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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.

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The Best Bike Bags and Cases for Travels in 2023

• By : Nicholas Watts
• Updated : April 11, 2024

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With air travels, I often hear horror stories and seen videos where the baggage handlers treat the bike bag just like another suitcase.

One of the primary concerns most cyclists have is whether their bike makes it out from transit safely. The first thing I’d do when I pick up my bike bag at the airport is to do a quick inspection before leaving the airport.

Packing your bike in a cardboard bike box provides very little protection, and you risk it getting damaged during transit.

It’s worthwhile to invest in a bike bag, and even more importantly, know how to pack your bike correctly . No bike bag is 100% damage-proof but at least they do offer wy more protection compared to a cardboard bike box especially if the bike costs thousands.

On this page, I’ll discuss the difference between bike bags and share some of the popular ones used by cyclists to travel.

A Quick Glance : Our Favorite Bike Bags and Cases

Soft Shell Bike Bag : Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 “One of the lightest and easiest to pack bike bags.”

Hard Shell Bike Case : B&W Bike Box 2 “Value for money for a hard shell in terms of price vs the amount of protection.”

Soft Shell Bike Travel Bags

Scicon aerocomfort 3.0.

• Type of Bike : Road
• Compatibility : Quick Release, Thru Axle
• To Remove : Wheelset
• Weight : 8 kg

Scicon is arguably the most popular bike bag brand today.

It’s used by 7 out of 18 World Tour pro cycling teams in 2018 which includes the likes of Bora-Hansgrohe, Mitchelton-Scott, Bahrain-Medida, AG2R La Mondiale, and Quick-Step Floors.

The Aerocomfort 3.0 is the improved version of the very popular 2.0 version. Scicon has made several improvements based on customer feedback. The 3 most significant improvements are the addition of the thru-axles compatibility, new wheels system which was prone to breaking previously, and a reinforced internal bike mount.

It’s still without a doubt the lightest bike travel bag in the market today .

At only 8 kg, it’s even lighter than its already lightweight predecessor. With the bike packed inside, you’re definitely way below the 20 kg allowance that most airlines impose.

The thing I really liked about the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 is the ease of packing and the minimal disassembly required. I’d say most first-timers would probably need less than 10 minutes to have their bike securely packed and ready to go.

• Pros : One of the lightest and easiest to pack bike bags.
• Cons : Smaller base can be unstable and prone to tilt over.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag

• Type of Bike : Road, TT, CX, MTB
• To Remove : Wheelset, Handlebars, Saddle, Seatpost
• Weight : 9.1 kg

Evoc is a German brand well-known for its outdoor and travel bags. This Evoc bag is among their most popular products in their lineup. The unique feature about the Evoc Bike Bag is its one bag fits all concept. The same bag can fit all bike types from road to time trial, cyclocross, and mountain bikes.

Evoc uses an interchangeable internal bike stand to mount bikes. Each type of bike would require a different type of stand due to its shape and design. If you’re buying this bag for your road bikes, make sure you remember to get the bike stand!

Packing wise, the Evoc Bike Travel Bag requires a bit more work by removing the pedals, seat posts, twisting the handlebars sideways, and removing the standard wheel.

The good thing with such removal is the bag packs down into a compact size, which makes the baggage handlers’ work easier. I bet you wouldn’t want an aggressive baggage handler handling your bags, don’t you?

• Pros : Fits all types of bikes.
• Cons : Outer layers are not as durable as advertised.

Thule Roundtrip Pro XT

• Weight : 8.6 kg

Thule is a Swedish company well known for its travel products. This mid-level bike bag has an internal bike mount that doubles up as a work stand, which will make assembling and disassembling your bike quick and easy.

Most road bikes will fit comfortably into the Thule Roundtrip Pro XT bag unless you’re riding anything above size 60, and it includes an adapter for thru-axles. It has a separate wheelset compartment so that your wheelset doesn’t come into contact with your bike frame.

The two roller wheels make it a snap to pull your bag wherever you need to go.

• Pros : Internal bike mount can double up as a temporary workstand.
• Cons : Soft case doesn’t provide 100% protection against rough baggage handlers.

Biknd Helium V4

• Weight : 9.0 kg

Biknd is a Canadian brand that is all about developing innovative bike bags. In fact, their first product is the Helium bike bag which is now in its 4th version, hence the V4.

