best tri bike travel bag

The Best Bike Travel Case in 2024

Whether you are transporting your bike in your car with luggage and other items or on an airplane at the mercy of baggage handlers, a bike travel case protects your bike and the money you have invested in it.

In addition, if you are taking your bike with you, then you are planning on using it. So you are not only protecting your bike, but you are also protecting your investment in your trip. So either way, a bike travel case makes sense.

We have created a buyer’s guide to discuss the important features you should consider when choosing a bike travel case.

How To Fly With Your Bike

Packing a bike safely, dragging the bike transport bag or box around, and paying the exorbitant excess baggage fee is frustrating, but it’s part of our sport. Let’s make the experience as low-stress as possible by taking a few precautions.

There are two ways to get your bike to the race site: ship it days before, or bring it with you on the plane. Shipping your bike means packaging it and sending it via a carrier that will take large items. You can send it to a bike shop or any other physical destination that can take daytime deliveries. If timed properly your bike will be there waiting for you, perhaps assembled and ready to ride of you sent it to a bike shop. The downside is the planning involved and time without your precious training buddy.

Most athletes do take their bike on the plane with them though…

Taking it with you on the plane has its benefits and drawbacks. You’re always with your bike (unless the airline loses it); you can ride it the day you pack it and as soon as you reassemble it at the race site. On the other hand, you’ll need to find a vehicle big enough to transport the bag or box to and from the airports (perhaps a companion’s bike as well), and it’s going to cost you plenty in excess baggage charges unless it’s an international flight (note: this policy is changing on many airlines).

Like it or not, there’s an excess baggage charge on bikes for domestic flights, hopefully none for international flights if you have only 2 pieces of checked baggage. The fee has steadily risen from $12 since I began flying with a bike many years ago, to $60-$100 now. To me the high fee says that the airlines would really prefer not to take checked bikes, and this attitude often comes across through ticket agents and baggage carriers.

If you believe baggage handlers really don’t want to deal with your bike, you’ll understand why you’d better pack it carefully. I’ve seen bikes dropped from significant heights, luggage weighing hundreds of pounds loaded on top, and generally handled with contempt. This doesn’t mean that it’s always the case, but it happens.

The case you use and the care you take in packing your bike can make all the difference. There are padded nylon bags with supportive metal frames inside, hard ‘sandwich style’ cases with foam layers inside, and hard cases with a metal framework inside to secure your bike’s frame. All the different types of bike cases work well, but none is a guarantee that your bike will be impervious to damage. If you don’t want to spring for the $250 to $750+ price to buy your own bike case, look for a bike shop that rents them for a fraction of the cost.

If you’re doing the packing job yourself you’ll need some basic tools and minor disassembly/assembly skills. You’ll need to remove wheels, handlebars, seat, and pedals, then reassemble it at your destination. Teaching you how to do this is a job for a bike shop or a mechanically skilled friend, but I can give you a few packing tips.

Your goals are to crush-proof the bike and avoid metal against metal contact. If your bike case doesn’t have a supportive framework, you should put spacers where the wheels’ axles would normally be in the frame’s fork and rear triangle. This does much to strengthen the frame, thus avoiding damage from outside forces like weight or dropping the box/bag. When you remove the handlebar with brake and shift cables still attached, it will have to rest next to, or beside the frame. This is fine as-long-as it’s secured with substantial padding at contact points. I like to use old-style toe straps to keep the handlebar from moving around and potentially denting the frame or damaging paint.

I recommend that you be self-sufficient and bring all the tools you’ll need. Also bring rags for padding and cleaning, as well as lubricant, a pump, spare tubes and tires. Bike cases allow room for other items that may not fit into your luggage. Use this space as needed for your gear, but don’t overload, as very heavy bike cases make for irate baggage handlers!

Allow extra time when checking-in with your bike. Bicycle transport bags and cases move more slowly than normal luggage on their way to the plane and ticket agents are often baffled when presented with a passenger traveling with a bike (if you’re lucky, they may not charge you).

Make sure you have an extra day at your destination before the race. For whatever reason, bikes often don’t make it there with you. But, every airline I’ve flown with has a policy of delivering the bike for free to you at your destination.

For me, luckily, this has always occurred within 24 hours of my arrival. If the bike doesn’t make it with your other luggage, don’t panic. I’ve found that the more connections you make, the more likely your bike will get ‘lost.’ On flights with connections, my bike has been ‘delayed’ about 20% of the time!

In many years of flying with my bike, it’s always made it to my destination – eventually. But just in case it doesn’t and you’re waiting there in a panic, make an alternative plan. Maybe you could borrow a friend’s bike who’s in another race, or perhaps a loaner/rental from a local bike shop could save the day. Traveling with your bike is a drag, but it could be worse: Be glad you don’t have to travel with a surfboard or a kayak!

How to choose bike travel case

Bike bag or bike box.

The first choice is whether you want a bicycle transport bag or box, and by box, we mean a hard case, not a cardboard box. Some people will say that they have used cardboard boxes and have not had any problems. They will say they know how to pack their bike in a cardboard box so that it is safe.

As mentioned earlier, you have money invested in your bicycle and on your trip. A hard or soft case will better protect your financial investment in your bike and your trip, provide you with a better chance of never having your bike damaged when you are traveling, and prevent you from suffering the disappointment of not having your bike available to use on your trip. So we recommend that you do not try to cut corners and use a cardboard box to transport your bicycle.

For transporting your bike, you can choose a soft bag, a hard case, or a hybrid-combination bag. Softer hybrid cases can have inserts in the base and upper frames that provide some structure and protection, or they can use the wheels to provide structure. These are still lightweight and made of soft materials. Other hybrid cases are made of the semi-rigid polymer that provides more protection and weighs a little more than the cloth of the softer versions. Hybrid cases are in the mid-price range between soft and hard cases.

Soft bike travel cases are the least expensive of the three choices. They also use less of your baggage weight allowance. Therefore, they cost less to transport by airplane than hard and hybrid cases. In addition, soft cases are easier to carry than hard cases, especially if they have more than one handle such as an over-the-shoulder strap and a hand carrier. An additional advantage of a soft case is the ability to use it for a variety of bikes if you are among the cyclists who have more than one bike. As for storage when you are not using a soft case, it can be easily folded and stored out of the way. However, soft cases do not offer as much protection as hard cases or even hybrid cases once your bicycle has left your care. So the softer the bike travel case, the more carefully you need to pack your bike.

Hard cases will protect your bike the best if the case falls, is thrown by a baggage handler, or ends up at the bottom of a stack of luggage. They have hard plastic shells with interior reinforcement. The hard plastic does make these cases more likely than soft cases to slide off elevated surfaces and fall on the floor. Since they are not as flexible as a soft case, it can be harder to get your bike parts to squeeze into open spaces in hard cases. This can be an additional issue when airport employees examine and repack your case. Hard cases also pose the problem of where to store them, both at home and when you are traveling. Additionally, hard cases are the most expensive and weigh the most, so they use more of your baggage allowance and cost the most to ship.

Many cases have built-in dropouts that help your bike stand securely in the case. You can also go to a bike shop and get the dropout protectors that were used in shipping to protect your frame in case your bike is mishandled. Another consideration is whether or not the bag you choose mounts the bicycle to the base, if it does, then you need to make sure that the axle of your bicycle is compatible with the base.

With soft bike cases weighing up to 17 pounds empty, they and most hard cases do have wheels to make it easier to handle them. Recessed wheels are better protected from damage, and wheels that can be replaced prevent your bike suitcase from becoming less functional because of a broken wheel. So be sure to check the durability of the wheels on the cases you are considering. In addition, before you are ready to pack it for a trip, check the condition of the wheels to make sure that none of them need to be replaced.

Besides the wheels, you will also need sturdy handles to help you transport your case on stairs, over curbs, and over unpaved areas. Our suggestion is to look for a case with both a sturdy top handle for carrying by hand and a sturdy shoulder strap to distribute the weight better and free your hands. Not only should the straps be sturdy, but you should check how the straps connect to the case to make sure that the connection will not break with you. Also, check to see if the straps can be easily replaced like the wheels. Additional handles on the sides will give you something to grip so that you can roll the case in tight spaces. Just as we recommended with the wheels, you should check the handles before trips to see if they need replacing.

If you are taking your case on an airplane, then locks either have to be TSA-approved or left unlocked so that airport security can examine the contents of your case. So while you are choosing a case, if the locks are not TSA-approved buy some that are TSA-approved.

Measure your bike and decide on your preferred way of packing it. With a standard 56-centimeter road bike and a normal seat post, you should be able to use most cases. Size issues arise with larger frames, integrated seat posts, and mountain bikes with full suspension. Also if you are among the cyclists that have more than one bike, you will want to make sure that the case you choose fits all your bikes.

Transporting a bike in a case can also mean considering what type of vehicle you will need to get to the airport and when you arrive at your destination. Soft cases with some disassembly can create a smaller bundle than a hard case, and you will not need a larger vehicle. Also, as mentioned earlier, hard cases present a storage issue both at home and when you are traveling

Obviously, you will be doing some amount of disassembly on your bike, and you will not want the parts just piled in the bag to scratch and bang against each other. Many cases attach the wheels to the sides of the case with quick-release skewers. Using older skewers with some padding protects your new skewers from damage. Some other cases have wheel bags. Removing the pedals and padding them is another preventive measure along with padding your tools. One recommendation for padding the various parts of your bike is pipe insulation from the hardware store.

Weight and Airline Restrictions

Remember you will not only be carrying other luggage, but you will be adding the weight of the case along with the weight of your bike and anything else you pack in the case. All of that will be calculated into your airline baggage weight limits. We suggest that you determine the weight of your bike’s case with everything packed inside. Then check the different airline policies and charges before you book your flight. Check to see if there are any airlines that transport bicycles for free . Some airlines with higher base ticket prices may be cheaper in the end when you add baggage fees.

Be sure you also check the maximum dimensions for luggage from various airlines before purchasing tickets. In addition, check for other restrictions such as how far in advance to book to be sure that the airline will accept your bike. Since working with a passenger who is traveling with a bicycle is a less common experience, when you find all of this information, print a copy of it and take it with you to the airport as proof in case an airline employee doesn’t know the company policy.

We have already mentioned several times that purchasing a good bike travel case is protecting what you have already spent on your bike and your trip. However, there is still quite a price range between good, protective cases. So you should be able to stay within your budget and protect your bike. If you choose a case at the higher end, you will get a more durable, protective case that is easier to transport. However, there are less expensive cases that provide adequate protection, although some of them may be smaller and require more disassembly of your bike. So while shopping for a case at the good price may not be the top reason for selecting a particular case, you can let it be a consideration without worrying that you might be buying a case that is not quite as good.

Packing Your Bike

As you are considering different travel cases, think about how you will disassemble and pack your bike in each case. For most cases, you will take off the wheels, the rear derailleur, the pedals, and the seat post. If you can leave the seat post, you will probably lower it down to the frame. You will also turn handlebars so that they are parallel to the frame. If you are considering removing the chainset, we advise only doing it if you are good with a spanner. Strapping removed parts to the frame keeps parts more secure and organized in your case.

Another step in packing your bike that cyclists debate is whether or not you need to deflate the tires. While it may not be really necessary, it saves the stress of dealing with an airline employee, who thinks it’s something that must be done. This final step in considering how your bike will need to be disassembled to fit in a case should help you with choosing a case.

Travel Insurance

A final recommendation is to buy travel insurance for your bike even if your case makes it unlikely that your bike will be damaged. As stated previously, you have an investment in your bicycle and your trip. Travel insurance will protect that investment so that your bike is covered and so is the part of your trip that centers around riding your bike.

The Best Bike Travel Case in 2023

1. scicon aerocomfort 3.0 tsa – best triathlon bike travel case.

The Scicon Aerocomfort travel bag was designed with input from time trial riders and triathletes. You do not need to remove the seat post or the handlebar, so your bike is out of the case and ready to ride quickly. The case measures 50.7 inch x 17.7 inch x 38.5 inch. It is lightweight at 17.64 pounds empty, which will add less to your baggage weight limit and fees.

The case is made of nylon and includes padding and rigid inserts to protect your bike. The base holds your bike upright in the case and can be used as a bike stand. It is compatible with both the quick-release and thru-axle systems. For maneuverability, the

Aerocomfort’s eight ball bearing wheels rotate 360° to help it turn corners. For security, it includes a TSA padlock that allows airline security to easily inspect the bag. It also offers a 3/4 length zipper and two wheel pockets.

2. EVOC Road Bike Bag Pro – Best Hybrid Soft/Hard Shell Bike Case

The EVOC Road Bike Bag Pro has a hybrid soft/hard shell design to help you pack and unpack your bike easily.

How easy? The only pieces you’ll need to disassemble are your wheels and pedals. The bag was designed with an extra wide wheel chassis so it’s sure to fit most road and time trial bikes.

To ensure that your precious bike is protected the case has aluminum slide rails from front to back.

All the extra protective materials sound heavy to some, but EVOC thought ahead. The travel case has clip on wheels and extra handles so you can maneuver through airports, bus and train stations, or just getting into your hotel room.

The case’s lid is made of highly durable polycarbonate and the pressure-proof P600D PU sides are strengthened with removed hard plastic rods.

Along with the bag, EVOC also provides a bike stand, wheel bags, and a clip-on front wheel for those who want a little extra protection.

If you travel by plane, the bag has a TSA approved lock if they need to look in your bag.

Bikers who have bought the bag like it because it’s makes packing their bike easy. There’s minimal assembly because it’s a soft and hard traveling case. And, when not in use, the bag can be folded up and stored in a discreet spot. It’s not the best for overseas trips but the bag is ideal for short trips close by.

I’d recommend this bike bag if you frequently travel within your country or make short trips with your bike. The case will be perfect and you can be assured your bike will be in good hands.

3. Evoc Bike Travel Bag – Most Versatile Bike Travel Case

The size of a case is one of the most important factors. How much will you have to disassemble your bike for it to fit in the case? If you are among the cyclists that have more than one bike, will this case fit all your bikes? How will the case fit in your car, and how will it fit in a vehicle when you reach your travel destination? Where can you store it both at home and on a trip?

This case measures 53.2 inches x 31.5 inches x 15 inches. The weight of the case packed with your bike is not only something you have to manage with other luggage, but it will also be calculated into your baggage weight limit and baggage fees. This soft case weighs 18.9-pounds empty.

When Evoc was designing this case, they took into consideration the extra protection provided by a hard case versus the weight, maneuverability, and pliability of a soft case. They chose to create a soft case. The Evoc bike travel bag is made from rip- and tear-resistant ripstop nylon with a polyurethane coating that provides water-resistance. It has 10-millimeter padding and rubber reinforcement to protect your bike. This bike bag provides a full-zippered enclosure, a zippered pocket on the front, several handles, two wheel bags, an accessory bag, and 2.5-inch inline skate wheels with reinforced wheel pockets.

To fit your bike in this bag, take off the wheels, turn the handlebars parallel to the frame, and use the padded straps provided to secure your bike in the bag. Place the wheels in their bags. This bag will easily hold 29-inch bikes, road bikes, time-trial bikes, and cyclocross bikes

4. Thule RoundTrip Transition – Most Protected Bike Travel Case

Thule makes hard-shell bike cases that make it one of the most protective cases on the market. It would be a good choice for those who travel internationally with bikes for pleasure or races.

The bike’s safety is guaranteed since the bike case is made from ABS shell with a durable rail of lightweight aluminum. This construction cradles and protects your bike during transport.

This would be especially important during air transport since bag attendants never handle any luggage with care.

Additionally, the bike case has multiple functions and can be used as a bike holder and work stand. If you bring your own tools, it would save you a trip to the bike store after landing. You can adjust and assemble your bike. And, it would ensure your bike is put together properly.

The inside of the case has a built-in fork mount that makes it easy to disassemble and assemble your bike.

As this is a hard-shell case, it won’t be easy to lug around everywhere. Luckily, the case comes with wheels and handles which makes it less burdensome to “carry” around an airport.

