Crazy, but no way am I riding 1000 miles in two weeks on any bike but my own. The EVOC cases served us well. A friend has a theory that airlines treat soft cases better than hard. We're touring out of Germany in 2019 and flying SAS. They are letting us take or bikes as our checked luggage. We had to write ahead of time to request it, but it's a huge savings. Loved your video!
I'm from Sydney, Australia, and have lived in NYC, London and Berlin. I've taken my bike along with me, always in a cardboard bike box. Have never encountered an issue, personally.
I'm meticulous with my packing. I wrap the tubes, fork spacer with some foam to protect from bottoming out, zip-tie front wheel (have a carboard disc to cover each side of wheel) to frame (to TT and DT on the non-drive side, bars to frame, I bundle pedals and seatpost/seat to frame, and I bought a roll of foam that I slide inside the box, around the length of the bike ( I re-use it).
I also try to protect/reinforce the outside of the box by taping two or three bands around the length and height of the box. I also reinforce the bottom corners,as a trolley might not always be available so dragging around the terminal won't destroy it.
I flew with a bike box from Japan to Australia as part of my baggage allowance. Recommend deflating tyres regardless of airline policy, because if you are asked to demonstrate it can be a real pain at check in desk. Keep your valves located as convenient as possible. Get bike packing doo dads that come with bike boxes, e.g. axle ends, fork separators. Sheets of corflute also good. Take a proper pedal wrench with you if there is any possibility you might bring a bike back, almost had to abort the mission! I packed the bike with other baggage allowance around it, this helped protect the bike. Also, as the box was cardboard I could bring more back.
Oh, & cheap ratchet strap the box to reduce chance of it all bursting apart & to make inspection easier.
I usually transport my bike in a CTC bag. That way I can cycle directly from and to the airport. No need for an Uber. It's perfect when I'm flying into one airport and going home from another. I have the bag stored in one of my panniers. Plus the handlers at the airport usually treat the bike better when they can actually see it's a bike they're handling.
It all comes down to return on investment. If you travel with your bike 2 or 3 times a year, buy a bike bag.
Big disadvantage of flying with your bike is that as none of the checked in baggage is guaranteed to arrive on the same plane as you, you could end up without your bike for some days. Even your whole holiday if you go to some less frequently flied islands.
Ha ha. Waited in Cape Town S.A. for over 2 weeks for my bike that somehow ended up in Korea, I had flown from Colorado and not over the Pacific. In the long run it was a good thing, I got to know Cape Town so well I fell in love with it. Ended up going back and taking a job offer I got while waiting there rock climbing great stone with brilliant new friends. The world works in mysterious ways, especially when bike touring! The Bike Caddy Box has treated me very well and recommend it.
I've traveled to Europe several times with a bike. Bikeflights was always substantially more expensive than bringing my bike on the plane when I compared prices. Heading over again this July. I'll check again and see if that has changed at all.
Well bike flights is pretty upfront about saying that international will likely be more expensive and you may be better off paying the airline fee. Also depending on your destination you may be hit with import duties
Medium Rick it hasn’t changed. BF is still very expensive for international travel, even to Canada
Generally I arrive at one destination and leave from another so a dedicated case isn't practical. Plus I always reinforced where the axles contact the sides of the bix
I like to fly down with the bag and Bikeflights the bag home. Bike flights rules. There is something fun about assembling your bike at the airport, ditching your box in the recycling and riding away though.
good video,, but really surprised you didn't put padding on the hub for the bike in the box maybe you should do a video on how to pack with a cardboard box as most people will use that especially if flying into a country and exiting at different point
Didn't have any hub protectors laying about. The hub itself didn't have a whole lot protruding so we didn't think anything of it.
While the case is very nice you would have to fly at least 4 times to justify the upfront cost, if you do fly often it is the way to go, especially if you can get it sent ahead to your end point. For those who rarely fly then a box would be best. IMHO
Like I said, you have to decide for yourself if it’s worth it for your travel patterns.