What makes the Biknd Helium V4 special is the unique way the protection mechanism is implemented. It uses inflatable airbags that strategically placed at both sides of the bag.

Packing the bike would require some disassembly work by removing the wheels, pedals, seat posts and twisting the handlebars sideways. To make packing easier, both the side and front panels can be opened completely.

Now if you’re traveling with 2 sets of wheels, you’re in luck because the bag can fit all of them. Unlike other bags where you keep one wheel on each side panel, the Biknd Helium V4 can hold 2 wheels on each side.

• Pros : One of the best protection for a soft case.
• Cons : Costs more than the average soft case.

Hard Shell Bike Cases

B&w bike box 2.

• Weight : 11.5 kg

B&W is a German brand that has been making innovative outdoor bags since 1998. The Bike Box 2 is the successor to their original Bike Box and has won the prestigious 2018 German Design Award .

The B&W Bike Box 2 is among the lightest available. At almost 12 kg, you’ll most likely fall under the 20kg weight allowance most airlines allow.

However, take note that even though it can fit almost all types of bikes, you’d go above the allowable weight allowance should you fit a mountain bike, which is generally heavier than a road bike.

Packing is made easier with the two shells of the bag coming apart into 2 separate left and right. Once you’ve the bike disassembled, there are internal straps that hold it in place, and extra protection is achieved via the additional foam layers provided.

There’s no dedicated wheels storage compartment. B&W provides 2 separate wheel bags which are also placed inside the bag when you close it.

• Pros : Most value for money for a hard case.
• Cons : Smaller bag design means more to be removed when packing.

Thule Roundtrip Transition

• Weight : 12.0 kg

The Thule Roundtrip Transition is the hardshell equivalent of the Roundtrip Pro XT. In fact, it’s Thule’s top-level and most secure bike case.

It has a sturdy aluminum base and when combined with a strong ABS shell, it provides excellent protection to your bikes.

You can pack your road bike, TT, CX, or mountain bike with this bag, making it very versatile.

As a bonus, thru-axle adapters for 15mm and 20mm axles are included besides the standard quick release.

The unique thing about the Thule Roundtrip Transition bike case is the internal mounting stand can double up as a mobile work stand, making assembly/disassembly and maintenance easier when you’re traveling.

• Pros : Very high-quality build from a reputable brand.
• Cons : Heavier than the average hard case.

Scicon Aerotech Evolution X

• Weight : 11.0 kg

The Scicon Aerotech Evolution has been around for 10 years now and the 3.0 is Scicon’s latest version which was released in late 2017. The major improvement made in this version is adding the thru-axles compatibility.

Without a doubt, the Aerotech Evolution is Scicon’s one of the most secure bike travel cases out there. With premium pricing, Scicon has ensured no corners are cut. The bag has been thoroughly tested to ensure maximum protection for your bike.

The hard shell is made of very durable and hardened plastic, or what Scicon likes to call, thermoplastic . Internally, there is padding everywhere for your bike frame and straps strategically located to hold them in place. It would require some additional work to pack your bike into the bag.

Unlike the Aerocomfort 3.0 where only the wheels are removed, you’ll need to remove pedals, seat posts and twist the handlebars in addition to that.

You probably notice by now that most hardshell cases are bulky and heavy. While it’s still bulky (the shape and size remains), Scicon has managed to bring down the weight by 1 kg compared to its predecessor by using newer and more advanced materials.

At 11 kg, the Scicon Aerotech Evolution 3.0 is among the lightest bike case available.

• Pros : One of the lightest hard cases around and offers a very high level of protection.
• Cons : Be prepared to pay more.

BuxomBox Ventoux

BuxomBox is a small, UK-based company that specializes in bike boxes. In fact, bike boxes are their only product available.

The Ventoux Road is arguably the best one around when it comes to maximum protection. Its entire construction is top quality. With that, it also comes with a premium price tag. You’ve been warned.

For starters, the BuxomBox is made entirely from aluminum. It’s the same 6061 aluminum that’s used to make high-end aluminum race bikes. Not only do they look really good, but they’re also very durable and impact-resistant.

There are 3 sizes for you to choose from, depending on your bike size. Besides, you can also choose whether to support quick release, through-axle, or both.

With 4 handles, 2 at the top and 2 at the sides, you can maneuver the bag around the airport with ease. The 2 fixed and 2 caster wheels make things even easier.

• Pros : Good looking, lightweight, and maximum protection.
• Cons : Packing can be a chore for first-time users.