Bikers like it because it’s easy to travel with on planes. And, is easy to use once they understand how everything works. The case does a great job of packing everything in so nothing gets damaged- no matter how the airlines treat it. And, most didn’t have a problem wheeling the case around the airport.

I highly recommend this for people who go on long journeys with their bikes. You’ll see all the damage done to the case and your bike will come out unharmed.

5. Scicon AeroTech Evolution X TSA Hard Case

The Scicon AeroTech Evolution X TSA hard bike case offers bikers padded protection and enough space for all the bike parts while being lightweight. Of course, there is minimal disassembly on your part when you need to travel with your bike.

The case was specifically designed for race bikes and can accommodate nearly every bike size.

Inside the case, you’ll find a suspended frame system that holds the bike in place while offering stability and protection. Just like what a seatbelt does for you.

The case has special storage space for your pedals, saddle, and wheels when you take apart your bike. To make things easier, you won’t need to remove your handlebars. However, you will need to loosen them and turn them to ensure they fit into your bike box.

If you travel by plane, the case is built with TSA approved key locks. This ensures that your bike is safe and customs has access to the bike if needed. This holds true for airports in the USA, Canada, and other major international airports.

Yes, the case sounds bulky and heavy and hard to move, but no fear. Even for the smallest triathletes out there, it’s easy to travel with. The wheel system rotates in a circle so it ensures your bike case won’t fall down and you’ll silently traverse the airport terminals.

I recommend this bike case if you need one that will last for years and is durable. There is some disassembly required for this case. Be sure you’re comfortable with that part before you buy it.

6. Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Case

First, measure the parts of your bike or bikes that you intend to leave in one piece when you are traveling. Then check the sizes of the different cases to make sure they are large enough.

The Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Case measures 49.5 inches x 11.8 inches x 35 inches. Now calculate the weight of the items that you will be packing in your bike case and add that to the weight of the empty cases. This is what you will be transporting to and from the airport and your hotel. It will also be included in your baggage weight limit and fees. The Thule RoundTrip case weighs 19-pounds empty.

This soft case is made from durable ripstop nylon with aluminum supports and can be used for road bikes, cyclocross bikes, and mountain bikes with a 46-inch wheelbase or less. It offers four integrated wheels, five integrated handles, and two 29-inch wheel bags. Since it is a soft case, when it is not in use, it folds up compactly for easy storage.

7. B&W International Bike Guard Curv

The Bike Guard Curv® Case has been designed to provide you with the protection of a hard case at a reduced weight. This also reduces the concern of excessive baggage fees. It weighs 18.1 pounds empty without the protective inserts, which is in the range of soft cases. With the protective inserts, its weight only goes up to 24 pounds, which does not take that much extra off of your airline baggage weight limit for you to skip receiving the extra protection of a hard case. The Bike Guard Curv® uses self-reinforced polypropylene (PP) Curv®-material. It is weatherproof, scratch-resistant, eco-friendly, and 12 times stronger yet lighter than ABS plastic.

The two sides are not attached but instead interlock. This protects the case from “slide-by” compression. For storage, the two sides can be nested inside of each other, which saves space, especially in a hotel room. The case can be packed with only one of the two pieces. This case was designed for 29-inch mountain bikes, road bikes, and triathlon bikes. The Bike Guard Curv® has two fixed wheels and two free-rolling wheels. The four handles give you the option of two carrying handles, a handle for pulling, and another adjustable handle for pulling. A TSA pad-lock can be attached to lock the case.

The interior inserts include two wheel guards, foam padding for between the frame and the wheels, a rear derailleur protector, a foam spacer for the handlebar, a foam block for the chainring, and four frame accessory bags.

8. BIKND Helium V4

The BIKND Helium V4 bike case is a light and easy-to-carry case with air protection.

To ensure maximum protection, the bike has inflatable padding which is truly one of a kind.

And, what makes this case even more unique is its size. It’s the smallest bike case with the most protection. It can fit in the trunk of the smallest cars.

The case was designed with additional compartments for all your bike accessories and even an extra wheel set.

Although it is small, you won’t have to disassemble your bike that much.

Like the EVOC case, this one uses both soft and strategically placed hard materials to make it incredibly protective at a low weight.

The inflatable parts of the case are on both sides of the frame and give the same protection as a hard case but without the extra weight.

Bikers like this bag because it is light weight with strong protection technologies, which make it easy to fly with. The bag opens 360 degrees which makes it easy to pack and unpack the bike. It’s compatible with most road bikes which makes it useful for a triathlon family.

I’d recommend this bag once the company fixes the airbag technology issues. There have been reports of the bags not staying inflated for the entire journey.

9. PRO Mega Bike Travel Case

The PRO Mega Bike Travel Case is a larger soft case. The size makes it quick and easy to pack, including just dropping the seatpost. The large size leads to a debate over whether you need to remove the handlebars or not. Some just loosen the handlebars and turn them parallel to the frame. The PRO Mega Bike Case measures 51 inches x 10 inches x 30 inches.

Despite its size, this bag does not weigh that much more than the other soft cases. Even with all the packing inserts included, this case only weighs 18.1 pounds empty.

The hard plastic base with the aluminum frame and the packing inserts are the highlights of this bag. There are also two plastic poles at each end to add support to the bag. The base has movable brackets for attaching the front and rear axles. Since the brackets can be moved, you can adjust them for your bike’s wheelbase. The maximum wheelbase that can be accommodated is around 47 inches.

You take off the wheels and secure the dropouts to the base using your skewers. If you have some old skewers, you do not need to put your current skewers at risk. There are straps to hold the skewers in place. The brackets have two levels for attaching your bike. The lower level is intended for taller bikes and mountain bikes. There is a chain holder on the rear bracket that keeps the chain under pressure along with a chain cover.

The packing inserts feature large padded blocks that can be Velcroed where needed, including two for the head and seat tube junctions on the frame.

This case is made with foam-padded, ripstop nylon. There are pockets on the side for the wheels and accessories. Inside there is a mesh bag for accessories. It has multiple handles and four wheels that can rotate 360°. These type wheels can be hard to control especially on unpaved or uneven surfaces. The extra handles can be helpful, but you will also have other luggage.

In our product reviews, we presented four soft cases and one hard case. In our buyer’s guide, we recommended that, because of your investment in your bike and your trip, other issues were more important than cutting corners on the cost of a case. So for the best protection, a hard case is really the best choice. However, spending a little more to get a better case is a one-time expense. Transporting a hard case will mean an excess baggage fee every time you travel with a hard case. That is one reason that we are choosing a soft case as our top choice.

However, we reviewed the B&W International Bike Guard Curv® Hard Bike Case which, as one of the lightest hard cases, can reduce the excess baggage fee. It also eliminates the issue of the space needed to store it because it has two sides that can nest inside of each other. However, it does not offer enough internal restraints to keep your bike secure, and the two interlocking sides are complicated to restrap. Airport security may not restrap this case once they inspect it. That is another reason that we have chosen a soft case.

Our recommendation is still to get travel insurance that will provide you with coverage on your bike for loss, damage, or misdirection, including replacement so you have a bike for the portion of your trip during which you planned to use your bike. Then you are covered even when using a soft case.

After comparing the four soft cases, we have chosen the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA as the winner. The base provides adjustable brackets for attaching your bike that accommodates different wheelbases and bike heights. It holds your bike securely and has a chain holder that keeps tension on your chain and derailleur. The base has large foam blocks that use Velcro, so they can be placed wherever they are needed to protect your bike. It is also the case that helps you pack your bike the quickest which is most important when you are at your destination. To us, all of this makes the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA the top choice.

15 thoughts on “The Best Bike Travel Case in 2024”

Thanks, well written and useful!

Soft vs. Hard

American Airlines flies bicycles as regular luggage now, but states that if the bicycle is not in a hard-sided case it will be subject to “Fragile Handling”.

Is there a hard case for tri-bikes where you do not need to takeoff the handlebars and/or aero bars?

I know only next bike cases where you do not need to takeoff the handlebars: Evoc Pro bag and Scicon Aerocomfort Triathlon 3.0, but the Scicon is a soft case.

alan triathlon hard case, nothing to dismantle

is it available case and light weight bike made for exact fit?

For more options where you can leave handlebars on, have a look at the large aluminium Buxum Bike box, or the brand new Evoc Pro bag

Hello, I have a size 44 Trek Domane with clip on aerobars. Any recommendations for a hard bike case that will let me leave pedals, saddle, handlebars on? Or as much as possible! Thanks!

Hi Megan, Closest I can think are not hard cases: – Scicon TSA Tri Bike bag; – new Evoc Road Pro. I have the Scicon and I basically pop the wheels off my bike, set it in the bag, attach the padding, zip it and go. Please note that some airlines are requiring that handlebars are removed before accepting it regardless of what the bike case allows.

The Scicon looks like a good case but people have posted photos of broken frames when using the soft one versus the hard one.

I just flew back to NYC with my road bike in the Scicon TSA Tri Bike bag – easy to maneuver and plenty of room inside to pack all my bike and running gear and clothes – I basically didnt bring an extra luggage – bike survived the trip.

I loosensed the brake handles a bit as advised by some tri friends –

Surprised you didn’t include BikeboxAlan. Most common case I see at events, which is why I bought mine and love it.

the best one and with 7 years guarantee

I frequently use Fedex to ship my bicycling to avoid the problem of it not fitting in a rental car. Do you think any of the softsided /hybrid cases would be suitable for shipping by Fedex? Thank you, Jay

I have a carbon recumbent. Any recommendations in a cases?

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The 5 best bike travel cases for triathlon

• Written by Olivia Miller

• April 1, 2024

bike travel case is an essential piece of equipment that protects your bike during transport, ensuring it arrives at your destination in the same condition it left. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deeper into the world of bike travel cases, exploring their importance, the factors to consider when buying, how to pack your bike, and much more.

The best bike travel cases

Evoc bike travel bag xl, thule round trip transition bike case, dakine bike roller bag, orucase b2 bike travel case, b&w international bike sack – bike sack (96250/n).

I recently purchased the EVOC Bike Travel Bag XL, and I must say, it’s been a game-changer for my cycling travels. The first thing that struck me was the hybrid construction. It combines the advantages of a hard-shell case with the ease of use of a soft bag. This design is ingenious because it offers maximum protection with minimal weight, which is crucial when you’re traveling by airplane.

The bag fits my Plus Bike perfectly, but I’ve also tested it with my Cross Country and Road bikes , and they all fit just as well. This versatility is a big plus for me as I switch between different bikes depending on my destination. The bag also comes with a bike stand, clip-on wheel 2.0, and frame pad, which are all handy features that add to the overall protection and convenience.

• Buy at Amazon.com for $589.99

This case is incredibly sturdy and well-constructed, giving me peace of mind that my bike is safe during transit. The wheels on the case make it easy to maneuver, and the pull handle is a nice touch. It’s also surprisingly lightweight for its size, which is a huge plus when I’m on the go. The internal mounting system is a standout feature, it holds my bike securely and makes packing and unpacking a breeze.

• Buy at Amazon.com for $999.95

First and foremost, the Dakine Bike Roller Bag is a reliable and sturdy companion for any bike enthusiast. The bag’s design is evidently tailored for mountain bikes, but it has also proven to be effective for triathlon bikes. The 360-degree padded coverage is a standout feature, providing maximum protection with minimal weight. The bag’s construction, made of 600D water-resistant polyester, is robust and durable, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of travel and protect your precious cargo.

The bag’s size is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s large enough to pack extra stuff, saving money on baggage during flights. On the other hand, it can be heavy to drag through airports, especially with only two wheels. However, the bag’s rollers are smooth and make it easier to navigate through crowded spaces. The multiple grab handles also facilitate smooth transitions .

• Buy at Amazon.com for $649.00

The first thing that struck me about this case was its compact size. Despite being able to accommodate my 29 Stumpy MTB, it’s almost the size of a regular 31″ luggage, making it incredibly easy to transport. The lightweight design is a bonus, allowing me to move around without feeling weighed down.

The case is made from 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon fabric, which is both durable and weatherproof. This gives me peace of mind knowing my bike is well-protected from the elements. The case also features a compression-molded base with aluminum rails, adding rigidity and ensuring my bike stays secure during transit. The internal pockets are a nice touch, providing ample storage for gear and small parts.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While the case is generally easy to use, packing the bike does require an extra step compared to traditional bike cases. This isn’t a deal-breaker for me, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a quick and easy packing process. Additionally, the case is on the pricier side, which might be a deterrent for some.

Despite these minor drawbacks, I’m thoroughly impressed with the ORUCASE B2 Bike Travel Case. It’s well-designed, practical, and most importantly, it keeps my bike safe and secure during my travels. I couldn’t ask for more.

• Buy at Amazon.com for $484.95

The B&W bag is quite large, easily accommodating my bike without having to remove the pedals or handlebars. All I had to do was remove the wheels and the bike fit perfectly . The material feels robust and durable, and I believe it will last for many trips.

However, it’s important to note that this is a soft bag, not a hard case. It’s perfect for storage or simple travel, like by car or train, but I wouldn’t recommend it for commercial airline travel unless you add some additional padding or a box for extra protection. The bag is also quite heavy and can be awkward to carry around, especially when it’s fully packed. I wish it had wheels for easier transportation.

On the positive side, the bag has wheel pockets on both sides and plenty of room for other items like helmet , tools, and even shoes. It’s a simple, no-frills bag that does its job well. However, I do think it could benefit from a few improvements like a firmer bottom, an additional small pocket on the inside, and an ID/claim holder on the outside.

In conclusion, the B&W International Bike Sack is a cost-effective solution for transporting your bike. It’s not perfect, but with a few tweaks and careful packing, it can serve you well.”

• Buy at Amazon.com for $73.99

The Importance of a Good Bike Travel Case

Firstly, let’s discuss why a bike travel case is so important. If you’re a frequent traveler, a bike travel case is not just a luxury, but a necessity. It serves as a protective shell for your bike, shielding it from potential damage during transit. This is particularly crucial when flying, as luggage can often be mishandled or tossed around.

Moreover, a good bike travel case can also provide ample storage for other cycling gear. This means you can keep all your cycling essentials in one place, making your journey more organized and hassle-free. Therefore, investing in the best bike travel case is a wise decision for any serious cyclist.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Bike Travel Case

When it comes to purchasing the best bike travel case, there are several factors you need to consider.

• Size and Weight: The size and weight of the case are vital as they directly impact its portability and the ease of handling. You want a case that can comfortably fit your bike but is also lightweight enough to carry around without much difficulty.
• Material and Durability: The case’s material and construction determine its durability and ability to withstand rough handling. Hard cases made from materials like ABS plastic offer the most protection but can be heavier and more expensive. On the other hand, soft cases or bags made from tough fabrics like nylon or polyester can be lighter and more affordable, but they may not offer the same level of protection.
• Design and Features: Look for a case with a user-friendly design and practical features. This could include things like multiple handles for easy carrying, wheels for smooth mobility, internal straps for securing the bike, and extra compartments for storing accessories.
• Price: Lastly, consider your budget. The best bike travel case for you is one that meets your needs and fits within your budget. Remember, a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better quality.

How to Pack Your Bike in a Travel Case

Packing your bike in a travel case may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Disassemble Your Bike: Start by removing the wheels, pedals, and sometimes the handlebars, depending on the size of your case. Some cases may also require you to remove the seat post and the derailleur.
• Protect Your Bike: Wrap each part of your bike with foam padding or bubble wrap, focusing on the areas that are most prone to damage like the frame, derailleur, and brake levers.
• Pack Your Bike: Place the frame in the case first, then add the wheels and other parts. Make sure everything fits snugly and securely. Use internal straps if available to secure the bike and prevent movement during transit.
• Pack Your Accessories: If there’s room, you can also pack your helmet, shoes, and other accessories in the case. Just make sure they’re well-protected and won’t damage the bike.

In conclusion, finding the best bike travel case involves careful consideration of several factors, including size, weight, material, design, and price. With the right case, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing your bike is well-protected.

Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel 2024

Protect your bike and reduce stress when you travel with one of these best bike bags and boxes

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The quick list

• 1. Best overall
• 2. Easy to use
• 3. Best value
• 4. Most portable
• 5. Most versatile
• 6. Most robust

How we test

Best bike bags and boxes 2024

The list in brief ↴ 1. Best overall 2. Easy to use 3 . Best value 4. Most portable 5. Most versatile 6. Most robust

Advice How we test

Riding new roads and exploring different places bathed in warm sunshine is one of the great joys of cycling, but getting you and your bike there safely can be the most stressful part of a cycling holiday . Some riders choose to hire a bike whilst on holiday, but for others, part of the attraction is the opportunity to ride their familiar bike up famous climbs or through beautiful landscapes - no one wants a week of cycling spoiled by an ill-fitting bike or uncomfortable saddle.

If you decide to fly with your own bike, then you have the choice of using a hard box or a soft bag, each with pros and cons which we will investigate below. If you choose to drive to your destination instead, however, you can read our guides to the best bike racks for cars  and the  best caravan and motorhome bike racks .

Best overall

The AeroComfort's soft exterior houses a metal structure to which you fasten your frame so it's held securely. There is very little disassembly required and as the bag is pretty light there is plenty of potential to pack extra kit inside and still be within your airline's limits.

Read more below

Best for ease of use

As the Evoc Bike Bag is soft, it's light and easy to store when not in use. There is plenty of padding provided to protect your bike when it's in the bag, and the large side opening makes it simple to put the bike in place.

Best value 

Very light and compact, LifeLine's EVA Bike Pod also offers excellent value for money. Its semi-rigid design offers more protection than a soft bag but they are still quite flexible and as it only has two wheels it can be a little awkward to manoeuvre around an airport.

Most portable

Another light option, the Orucase B2 even includes rucksack-style straps which are handy if you have packed very light. There is a fair bit of disassembly required though and it can feel a bit lopsided when wheeling it around.

Best with integrated stand

Thule's RoundTrip Pro XT bike bag uses an internal frame that can also double as a workstand whilst on holiday, which is very handy. It's more of a reinforced bag than a hard case though and as such is quite pricey.

Most robust

One of the heavier boxes available, the VeloVault2 provides very reassuring protection for your bike. Its quality construction and overall sturdiness will ensure that your lightweight carbon frame should emerge unscathed, but there might not be much weight allowance left once this gets on the scales.

Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel: Our picks

Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag

1. Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The AeroComfort 3.0 from Scicon is a firm favorite among the Cycling Weekly tech team. We've flown test bikes all over the world, and we like to use this carry case because it makes travelling by bike easy, hassle-free and incredibly quick. It takes just 15 minutes to pack the bike away, and even less time to put it back together.

How so? The outside is a soft, fabric bag, but inside you'll find a metal structure. You simply remove the wheels, loop your chain over a specially designed T-bar and use your quick releases to stand the bike on the metal frame, so it's immovable inside and thus a lot more secure. It couldn't be easier.

There's no need to remove anything aside from the wheels, the handlebars stay straight and don't need twisting. This does make the front end quite bulky, but we found that the protection is good, with a thick soft fabric, designated pockets for wheels, helmets and shoes, and most importantly the rear derailleur is kept off the ground. 

Read more: Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag full review

Evoc bike travel bag

2. Evoc Bike Travel Bike Bag

Whilst hard cases give the ultimate reassurance that your bike is well protected, they also take up a lot of room when out of use, and, they're heavy - limiting your ability to pack kit alongside your bike and stay within airline limits.

Enter soft cases, and this Evoc bike bag is an excellent option. Yes, it offers less protection - but the Cycling Weekly team has used it to transport press bikes on plenty of occasions (NB, we once even used a cardboard box for a personal bike, the theory is that baggage handlers will be more careful!).

This Evoc Bike bag excels in terms of ease of use, too. The side opening makes getting the bike in a cinch, and the handy Velcro makes getting the parts in the right place a piece of cake. The newer model reviewed here now has a reinforced front zip, meaning it should last longer.

Read more: Evoc bike travel bike bag full review

LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

3. LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

Although it's a reasonably compact bike box, the LifeLine Bike Pod will take a smaller-sized bike without too much disassembly. It rolls on two rear wheels, with two front feet to stand on. Quick-release wheels, although not wheels with thru-axles, can be secured to the outside of the case.

Our tester found that the LifeLine Bike Pod is relatively easy to move around, although since you have to lift the front end and the carrying handle doesn't let you wrap your hand through it, longer carries can be tiring. 

The sides of the bag are quite flexible, so it would be advisable to wrap wheels and frame well inside to prevent crushing. We were also concerned about how robust the feet would be and how well the zip would stand repeated use, but overall, the LifeLine Bike Pod is a relatively inexpensive option for the less frequent flyer.

Read more: LifeLine EVA Bike Pod full review

Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

4. Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

We've taken the B2 bike case on several domestic and international flights and were left impressed. It sports many welcomed features, including backpack straps and a rollable chassis. Combined with its compact, space-saving size it makes for a sleek, highly portable and trustworthy bag that we think is a great option if space is limited or you'll be traveling on serval modes of transport during your trip.

We did find that it's not the easiest to pack, and required some disassembling of your bike - so you'll need to be confident of putting your bike back together once you've arrived. It's also far from cheap, but in our opinion, it's likely a worthy investment given the ease of portability and the posibbility to save on extra fees due to its smaller size.

Read more: Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case full review

Most versatile

Thule Round Trip Pro XT bike bag

5. Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Bag

The Thule RoundTrip Pro XT falls into the not-quite-a-bike-bag category. It's a softshell but has some structural implants that should keep your bike safe through the worst of it.

However, the bag does have some weak areas and for the price you pay this doesn't induce confidence. But, maybe we're being picky. This is a solid purchase, undoubtedly, and we always add extra bubble wrap around our frames, whatever we're packing them into.

The base, which holds the bike static in the case, can have three legs added, transforming it into a workstand for when you get to your destination - which is a rather 'nice to have' too.

Read more: Thule RoundTrip Pro XT review

Blue Velovault2 bike box

6. VeloVault2 bike box

We really liked the VeloVault2 bike box when we had it in for test. It's big and robust, which is what many cyclists need to achieve peace of mind when flying with a bike.

However, weighing in at 12.5kg means it should sneak under most airline weight controls. The company has sweated the small stuff, too: the clasps are quality, it's easy to close and it rolls well.

VeloVault2 bike box has a new carrying handle, longer wheelbase, improved strut design and it is roof box ready. Oh, and it's now bright blue... other colours are available if that's not to your liking.

Read more: VeloVault2 full review

How do I pack a bike into a bike bag or box?

Packing the bike into the bag or box sometimes takes quite a bit more effort than expected. The process may differ slightly depending on the specific box or bag, but the general process goes something like:

- Remove the pedals - Partially deflate tires and remove the wheels - Remove the seatpost and saddle - Remove the handlebar from the stem or remove the handlebar and stem together from the steerer - Undo rear derailleur (but leave it on the chain) - Secure the frame and components in the box via the manufacturer-approved method - Pack the tools required to rebuild the bike!

There are a few more mechanical adjustments you might make, and if you’re handy with a spanner they shouldn't cause too much grief. For example, you might have to remove the chainset. This will keep it protected en route but it’s worth bearing in mind that you’ll have to reassemble it when you arrive on your hols, so if you're no spanner wizard it might be best to avoid this. It may also mean packing extra tools, which means extra weight to carry around.

Best bike bags vs best bike boxes: which is better?

You might think this is an easy question: it's surely a box, right? However, that's probably before you’ve taken weight into consideration.

A lighter weight bike bag influences two things: how comfortable it is to carry and lug about but also how much of your baggage allowance it eats into - and how much the baggage supplement might be.

The trade off is in the level of protection: a hard flight case like box is going to take the knocks better than a soft bag. That said, soft bike bags will usually protect your bike from the worst of it and they also tend to be cheaper than bike boxes.

There is an in between option. The best bike bags tend to have some more structural inserts inside but retain more of a bag's lightweight nature. Other bike bags can have nifty, in-built storage techniques. For example, some have built-in dropouts that allow you to stand your frame upright and hold it tight.

Do I need to add extra padding to my bike bag?

Regardless of how tough your bag or box might be, you’ll definitely want to pad the important parts inside it. We’d recommend bubble wrap and foam piping. If you’re lucky, your local bike shop might have excess from all the bikes they get sent in. Don't forget to put it around the frame in places where other items in the box might rub against it.

Riding in the mountains

A good bike box or bag has to tread the line between providing the best protection for your bike and yet still being light, easy to carry and simple to pack. These boxes have been used to carry various bikes on multiple flights, being packed and unpacked several times each. They all protected the bikes from any transport damage and none were particularly difficult or awkward to pack but each has its advantages and disadvantages that may clinch the deal for you.

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Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer. In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends most of his time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.

Mathieu Van der Poel wins 121st edition of Paris-Roubaix

By Emma Magnus Published 7 April 24

British rider took third behind Lotte Kopecky and Elisa Balsamo after a thrilling sprint finish in the velodrome on Saturday

By Tom Thewlis Published 7 April 24

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Best bike boxes and bike bags 2024 — bike-specific luggage options to keep your prized possession safe when travelling

First Published Mar 28, 2024

This article contains links to retailers. Purchases made after clicking on those links may help support road.cc by earning us a commission but all of our reviews are fully independent. Find out more about road.cc buyer's guides.

If you’re travelling with your bike, one of your biggest concerns will likely be making sure it arrives safely. The road.cc team has travelled hundreds of thousands of miles over the years with our bikes, using a variety of bike boxes, bike bags and flight cases, and below you'll find our selection of the best plus some handy bonus advice too.   

• Buy now for £680 from Bike Box Alan
• Find out more

• Buy now for £918 from Buxumbox

• Buy now for £746.49 from Bike Inn

• Buy now for £553.98 from Ebay

• Buy now for £545.99 from Merlin Cycles

• Buy now for £59.99 from Decathlon

The best bike bag, bike box or flight case will protect your bike from anything short of a direct artillery strike. It should require minimal faff to get your bike into it, can carry various bike genres and wheel sizes, and shouldn't make too big a dent in your luggage weight allowance. It should also cost a sensible amount of money, or if it's expensive, last you for many years. 

There's some tension between all those requirements. Extremely protective cases tend to be heavy and expensive, while cheaper bike bags don't protect your bike as well. Nevertheless, if you plan to travel with your bike even once or twice a year then a bike box or bag is a very worthwhile investment. Nothing ruins a cycling trip more than your bike lying crushed on the Tarmac before you've even cleared customs!

> How to fly with your bike

Even if you're not flying, a bike box, bike bag or flight case can be useful. Sure, you can just put your bike in your car, but if you want to get lots of other luggage in too, a bike bag will protect your bike from bumps and scratches.

How we review bike bags and boxes 

road.cc reviewers keep hold of a product for at least a month before submitting their verdicts, and when it comes to bike bags and boxes, that means travelling and experiencing what it's like to live with the product in a real-world scenario. All of the bike boxes we've reviewed have been taken on flights, stuck in cars and/or public transport and moved around on foot, and we'll spend plenty of time consulting the instructions to learn how to pack and unpack bikes from them to assess the ease of use. 

We score bike bags and boxes on build quality, durability, performance and value, and when sizing up against other similar products on the market we'll try to compare apples to apples; for example, we won't expect a cheap bike bag to provide the same level of protection as a super premium hard case. 

Why you can trust us

Only bike bags and boxes that have received good, very good or excellent scores will make it into this buyer's guide, so you can be sure we haven't just included a bunch of stuff we can make a commission from. Our reviewers also work completely independently when testing products and writing up their reviews, and are only put in touch with brands/distributors if they have a burning question or the product is faulty. We like to think all these steps reduce the chance of bias or ear-bending as much as is possible. 

As we've mentioned already, we road test bike boxes and bags properly, so only send them out to reviewers who are due a trip abroad and will be in a situation to assess all the features. It sometimes means we can't review them as quick as we'd like sometimes, but we don't do half jobs!

Without further ado, here are our top picks with everything from cheaper padded options costing as little as £60, right up to indestructible hard cases costing over £900. You'll find our top six in the quick links right below this paragraph followed by more detailed summaries and links to reviews, plus some extra honourable mentions, and finally a q+a section with stuff you'll want to know about bike bags and boxes... 

The best bike boxes, bags and cases

Bike Box Alan Triathlon Aero Easyfit Bikebox

The BikeBox Alan Triathlon Aero Easyfit Bikebox is a secure, easy-to-pack bike case that's brilliantly thought out. The wide section for handlebars means there's no need to start dismantling your bike, but that extra bulk can cause a few issues with car boots and check-ins.

The Triathlon Aero Easyfit immediately has a significant advantage over other boxes, because it doesn't require you to remove your handlebar. That's not just a good feature for those who are picky about position, it's also nice not to be wrestling with dismantling and reassembling an integrated front end – something we commonly see on road race bikes these days.

If you've got the cash and want an easy life, this is a brilliant choice, and certainly not just for triathletes!

Read our review:

Buxumbox Tourmalet bike box

Made of aluminium, the Buxumbox Tourmalet is super strong and easy to pack. Yep it's expensive, but there's no reason it won't last you a lifetime of cycling travel. 

The Tourmalet has fixing points for bike wheels with thru-axles or quick-release, and you just need to remove both the wheels, the pedals and the seatpost to pack it. It was all very simple according to our reviewer, with the seatpost and saddle stored at the bottom of the box, held in place by elastic cord.

It's not light at around 13kg, but this is a well thought-out bike case that’s built to take anything baggage handlers can dish out. In fact, it looks like it'll survive anything short of a direct artillery attack. 

To summarise, the Buxumbox Tourmalet will carry your bike as safely as it is probably possible to when flying. The price and possibly the weight are hurdles.

Scicon Aerotech Evolution bike hard case

This super strong bike box from bike luggage experts Scicon is made from a tough plastic polymer, and it provides superb protection for your bike. It’s also simple to pack and rolls on four wheels with proper bearings.

Our reviewer was able to pack it without swearing once, and it simply involves whipping off the wheels and one pedal, rotating the bars downward and taking the seatpost out before fitting your frame inside. Everything sits perfectly stable in transit without parts bashing into each other.

The price might be a sticking point, but you're unlikely to be disappointed if you decide to invest. 

Thule RoundTrip Road Bike Travel Case

The Thule RoundTrip Road Bike Travel Case is probably as close to a bike box you can get in what is technically a bike bag, with a sturdy outer plus an intgrated bike stand to keep everything from getting banged around inside. 

Our reviewer praised the innovative design, and how well it packs down for storage between or during trips. Your bike is fixed to an adjustable frame inside the case that can be removed and turned into a bike stand, which is really handy for doing bike maintenance or cleaning on your trip. Our reviewer managed to pack a bike in the RoundTrip in 10 minutes flat after some practice, so it's easy to live with.

It's expensive, heavy and you might struggle if your bike has a very long wheelbase, but for the vast majority of us who can afford it the RoundTrip is one of the best ways to protect your bike while travelling.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro

The Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro is a very good, lightweight softcase with excellent features. 

It's lightweight, packs down well and protects your bike while travelling by plane, train or automobile. This bag is also easy to assemble with four PVC tubes that reinforce the wheel pockets and four fibreglass sticks that strengthen each end of the case. Inside are a number of Velcro and clip fittings that wrap around your bike and secure it to the inside of the case.

A standout feature is the removable front castor wheel. This clips onto the aluminium handle so the bag sits level, allowing you to steer it in any direction with just your little finger in one of the three topmost handles. You could even secure a lanyard to your belt if your hands are full, which makes for a very convenient airport experience.  

While it's not far off the price of a hardshell, it's lighter at just 8kg, leaving more luggage allowance for other stuff, and folds down for storage so you don't need a huge cupboard under the stairs for it.

B’Twin Bike Transport Cover

This bag is really best used for transporting your bike by car, ferry or any place where baggage handlers aren't involved, because it offers very little in the way of protection but if you use a lot of extra foam padding and bubble wrap, it could be risked on flights if you're not overly attached to your bike. Even so, it's very good value and will keep your bike fully protected from the elements. 

