Bike Cases

Bike cases  are constructed out of anything from cardboard boxes to seemingly bulletproof hard shells. Although cardboard boxes (easily obtained from bike shops) are often a joke as a shipping container, either through UPS or FedEx, they really do have a place if you're planning on checking in your bike at the airport and need a disposable container once you get off the plane. Most would recommend you double box your bike -- cut the bottom out of one and slide them into each other -- while traveling light. If you're planning on traveling a lot with your bike or shipping it, you'll want to invest in something a little more sturdy.

You'll first want to decide if you need a hard-shell or a soft-shell case. Choose a hard-shell case if you're shipping your bike or know you'll be doing a lot of traveling. 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 some disassembly to fit your bike inside. Most cases have lots of extra room if you're an overpacker or want to toss in some more gear. There's several bike case manufacturers who make outdoor traveling gear to choose from. Aaron Teasdale of Adventure Cycling Association breaks down a good guide to his favorite bike cases.

Top Bicycle Cases
Ironcase by Trico Sports	Bike Armor Transport Case by Serfas	Tri-All3 Sports Velo Safe Bike Case	Race Case by Bike Pro
Considered one of the standards in heavy-duty, hard-shell bike protection. Made to UPS shipping requirements. Three sheets of foam separates wheels from frame. Standard locking mechanism, albeit flimsy. Cost: about $300. 31lbs	Similar to the Ironcase, same size and shape so equally shippable. Very tough shell, similar Ironcase foam inserts on the inside. Most secure locking mechanism on the market. Metal loops and tie downs hold bike solidly in place. Cost about $350.	ABS plastic, hard-shell case with a quick-release fork mount. Dense foam bottom bracket support. Lots of room for extra gear. Can keep seat and pedals  attached. Compact UPS version available also. Cost about $420.	Soft-shell case with a quick-release fork mount. True Track Steel mounting frame which attaches your bike to frame instead of letting it rest on foam. Derailleur  guard and bottom bracket protection. Three inches of multi-density foam padding. Can hold two sets of wheels. Cost about $430.

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 couch? A soft-case like the Race Case  is both easy to handle once out of the airport, in the cab and in the hotel -- and it rolls up neatly when not in use. Crate Works  also makes soft cases, a kind Teasdale refers to as "glorified cardboard boxes." The Pro 1  is made of sturdy double-walled cardboard, while the Pro XLC  is made from waterproof, double-walled corrugated plastic. These cases offer decent durability and pretty good protection: velcro ties hold the frame down and wheels held fast by cinch straps and are separated by cardboard sheets. The Pro 1 weighs in at 19lbs and should last you several trips. The Pro XLC (22lbs) should last you longer, about 12 trips or more, but all parts are replaceable. Both boxes are collapsible, compact and shippable. Cost is about $109 for the Pro 1 and $159 for the Pro XLC.

Scicon Bike Case

Most cases require removing your pedals, seat and wheels. The Tri-All 3 Sport Velo Safe  does not, however. One case not mentioned by Teasdale is the Scicon bike case.  It's supposedly the hard-shell case of the pros and requires that you remove the seat post and the wheels, which fit neatly into hub blocks. The case is constructed from 5mm thick ABS plastic, features dense foam padding and five latches with two combination locks. It's ideal for air travel, but at around $700, it's the most expensive of the bunch.

Additional Links

• Tri-All 3 - Has other Velo Safe  cases, including a wheel safe.
• Crateworks - Site for the Pro 1 and Pro XLC. 
• Bike Pro - Site for the Race Case.  Has detailed information on Race Case construction as well as different models for other bikes, including tandems.
• Serfas - Serfas official site. Bike cases, grips, tires, saddles and more.
• Trico - Site for the Ironcase.  Still under construction.

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