Bike Travel Cases Buying Guide

1. type of bikes.

This is the most important thing to consider when buying a bike bag or box.

The type of bike you’re planning to travel with will determine the bag’s shape and dimension and the box you’ll need.

Some newer ones like the Evoc Bike Bag , Buxom Box Ventoux , and Thule Roundtrip Transition can fit all bike types.

While it’s obvious that the bike frame of a road, cyclocross (CX) , time trial (TT), and mountain bike look different, there are more to that.

Among other differences are the handlebar’s shape, wheel hub width, and wheel size and diameter.

Geek Tip : Some bike travel cases are bike-specific, whether it’s for road, TT or mountain bike. Make sure you’re buying the right variant.

2. Quick Release vs Thru Axles

Today there are 2 types of braking systems for road bikes.

Traditionally, all road bikes use caliper brakes but disc brakes are getting popular recently for their better braking capabilities especially in the wet.

The mechanism used to attach the wheels to the bike is different between these two.

• Quick Release. The QR was invented by Tullio Campagnolo and has been around for more than 90 years. It’s a wheel locking mechanism found in all road bikes with caliper brakes.
• Thru Axles. The TA was first introduced in mountain bikes in the ’90s. Today, it’s used in all disc brakes road bikes. The axle needs to be pulled out completely to remove the wheels.

Why is this important?

The bike frame has a different design at the dropouts to accommodate either Quick Release or Thru Axles. And so does the bike bag to fit the different dropouts especially if they have an internal mounting stand.

Geek Tip : Newer travel cases are compatible with both quick release (caliper brakes) and thru axles (disc brakes) through an adaptor.

3. Ease of Packing

You’ll need to do some disassembling to pack your bike. You’ll need some of the common bike tools such as hex and torx wrenches .

The amount of disassembly needed depends on the bike travel case, but in general, this isn’t too hard to accomplish. If in doubt, you can always check out YouTube .

All bike travel cases are designed to fit bikes without the wheels, so no matter the make or model, you should expect that removal of the wheels will be necessary.

Some travel cases like the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 require minimal disassembly, while all bike boxes require quite a number of components to be removed prior to packing.

Generally, the list below needs to be removed :

• Rear Derailleur

Geek Tip : How good you’re with the wrench is an important factor when it comes to choosing a bike bag or box that suits your needs.

4. Airline Weight Allowance

If you’re planning to fly with your bike, weight can be an important consideration. Most airlines have a check-in baggage weight allowance between 20 to 30 kg.

Bike boxes weigh more (anywhere between 12 to 18 kg) due to the hard and solid materials used.

On the other hand, bike bags weigh less, between 8 to 12kg, and can be carried more easily when you’re on the move.

Depending on your bike’s weight, you’ll probably end up with around 16 to 25kg baggage check-in weight.

Bike Bags vs Bike Cases : Which is Better?

You’ll often see cyclists pack their bikes either in a bike bag or a bike case. So you’d probably be wondering;

Which one is better to transport for you?

Bike bag or bike case?

• Bike Case is the harder version and provides the most protection for your bike and is very durable. They’re made from tough materials like thermoplastics. It’s also sometimes referred to as a hard case or hard shell.
• Bike Bag is the softer version that typically has internal structures to maintain the bag’s shape and protect your bike. The soft outer sides are made from nylon or canvas which could be vulnerable to tears over time. Some refer to it as soft shellbags.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which bike bag can fit my road, TT, and mountain bikes?

I understand that some of us have a few bikes and the bike we travel with depends on the type of riding we’re going to do.

In this situation, I recommend you consider a bike bag that is one size fits all. Generally, these bike bags don’t have internal mounts which limits your choice of bikes.

Have a look at the Biknd Helium V4 or the B&W International Bike Box 2 .

2. How do I provide additional protection to my bike on top of what’s provided by the bike bag or box?

There are several ways to do this. You can either,

• Buy additional foam paddings and wrap them around the top tube, down tube, seat stays, and fork. 
• Use a cable tie to tie the chain to the chainring to avoid it from falling off.
• Remove the rear derailleur if it gets in the way.

3. What is the lightest bike bag and box available today?

Many cyclists concur that the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 is the lightest bike bag today. At only 8 kg, you’ll have plenty of weight allowance left to pack your bike.

For the bike box, you can choose from either the Scicon Aerotech 3.0 or the B&W International Bike Box 2 .