It has a large bike compartment, two wheel compartments and a rigid base. It weighs 3.6kg and, like most other bags of this kind, it comes with a shoulder strap. It's amazingly cheap and light, but as we said you're probably going to want to add protective layers of foam or cardboard to beef it up a bit.

More bike box recommendations

Topeak Pakgo X

While it doesn't come cheap, Topeak's Pakgo X is a high quality box that is easy to manoeuvre around, offers great protection, and comes with some nice additions that make it an ideal travel companion

The shell is lightweight and flexible Makrolon polycarbonate, which stood up to several flights and trips during our reviewer's testing period. To pack your bike, a mini workstand of sorts is provided inside for you to mount your frame to before loading it back into the shell, the standout feature according to our reviewer and one which really helps to keep the bike secure. Unpacking is even faster, and you should be able to fit almost any type of bike in it with the wheelbase limit at 112cm. 

The final party piece is the upright design, with wheels that make strolling through the airport with the Pakgo an absolute breeze. Go for this if you want protection that is almost as good as the most super tough bike boxes out there, yet in a reasonably light package that is easy to cart around. 

Bike Box Alan Premium Bike Box

The Bike Box Alan Premium is more compact than the Triathlon Aero Easyfit, with the same steel catches to hold the sides together and good wheels to make travel that little bit easier. You can even choose your own stickers!

Our reviewer described it as a well-designed and sturdy box that will keep your bike well-protected through the vagaries of airport baggage handling. You can hire or buy one, which you do would depend on how frequently you travel. 

It's worth mentioning that this bike box, while still very good, is not compatible with thru-axles, as the design sees the wheels secured by the skewers that you screw back in via the outside of the box. Bikes with disc brakes take up a vastly larger slice of the market since our review of this box was published, so there's a good chance you'll need to upgrade to BikeBoxAlan's Triathlon Aero Easyfit, which is thru-axle compatible and is one of our top-recommended bike boxes. 

Still, if the bike you travel with comes equipped with rim brakes, this quality bike box is still very easy to recommend. 

Bikebox Online VeloVault2

BikeBox Online's VeloVault2 bike case is a sturdy, easy to pack and easy to transport option for keeping your bike safe when you fly. It is made from high-quality components that should stand the test of time. Like the options here from Bike Box Alan, you can't justify stumping up the cash to buy one, they're also available to hire.

B&W Bike Guard Curv

The Bike Guard Curv is a high-end bike case which gives excellent protection to your pride and joy. It comes in two halves, and there's no hinge holding them together. Instead, the edges of the case slot together, alternately inside and outside the other, around the circumference of the case. It's a bit fiddly the first time you do it according to our reviewer, but once you've done it a few times it won't take long. 

In our reviewer's travels their bike arrived unscathed, with the straps and dense foam blocks holding everything together nicely on the inside and the straps on the outside securing the shell.  

 At a little over 8kg it's light for a hard case, but it's also rather expensive. Go for this if you're prepared to invest but want a bike box for life. 

Merlin Cycles Elite Travel Bike Bag

The softshell Merlin Cycles Elite Travel Bike Bag allows secure, easy packing of your bike, with plenty of remaining space for all the items you would usually need when travelling with your bike. It has plenty of straps and handles to make travelling with the bag easy. 

The Elite Travel Bike Bag does a great job at an excellent price. Our reviewer found it was relatively easy to load into a car and manoeuvre onto baggage carousels too. It's also helpful that, when unloaded, the bag folds down to a small size, taking up roughly a quarter of the space needed when fully loaded.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag

Evoc’s highly rated bike bag comes with a reinforced fork mount, external-loading wheel pockets, compartments for smaller parts, and multiple handles. It’ll even take big mountain bikes and packs down for simple stowage.

Internal reinforcement strengthens and supports the soft out shell and pulled and picked up by the handle, it rolls easily on a pair of rear wheels. In that regard it's not quite as nice as Evoc's Bike Travel Bag Pro, our top-rated bike bag, but at typical retail prices it's a fair bit cheaper.

Scicon Aerocomfort Triathlon 3.0 TSA Bike Bag

Now in its third iteration, Scicon's Aerocomfort offers pretty exceptional protection for a bag, and does at least as good a job as many hardshell bike boxes. 

You fix your bike to a frame inside the nylon ripstop bag, and hold it steady with a strap system. A waterproof polyurethane base and high-density foam padding provides plenty of protection for your bike.

The internal wheel pockets are a very neat feature, as they allow customs officers (who might not care about your bike as much as you) to inspect what's in the bag without having to remove anything. It also comes with a padlock to deter impulsive thieves. 

Yes it's expensive, but this bag is a serious investment if you travel with your bike frequently. 

Read our review of the previous version of the Scicon Aerocomfort:

Post Carry Co Transfer Case

If you want to save on airline fees by carrying your bike as if it isn't one, Post Carry Co's Transfer Case is a great solution.

As we've mentioned, the main selling point is that this case is not much bigger than a large suitcase and can take a full-sized road or gravel bike. It's small enough to pass as normal luggage and avoid airline fees, yet doesn't lack protection and is impressively high quality. The dimensions do mean you'll have to spend more time and effort disassembling/reassembling your bike before and after travelling, but if you're ok with this and have the mechanical skills then you'll reap the rewards by not having to wait for oversized luggage after your flight. 

Best bike boxes and bike bags: how to choose and everything you need to know

Why should i use a bike box or bike bag.

Because you can't rely on anyone else to look after your bike the way you would! Travelling by air is the situation where you'll most commonly want to stash your bike in a protective case. After all, baggage handlers aren’t known for their finesse or delicacy of movement. No disrespect to those guys but they’re not going to move every bag and case as if it contained a priceless Ming vase, are they? Would you, if you were in their position? Luggage often gets flung about, dropped or stacked sky high, and you don’t want your bike to be subject to any of that with anything other than heavy-duty protection.

We’ve heard tales of people who thought they’d take their bike abroad in a soft bag or a cardboard bike box and it all going horribly wrong. You might get away with it, of course. You might get away with it many times. But what about that one time when your bike is at the bottom of a tower of cases being sorted by a bloke who’s already late finishing his shift?

It happens. Really, it does. And arriving in the Pyrenees with your bike frame snapped in two is, let’s face it, a disaster. Aside from needing to replace your bike in the long term, you need to salvage a trip for which you’ve already paid.

The best bike bags and bike boxes might be expensive but chances are they’re not as expensive as your bike or your holiday. Invest in something that’s right for your needs and it’ll likely last you years.

Should I get a hard or soft bike case?

Soft, padded bike bags are lightweight, easy to store, and they’ll protect your bike from scratches and scrapes. As a rule, they’re also cheaper than rigid boxes. Some come with aluminium frames and rigid spacers for the frame and fork dropouts to help prevent damage.

Next, there are boxes made from semi-rigid polymers that offer good impact strength. In terms of weight, they’re somewhere between a soft bag and a rigid bike box.

Then there are boxes with rigid walls that provide loads of protection, although these tend to be the heaviest and most expensive options out there.

Between that lot there are plenty of variations.

In short, rigid bike cases provide more protection than soft bike bags, but are heavier, more expensive and harder to store when you're not using them.

Should I get a bike box or bike bag with wheels?

All the bike boxes we know of and a lot of soft bike bags come with wheels that allow you to pull/push them to and from a car, around the airport and so on, and that’s a hell of a lot easier than carrying all that weight.

Wheels that are recessed into the base of the box are less vulnerable to getting broken off in transit and wheels that can be replaced after a mishap might save you needing to buy a completely new bike bag or box.

In related vein, you can’t drag your bike bag or box everywhere – you’ll inevitably need to lug it up some steps or over some gravel at some stage. That’s when some form of carrying handle or strap comes in useful; more that one option helps. A shoulder strap will save your arms doing all the hard work.

Should I lock my bike bag or box?

Locks might seem useful but, realistically, how often are you going to let a loaded up bike box out of your sight anyway?

Okay, it’ll be separated from you for the flight, but bear in mind that if you check in a locked bike box and the customs officials want to look inside, they’ll bust the locks open. They need to be able to check what’s in there and a simple lock isn’t going to stop them (otherwise drug smuggling would be really, really simple).

All things considered, it's better to leave it unlocked for the plane, but you might want to lock it if you're leaving your bike in the box at a hotel or elsewhere... and even then, a thief would likely recognise what's in the box was valuable, swipe it and worry about the lock later! What could be useful in this scenario is some sort of GPS tracker, but you can get discrete ones that slot into various places on your actual bike nowadays anyway. 

Does my bike box or bag need to be big?

You should make sure the solution you go for is big enough to take your bike easily. If you have a 56cm road bike with a normal seatpost, you’re unlikely to have a problem with any of the options out there; however, if you take a very big frame, have an integrated seat post (an extended seat tube rather than a separate seat post), or if you have a full-suspension mountain bike, things might get more complicated.

Check the minimum dimensions you need before you part with your cash, and allow a bit of wiggle room. You don’t want to have to remove every component and use masses of force to get your bike into a box; you need something that’ll take your bike easily. International travel is stressful enough without adding to it with bike packing pressures.

You can often fit other stuff inside your bike box or bag, in the spaces between the frame tubes, although this obviously adds to the weight and that might be a consideration when you’re flying. Some airlines, such as Easyjet and British Airways explicitly forbid putting anything in a bike bag other than your bike.

If you intend to drive to the airport rather than take public transport, remember to make sure your bike bag or box will fit in your car. As long as you can fold the rear seats down, that’s not usually a problem. Oh, and remember that you’ll have to store your bike bag or box somewhere at home. One of the drawbacks of a hard-shelled bike box as opposed to a soft bag is the extra storage space you’ll need for it.

Another thing you might want to think about here, when you've made sure your bike box or bag can be stored, will fit in a vehicle and complies with most airline weight limits, is the not-so-careful baggage handler on a long shift scenario. Something that is super light and easy to lob around is perhaps more likely to be treated badly than an object that is a bit trickier to lift and manoeuvre; so even if it's a bit more of a chore for you to move around, a bike storage solution with plenty of protection (and therefore more weight) and larger dimensions could actually keep your bike safer, and that's surely worth the slightly achy arm. 

How easy are bike boxes and bags to pack?

Getting a bike bag or box that’s large enough (see above) is the essential first step, but beyond that some options are much easier to pack than others.

You’ll have to take the wheels off your bike, either spin the handlebar or remove it from the stem, and remove a pedal (or both of them). You’ll likely have to remove the seatpost or push it down too (depending on the size of your bike). You’ll have to deflate the tyres for flying too. (Yes, we know tyre pressure is far too low to be hazardous, but as our commenters have pointed out, life's too short to teach airline check-in staff the laws of physics.)

If you have to remove the rear mech and/or the chainset, things can start to get boring. You obviously have to rebuild the bike at your destination, then take it apart for the return journey and rebuild it again when you get home. As long as you have half-decent spannering skills, that’s unlikely to be a problem. It only takes minutes on each occasion, but it just adds to the faff and might shorten valuable riding time.

Do I need extra padding in my bike box or bike bag?

You need some means of stopping the various bits of the bike from damaging one another. Some wheels attach to the walls of a bike box with their quick-release skewers (we've had a skewer take a knock and get ruined in this way, so you might want to consider using old skewers for the job) and have some form of cover to avoid harm, others have their own separate wheel bags, as do many bike bags.

Look for other means of storage for removed pedals, the tools you need for rebuilding your bike, and so on.

If you’re ever in doubt, you can always fall back on the cyclists’ favourite, simple pipe insulation from your local DIY store, to protect the various parts of your bike.

What do bike bags and boxes weigh?

There are a couple of things to consider when it comes to weight. First, you have to move your loaded up bike bag or box around so lightness makes life easier.

Second, you have to stick within airline weight limits. Currently, EasyJet allows you 32kg for a boxed up bike and the Ryanair limit is 30kg. Sticking within those boundaries shouldn't be a problem.

British Airways, though, say that items over 23kg may incur a heavy bag charge. Larger items (in dimensions rather than weight) like bike boxes can be carried for an oversized bag charge, although they waive this at the time of writing.

The point is, you need to check your allowances with your airline before you travel (and preferably before you book) in order to avoid expensive surprises.

I've found my ideal bike case and it's super secure. Do I still need travel insurance?

Yes! Even the best bike boxes don’t guarantee you against damage to your bike, so get yourself some insurance that covers the value of your bike.

Safe (and secure) cycling travels folks!

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Arriving at road.cc in 2017 via 220 Triathlon Magazine, Jack dipped his toe in most jobs on the site and over at eBikeTips before being named the new editor of road.cc in 2020, much to his surprise. His cycling life began during his students days, when he cobbled together a few hundred quid off the back of a hard winter selling hats (long story) and bought his first road bike - a Trek 1.1 that was quickly relegated to winter steed, before it was sadly pinched a few years later. Creatively replacing it with a Trek 1.2, Jack mostly rides this bike around local cycle paths nowadays, but when he wants to get the racer out and be competitive his preferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking - the latter being another long story.  

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12 comments.

For those who only bike-fly once or twice a year, rental is a great option. There's a guy in Marlow on Thames (for example) that I've used. He's got a garage full of boxes in good nick, and was very customer-friendly.

Saves you having to store one of these beasts, and all your club mates borrowing it foc.

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The original bikebox alan is still the best imo: had mine since 2015 and used it on six foreign trips to likes of channel Islands and USA without incident.

agreed - it's been faultless. Only concern i have is that I'm not sure how it will work with my new thru-axle bike?

It's increasingly difficult to continue using the original BBA with modern bikes. They just don't like the high degree of stem/bar disassembly now required. I also found that 30mm tyres didn't fit, and the 26mm were a pain. I run tubeless so drop the psi down to about 30 for flying.

On the other hand, their Aero EasyFit box at the top of the article is fabulous for modern bikes! A dream to drop an integrated cable, aero-ish modern bike into. Thruaxles etc well catered for, loads of tyre clearance. You'll still be jealous of the Thule guys integrated bike stand though when you're unpacking balancing in the corner of a hotel reception;)

Took my thru axle bike abroad in one.  It was a couple of years ago and I can't remember how I did it but you can attach the wheels with skewers still.  A bigger problem is removing then bars / stem with integrated cables.

Buxumbox owner here. It is great.

I had previously rented a B&W Bike Box II, very similar to the B&W curve above. It was good, but.... 1. There was enough flex to leave me just a little anxious about the bike getting through the journey unscathed. 2. The interlocking clamshell design can be fiddly sometimes. I got it together just fine on the way out, but on the way home, under time pressure to get out of the door and to the airport I struggled. I would get the interlock on one side to work, for it to pop out on the other, and so on.

The buxumbox is very sturdy. I've flown a few times with it, and I just have 0 worries about risk of damage to the bike. The downside is that it is heavy - 13+ kg odd. It is also large. You may need a larger rental car, or you may need to get a larger taxi. Other cases will have this problem too, but the Buxumbox is definitely just a little larger. On the plus side, there is 0 problem storing a track pump and other stuff in the bottom of the buxumbox - there are bungee cords there precisely for this.

I would just go buxumbox for piece of mind, every day.

very happy with my Velovault 2. Easy to pack, with plenty of space for a larger frame. The customer service was excellent too

The other thing you need to know about is inflatable roof racks.  They fit on most cars, excluding softtops and those with roof rails without a gap underneath them.  

It takes about 20 minutes to fit a rack and a bike box to a small hired hatchback at an airport.

HandiRack | Inflatable Roof Rack | Universal Roof Bars (handiworld.com)

The Scicon aerocomfort is terrific. My brother and I share one which has now been humped and bumped all over the place without incident.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The Best Hard- and Softshell Cases For Traveling With Your Bike

Whether you want a light and stealthy case to avoid fees or a tough, hard-side case to protect your ride, you'll find it here.

Whether you’re planning to travel across the country or across the globe, a sturdy bike travel case or bag is a worthy investment. Your bike will be better protected—and you’ll have more peace of mind—than it will if you stuff it into a cardboard box and hope for the best. Here’s what you need to know.

B&W International Bike Box II

Compact and tough plastic case and four smooth rolling wheels.

