Bike Cases and Transport

A bike case is the solution for safely transporting a road bike, triathlon bike or mountain bike to races, training camps or cycling holiday destinations. A carbon road bike or time trial bike is a vulnerable and valuable object that you do not want to transport without protection in an aeroplane, bus or on a bike rack: a damaged frame or a bent handlebar on arrival is the most expensive way to start a race. A bike case keeps the bike stable during transport by placing the frame, the wheels and the handlebar extensions in a protected housing that can withstand the load of baggage handling.

In this range you will find three types of solutions for transporting your bike and equipment: hard bike cases with a rigid shell and TSA lock for maximum protection on flights, soft bike bags and bike travel bags that are lighter and easier to store at your destination, and transport accessories to pack the bike safely. In addition you will find cycling sports bags and travel bags for your cycling clothing, shoes and race equipment. The choice between hard and soft depends on how you travel, how often you use the case and how much protection your bike needs.

Which bike case suits you?

The right choice depends on your mode of transport, how often you travel and the type of bike you take with you.

You travel by aeroplane to a race or training camp: choose a hard bike case with a TSA-approved lock. A hard case offers the best protection during baggage handling by airlines and can withstand impacts, stacking of other baggage and falls. A TSA lock is required for flights to the United States and is recommended for all flights: it allows the security officer to open the case without damaging the lock. Hard cases are heavier than soft bags, but that weight is in the shell that protects your bike.

You travel by car, bus transport or minibus: choose a soft bike travel bag. A soft bag is significantly lighter than a hard case, easier to fold up and store when you are at your destination and easier to load into a car or boot. Soft bags offer less protection during rough baggage handling, but for transport where you can supervise it yourself they are a practical and good option.

You have a triathlon bike with aerobar and handlebar extensions: check the dimensions of the model before you order. Triathlon bikes are wider than standard road bikes due to the aerobar and the integrated handlebar extension and do not always fit in a case made for a standard road bike. There are bags specifically designed for triathlon bikes that offer room for the aerobar without you having to fully dismantle the extensions.

You travel regularly and also want room for clothing and shoes: choose a roomier variant of 300 litres or more. Larger bike travel bags offer, in addition to the bike, also room for your race shoes, cycling helmet, clothing and spare parts. That saves an extra bag and keeps everything in one place on arrival.

You travel occasionally and want a lightweight and compact option: choose a light soft bike bag that also serves as a cover during transport by car or train. Light bike bags weigh two to three kilograms and take up hardly any room when you fold them up at your destination. They offer more limited protection than a hard case but are a good compromise for athletes who take the bike on a trip rarely but regularly.

What to look for when buying a bike case?

Hard or soft: protection versus weight

Hard bike cases offer the best protection on flights and can withstand the load of baggage handling. The rigid shell keeps the contents intact during falls, impacts and stacking of other baggage. The drawback is weight: a hard case itself already weighs seven to ten kilograms, and many airlines charge a fixed surcharge for bikes regardless of the weight. Soft bike travel bags weigh two to five kilograms and are more flexible during loading and storage. They offer less protection during rough handling, but are an excellent choice for transport where you can supervise it yourself. There are also semi-rigid models with thick foamed panels that offer a middle ground between protection and weight.

TSA-approved lock

A TSA lock is a lock that can be opened by the security services at American airports with a special key, without the lock being damaged. Bike cases without a TSA lock can be broken open during an inspection, which damages the case. For flights outside the US, a TSA lock is not compulsory, but it is a quality feature that indicates that the closure is sturdy and reliable. If you mainly travel to European destinations, it is a nice added feature but not a requirement.

Weight of the case and baggage rules

Most airlines treat a bike as separate sports baggage with a fixed surcharge. The weight of the case itself counts towards the total baggage weight. Always check the specific rules of the airline before you book: maximum dimensions, maximum weight and the surcharge for bikes vary greatly per airline and per route. It is also wise, when packing, to put non-essential parts in your hand baggage or regular suitcase to limit the total weight.

Ease of packing: transport frame and accessories

A bike case is only really effective if the bike is well packed. For packing you dismantle the wheels, the pedals and the handlebar or the aerobar. A transport frame keeps the bike stable in the case while the wheels lie loose next to it. Chain covers prevent the chain from leaving oil on the frame and the inside of the case. Disc brake adapters protect disc brakes against bending due to the pressure of the packaging. Frame pads protect the carbon frame at the points where it comes into contact with the case wall. Take a look at the range of bike pedals if you are also considering upgrading for your next trip: dismantling and mounting pedals is a standard packing operation and a good moment to check the condition of your pedals.