Author Recommended Reads

• How to Pack Your Bike for Air Travels
• How to Ship A Bike and How Much Will it Cost?

Nicholas Watts

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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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Best MTB travel bags and boxes 2024 – the safest way to pack your bike for travel

Our expert round-up of the best mountain bike travel bags and boxes to buy for your next trip abroad

1. Best for big wheels

2. best for versatility, 3. best for easy packing, 4. best big size, 5. best budget hardcase, 6. best inflatable padding, 7. best cardboard box cover, 8. best free option.

• How to choose
• How to pack your MTB

Quick list 1. Best for big wheels 2. Best for versatility 3. Best for easy packing 4. Best big size 5. Best budget hardcase 6. Best inflatable padding 7. Best cardboard box cover 8. Best free option How to choose How to pack your MTB

Whether you're going on vacation with your bike or heading abroad for a big race, the best MTB travel bags, cases and boxes are a worthwhile investment for getting it there safely. 

It's scary to send your best mountain bike down the conveyor belt at the oversized baggage check-in and put it in someone else's hands for an extended period of time. You can be as cautious as you like, but overworked baggage handlers and automated baggage systems may not be quite as gentle. There are horror stories of airlines destroying bikes, but bike bags and boxes are pretty well designed these days and do well to deliver your pride and joy to your destination and back unscathed.

That's why it's important to pack it as well as possible, using the best mountain bike travel bags and boxes. These travel bags and boxes are specially designed to pack your mountain bike safely, with dedicated compartments and nooks and crannies for the most delicate components. Other things to consider include their portability, durability, and value for money.

To make this buying process easier for you, our expert reviewers have tested out the best MTB travel bags and boxes that you can buy today. Our top option is the Evoc Travel Bag Pro, while our budget choice is a cardboard box – usually free from your local bike shop. Read on for our complete list, or skip to the bottom of the article for our buying advice to help you choose the best option for you, and our tips and tricks for packing your mountain bike safely for its travels.

The best MTB travel bags and boxes

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

The quick list

Best MTB travel bag for big wheels

Excellent protection with plenty of Velcro straps and padding, sturdy handles, and an internal stand.

Read more below

Best MTB travel bag for versatility

A lightweight, robust nylon bag with an aluminum base frame which connects to your bike at the axles.

Best MTB travel bag for easy packing

Designed for easy packing, the Scicon bag is built around an internal bike stand which is 12mm and 15mm thru-axle ready.

Best large MTB travel bag 

Lightweight, soft-shell case with an integrated mount, and multiple internal and external pockets.

Best budget hardcase MTB travel bag

With a hard shell offering superior protection, the case is held together by a self-tightening strap system.

Best inflatable padding MTB travel bag

The Jetpack uses inflatable air bags to offer great protection for your bike and its components.

See the next 2 bags and boxes ↓

Best cardboard box cover MTB travel bag

A box cover, made from water-resistant nylon with replaceable rollerblade wheels, and reinforced base and corners.

Best free MTB travel box

Lightweight, free, recyclable, and the easiest option for those who don't travel frequently.

Evoc Travel Bag Pro

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Around any bike event, you're likely to see a sea of Evoc bike bags, because they are some of the best you can buy. With room for anything from a lightweight roadie to a long and slack 29er enduro bike, the Pro version includes an aluminum tray that attaches to the axles of the bike inside the bag, and doubles as a work-stand when it's time to rebuild. 

Inside the bike is secured with a range of Velcro straps and purpose-built padding, and the external wheel pockets will hold up to a 29 x 2.6in wheel and tire. Inside the bag, there are internal pockets for tools and pedals and the removable plastic ribbing allows the bag to be rolled up for storage. 

The back features two ultra-smooth rollerblade wheels, and there is a third which slots into the front handle for easy transition from the baggage claim to your accommodation. 

Pro Bike Mega Travel Case

With room to easily swallow road, TT and mountain bikes, the Pro Bike Mega Case is huge and features an aluminum base frame which connects to your bike at the axles. With so much room inside the case, the seatpost doesn't need to be removed, just lowered.

The inside of the bag has plenty of well-padded provisions to hold your frame securely, and the four 360-degree wheels at the bottom make the bag move easily in a straight line, but can be cumbersome in crowded baggage claim areas or train stations. 