Orucase Airport Ninja

Requires more bike assembly, but less likely to incur a fee.

travel Bike Travel Bag Pro

Securely holds modern 29er trail bikes with minimal disassembly.

SCI-CON AeroComfort 3.0 TSA

This case lets you leave the pedals, bar, and seatpost in place.

Thule RoundTrip Transition

ABS plastic shell protects the bike inside. Comes with a repair stand.

Hardshell versus Softshell

Hardshell cases provide the highest level of protection against impacts, but they also weigh more, which can lead to even higher luggage fees. Hard cases also don’t break down, so they take up more room in a hotel room or rental car when not in use.

Softshell cases have come a long way in recent years, and some offer nearly the same level of protection as hard-shell models. Softshell cases are usually lighter than hard-shell cases, and fold or roll down for easier storage.

Hard-shell cases usually rely on a rigid, outer shell—made from a type of plastic—for their protection. Most softshell cases are constructed from durable nylon and rely on padding to protect your bike.

Some softshell cases have a rigid internal frame that provides structure and protects the bike from crushing forces. There are also hybrid cases, which have a fabric exterior lined with foam and plastic sheets.

Both types of cases often include additional padding for the frame, as well as straps to hold the frame and wheels in place.

Size and Weight

Pay attention to the size and weight of a bike case, particularly as it relates to the weight of the bike you plan to transport. Most airlines have a 50-pound weight limit before incurring an overweight fee. You need to factor in the weight of the case, the bike, and other items you’re considering throwing in there before selecting a case.

Hard-shell cases are more protective, but weigh more, leaving less for packing materials, bike, and gear. Softshell cases are lighter, which means you can pack a heavier bike without exceeding the limit but may offer less protection for your gear. The weight difference can be extreme: Thule’s Roundtrip Transition is made of ABS plastic and extremely rugged but weighs 38 pounds, while Orucase’s soft-sided Sub62 weighs just 13 pounds.

Most airlines have a dimensional limit of 62 linear inches—calculated by adding together the total length, width, and height of the bag. If an item of luggage is larger, it can incur an oversize-bag fee. Orucase’s Sub62 is smaller than 62 linear inches, so it should avoid an oversize fee, while Thule’s armored RoundTrip Transition measures over 106 linear inches and is almost certain to cost you extra.

Packing Tips and Tricks

Before choosing a case, have an idea of how much bike disassembly/assembly you’re comfortable with.

Cases like Scicon’s AeroComfort require very little wrenching to pack and unpack a bike but are larger and likely to incur a bike or oversize fee. A smaller and lighter case like Orucase’s Sub62 is much less likely to incur an oversize or overweight charge, but packing the bike into this case requires removal of both wheels, the bar and stem, rear derailleur, pedals, seatpost, and fork.

If you want to use additional padding to protect your bike during transit, consider using your cycling apparel, since it has to make the trip with you anyway. You can also use pipe insulation, which is inexpensive and can be purchased at your local home-supply store. Always be sure you also have all the tools you need to get your bike back up and running at your destination.

How We Picked

Every case on this list has been thoroughly evaluated and vetted by our team of test editors. We also consulted product managers and designers, athletes, and used our own travel experience with these cases to determine the best options. We evaluated them on performance, price, protection, weight, size, and how much bike disassembly is required to come up with a list of cases to serve the needs of anyone traveling with bikes.

Here are nine of our favorite bike travel bags and cases you can buy right now.

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Orucase airport ninja.

Looking to sneak your road bike through security and escape extra baggage fees? If so, this Orucase travel case is the ticket. The ultra-compact bike backpack fits most road frames and breakaway-style travel bikes. Though it’s soft-sided, the Orucase bag uses integrated plastic panels with energy-absorbing foam to armor it against impacts.

Least Wrenching

Scicon aerocomfort 3.0 triathlon, scicon aerocomfort 3.0 triathlon.

Scicon’s AeroComfort 3.0 TSA blends the low weight of a soft-sided bike bag with a rigid frame to protect your prized ride from surly baggage handlers. This travel bag is designed specifically for drop-bar bikes and requires minimal disassembly. The wheels stow in dedicated pockets on the sides and, best of all, there’s no need to remove the handlebar. The adjustable chassis holds your frame in place by the axles—either quick-release or 12mm thru-axles. The four-wheeled design makes it easy to maneuver through crowded airports, and the compact design keeps it within many airlines’ standard luggage dimensions, which may help you skip oversize baggage fees.

B&W BIKE BOX II

B&w bike box ii.

B&W’s International Bike Box II is a simple, effective, and affordable hard-shell case. The clamshell design is easy to use, and the interlocking halves fasten with six buckles to keep everything secure. This budget-minded case includes wheel bags and multiple layers of foam to protect the frame from the wheels. Two fixed wheels and a pair of rotating castors make the International Bike Box II as easy to maneuver as a shopping cart.

DAKINE BIKE ROLLER BAG

Dakine bike roller bag.

Dakine’s Bike Roller Bag has enough space to fit 29ers, downhill bikes, and even 29er downhill bikes. Unlike many other soft-sided bags, the Bike Roller Bag has wheel sleeves inside the main compartment, which reduces the number of external zippers that could fail. Heavy-duty internal and external padding safeguards the frame, fork, and wheels from overzealous airport workers.

Cardboard Box

Bikeflights bike box, bikeflights bike box small.

A cardboard box is a light, inexpensive, and—provided the bike is packed properly—surprisingly safe way to ship a bike. Most brand new bikes—even high-end and custom bikes—are shipped in cardboard boxes. Bike breakdown and packing difficulty is average to high. A cardboard box has no puncture or impact protection, and can fall apart if it gets too wet. The BikeFlights Bike Box comes in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large.

Best For Mountain Bikes

Evoc bike travel bag pro, evoc bike travel bag pro.

EVOC’s bike bags are some of the most popular soft-sided options for road and mountain bikes—it even makes versions for BMX and fat bikes. The Bike Travel Bag Pro is a premium version of the company’s Bike Travel Bag. It includes an integrated aluminum chassis to hold frames securely in place by their axles. EVOC added six centimeters to the length of the bag to keep pace with the longer, lower, slacker trend in mountain biking. Another nod to modern mountain bikes are wheel pockets that can swallow 29-inch wheels wrapped in 2.6-inch tires. When not in use, the Bike Travel Bag Pro folds down small enough to fit under a bed.

THULE ROUNDTRIP TRANSITION

Thule’s RoundTrip Transition fits most road and mountain bikes within its tough, ABS plastic shell. Nylon wheel bags prevent frame and wheel rub during transport. The two-piece, hard shell cradles the frame in a lightweight aluminum stand that doubles as a work stand, making reassembly and maintenance a breeze once you arrive at your destination.

Fits Two Wheelsets

Biknd helium v4, biknd helium v4.

The Helium V4 is a drop bar-centric bike bag with a twist. Unlike most other bike bags, it can carry two wheelsets, which makes it an excellent option for cyclists traveling with both race-day and training wheels. Both sides fold flat for unfettered access for quick packing and removal. The feature that really sets the Helium V4 apart is the inflatable panels on the sides of the bag that add protection without heft. These inflatable bladders keep the weight to just 19.8 pounds, which is half of its heavyweight competitors.

Best for Large Bikes

Pro bike travel case mega, pro bike travel case mega.

Traveling with extra-large road bikes or 29er trail bikes poses problems for some cases, but not for Pro’s Bike Travel Case Mega. As the name suggests, this soft-sided bag is designed to swallow large and long frames easily. The alloy base holds the frame by the axles, while padded wheel pockets and foam bumpers keep your bike protected. Integrated pockets allow riders to stash pedals, tools, a mini-pump, and other ride essentials.

Unique Protective Feature

Douchebags savage bike bag, douchebags savage.

Once you get over the name, there’s a lot to like about this bike bag. The Db Savage is a soft-sided travel bag with a race car-inspired roll cage. This internal framework bolsters stiffness and provides an additional level of protection against damage. The Savage works with all road and mountain frames. It features external pockets for wheels and internal organizers for pedals and tools.

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Ask Chris: What Are the Best Triathlon Bags?

We take a look at what makes the best bag for triathletes and run through a few choice picks..

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A bag is a bag is a bag, right? I’ve seen people using garbage bags to haul their gear in and out of transition. Not the worst thing, right? It’s waterproof, it’s got lots of storage, and it’s cheap! There’s your answer: The best triathlon bag is a garbage bag . You’re welcome.

But no, there’s way more to it than that—because unless you want a giant sopping mess that might or might not have everything you wanted to bring with you on race day and you’ve got like three hours to spare fumbling around in transition, you might want to shell out more than 10 cents on something better.

With that said, you probably don’t need to spend as much as a new wetsuit just to schlep around race day or training day stuff, but a little bit of specialized organization can go a long way towards making your training and racing a little less spastic. And though not even remotely as technical as learning about the wild world of triathlon tires , there’s a little learning involved. Let’s first check out some of the important things to look for in the best triathlon bag for you before getting to our quick list of what’s out there:

What is a triathlon bag, anyway?

The line between a tri bag and a regular backpack can often be a little blurry. A bag big enough (see below for more on size) can often function just fine for tri, but you’ll end up making a few compromises. It’s just a matter of living with those compromises. The best triathlon bags are ones that have tons of organization so you can not only get everything in and out quickly (remember race day and early-morning training sessions can be hectic!), but more importantly if there’s a spot for everything, it’s WAY easier to notice when something is missing. A great time to remember that left shoe? As you’re packing. The worst time? When you’re sprinting into T1 after the best swim of your entire life.

The other big selling point for the best triathlon bags is a separate compartment for wet gear. There’s nothing as annoying (and as stinky) as having a bag full of soaked stuff because you’ve got a wet wetsuit dumping water into your gear all day post-race or while you’re at work. The best triathlon bags also have some fun extras like multiple water bottle holders, helmet holders, tough zippers (ok, you’ve got a waterproof compartment, but think about what corrosion does to wimpy zippers), lots of entry points, exterior waterproofing, and way more. Regular backpacks sometimes have a few of these things, regular duffel/workout bags generally have less. While triathlon bags are often called “transition bags,” I’ve used my tri bag just as much—if not more—for training rather than racing.

What’s the best size bag for triathletes?

Yes, the garbage bag works. So does a simple duffel bag. However, believe me when I say that anything the size of your kid’s school backpack or smaller might not quite do it. A shoe bag? No. An old purse? Bold move, but no.

It’s easy to say, “Oh, yeah, I’ll put some of my stuff in the bag, then carry the rest.” But don’t forget, you’ll be using this bag usually in the earrrrrrly hours of the morning when your eyes (and your brain) can barely function. You don’t want errant tri gear flipping around, sliding under car seats, falling off of your bike, and so on. You need to imagine your bag will be the temporary home for all of the gear you need: Running shoes, cycling shoes, helmet (probably), socks, wetsuit, lotions, creams, sunscreens, warmup wear, podium wear (think big!), race belt, pre-race/workout nutrition/hydration, post-race/workout nutrition/hydration, tools, and the list goes on and on.

For me, 35 liters is about the bare minimum for my giant cargo of tri junk. For long-course racers, you’ll probably want more. For sprint triathletes, you might be able to go as low as 30 liters, but below that, you’ll probably have stuff hanging off, teetering above oblivion. Triathletes can go as high as 65 liters, but anything above that starts to look a little bit more Everest-expedition-y. If the pack is too big, your stuff will get lost in a bottomless chasm, it might be hard to actually carry, AND oftentimes it won’t fit very well when not fully stuffed.

Why can’t I just use my gym bag for triathlon?

You can! Just be sure it’s big enough (above) and you’re ok with a few compromises. I’m certainly not saying everyone needs to rush out and buy a triathlon-specific bag, but it’s one of those things you never hear anyone saying, “I really wish I hadn’t bought this tri bag. I wish I had my old Jansport from when I was in middle school or my gym bag from high school.”

While the best triathlon bag won’t necessarily make you faster on race day, it will absolutely lessen some race-morning anxiety and make organizing your busy training/work day much much easier. It’s also more likely you’ll be comfortable both before and after your race or workout because you’ll have everything you need, neatly organized. You won’t have to make that all-too-common compromise like, “Oh, I don’t need another pair of shoes for after the race tomorrow, I’ll just wear the ones I ran in.” That’s great if you like wearing a bloody, soaked pair of shoes with elastics to brunch, but you do you.

So what’s out there?

The Best Triathlon Bag for Minimalists

2xu transition bag.

$115, 35L, Amazon.com

Definitely one of the smaller bags in our rundown, the 2XU bag boasts a larger top load compartment, smaller zippered compartments all around, and a separate zippered wet space on the bottom. Though it has far fewer bells and whistles than other transition bags, the low-key styling does a better job of disguising your multisport identity if you’re a self-loathing triathlete. (Want to blend in even more? Scroll down.) Despite the minimal amount of organization, this bag still carries well with ample padding on the shoulder and waist straps as well as simple mesh pockets around the outside.

The Best Triathlon Bag for Maximalists

Tyr elite convoy transition backpack.

$180, 75L, Amazon.com

This bag is absolutely huge. Almost ridiculously huge. Seventy-five liters is a lot of space, so think about the Elite Convoy if you’re not only putting your race-day gear in here, but also everything you’d need to pack for a weekend…hiking Kilimanjaro. Though it’s hard to ignore this bag’s expedition size or styling, it also provides an excellent amount of organization with three mesh dividers that open up to keep swim/bike/run separate, a removable wet bag, and a silly amount of pockets for nutrition and small things. The good news about slinging all of this organization and gear around is that the Convoy has a metal frame—just like a hiking bag—and lots of padding, support straps, and compression.

The Best Triathlon Bag for Organizers

Elite tri box.

$190, ~40L, Amazon.com

Ok, this one definitely won’t fly under the radar as a regular backpack or duffel bag, as it looks more like a soft beach cooler than a tri bag. But the beauty of this weird beast is a super customizable and modular setup that allows you to take as much or as little as you like without tons of extra space knocking around. It has a foldable transition mat, a nice spot to lay out your shoes, and incredible organization. In fact, this is probably the only option for actually putting your racing stuff in while you race, as it gets compact enough to leave under your bike and not start a fistfight in transition.

The Best Triathlon Bag for Rainy Places

Desoto triathlon transition pack 8.

$150, 65L (including expanding helmet holder), Swimoutlet.com

This transition bag could easily fall into the maximalist category above, but this is also one of the best bags for wet areas, thanks to its outer TPU coating and well-sealed seams. DeSoto has consistently been a leader in the triathlon bag world for well over a decade, and this is definitely a kitchen sink situation: Bottom-entry wetsuit compartment, nylon zippers, big straps, external helmet holder, top load, transition rack strap to hang it, soft pocket for sunglasses, and wayyyy more than we want to list here. This is definitely a monstrous bag, so keep that in mind if you like something a little more sleek.

The Best Triathlon Bag for Not Looking Like A Triathlete

Roka transition pack.

$275, 38L, Swimoutlet.com

Just like the rest of Roka’s gear, this is an incredibly sleek-looking piece of gear. Clearly created with design in mind, this pack looks absolutely nothing like other transition bags—in a good way. Boasting customization with removable velcro walls, tons of organization, a removable wet/dry pouch, and more, this (super) pricey option is all bells-and-whistles that won’t set off the Triathlete Detector Alarm when going through fashion security. We also really like that the padded walls provide fragile items with a slight buffer, and that a side-access laptop compartment makes this ok for the office.

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Best Triathlon Bag: Top 10 Picks for Every Athlete in 2024

Organization and efficient management of your gear helps ensure that you’re always ready for the next leg of the race. That’s where the best triathlon bag comes into play.

Let’s look at the top 10 best triathlon bags and highlight their unique features and benefits to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

The Best Triathlon Bag List

Triathlon bags, designed as specialized backpacks or gear bags, often come with separate compartments, including a dedicated waterproof wetsuit area, to hold all your triathlon gear. These features help keep your gear tidy and safe during your triathlon journey. We’ve compiled a list of the best triathlon bags for every athlete. Let’s take a quick look at these outstanding bags:

• Best for Ample Storage : Orca Transition Bag
• Best for Compartmentalizing Items : Zoot Ultra Tri Bag
• Best Overall : Blueseventy Transition Bag
• Best for Versatility : Zone3 Transition Backpack
• Best for Functional Style : 2XU Transition Bag
• Best for Ergonomic Design : De Soto Transition Pack V8
• Best for Comfort and Support : Synergy Triathlon Transition Bag
• Best for Race Morning : Zoot Ultra Tri Backpack
• Perfect For On-the-Go Triathletes : Ironman Transition Backpack
• Best for Durability : TYR Alliance 45L Backpack

Let’s check out the unique features, pros, and cons of each bag.

