does anyone know of or use a particular case to transport a bike??? i am just looking for suggestions, i am going to Cali , in a few weeks and I am going to have to bring my bike./I am looking for a reliable case to bring it there!!! Thanks in advance
Bike Transit case
- Thread starter hooples3
- Start date
bought me a performance.com one, worked fine - beware of asshole airport people flipping if its over 50 lbs.
The cardboard boxes that Cannondales come in are the best. Especially if you use the packing materials that come with it. I used to duct tape the entire box except for the top but have since changed that to only duct tape the seams and the bottom. They easily last an out and back trip. Its under the UPS dimension max. Its lighter and smaller than a hardcase which may give you some negotiating room with an airline.
The only trick is to know how to pack it so it fits in the box correctly.
The best thing is that it is way cheaper than one of those hard cases.
The only trick is to know how to pack it so it fits in the box correctly.
The best thing is that it is way cheaper than one of those hard cases.
I used a Cannondale box once to take my bike to Bootleg Canyon, I reinforced the inside with plastic and taped the hell out of the outside. It still got totally pwn3d by the airline luggage apes. Since then I bought a Trico Ironcase which works as advertised.
You probably don't need to buy one though, most shops have one that they rent out for $25 a week or somthing like that.
You probably don't need to buy one though, most shops have one that they rent out for $25 a week or somthing like that.
I have the performancebike one very nice no problems like douglas some fit issues due to size of frame but worked it out.DRB said:
I have a buddy that ships his bike in the cannondale box and has had no problems at all and he travels a lot.
You figured that out?stosh said:
That's what I used and had no problems (Japan to Germany return via Hong Kong plus aJapanese domestic- no probs at all). The knowing how to pack it trick is vital as you said though.DRB said:
i've shipped my bike via cardboard boxes at least a dozen times w/ no issues. although i haven't removed my bike from last night's journey to check for damage yet.
We have a Serfas case and it worked well. I have also used a Trico and had no problems with either...just $$$ for the case on the plane ($80 each way 
) Echo's right...lots of shops rent them out by the week (or month if you know them well).
) Echo's right...lots of shops rent them out by the week (or month if you know them well).
Chalk up another vote for the Cannondale box. I've used them for years and they're fine,... plus they're free. We usually get a few from the shop, take the plane ride with them, ditch them at the airport, and then hit a C-dale dealer on the way back to the airport. Works every time.
I've used the Trico case, and it works very well. Might be worth the investment if you travel lots, ie many times a year, and have a place to store it. I like the way the C-dale boxes allow for packing a bike. Everything ziptied in place.
I've used the Trico case, and it works very well. Might be worth the investment if you travel lots, ie many times a year, and have a place to store it. I like the way the C-dale boxes allow for packing a bike. Everything ziptied in place.
Crate Works PRO XL-C. Straddles the word between cardboard box and hard case. Folds flat for transport/storage but take abuse. Way lighter than a full-on hardcase so shipping it is cheaper. Been using one for years.
Nice solution. The PRO XL-C looks like a nice compromise between the world of hardcases and disposable boxes. Great for storage as well.riderx said:
I've shipped my downhill bikes numerous times across the country in a Trico Iron Case.
It's held up pretty well from the gorillas at Fed Ex.
It's held up pretty well from the gorillas at Fed Ex.
Another cool thing is you can order replacement parts. If a piece gets trashed you don't need a whole new box. I've lost count of how many times mine has been shipped though and I haven't replaced anything yet.peter6061 said:Nice solution. The PRO XL-C looks like a nice compromise between the world of hardcases and disposable boxes. Great for storage as well.
thanks everyone.. I spoke to my LBS and she is going to lend me her case for the 2 weeks.... She is telling me to ship it in advance, which i think I am going to do... I am just waiting for an email from JetBlue to see how much or if they charge extra for it!!