With handles galore, the outer fabric seems to mark a bit in transit, however, it's robust and, weighing just over 8kg, you should be able to get your bike and a bit of extra gear inside before you tip into overweight-baggage territory. 

Scicon AeroComfort MTB

The beauty of the Scicon AeroComfort MTB is you can pack your bike and hardly turn a bolt. Packing is as simple as removing the wheels. 

The bag is built around the Antishock Bike Frame (ABF) which is 12mm and 15mm thru-axle ready and designed to secure mountain bikes of all sizes with up to 29in wheels. The reinforced wheel pockets are located inside the bag and feature plastic caps so your cassette won’t poke through the bag. 

At 14kg empty it is a bit heavy, but the weight penalty is more than made up for in packing ease and convenience. The bike straps into the bag securely, and the 360-degree wheels allow for easy one-handed dragging . With all of that said, we’ve seen baggage handlers stack Scicon bags upside down on baggage carts on multiple occasions so they won’t roll away, so consider some additional padding for your handlebars and shifters.

Thule RoundTrip Traveler

Bike bags are expensive, and if you don't have a bundle to drop on a soft-travel case, the Thule RoundTrip Traveler does well to toe the line between price, performance and protection. Using removable plastic ribbing for shape, the RoundTrip Traveler folds down completely flat when not in use.

The bike is secured with a fixed-fork block which has adaptors for all modern axle standards and uses a padded bottom-bracket block, similar to the standard Evoc bag. Inside there are heaps of zippered pockets for items such as tools and pedals, and the bag sees padded wheel pockets big enough for 29er wheels and tires. 

At the back, there are two sizeable alloy roller wheels that don't get caught up on cracks or doorways and, at 7.7kg empty, it's noticeably lighter than pricier models.

B&W International Bike Box II

The B&W International Bike Box II is one of the simplest options on the market. There are no complicated packing procedures – instead, you get a few layers of foam to protect the frame from the wheels and box, and it all fits inside two interlocking plastic sides.

The clamshell design uses six self-tightening Velcro buckles to prevent the case from slipping open, and it features a surprising number of handles given the design. B&W International has updated the case with a new plastic designed to flex and not crack and there are no latches or hinges to break.

With room for up to a 62cm frame, the case rolls on four wheels, two fixed and two free rotating, and weighs 11kg with the included padding.

Biknd Jetpack

Using unique inflatable padding and strategically placed rigid reinforcements, the Biknd Jetpack is well padded and big enough for just about any bike. The Jetpack does well to keep everything separated and insulated from clanging into other parts of the bike during transit, and the inflatable cushions insulate your wheels from the outside of the bag without adding much bulk. 

The bag opens flat to simplify packing, and the bike connects at the axles to an aluminum frame – Biknd includes adaptors for every modern axle standard. With access to both sides of the bike, packing is simple, although you will need to remove your bars.

YT Industries Body Bag

The YT body bag combines the best aspects of using a cardboard bike box and purpose-built bag to travel with your bike. The Body Bag is basically a box cover, made from water-resistant nylon with replaceable rollerblade wheels on and handles galore. 

With reinforced corners, the bag features internal cinch straps, the zipper goes nearly all the way around the case, and YT even includes a TSA friendly lock. 

Weighing just 4.5kg, you’ll need to source a box that measures 34 x 90 x 134cm, which unsurprisingly happens to be the dimensions of the boxes YT uses.

Which brings us to...

Cardboard bike box

Yes, we realize the irony in recommending a cardboard box after we've spent all this time talking about the merits offered by purpose-built bike travel cases; but considering a box is how even the most expensive bikes are shipped from the factory, they work pretty well for travel, too.

First and foremost bike boxes are free. Boxes are also lightweight, meaning you can throw other gear in for extra padding. Sometimes it can be a struggle to manipulate your bike and get it securely packaged inside but it's the easiest solution for those who don't travel frequently.

That said, a cardboard box is not weather resistant and if it's raining or gets wet, the integrity of the box can be compromised.

How to choose the best mountain bike travel bags and boxes

Hard or soft shell.

Hard shell trombone-case-style bike bags were the best way to travel with a bike for quite some time; however, engineers at bike brands are pretty clever and softshell bags are nearly on par for protection, weigh less, and often have removable ribbing so they can be rolled up for storage. 

Does its empty weight matter?