Orca Transition Bag

Best for Ample Storage

The Orca Transition Bag is a 70-liter backpack (that’s big) that features ample storage space, separate wet and dry compartments, and a protective pocket for a bike helmet.

With its multiple storage compartments and pockets, this bag makes organizing your gear a breeze. The ventilated wet compartment ensures your wet clothes don’t dampen your dry gear, while the padded helmet pocket keeps your helmet safe and secure.

However, the bag slightly exceeds the size requirements for airline carry-on luggage, so it may need to be checked or under-packed for air travel. Overall, the Orca Transition Bag is an excellent option for those seeking a spacious and well-designed triathlon bag to accommodate all their race essentials.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 10 inches
• Weight: 3.75 pounds
• Capacity: 70 liters
• Generous storage capacity
• Separate wet and dry compartments
• Protective pocket for a bike helmet
• Slightly exceeds airline carry-on size requirements
• Storage: 5/5
• Design: 4.5/5
• Durability: 4/5
• Comfort: 4/5

Zoot Ultra Tri Bag

Best for Compartmentalizing Items

The Zoot Ultra Tri Bag is a triathlete’s dream, offering a wealth of organizational features and a durable construction that can withstand multiple triathlons. Its internal triathlon checklist of race items, secure bottle storage, and multiple mesh pockets ensure that everything has its place. The removable race-day bag is perfect for keeping your essential items separate from the rest of your gear.

However, the zippers on this duffel bag style may not be as robust as desired and may be difficult to use when the bag is filled to its maximum capacity. Despite this minor issue, the Zoot Ultra Tri Bag is an excellent choice for those seeking a well-organized and durable triathlon bag for both training and racing.

• Dimensions: 23.2 x 13 x 10.2 inches
• Capacity: 42 liters
• Color options are Black and Canvas Gray
• Multiple compartments for organization
• Clam-shell opening to easily see contents
• Airline carry-on compatible
• Durable construction
• Zippers may be difficult to use when the bag is full

Blueseventy Transition Bag

Best Overall

The Blueseventy Transition Bag features:

• Compact design
• Ample storage capacity
• Large insulated bottom section to separate wet gear
• Multiple internal pockets for efficient organization

This makes it a top choice for triathletes who value organization and ease of use.

This bag is also airline carry-on compatible, ensuring that you can travel to any race fully prepared. With its combination of functionality, comfort, and versatility, the Blueseventy Transition Bag is an excellent option for both training and racing.

• Dimensions: Approximately 22” x 14” x 8”
• Capacity: 44 liters
• Compact design with ample storage
• Large insulated bottom section for wet gear
• Storage: 4.5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 4.5/5
• Comfort: 4.5/5

Zone3 Transition Backpack

Best for Versatility

The Zone3 Transition Backpack is a versatile bag designed to meet the needs of triathletes. It features:

• Multiple compartments for easy organization
• Comfortable shoulder straps for easy carrying
• A breathable back panel for added comfort
• Dual zippers on the main compartment for easy access
• A removable RF welded removable roll-top wetsuit/dirty laundry wet sack to keep wet gear separate

This gym bag backpack is perfect for both training and racing.

• Dimensions: 53cm (height) x 22cm (width) x 34.5cm (depth)
• Capacity: 40 liters
• Versatile design with multiple compartments
• Comfortable shoulder straps and back panel
• Award-winning design
• Comfort: 5/5

2XU Transition Bag

Best for Functional Style

The 2XU Transition Bag is a functional and stylish bag designed for triathletes, offering a large main compartment with multiple internal pockets, a separate shoe compartment, and a padded laptop sleeve.

The bag is made from durable and water-resistant materials, ensuring that it can withstand the demands of training and racing. The comfortable padded shoulder strap and top handle make it easy to carry, while the multiple compartments and pockets ensure that your gear stays organized and secure.

• Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Capacity: 35 liters
• Material: Outer-Nylon, Lining-Polyester
• Multiple compartments and pockets for organization
• Durable and water-resistant materials
• Padded laptop sleeve
• No separate area for wet items
• No internal area for shoes
• Durability: 5/5

De Soto Transition Pack V8

Best for Ergonomic Design

The De Soto Transition Pack V8 is renowned for its features:

• Ergonomic design
• Comfortable straps
• Multiple compartments for ample storage space
• Organized gear
• Waterproof and durable materials for protection in harsh weather conditions

With its ergonomic design, ample storage space, and durable materials, the De Soto Transition Pack V8 is an excellent option for those seeking a functional and comfortable triathlon bag.

• Dimensions: 22” x 14” x 10”
• Weight: 3.0 pounds
• Capacity: 65 liters
• Available in Black, Graphite, Irish Green, Red, Royal, and White/Black colors
• Separate “wet” area to hold damp items
• Ergonomic design with comfortable straps
• Multiple storage areas for organization
• Waterproof and durable materials
• 50% larger than others may make it too large for some

Synergy Triathlon Transition Bag

Best for Comfort and Support

The Synergy Triathlon Transition Bag features:

• Premium lightweight materials
• Adjustable compartments
• Separate wet/dry zone
• Spacious main compartment that can be customized to accommodate various shapes and sizes
• Adjustable front helmet pocket for a snug fit
• Adjustable compartments for customized organization
• Storage: 4/5

Zoot Ultra Tri Backpack

Best for Race Morning

The Zoot Ultra Tri Backpack is perfect for race morning with its multiple compartments, comfortable shoulder straps, and breathable back panel.

The main compartment unfolds with dual zippers for easy access and the ability to organize your gear, while the removable RF welded removable roll-top wetsuit/dirty laundry wet sack keeps your wet gear separate.

• Lightweight and durable construction
• Comfortable fit for easy carrying
• Functional and stylish design
• Dimensions: 20” x 13.5” x 12”
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Capacity: 25 liters
• Colors include Black or Canvas Gray
• Comfortable shoulder straps and breathable back panel
• Hardshell area for helmet protection
• Perfect for race morning
• The smallest capacity of all backpacks

Ironman Transition Backpack

Perfect For On-the-Go Triathletes

The Ironman Transition Backpack is a convenient and functional bag for on-the-go triathletes. It features multiple compartments and a wet/dry mesh pocket. Here are some of its key features:

• Roomy shoe compartment
• Wet to dry rubber mesh pocket
• Many zip pockets
• Exterior side pocket that can hold up to 2 water bottles
• Luggage strap on the back for easy transportation on top of rolling suitcases

With its ample storage space, this backpack is perfect for storing all your gear.

The only drawback is the black interior, which may make it difficult to locate small items.

• Dimensions: 13”W x 16.5”H x 9.5”D
• Capacity: 30 liters
• Multiple colors available
• Multiple compartments for efficient organization
• Comfortable padded shoulder straps and back panel
• Convenient and functional design
• You can brag about all the Ironman races you’ve done
• The black interior may make it difficult to locate small items
• Design: 4/5

TYR Alliance 45L Backpack

Best for Durability

The TYR Alliance 45L Backpack offers a durable and stylish design with ample storage space and comfortable shoulder straps.

It is suitable for both training and racing , providing ample storage for all your triathlon gear.

The bag is made from durable and water-resistant materials, ensuring that it can withstand the demands of training and racing.

• Dimensions: 20” x 13.5” x 10.5”
• Weight: 1.85 pounds
• Capacity: 45 liters
• Many colors to choose from
• Ample storage capacity and comfortable shoulder straps
• The bottom is water resistant to place in wet grass
• Stylish design
• No dedicated helmet area

Navigating Your Purchase: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide to Triathlon Bags

The best triathlon bag should include:

• A designated waterproof wetsuit compartment to keep wet gear separate from dry items
• Ample storage space for all your triathlon essentials

Additionally, look for bags with multiple compartments and pockets to help keep your gear organized and easily accessible. A high-quality, well organized triathlon bag will ensure that your race day goes smoothly and that you have all the necessary items at hand.

With plenty of options available, it’s essential to find a bag that offers ample storage, organization, and comfort to support your triathlon journey. Our top picks cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring that you can find the ideal bag to suit your triathlon lifestyle.

Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete seeking an upgrade or a beginner looking for the perfect first triathlon bag, take the time to explore these options and make an informed decision. A well-organized and high-quality triathlon bag can greatly enhance your race-day experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i pack a triathlon transition bag.

Pack your gear in the order you will need it, from last to first. Remember that some items may be wet and/or dirty when repacking after a race so plan accordingly when re-packing.

What is a designated waterproof wetsuit compartment?

A designated waterproof wetsuit compartment is a separate section in a triathlon bag, ensuring that wet gear stays away from the dry items, protecting them from moisture damage.

What should I look for in a triathlon bag?

When shopping for a triathlon bag, look for one with ample storage, comfortable straps and several compartments and pockets for organization. This will make your transition through the race more convenient and efficient.

Can a triathlon bag be used as a regular gym bag?

Yes, a triathlon bag is an ideal choice for regular gym use because it has plenty of compartments and storage options. We have often used old transition bags for this purpose.

Are all triathlon bags airline carry-on compatible?

Not all triathlon bags are airline carry-on compatible, so it’s important to check the dimensions of the bag and the airline’s requirements before flying.

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Best Bike Travel Cases for Easy Transportation

Biking is a fun and healthy way to explore new places, but transporting your bike can be a hassle. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or train, a bike travel case can help protect your bike from damage and make it easier to transport.

Bike travel cases come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, so it’s essential to consider your needs before making a purchase. The most important factor to consider is the type of bike you have and its size. Some cases are designed specifically for road bikes, while others can accommodate mountain bikes or even fat tire bikes.

Another critical consideration is the level of protection you need. Hardshell cases offer the most protection but can be heavy and bulky. Softshell cases are lighter and easier to store but may not offer as much protection. You’ll also want to consider the ease of packing and unpacking your bike, as well as the weight and portability of the case.

To help you find the best bike travel case for your needs, we’ve tested and reviewed several top-rated options. Our reviews take into account factors like protection, ease of use, and portability. Whether you’re a serious cyclist or just looking to take your bike on a weekend getaway, we’ve got you covered.

Best Bike Travel Cases

If you’re an avid cyclist, you know how important it is to have a reliable bike travel case when you’re on the go. Whether you’re traveling to a race or just taking your bike on vacation, a good travel case can protect your bike from damage and make transportation a breeze. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best bike travel cases on Amazon to help you find the perfect one for your needs. So, pack your bags and get ready to hit the road with confidence knowing your bike is safe and secure.

CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case

If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy bike travel case, the CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case is a great option to consider.

• The case is made of high-quality EVA material that provides excellent protection for your bike during transportation.
• The case comes with a TSA lock, ensuring that your bike is secure and protected at all times.
• The case is compatible with 700C road bikes with QR and Thru axles wheels, making it a versatile option for different types of bikes.

• The case is not compatible with MTBs and integrated seatpost, so it may not be suitable for all types of bikes.
• The case is relatively heavy at 8.3kg/18.3lbs, which may make it difficult to carry around.
• The case may be too large for some users, as its dimensions are 115cm x 25cm x 84cm/45″ x 10″ x 33″.

The CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case is a great option for those who want to travel with their bike without worrying about damage during transportation. Its high-quality EVA material and TSA lock ensure that your bike is protected and secure, while its compatibility with different types of bikes makes it a versatile option. However, its weight and size may be a concern for some users.

Scicon Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Travel Bag

If you are looking for a high-quality bike travel case that is easy to pack and transport, the Scicon Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Travel Bag is a great option.

• Easy to pack and transport
• TSA approved
• Durable and protective
• Rear derailleur needs to be removed
• Limited space for additional gear

This bike travel case is designed to fit road bikes with a maximum wheelbase of 116cm. It features a lightweight and durable design with a rigid base and padded sidewalls to protect your bike during transport. The case is also TSA approved, making it easy to get through airport security without any issues.

One of the biggest advantages of the Scicon Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Travel Bag is its ease of use. The case is easy to pack and transport, and it comes with a variety of accessories to help you secure your bike and other gear. The case also has a comfortable shoulder strap for easy carrying.

However, there are a few drawbacks to this bike travel case. First, you will need to remove the rear derailleur from your bike before packing it in the case. This can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you are not familiar with bike mechanics. Additionally, the Scicon Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Travel Bag is quite expensive compared to other bike travel cases on the market. Finally, the case has limited space for additional gear, so you may need to pack lightly or bring another bag for your other belongings.

Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality bike travel case that is easy to use and provides excellent protection for your bike, the Scicon Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Travel Bag is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to pay a premium price for this top-of-the-line product.

SCICON Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Triathlon Bike Travel Bag

If you’re looking for a reliable bike travel case, the SCICON Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Triathlon Bike Travel Bag is a great option for you.

• Easy to pack and unpack
• TSA approved lock system
• Durable and sturdy
• Some users reported issues with the inserts for rim-brake bicycles
• Tightening screw for the front doesn’t grip or tighten well
• May not be suitable for all types of bikes

This bike travel bag is perfect for triathletes who want to travel with their bike. It’s easy to pack and unpack, and the TSA approved lock system ensures that your bike stays safe and secure during transit.

The SCICON Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Triathlon Bike Travel Bag is durable and sturdy, so you can rest assured that your bike will be protected from any damage during transit. However, some users reported issues with the inserts for rim-brake bicycles, and the tightening screw for the front doesn’t grip or tighten well. Additionally, this bag may not be suitable for all types of bikes, so make sure to check the specifications before purchasing.

Overall, if you’re a triathlete who travels frequently and wants to ensure that your bike stays safe during transit, the SCICON Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Triathlon Bike Travel Bag is a great investment.

EVOC Bike Bag

If you’re looking for a bike travel bag that is lightweight yet sturdy, the EVOC Bike Bag might be just what you need.

• The hybrid construction combines the advantages of a hardshell case with the ease of use of a soft bag.
• The intelligent reinforcing elements provide maximum protection with minimal weight to protect your bike when traveling by airplane.
• The bike travel bag fits most bike types, including cross country, all mountain, enduro, freeride, downhill, road, gravel, triathlon bikes and bikes for up to 29°.
• The bag is on the pricey side, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
• The bag is quite large, so it may be difficult to store when not in use.
• Some users have reported that the bag is not as durable as they had hoped.

The EVOC Bike Bag is a versatile travel bag that can accommodate a wide range of bike types. It features a separate compartment for the wheels, reinforced fork holder, and molded polycarbonate bike block, all of which help to protect your bike during transport. The bag has a capacity of 280 liters, and its extra-wide chassis and numerous grip options make it easy to transport.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable bike travel bag that can keep your bike safe during transport, the EVOC Bike Bag is worth considering.

Aophire Folding Bike Bag

If you’re looking for a convenient and portable way to transport your bike, the Aophire Folding Bike Bag is a great choice.

• This bike bag is suitable for regular 26 inch bikes, and can even fit up to 27.5 inch bikes with wheels and handlebar off.
• Disassembling the front wheel and handlebar of the bike makes it easy to load into the bag and zip up.
• The heavy duty 600D oxford fabric and 300g non-woven fabric, combined with strong shoulder straps and two accessories pockets, make this bicycle carrier case high quality and durable.
• The unfolded size of 55.1 31.4 11 inch (140cm x 80cm x 28cm) may not fit in all vehicles or storage spaces.
• The lack of side panels to reinforce the bag may be a concern for some users during air travel.
• The bag may not provide enough protection for more expensive or delicate bikes during transport.

If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to transport your bike, the Aophire Folding Bike Bag is a great option. It’s easy to load and carry, and the heavy duty materials provide good protection. However, if you have a more expensive or delicate bike, you may want to consider a more protective option.

