What is the best bike hard case for air travel? We review 6 of the most popular.
If you are going to travel by air then the only style of bike transport I would advise is a hard case. I have personally seen broken carbon bikes (snapped seatstays!) from use of soft bags. Caveat: cheaper steel and alloy bikes are a judgement call as to what to use but more expensive bikes are usually easier to break. When packing bikes for transport you can find good videos by most makers on youtube which are a great help. If you like to cut your brake and gear cables very short it can be an issue when packing bikes in some of the more compact cases.
Here is a round up of cases I have used/owned/hired over the years.
B&W International Bike Box II bike case black 2017
What they say:
- the successor to our bike box
- suitable for road bikes up to 62 cm frame size and smaller
- for simplified packing the top shell can be completely removed
- the bike is mounted with several straps and protected by several layers of foam
- four stable light castorsm two freely rotatable, two fixed
What we say: This is the latest case from B&W and has plenty of room. the sides seem to be designed to flex slightly rather than crack. The handles and latches are all velcro and therefore not breakable. Good quality wheels make steering easy. This is the case I currently own and use. B&W have posted some good packing advice videos online for this case.
Buy this if you want a good value , modern case that will last.
- Latest Design
- No handles or latches or hinges to break
- Top quality wheel system
- Difficult to break this case
- Sides designed to flex slightly, (I added a home made anti crush pole to compensate)
Polaris Bike Pod Pro
What they say: Polaris Bikewear’s Bike Pod Pro is a fully rigid bike transport case made from polypropylene, proud to be manufactured right here in the UK. It features a clam shell moulded design, internal foam padding for bike protection & 4 lockable draw latches.
What we say: The most compact of all hard cases I have used. Room for a bike but not much else.Very strong rigid sides. Plenty of handles to help load in to cars. Quite a bit more expensive but very popular with frequent users. This is the most commonly seen case in airports. Polaris have a good video on youtube showing how to pack which is handy the first time.
Buy this if you want them most compact case available.
Often discounted at tweeks cycles. Click here for offers.
More info , full spec and discount prices on Chainreaction cycles by clicking here.
- Very solid sides
- Most compact case
- High price
- less roomy inside
B&W Germany Bicycle Bag Bike Travel Case 9.9Kg
What they say: Jetting off for some much needed cycling sunshine over winter? The B & W Bike Box is a rugged, wheeled hard case for safely transporting your bike on your flights as you head out to sunnier climes to get some warm base miles in.
What we say: The original B&W bike case is a good value case and has plenty of room. The handles are replaceable. Can be found at a good discount as it has been replaced in the B&W range.
Buy this if you want a sturdy case for low cost outlay.
Full spec on wiggle and latest offers by clicking here.
- Wide case with lots of room
- Lowest price
- Wheel system could be better
- Plastic handles could prove fragile long term but can be replaced
Ultimate Hardware Bike Travel Luggage Hard Case (Black)
What they say: The Ultimate Hardware Hard Case is probably the best value Bike Case on the market, offering you piece of mind on your travels.
The main casing is constructed from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) which combines the strength and rigidy of acrylonitrile and styrene polymers with the toughness of polybutadiene rubber.
What we say: A more affordable copy of the scicon/bike box alan style of case. Plenty of room and goos wheel storage. I have seen these more in airports recently and have hired one my self.
Buy this if you want a cheaper bike box alan/scicon case.
- Nice design
- Good price
- Catches may not last
Scicon AeroTech Evolution TSA Hardshell Bike Case
What they say: Look no further for the world’s toughest bike box.
What we say:If you have the funds and love your bike this is the case for you. Super tough and a great design. This has plenty of room for any bike and will last for a long time. The parts are replaceable and readily available.
Buy this if you can afford the best.
read the reviews on Wiggle by clicking here
- Strong and will go the distance
- Great design
- Bling factor
- Best on the market and holds value for resale (if that matters to you)
- Can be found at discount on wiggle
- Very expensive but as is often the case you get what you pay for
M-Wave Rotterdam Big Box Bike Case – Black
What they say:
- pretty robust design, inner foam padding, lockable, with 2 wheel bags, with tool pocket
- size approx. 110/100 cmx22 cmx76 cm, with stable fastener, with 4 integrated/protected pulleys
- front wheels dirigible and turnable, incl. pulling and carrying handle
What we say: These are a solid case. Basically just on oversize suit case. Less room than some out there but can be taken on many flights as a standard case. Comes with wheel bags and padding. Seems to be a design that many people badge up as their own. There are lots of versions on the market.
Buy this if you want a simple suitcase style model that can take the knocks.
- Looks like a normal case
- Hard sides
- Not as roomy as some competitors
- Plastic handles can be fragile