Our advice: in addition to the case, also invest in the accompanying transport accessories, particularly a chain cover and frame pads. Those accessories are relatively cheap but prevent the most common damage during transport: grease stains from the chain on the frame and scratches in the paint at the points where parts lie against the frame. A well-packed bike needs no maintenance after arrival and is immediately ready for the first ride.

Who are bike cases suitable for?

• Triathletes and cyclists who travel to races abroad and want to take their own bike with them instead of riding a rental bike that is not adjusted to their position and power.
• Athletes who attend training camps abroad and want to ride their own bike for a longer period on the routes for which they make the trip.
• Recreational cyclists who visit cycling holiday destinations and want to take the bike along for cycling routes that you cannot ride in the Netherlands, such as the mountains in the Alps, the Pyrenees or the Dolomites.
• Athletes who also want to protect their race bike during transport by car or bike carrier and want a cover or light bag that protects the bike during the journey.
• Triathletes who also want to take their race equipment with them and are looking for a roomy bike case or sports bag that, in addition to the bike, also offers room for shoes, helmet and clothing in one organised solution.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a bike case but you are not entirely sure which one best suits your wishes and needs? Then we are happy to help you further with all your questions. You can reach our triathlon specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon shop in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about bike cases

What is the difference between a hard bike case and a soft bike travel bag?

A hard bike case has a rigid shell of ABS plastic or polycarbonate that protects the bike during falls, impacts and stacking of other baggage. It is the best choice for flights and baggage handling where you have no supervision over how the case is treated. A soft bike travel bag is made of nylon or canvas with padded panels and is significantly lighter and easier to store at the destination. It offers less protection during rough handling but is an excellent choice for transport by car, bus or train. There are also semi-rigid variants with thick EVA foam panels that sit between both types in terms of protection.

Does a triathlon bike with aerobar fit in a standard bike case?

Not always. Triathlon bikes are wider than standard road bikes due to the aerobar and handlebar extensions. Some models have the aerobar protruding so far forward that they exceed the width of a standard bike case. Before buying, check the internal dimensions of the case and compare them with the width of your bike including the aerobar. There are bike cases and bags that are specifically designed for triathlon bikes with extra width or with removable inner panels that make room for differing handlebar configurations. In some cases it is sufficient to dismantle the handlebar extensions: this takes five minutes per side and does not need to be calibrated after mounting.

What is a TSA lock on a bike case?

TSA stands for Transportation Security Administration, the American security service that inspects baggage at airports. A TSA-approved lock can be opened by security staff with a special master key, without the lock being damaged. A case without a TSA lock can be broken open during a random inspection, which damages the closure or the lock. For flights to the US, a TSA lock is in principle compulsory. For European destinations it is not legally required but it does give an extra security layer because the case can also remain locked on arrival if you do not collect it straight away.

Which parts do I dismantle from the bike for transport in a bike case?

For most bike cases and bike travel bags you dismantle the wheels, the pedals and the handlebar or the stem. With a triathlon bike you also dismantle the aerobar or the handlebar extensions. The saddle and the seatpost are usually fully lowered or slid out. It is wise to protect disc brakes with a disc brake adapter so that the brake discs do not bend during transport. A chain cover around the chain prevents oil and grease from ending up on the frame or the inside of the case. Take a look at the category bike accessories for a complete overview of accessories that help you safely pack and travel with your bike.

How much does a bike case weigh and what are the baggage rules of airlines?

Hard bike cases themselves weigh seven to ten kilograms; soft bike travel bags two to five kilograms. To that is added the weight of the bike, which weighs on average six to nine kilograms for a road bike. The total weight of a hard case with bike thereby quickly reaches sixteen to twenty kilograms. Most European airlines treat a bike as sports baggage with a fixed surcharge that varies from thirty to one hundred euros per flight, depending on the airline and the route. Maximum weights also apply: often twenty-five to thirty kilograms. Always check the specific rules of the airline for sports baggage before you book, because these vary greatly per carrier and can also differ per route and fare class.