BUDS ULTIMATE BAG

If you’re looking for a bike travel case that offers maximum protection and resistance, the BUDS ULTIMATE BAG is a great option.

• The high-density foam padding and PE board reinforcements provide excellent protection for your bike during air travel.
• The included accessories, such as the fork and frame protectors, ensure that your bike stays safe and secure.
• The bag is easy to pack and store when not in use.
• The bag is relatively heavy, which may make it difficult to carry around.
• It may be difficult to fit larger bikes into the bag.
• Some airlines may not cover damage to bikes when using a soft bag, so it’s important to check with your airline before traveling.

The BUDS ULTIMATE BAG is made from high-quality, extremely resistant materials, including PE600D exterior and TPE-lined interior for easy maintenance. The bag is designed to accommodate both road and mountain bikes, with simple steps to fit your bike into the cover.

In addition to its protective features, the BUDS ULTIMATE BAG is also designed to be discreet and easy to store. The bag folds up and can be easily stored in a closet or small space when not in use, making it a great option for frequent travelers.

Overall, if you’re looking for a bike travel case that offers excellent protection and resistance, the BUDS ULTIMATE BAG is a great option. Just be aware of its weight and size limitations, and check with your airline to ensure that your bike is covered in case of damage during travel.

If you’re looking for an affordable bike travel case, the Aophire Folding Bike Bag is a great option to consider.

• The Aophire Folding Bike Bag is suitable for regular 26 inch bikes, making it a versatile option.
• It’s easy to load your bike into the bag by disassembling the front wheel and handlebar.
• The bag is made of heavy-duty 1680D polyester, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of travel.
• Some users have reported issues with the bag tearing or the zipper breaking after only a few uses.
• The bag doesn’t have any padding or protection for your bike, so you may need to add extra padding yourself.
• The bag may not fit larger bikes or bikes with non-standard shapes or components.

If you’re on a budget and looking for a basic bike travel case, the Aophire Folding Bike Bag is a solid choice. It’s easy to use and provides basic protection for your bike during travel. However, if you’re looking for a more durable or protective option, you may want to consider investing in a higher-end travel case.

Thule RoundTrip Sport – Hard Shell Bike Travel Case

If you’re looking for a durable, heavy-duty bike travel case that can handle your road, mountain, or cyclotron bike, the Thule RoundTrip Sport is a solid option.

• Durable polyethylene construction with integrated wheels for easy transport
• Dividers keep wheels separated from frame
• Fits both mountain and road bikes
• TSA will open these boxes every time (which is most likely true)
• Expensive for what is essentially two big molded pieces of plastic with some cheap hardware
• Hard to maneuver without additional handles

The Thule RoundTrip Sport is a great option for those who want to keep their bikes safe during travel. Its durable polyethylene construction and integrated wheels make it easy to transport, while dividers keep wheels separated from the frame to prevent damage. Plus, it can fit both mountain and road bikes.

However, TSA will open these boxes every time, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, it’s expensive for what is essentially two big molded pieces of plastic with some cheap hardware. Finally, it can be hard to maneuver without additional handles.

If you’re willing to invest in a high-quality bike travel case, the Thule RoundTrip Sport is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best bike travel case, there are several features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping for a bike travel case:

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the bike travel case are important considerations. You want a case that is large enough to fit your bike, but not so large that it becomes difficult to transport. Additionally, you want a case that is lightweight enough to carry easily, but sturdy enough to protect your bike during travel.

Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing a bike travel case. Look for a case made from strong and durable materials that can withstand the rigors of travel. A hard-shell case is typically more durable than a soft-shell case, but it may also be heavier.

Ease of Use

You want a bike travel case that is easy to use and transport. Look for a case that is easy to pack and unpack, and that has wheels and handles for easy transport. Additionally, consider the ease of assembly and disassembly, as well as the ease of attaching and detaching the bike from the case.

Additional Features

Some bike travel cases come with additional features that can be useful during travel. For example, some cases have padding or straps to secure the bike in place, while others have additional compartments for storing accessories or clothing. Consider these additional features when choosing a bike travel case.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best bike travel case for your needs. Keep in mind that the best case for you may depend on your specific travel needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top features to look for in a bike travel case.

When choosing a bike travel case, it’s important to consider the durability, weight, and ease of use. Look for cases made of sturdy materials such as ABS plastic or aluminum, with reinforced corners and padding to protect your bike during transportation. Also, consider the weight of the case as airlines often have strict weight limits for checked luggage. Lastly, make sure the case is easy to pack and unpack, with features such as removable panels and quick-release skewers.

How do you pack a bike securely in a travel case?

To pack your bike securely, first, remove the pedals, handlebars, and wheels. Use padding to protect the frame, and secure the components in the case using straps or foam blocks. Make sure the bike is tightly packed to prevent movement during transportation. It’s also a good idea to include a copy of your bike’s dimensions and a list of any loose parts to avoid any issues with airline regulations.

What are the pros and cons of hard shell versus soft shell bike cases?

Hard shell cases offer more protection for your bike but can be heavier and more cumbersome to transport. Soft shell cases are generally lighter and easier to store, but may not provide as much protection. Ultimately, the choice between a hard or soft shell case will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Can you recommend any reliable bike travel cases for airline transportation?

Some popular bike travel cases for airline transportation include the Thule RoundTrip Pro XT, the Evoc Bike Travel Bag, and the Scicon Aerotech Evolution X TSA. These cases offer sturdy construction, ample padding, and convenient features such as wheels and handles for easy transport.

What’s the best way to protect my bike during air travel?

In addition to packing your bike securely in a travel case, there are a few additional steps you can take to protect your bike during air travel. Consider purchasing additional insurance for your bike, and make sure to label the case with your contact information. It’s also a good idea to remove any accessories such as water bottles or bike computers to prevent damage or loss.

Are there any tips for finding high-quality used bike travel cases?

When shopping for a used bike travel case, be sure to inspect the case carefully for any signs of wear or damage. Look for cases made by reputable brands, and check online reviews to see what other users have to say. Also, consider purchasing from a seller with a good return policy in case the case does not meet your expectations.

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Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 TSA review: Travel made easy

No disassembly is required but will it keep your bike safe on a plane.

Cyclingnews Verdict

It seems prudent to take the rear derailleur off if you have thru-axles, but otherwise, you really don’t need to disassemble the bike and I’ve seen it survive countless trips with no issues. Just keep an eye on what your ground transportation options are and flared gravel bars aren’t ideal.

No disassembly required

Instructions are printed on the bag

Accessories bag stays attached to limit movement

Options for shouldering it if needed

Incredibly smooth wheels

Stores easily

Metal derailleur cage isn’t useable with a thru axle

Large overall size, so difficult to fit in cars or on trains

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I'm writing this review in the middle of winter. It's cold, it's wet, it's grey, and it's generally rather miserable. There's nothing I'd rather do than get outside on my bike in decent weather. Unfortunately, if I want to do that, the only option is going to involve an aeroplane. Flying with a bike isn't that big of a deal provided you've got a quality case, but as always, the question is which one? 

To help find the right protection for your bike on an aeroplane, we've got an expansive list of the best bike travel cases . In that list, there are hardshell options and softshell options and one thing you might notice is that many of the cases require disassembly. If that doesn't sound like your idea of a good time, there are a few that promise to keep your bike almost entirely assembled and fully intact. One of those is the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 road bike travel bag, which like its closest competitor, the Evoc Road Bike Bag Pro , only asks that you remove your wheels and pedals. 

The Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 road bike travel bag promises easy protection without disassembly and it’s popular. I gave it a try after getting a tip from someone who travels with bikes regularly but that wasn't the first or only time I saw it. If I find myself with a group of cyclists who flew somewhere, there's usually more than one person using it. Given the suggestion and popularity, it was time for me to give it a proper try. If you like the idea of travelling without taking your bike apart, keep reading to see what's good, and what's not about the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 road bike travel bag.

Design and aesthetics 

The backbone of the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 road bike travel bag is the base of the bag. From the outside, you'll notice there are rigid plastic pieces at the front and back. These plates sit under the four wheels that rotate 360 degrees. They also cap off the edges of a rectangular section that makes up the base. Like the rest of the Scicon bag, it's soft with dense padding and covered in an extra-durable vinyl outer. 

The real structure of the design is on the inside though. Taking care of your bike is a pair of square metal tubes that sit a little wider than the widest part of your cranks. This little frame is what protects your bike and provides stability for the rest of the bag. At the rear, the two bars connect into a thick and rigid bit of plastic that arches upward before ending in with a receiver. In the accessories provided, there are two pieces of metal in the shape of a T. One fits a quick release and the other a thru-axle. Both attach to the base with a screw and they both have a bit of rubber where the chain sits once you've removed the wheel. 

At the other end of the metal bars, you'll find more of the same plastic. This time it's at the base and there is a central spine where you can balance the centre of the frame under the bottom bracket white packing. The design of this piece makes it look like a good place to rest tools but, with no tools needed, that isn’t likely to see a lot of use. When the bike is fully attached to the frame of the bag, the bottom bracket shell doesn’t touch the base at all. 

At the front of the spine is another receiver hole for your front axle. This time there is another length of square metal bar. Once you slide the bar into the plastic, you can move it fore and aft to match the wheelbase of your bike before tightening it down. 

With your bike locked down into the frame at the bottom, that's the end of the hard part. From there you employ a series of straps and pads to hold the bike tightly against the bottom frame and keep it from moving around. The wheels go on either side to help provide structure to the upper part of the bag but the design uses a heavy nylon outer with dense padding around 13mm thick to also protect the bike from impacts. At the front, there's an extra strip of padding that you can move so that it sits over each of your drop bar controls. There's also a spot of hard plastic over where the derailleur sits as well as in the centre of each wheel. What's more, there is a metal cage that provides protection for the derailleur, howver it only attaches with a quick release so those with thru-axles won't be able to take advantage of this feature. 

Performance

Packing a bike into the Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 TSA is simple. The whole process takes maybe 15 minutes, perhaps as much as 30 minutes when you are first figuring it out. The hardest part is that the outer fabric shell doesn't open enough at the ends. This means it's tough to get the piece that holds the fork positioned in the receiver hole and to slide it around once you do manage to get it in. At the other end, it's really hard to get the bag around the derailleur. Once you manage those two minor struggles, all you have to do is position the straps and clip them in. 

Everything in the upper section of the bag is about holding the bike to the lower frame. At the front, you wrap a pad around each side of the bars on the flats and attach a strap with a buckle over the top. At the rear of the bike, there is a saddle cover with loops for the strap to go through. The last strap goes over the top tube and there is another pad to protect the frame. The only trick with the centre strap is that it also pulls the sides of the case closed, so remember to get the wheels in the wheel bags first. 

With all the straps in position you just need to zip the bag closed. It's not terribly hard but getting the front positioned around the drops and controls might take a bit of finesse. You might also find yourself repositioning the padding to protect the levers but none of it's tough. 

At this point, you are ready to head to the airport, however, I wouldn't head out the door until I removed the derailleur. 

If you recall above how I said it was tough to get the case over the derailleur, that's because there's not a lot of spare room in that area. On the outside, there is hard plastic, plus there is padding, so it's unlikely the actual derailleur is going to get damaged. It seems likely the hanger could get bent though, so it's not a risk I would ordinarily take, was I not testing it for a review.  

Except, somehow bikes seem to survive in this bag. I personally used it with gravel bars that I think are too wide at the drops and suffered no consequences. I've also loaned the bag out to others who also used it without removing the derailleur and suffered no consequences. What you really want to know is if your bike is going to remain safe despite staying assembled and the answer is yes. I've had positive personal experiences to draw from, but perhaps more tellingly, the last time I flew with a bike there were three other people there with Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 TSA bags and none of us had any issues. 

The negatives I listed seem to be more theoretical than real life. If I was going to leave the derailleur attached to the bike, I'd want to have the metal cage usable. It's not usable with thru-axles so I prefer to take it off. Others don't though and it seems to work fine. 

The story about difficulty with ground transportation is somewhat similar. I have managed to get the Topeak PakGo X into the back of a regular sedan and I doubt that would work with the Scicon. That said, I called for Lyft XL each time I used it and I managed just fine. The strap for your shoulder combined with the low (17.1 kg packed with a gravel bike) weight and excellent wheels actually makes it more flexible in an airport than the Topeak. 

There is another aspect to consider as well. The Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 TSA Bike Travel Bag has been out for a long time. During that time on market, the price has dropped quite a bit. These days it's looking like a really good bargain and it usually undercuts its main competitor, the Evoc Road Bike Bag Pro . That bag offers a similar no-tools experience but with a little more protection thanks to its hard upper shell. However it's a much larger bag to store when not in use, and is a little more difficult to manoeuvre than the Scicon. 

Tech Specs: Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 TSA Bike Travel Bag

• Price: £447 / $569.40 / €509,40 / AU$779.4
• Compatibility: QR skewer or 12 mm x 100 mm thru axle (Road bike disc)
• Rear: QR skewer or 12mm thru axles
• Size: 42.9 x 40.5 x 19.6in
• Material: SciCon D-Tex860 fabric
• Weight: 17.6 lb (8kg) claimed weight (measured at 17.1kg with packed bike)

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Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest of the United States but would prefer riding through the desert than the rain. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but also has an understanding that most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn't care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes. Height: 5'9" Weight: 140 lb. Rides: Salsa Warbird, Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Continuum Onyx

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The Best Crossbody Bags For Travel, Built With Storage And Style

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Roomy enough to carry everyday essentials, the best crossbody bags for travel give you the freedom to explore without having to lug your suitcase around. We researched the best crossbody bags for travel that offer both storage and style and selected the MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe as our top pick. We also found other great options for different travel styles, like a spacious crescent bag for beach trips and a sleek sling bag for organization.

The best crossbody bags for travel give you the freedom to explore without having to lug your ... [+] suitcase around.

A solid crossbody bag is versatile and provides convenient hands-free storage for every situation. This 4-in-1 leather bag from Lo & Sons stylishly transitions from day to night, while Lululemon’s popular Everywhere Belt Bag can be worn on the hip or across the body. Meanwhile, active travelers will get great use out of the Nomatic Navigator Sling , which features a water bottle holder and a stabilizer strap. Below, the best crossbody bags for travel in a variety of price points, styles and materials.

• Best Crossbody Bag For Travel Overall: MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe
• Best Affordable Crossbody Bag For Travel: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
• Best Crossbody Bag For Organization: Aer Day Sling 3
• Best Crossbody Bag For Parents: Hobo Sheila Large Satchel
• Best Crossbody Bag For Beach Trips: Baggu Large Nylon Crescent Bag
• Best Crossbody Bag For Active Trips: Nomatic Navigator Sling 6L
• Most Versatile Crossbody Bag For Travel: Lo & Sons Waverley 2 in Nappa Leather
• Best Belt Bag For Travel: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1 L
• Best Crossbody Bag For Men: Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack
• Best Leather Crossbody Bag For Travel: Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Crossbody

Best Crossbody Bag For Travel Overall

Lightweight, stylish storage, mz wallace small sutton deluxe.

Dimensions: 9.8 × 5.5 × 10.20 inches | Weight: 1.08 pounds | Materials: Recycled oxford (polyester, nylon), leather

With a handy key ring strap and five interior pockets, this versatile bag is perfect for staying organized during travel. It can be worn as a crossbody or top handle tote and its water-resistant oxford fabric won’t weigh you down on your journey. There’s an easy-to-adjust nylon strap for a customized fit and the detachable interior pouch is big enough to hold a pair of shoes, plus the ample pockets provide plenty of space for your phone, keys, tickets and more. It weighs only a pound but can fit a surprising amount of items, plus its plush fabric folds down for packing.

Best Affordable Crossbody Bag For Travel

Security features plus many pockets, travelon anti-theft classic mini shoulder bag.

Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Materials: Polyester, nylon

Travelon’s Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag packs an impressive punch for being so small. Its six pockets keep everything where you need it—including an RFID-blocking passport and card interior organizer—while a tethered key caddy with an LED light eliminates that dreaded “can’t-find-it-in-my-bag” feeling. The 5-Point Anti-Theft security system protects against theft threats with slash-resistant fabric, lockable straps and secure zipper pulls. Not only will you feel safe wearing this bag, but thanks to its 13 colors and prints, you’ll also look stylish anywhere your trip may take you.