With a plastic base, wheels, internal skeleton, and robust materials, bike bags are heavy before you put anything inside, and some are considerably bulkier than others. Most airlines will give you 23kg / 50lbs before they hit you with an exorbitant overweight baggage fee, and when your bag weighs 12kg empty, when you pack a 10kg mountain bike, shoes, and a track pump you'll be nudging up against that limit. 

Do I need to disassemble my bike?

No bike bag will take your bike fully assembled, but some require considerably more disassembly and mechanical acumen than others. At the very least you’ll have to pop your wheels off, but some bags also require you to remove your seatpost, handlebars, and even the fork. 

What size box do I need?

Are you just looking to travel with your bike, or will you be taking trips with your mountain bike, too? Does your roadie have an integrated seat mast or aero bars? Are you riding an XL frame? These are all things to take into account when shopping for a bike travel case because some of the more compact options are simply too small for certain bikes and frame sizes.

Are wheels and handles a useful addition?

For something designed to help you move around with a bike in tow, bike travel cases are surprisingly awkward and cumbersome to move around with. At the very least you'll want plenty of handles to help you hoist your bag onto a conveyor belt or into the back of a car. If you'll be walking much after you land, a good set of wheels will make your life easier.

How to pack your bike into a bag or box

All bike boxes and travel cases require a different amount of disassembly, but these tips and tricks to packing your bike should help you make a smooth job of it.

1. Remove the derailleurs and rotors

Just about every bike bag out there comes with some sort of protection for your rear derailleur and brake rotors, but airlines have a knack for rendering them ineffective. Learn from our mistakes and just take the suckers off, as there's nothing worse than beginning to unpack your bike to find a bent rotor or a broken derailleur hanger. If you are removing rotors, don't forget to put a brake block in the caliper to prevent the pads sticking together or the pistons getting stuck – in a pinch, a folded over business card works too.

2. Deflate your tires

When you’re packing your bike, take a second to let the air out of your tires because airlines don’t allow anything pressurized into the cargo hold because it violates civil aviation safety regulations. Before the engineering types slide into the comments, yes we know that the cargo hold is pressurized to ~10,000ft which will only add 3-4psi to your tires, and it’s extremely unlikely a tire will burst in transit. The reason you need to take this step, is because if you do send your bike through with the tires inflated, there is the distinct possibility that an airline employee will pull your bag up and attempt to deflate them – we’ve heard horror stories of bags and tires cut. Avoid the drama and just let the air out. 

3. Add some extra padding

Yes, we have just spent the last few hundred words saying how great bike bags and boxes are, but there's nothing wrong with a bit of added peace of mind. Some bags come with foam tubing, however pipe insulation or a sliced up pool noodle is perfect for an extra layer of protection. You can also pop into your local bike shop and, if you ask nicely, they might even give you some of the packaging from a newly unboxed bike.

4. Fill the gaps

If you have a few spare kilos in your bike bag once it's packed, throw your shoes, riding clothes, bars and gels and whatever else will fit without tipping your bag over the limit. If you've paid for 23kg / 50lbs, you should use it.

5. Invest in a paint pen

Saddle height and bar roll aren’t something you often think about until either one is a little bit off, and the last thing you want to do on your riding vacation is to pull over constantly and faff with minor adjustments. A couple of dots and lines with a paint pen will allow you to replicate your preferred position on the bike first try every time.

Born and bred in Colorado, and now based in Australia, Colin comes from a ski racing background and started riding as a way to stay fit through the summer months. His father, a former European pro, convinced him to join the Colorado State University collegiate cycling team, and he hasn't stopped since. It's not often he pins on a number nowadays, and you'll likely find him in search of flowy singletrack, gravel roads and hairpin corners. Colin has worked at Bikeradar and is a regular contributor to Australian Mountain Bike and Cyclist magazines. 

Rides: BMC Team Machine SLR01, Trek Top Fuel 9, Ibis Ripley

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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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Best Bike Travel Cases of 2024: Boxes, Bags, and Cases for Bike Travel

When you need to haul your bike hundreds or thousands of miles, there is no better option than a sturdy bike travel case.

More than just boxes, these high-tech bike travel cases are specifically designed for all different types of bikes, big or small.

I’m not sure what they did in the old days, but it was probably something along the line of ‘tape up the cardboard box and cross your fingers.’

Nowadays, bike travel is easier than ever with tens of different bike travel cases uniquely designed for bike travel.

A bike travel bag can come in all different shapes and sizes, hard shell or soft shell, and include wheels or shoulder straps. Whatever your goal, there is a bike travel bag designed just for you.