I've done it both ways, prefer shipping vs flying. Last time I shipped just turned it over to a local bike shop for the packing on return journey. Bikeflights is very easy to work with regarding changing itinerary. Most recently just rent a bike when on vacation.
Never traveled far enough to need to ship, but i would check it at the airport. Too many things can go wrong with shipping. Not to mention planning far enough ahead of time to get it to the destination by the time you get there.
Personally, I like the idea of self-sufficiency-packing ultra light and lugging my own bike in a travel case. Great video ... very informative and timely, as cities/places become more bike-friendly and a destination bike trip can now be a thing for us regular Joes. (However, I must admit I have yet to schedule my first bike vacation.)
I've heard flying with your bike in a cardboard box is an option (a good one?) Less assembly and reassembly once you've reached your destination. The shop that I bought my bike at, said that they'd box it extra good, though I'm still more than a bit nervous to fly it to S. America. Recommendations for bike-friendly airlines, perhaps that fly frequently to that region? Thanks a bunch!
cut a tennis ball in half and tape over wheel hubs
Thats a good idea.
I heard Air France sells carton boxes for passengers flying with bicycles. I have never used Air France though, but according to the information on their website the carton boxes are only available at a limited number of airports.
The most significant con of a bicycle bag is that you have to plan the route to return to the same airport and keep the bag somewhere at a hotel or a storage room, or you have to carry it with you, which, even if it is a thin shell bag, will take up half of your backpack.
Also, if you have an aluminium frame, your bike will exceed the 10kg luggage limit most common for many airways, and you will not be able to fly with some promo rates, and you automatically fall into a standard rate (
I have flown with my bike (in a cardboard bike box) 4 times and shipped via UPS once. Bikeflights is certainly cheaper. Flying isn’t too bad with Southwest as long as you keep the weight under 50lbs. Cost $75. That said, I have heard many horror stories of bent/broken parts and internal routing cables ripped out by TSA agents. I’m not sure there is a “best” way to travel with the bike...unless it is just riding it! :)
Some airlines will require pre inspection of contents of bike box so if already taped you will need to cut open than retape after inspection. Take a roll of duct tape with you to airport just in case! 2:42
thinking the case is the better deal in the long haul... I missed the cost of Laura's bike flights trip...
$55. So would be $110 roundtrip.
If you have the money buy a bag, after 3 round trips depending on distance you got your money's worth and the thing will last you 5+years in most cases.
Brompton TI in Bbag - Norwegen Airlines said they lost it for 3 days - then suddenly they found it and shipped it to us. Ah - one problem the rack, Bbag and ez wheels were crushed bad. I filed a claim - turns out we only had 5 days from date our flight landed, but I did not get the bike within five days. Then they said UPS might have broken it when they shipped it to me... Damn, we had travel insurance but they said because I had the bike, even though it was broken, they would not pay. I was about to file small claims court and my wife said to just let it go and Steve Rex a bike builder here in Sacramento got it running again. Wonder if I can fly Alaska Air to Spain next year.
Ah. Bummer!
If it weren't for wanting to travel with my Jones, I'd get a Moulton that fits into two suitcases. But I'm not going off-road with the small wheels.
10 / 10 on the hair cut Russ, looking hawt! Bikes are cool too..
Consider updating this video w bikeflight’s new box design :)
Yes, please update!!
Question: you are going to your parents’ house so you have somewhere to leave your shipping box.
Are there any bike travel cases that are light enough that you can carry it on your bike. This is important if you ending destination is not the same as the beginning.
Otherwise you might as well use a cardboard box and throw it away at the arriving airport. Any solutions?
Don't know of any shipping boxes light enough to carry. I know some solutions turn into a trailer like the Bike Friday case.
So what to do with that case when u arrive? I fly from Anchorage to Seattle ride northern tier to MI then head south to Atlanta. Think box will work best
So what do you do if you fly in one location and leave from a different location? For instance a European tour.
Ship your box ahead.
Very Nice👍
Alaska airlines credit card gets you free checked luggage so your bike flies for free. Been flying via alaska with my S&S bike for a few years now.