Best Crossbody Bag For Organization

A compact sling bag with room to spare, aer day sling 3.

Dimensions: 11.5 x 6 x 3 inches | Weight: 0.8 pounds | Materials: Cordura nylon

With a ballistic nylon exterior and a unique design that zips open for easy access, Aer’s Day Sling 3 is one of the more durable crossbody options out there. It has a 3L capacity that fits a surprising amount of items and its 8 pockets ensure everything stays in its place. There are multiple loops for strapping onto your luggage or storage and a handy front pocket with a key leash and cool security features like a secret back pocket. There’s also a sneaky Fidlock clasp that makes it harder for a pickpocket to snatch your bag.

Best Crossbody Bag For Parents

Extra space and storage for the whole family, hobo sheila large satchel.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 14 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Materials: Raffia, leather

For parents or travelers who need to tote a lot of stuff on the go, a larger bag might be in order. Hobo’s Sheila Large Satchel offers nice organizational features and high style points. It’s made of a lightweight woven raffia with leather trim for added durability, plus its six interior pockets, key lanyard and accessible side exterior pocket are perfect for storing smaller items you may need throughout the day. Its main compartment is quite roomy, easily fitting a laptop, kid’s tablet, diaper wipes, snacks, toys, a backup outfit and more. The flexibility of its 3-in-1 styling really stands out—the adjustable strap can be worn as a crossbody, shortened for a shoulder bag or simply removed to transform into a classy top handle bag for a night out after the kiddos go to sleep.

Best Crossbody Bag For Beach Trips

Large and easy to wear for sandy days in the sun.

Urban Outfitters

Baggu Large Nylon Crescent Bag

Dimensions: 10.5 × 19.5 × 5.25 inches | Weight: N/A (not listed) | Materials: 100% recycled nylon

A beach bag calls for some pretty specific features: it needs to be durable and water-resistant, it should be big enough to hold bulky towels and ideally, it has a simple shape so sand won’t get lodged in the nooks and crannies. After much research, the Baggu Crescent Bag fits the bill. Its adjustable strap can be worn across the chest or as a tighter-fitting shoulder bag, the large size is roomy enough for a couple towels and a change of clothes and the zippered interior pocket keeps your wallet and keys secure. The quick-drying ripstop nylon is not only recycled, it’s also durable enough to withstand the windiest—and wettest—of beach days. Consider adding a few of Baggu’s fun printed flat pouches for additional organization.

Best Crossbody Bag For Active Trips

A durable sling with no detail spared, nomatic navigator sling 6l.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 9 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Materials: 80% nylon, 20% polyester

Whether you’re hiking, biking or riding the metro, the Navigator Sling from Nomatic offers durability, storage and some impressive features. There’s a water bottle holder that zips away when not in use, a molded EVA back panel for wearable comfort and breathability, a tamper-resistant zipper and tech features like built-in tablet storage, an RFID-blocking pocket for your cards and a cord-pass through for charging your devices in different pockets. If you’re running or moving around a lot, there’s also a stabilizer strap that clips on to keep the sling even more secure to your body. Unlike some sling styles, this bag has multiple zippered storage compartments, the main one opening extra wide for easier access.

Most Versatile Crossbody Bag For Travel

Four ways to wear it.

Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons Waverley 2 in Nappa Leather

Dimensions: 5.6 x 8 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Materials: Nappa, Saffiano or cactus leather

When you’re on the go, sometimes the last thing you want is to ruin the flow of the day by making a pit stop at the hotel to change out a bag before dinner. We like the Lo & Sons Waverley for its inventive versatility that adapts to your needs. The minimal leather design has an adjustable strap that can be worn 4 ways: as a hands-free belt bag, a longer crossbody, a casual shoulder bag or an elevated clutch with (or without) a wristlet. The main compartment is large enough for the essentials and the zippered inner pocket keeps smaller items secure no matter where your day—or night—takes you.

Best Belt Bag For Travel

Hands-free storage in a slim profile, lululemon everywhere belt bag 1 l.

Dimensions: 7.5 x 2 x 5 inches | Weight: N/A (not listed) | Materials: Nylon, recycled polyester

Over 22,500 reviewers agree: the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is sleek, lightweight and versatile enough to be worn just about anywhere your travels take you. It has a water-repellant nylon exterior and one main compartment, three mesh interior pockets for added organization and a back zipper for your phone or cards. Its adjustable strap can tighten for comfortable wearing around your waist or it can be extended as a crossbody sling. With a 1L capacity, this bag is definitely on the smaller side, so you might want to consider their larger 2L size if you need more space.

Best Crossbody Bag For Men

Rugged looks for when you're on the go, cotopaxi coso 2l hip pack.

Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 inches | Weight: 10 ounces | Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester

This easy-wearing hip pack from Cotopaxi combines an urban rugged look with smart storage solutions. The recycled nylon exterior is durable with a matte TPU coating, making it water-resistant and easy to clean, while a fleece interior pocket stores your phone or other small devices without any scratch risk. There’s multiple grab handles for easy carrying, secure pockets for smaller items and in addition to the main zippered compartment, the exterior front flap pocket can store a rolled-up lightweight jacket when you get warm on the go. G-hooks on both sides can be adjusted for customized storage and it can be comfortably worn as a crossbody on the front or back, or around the waist as a belt bag.

Best Leather Crossbody Bag For Travel

Three storage sections in a minimal package, quince italian leather triple compartment crossbody.

Dimensions: 7.8 x 9.5 x 3 inches | Weight: 1.54 pounds | Materials: Leather

Quince’s smooth Italian leather crossbody might look simple from the outside, but there’s actually a lot of unexpected storage inside. The bag has three main compartments—two zippered sections flanking one open area that closes with snaps—plus three internal zippered pockets to take your organization a step further. It also comes with two detachable straps that allow for crossbody or wristlet wear. Quince is known for its fair prices and ethical manufacturing process, and if that’s not impressive enough, the brand also offers a generous 365-day return policy.

The Best Travel Accessories, Reviewed By Our Editors

The best wireless earbuds under $100 that offer style and function, why trust forbes vetted.

Our team at Forbes Vetted is comprised of seasoned editors, writers and researchers who not only love travel, but love to shop. We approach all of our travel product roundups with a discerning eye, focusing on quality, value and more, taking the time to assess products so you don’t have to. From the best luggage locks to the best carry-on backpacks , we spend countless hours researching, vetting and testing travel products to bring you the best of what’s on the market so you can make smart and informed shopping decisions for that next big trip or cruise . This story was written by contributor Becky Eaton , who regularly writes fashion, accessory and travel product guides for Forbes Vetted.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

My wife and I have traveled independently to many European countries and, after reading many of the comments in this forum, feel like we may be able to do so in Moscow and St. Petersburg as well, although we feel somewhat less comfortable than the other countries where we have traveled in Europe.

My biggest question is how much we will miss by visiting the main sites without a tour guide. In the other European countries we have visited on our own we have been comfortable and satisfied with the level of knowledge we have gained by studying and visiting on our own, although we believe a tour guide or tour company in any country would normally be able to provide greater insight than visiting a site on our own, but about in Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Unless you speak at least some Russian and read the alphabet it would be difficult without a guide. Very few signs in English especially in Moscow. Also not too many people speak English there.

I visited St Petersburg last Autumn for a protracted period , and did not find it anymore daunting than any other European city . As Ilja says , learning the Cyrillic alphabet is a big plus . I also found that it was fairly easy to grasp . It will , among other things , enable you to read signs with relative ease . I would answer the main part or your question ( about tour guides ) thus - I am not enamored of tour guides or tours. While I only use a tour under duress ( A sites rules prohibiting an independent visit - ie Glasgow School of Art , Municipal House in Prague , etc ) . Doing your own preparation and homework is the best way , in my opinion . My wife and I ventured through St Petersburg with nary a concern ,and made two day trips outside of the central district ( one was twenty five miles away , and no English speakers in sight ) Figuring out the logistical details , did not present any difficulties . While I never use tours , I am an inveterate eavesdropper , have done so many times , and find , that on balance , the information that they impart is fairly elementary . If you want greater detail , they are unlikely to supply it . I also prefer to go at my own pace , not being rushed and being able to dwell on things that most other visitors barely give a passing glance . If you are interested , let me know . I would be happy to provide you with information that will enable you to travel independently

Thank you, Steven. I am encouraged by your comments and feel the same way you do about tour groups. We are very much willing to prepare in advance and learn the basics of the Cyrillic alphabet to help us have a better experience.

I would be very interested in learning more about your experience in Russia and receiving any additional information you can provide on independent travel there, starting perhaps with obtaining the visa.

I am not opposed to hiring a private or small group guide for a specific site or for a day trip outside St Petersburg and Moscow, but, like you said, I much prefer the freedom of staying at places as long or short as I want and seeing the sites that interest me most. For example, neither my wife nor I are big into shopping, yet most tour itineraries leave afternoon time for just that. Not interested!

Please provide whatever you may feel would be helpful for us.

Russ , I see you are quite near San Francisco - you can start by looking at the VISA procedure , it's fairly straightforward . Since there is a consulate in San Francisco - look here http://www.consulrussia.org/eng/visa-sub1.html

And here - http://ils-usa.com/main.php

Having always traveled independently, we thought we could do a better job than any tour. How misguided (pun intended) we were. Now that we have had the experience of having someone native to the area walk us around and explain things through a personal perspective we realize how much we missed. For St. Petersburg I highly recommend http://www.peterswalk.com/tours.html . This is not a traditional guided tour, but an opportunity to receive some orientation to the area as well as insight into the "Russian soul". I think if you did this upon arrival the rest of your time would be much more meaningful. We really liked the http://www.pushka-inn.com . The location is superb (just around the corner from the Hermitage square), the rooms lovely, the included breakfast at the restaurant next door ample and overall an excellent value. We used this company to get our visa: https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/site/san_francisco_customer_service Note that it costs about the same for a 3-year visa as a one-year, and you never know if you might want to return within that more extended window of time. It is not cheap, so factor that into your planning.

If you like traveling without a guide in other countries and find this satisfying, the same will be true in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Of course it's not either/or - you can certainly take a guided walk or boat tour, for instance.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning Cyrillic if you're going on your own. The book I used was Teach Yourself Beginner's Russian Script, which was great. It breaks down the alphabet into letters that are the same as English, letters that look the same but are pronounced differently, etc. It's out of print, but you can get used copies on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Beginners-Russian-Script/dp/0071419861/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459701143&sr=8-2&keywords=teach+yourself+russian+script

Russia is indeed a bit more "foreign" than say, Italy. However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I found enough English to be able to get by. Many restaurants had English menus and/or English speaking staff, for instance. This was most emphatically not true in Vladimir and Suzdal (two cities in the Golden Ring outside Moscow). I went with my sister, a Russian speaker, and if she hadn't been there, I would have been in big trouble. So, if you want to see places outside these two big cities, use a guided tour (even if just for that part). Also, Moscow and St. Petersburg are huge cities. Coming from New York, I wasn't intimidated, but those not used to a megacity may not be so cavalier (even I found them overwhelming at times, especially Moscow).

I found both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to be helpful, and both to have various errors. Look at both, buy whichever one has a more recent edition, and then be prepared to have to discard some of the advice therein. Also, these places change more quickly than places in Western Europe. Be very careful of outdated advice. For instance, I was there in 2001 and 2010, so I won't give you any specifics on getting a visa - that changes constantly.

Just as a teaser, two things I saw and loved that I doubt would be included in any escorted tour are the Gorky House in Moscow (an Art Nouveau wonder) and the Sheremyetov Palace in St. Petersburg (it's now a museum of musical instruments, and the decor is amazing, particularly in the Etruscan Room).

Thanks for all the good advice. Any additional thoughts are welcomed.

One of history's seminal works pertaining to Russian history and culture and a MUST for anyone contemplating a visit or simply interested , is this fine work from 1980 - http://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-The-Beauty-Russia/dp/096441841X

This is about you and not about Petersburg. Do you like guided tours? We don't and didn't find that a guide added to our experience in China where we did hire private guides mostly for the logistics; it was easy to have someone drive us places. But once at a site, we didn't need the guide. I felt the same way about our 9 nights in Petersburg. We did hire a guide for the trip to the Catherine Palace again for the ease of logistics for us Olds. Here is our visit: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/an-easy-trip-to-the-catherine-palace/ There are also snapshots of the Church on Spilled Blood in this photo journal. Having someone pick us up at the apartment and get us in without line ups and shepherd us through the palace steering clear of the tour groups was lovely. But we didn't need commentary because we can read and prepare.

You certainly don't need a guide for the Hermitage (we spent 4 days there), the Russian Museum, the Kazan Cathedral or Church on Spilled Blood or the Faberge Museum. We enjoyed a number of self guided walking tours including a couple from Rick Steves guidebooks. We took the canal cruise suggested by RS that had an English commentator. I would not take one without that as you will be totally clueless. The commentator was not all that good but at least we had some idea what we were seeing. So for people like us who like to do our own thing and can read a guidebook and don't particularly like to be led about, a tour is not needed. If you enjoy tour groups, then go for it. Petersburg is easy to negotiate. It helps if you can read the cyrillic alphabet and it is also useful to have the google translate ap on your phone. We found ourselves translating packages in grocery stores with it and the occasional museum sign or menu. I have one food I need to avoid and so it was handy to have the translator to talk with waiters (I could either show them the sentence, or play it for them or play it to myself and then repeat it to the waiter -- that all worked well)

Dear Russ, I cannot help you with Moscow, but about four years ago, my husband and I went to St Petersburg on our own. But, we did use a private guide for 4 half days. We both feel that our guide absolutely made our trip (we stayed 6 or 7 nights). We used a company owned by Tatyana Chiurikova, www.tour-stpetersburg.com I cannot say enough good things about her and our experience. I emailed her and we worked out a schedule/ sights that was tailored to our interests. She also offered some recommendations, which we took. The guide will meet you at your hotel. And frequently, at certain places, with the guide, we were able to skip the long entrance lines. We had an half day driving tour of the city (car, driver, & guide). You are taken to & go in places such as Peter & Paul Fortress, some of the cathedrals, etc. We had a half day with the guide at the Hermitage which ensured that we would see the major sights there. And, of course, you can stay after your guide leaves or return another day. Also, we had the guide for Peterhof (a must & go by boat) and Catherine's Palace. I hope that you will go to the website. As I said, our guide made our trip. I am positive that we would have missed quite a bit on our own everyday. And I'm sure we would have wasted a lot of time trying to get to various place.This was the best of both worlds, a guide where needed and plenty of time on our own. Whatever you do, I'm sure that you will love St Petersburg! Ashley

I am curious about the lines as we encountered no lines on our trip -- but it was in September. We got tickets for the Hermitage at machines and skipped those lines and our guide for the Catherine Palace which was our only guided experience (as noted before, chosen for the logistics of getting there) had arranged tickets and we didn't have a line, but then we also didn't see lines. We did not find lines at any other site.

Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names. With a good map and a good guide - we had the Rough Guides - that part of the logistics is solved. The language is a major problem, but the usual tricks of pointing, looking helpless, and making a joke of it all do wonders. I would hate to be led by a guide, but for others it is a comfortable thought.

We also did both cities on our own. I found the DK Eyewitness guide for Moscow has the best map. I used the one from our library (kept the book at home). Took the smaller RS book for St. Petersburg ( his book on northern cities). His map and restaurant ideas were all good. We also downloaded the Google maps in our Android Samsung tablets/phones for both cities and then could get directions to any place we typed in. The blue ball guided us everywhere. I'm sure we missed somethings by not having a guide, but we just enjoy walking around and getting a sense of a place. If you like art, The Hermitage is great. We went 3 times and still missed alot. In St. Peterburg we stayed at the 3 Mosta which we loved (quite and not far from the Church of Spilled Blood.) We also loved the Georgian food in both cities. There's a great Georgian restaurant near the 3 Mosta hotel. We're now in Belarus- very scenic. Enjoy your trip!!

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