In this guide, we’re going to dive into the details of eight different bike travel bags. In the end, we’re going to help you decide which bike travel case is best for you.

Bike Travel Cases

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Bike travel cases are used for transporting bicycles from one place to another and are usually used for long-haul travel. This includes being packed into cars, box trucks, and airplanes, places where the bike is likely to get moved around or pressed up against other cargo.

Consider also: Best Bike Racks For Cars

These travel bags are specifically designed for bicycles, including unique shapes and features that fit the curves of a bicycle frame, wheelset, handlebars, and more.

Bicycle travel cases are quite large, though they are much more compact than a put-together bicycle. All bicycle travel cases require some disassembly, with some requiring more than others.

Ranging from hard shell to soft shell casing, bike travel cases offer many forms of protection for the bike inside. In most cases, you won’t have to worry about your bike being thrown around or dropped down a luggage chute when it’s packed in a bike travel bag.

Most commonly used for flying, bicycle travel cases are also used for long-haul travel in cars and trucks. Especially when packed into tight spaces, a bicycle travel bag can protect against bumpy car rides, other luggage, and the slipping and sliding of long-haul travel.

Here is our list of the top 8 best bicycle travel bags.

MSRP: See on Amazon

• Minimal disassembly required
• MTB and triathlon-specific bags are available

Traveling is stressful enough, let alone doing it with a hefty bike bag. So it’s time to remove the stress, minimize disassembly, and make traveling with a bike as easy as possible. The Scion Road AeroComfort 3.0 TSA is designed to do exactly that – all you need to do is remove the wheels.

Scion’s specialty case comes at a cost, but we argue that it’s one of the best bike travel bags available. The Road AeroComfort 3.0 is light, sturdy, and well-padded to provide the best protection for your bike. Even so, it uses a soft shell case which can be packed down when the bike is no longer inside.

The standout feature of the Scion Road AeroComfort 3.0 TSA is the minimal disassembly. Unlike other bicycle travel bags, you won’t need to remove the pedals, handlebars, or rear derailleur from your bike.

Instead, it’s only the wheels that need to come off. There is even a special design around the rear derailleur to completely protect it from travel.

Its base is made of a metal frame defender that is strong and rigid, yet the entire bag weighs just 9kg without the bike. The 360-degree wheels are both good and bad – they give you the most flexibility around tight corners, but they can also take you on a bit of a rollercoaster ride.

Check Current Price on Amazon

• Includes internal bike stand
• Removable wheels

EVOC bike travel cases are known for being some of the very best, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does this soft-shell bike travel bag have everything you’ll need, but it comes with a number of handy features that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.

For one, the EVOC Travel Bag Pro comes with an internal bike stand and removable wheels. This makes the (dis)assembly process easier than ever.

At 47 x 36 x 85 cm, the EVOC Travel Bag Pro is large enough to accommodate anything from a large road bike to an enduro MTB.

There is a tray inside the soft shell case which attaches to the bike’s axles. This feature helps secure the frame for all travel scenarios.

There are also velcro straps and plenty of padding inside the case, plus pockets for tools and more.

Overall, the EVOC Travel Bag Pro is arguably the best all-around soft-shell bike travel case. It folds up into a fraction of its original size. And on the plus side, there’s plenty of padding to protect your bike from all sorts of travel.

• Best for avoiding bike travel fees
• Super lightweight
• Includes shoulder straps

The Airport Ninja caught the cycling industry’s eye a few years ago when it claimed to be the first bike travel case that would avoid bike travel fees.

Indeed, the case is incredibly small and stealthy at 69cm x 82cm x 30cm and weighs just 11lbs without the bike. It looks like a large backpack or carrying case.

As small as it is, the Airport Ninja still has plenty of padding including plastic panels and reinforced foam. However, the biggest downside of the Airport Ninja is the amount of disassembly required.

In order to fit your bike into such a small case, you’ll need to pull off the wheels, pedals, and handlebars at least. For most bikes, you’ll also need to remove the front brake, fork, and seat post.

Once your Airport Ninja is packed and ready to go, you can carry it around on your back. Surprisingly, it’s not as painful as it sounds.

You’ll need to be relatively fit to carry 20+lbs on your back, but it is logistically easier than wheeling a large bike travel case through an airport.

You’ll be surprised at how much room is inside the Airport Ninja, and the case costs significantly less than most others on our list of the best bike travel bags.