If you leave pokey parts against the exterior of the bike box, you can’t blame shipping for the box being torn up (or damage to the parts). Padding, my friends!!! I’d say you got darn lucky there.
Like we said. We are new to this and still figuring things out.
Do you think its okay I squeeze in my guitar and a misc tools too? It fits I already check, quite nicely too (bikes just a single speed). Will the airline care?
If they unpack it at TSA you run the risk of them unpacking it incorrectly and breaking your guitar.
@@PathLessPedaledTV my guitars fits in, in a hardcase... so it seems perfect! as long as the airport doesnt mind whats packed in.
Hi Russ, I'm strongly thinking of purchasing this case. Do you still like it? Have you used it more since? Would you be able to compare it to Orucase's Airport ninja?
Keep up the good work!
Came here to ask this same question. How has the Transfer Case held up? Have you had any other trips with it? I just bought a 59cm Warbird and I'm between the Transfer Case, the Airport Ninja (because I think 59cm is too big for the Sub 62 case). I've seen positive reviews for both but more for the Orucase option.
Bob i got one (Transfer Case, 150), and did some trips by plane and lots of packed minivan with stuff on top of it. It’s easy to pack, confortable to move around, rolling it, picking it up or on your back. I usually say that it’s a music instrument and have no fees at all, no bike fees, no oversized fees ( I was once checked in by someone getting a training who was told that she had to measure the case and so I had to pay oversize fees but this has happened only once so far ). The case is pretty solid but I did add some cardboard where the hubs are (the side that faces the outside of the case). This protection was suggested by Russ in his other video on the Case (look it up!), and it protected the case from the hub adding pressure against the material (which has extra padding in that area as well)). I get almost all of my stuff in the case (Bikepacking bags and gear) and I can get 45mm tubeless tires in. I was told you could go up to 50mm if the tire is completely deflated. All and all this is a great case and the service was great and fast. I had many questions that were all answered and I was leaving soon on a trip and got my case on time (from California to Quebec). Hope this helps. Look for Russ’ other video on the Case (where he reviews it after a few trips).
Are you familiar with and/or have any thoughts on this transfer case vs. a Thule Round Trip Travel Case?
Have done multiple vids on the Transfer case. No exp with the Thule tho.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Thank you!
Would you be more worried about a carbon bike as checked luggage in the Transfer Case or boxed for bike flights? Or do you think frame material is immaterial? 🤣
Dunno, might be a draw. Carbon is more fragile but is lighter?
just in time for the rain!
Hey Russ, off topic but, I just got an entry level gravel bike. Could you recommend pedals for it.
Flats or clips? If clips, would def go with a MTB SPD pedal. Won’t clog as badly as road pedals if you have to hike a bike. If flats, like the VP Vice pedals, Crank Bros 50/50s or iSSi Stomp or Thump.
what does Bike Flights do that shipping UPS or FedEx doesn't do?
Gets you a really good bulk rate discount.
Good content.
Update. Covid bike pandemic version.
My XL bike would not fit in that bag
Does bikeflights ship ebikes?
Can’t ship batteries.
What did you mean when you said you weren't truthful to the airline? I assume you told them it was 'transport' but not a bike 😜. Did they think it was something other tha a bike?
Said it was photo gear :).
If I was macaulay inclined traveling with bike
What is the bag called?
PostCarryCo Transfer Case 135
@@PathLessPedaledTV Thanks! I might buy one of these. I'll let PostCarryCo know I heard about it from you if I do!
Which one cost more?
Depends.
Johnny Guzman -post transfer case $400 orucase flight ninja $500
The transfer case would cost more for the short term but if you flew a lot the case would pay for itself .
Wrong, yes you have to be concerned about weight also, airlines can and will charge extra for overweight “sports” equipment! 1:27
Simplicity of box
Interested to know what you mean by 'stretching the truth a little bit'? thank, M@
I think what Russ means is that if asked what's in the case, if you are willing to say something other than a bike, you may be able to escape the bike fee.
No bubble wrap???
That’s what the pool noodles are for.
Bike flights
Flying to Girona in the fall. Round trip with bikeflights is $1k.
DOGGGGGG