MSRP: $535.00

• Lockable main zipper
• 360° bike protection with five internal padded sleeves

Dakine Bike Roller Bag has one of the best user-friendly designs for any bike travel case.

To keep your bike safe during transit, the case features 360-degree coverage with tons of padding and five internal sleeves to help keep your bike safe.

Dakine Bike Roller Bag is specifically designed for mountain bikes and it can fit downhill, trail, fat bikes, or a 29’er.

Of course, with all that space, you can easily fit a large road bike into the case, too.

Inside the case is a robust anchoring system and structure that is interconnected to maintain the most structural integrity and bike protection. The bike-specific EVA padding covers disc brakes, dropouts, and the entire drivetrain. There is even specific protection for the wheels and fork.

In addition to the padding and protection, the Dakine Bike Roller Bag comes with a roll-up tool bag that fits right into the case.

The entire case rolls on replaceable urethane wheels and includes multiple grab handles which is a feature that we surprisingly don’t see on most bike travel cases.

Related: Best Bike Storage Solutions

Finally, the entire bag is collapsible (without the bike inside, of course) so that you can easily move and store it.

Get From REI

MSRP:   See on Amazon

• Very affordable
• Protective hard shell case

For those looking for a bike travel case on a budget, the B&W International Bike Box II is one of the very best. Costing a third of many of the other bike travel bags on this list, the Bike Box II isn’t as failable as you might think.

Built with a hard shell casing that offers tons of protection against outside forces, the Bike Box II has room for up to a 62cm frame and weighs 24lbs without the bike.

However, your bike won’t be as secure inside the box as in other bike travel bags. Inside the Bike Box II are layers of foam that you can use to pack your bike and all its parts. In order for it to fit, you’ll have to disassemble your bike quite a bit.

Outside the Bike Box II, there are six Velcro buckles that help hold the box together. There are lots of handles to use, plus four wheels for easy transport.

The biggest takeaway here is that you need to pack your bike carefully inside the Bike Box II since it doesn’t include many of the easy-use features of other (and much more expensive) bike travel cases.

MSRP: $999.95

• Great use of hybrid shells
• Includes repair stand
• MTB version available

The Thule RoundTrip is one of the best bike travel cases with a repair stand . That is the standout feature of this bike bag and one that is rare to find.

Even with the stand included, the entire case weighs 27 lbs. 9.6 oz. and packs down tightly without the bike. There is even protection for disc brake rotors.

However, 28lbs. is heavy in the airline world and it’s going to be difficult to back the Thule RoundTrip with a bike without incurring an overweight fee. The case does have a large volume at 48.8 x 33.5 x 13 inches including the work stand.

Thule RoundTrip requires a healthy amount of bike disassembly, but you could argue that this offers better protection for each part of the bike.

And of course, there is the work stand to help you put your bike back together. In addition to the original RoundTrip, there is an MTB-specific bike travel case as well.

• Fits most road, time trial/triathlon, or MTB
• Lightweight soft shell padding

FREEDOM Bike Travel Bag from Speed Hound is the classic bike travel case. It is a softshell case that is significantly lighter than hardshell travel cases. There is a separate compartment for the drivetrain to increase protection and prevent grease from smearing on the rest of the bag’s contents.

Bike-specific straps help anchor the bike securely inside the sea, including points on the frame, chainstay, bottom bracket, fork, and seat tube.

There are multiple internal compartments in the FREEDOM Speed Hound Bike Travel bag. The main compartment holds the bike frame, while there are separate compartments for the handlebars, seat, shoes, helmet, and clothing.

An added bonus is a separate compartment and protection for each wheel individually. There are even compartments to store your pedals, skewers, and tools.

The outside of the travel case has seven different handlers and large wheels which makes it easy to maneuver the case through the airport, along the sidewalk, or towards the taxi.

At 53″ x 31″ x 15″ (with the bike inside), this case fits most mountain, road, and triathlon bikes. The softshell case is made with ripstop nylon and uses a smooth and durable zipper closure.

When collapsed, the entire case measures just 53″ x 13″ x 15″ which makes it easy to store and travel with when you don’t have a bike.

• Super affordable
• Rated for ground transportation such as cars, buses, or trains

The Buds MTbag is the most affordable bike travel case on our list, costing just a fraction of many of the other cases.

Surprisingly, the MTbag still offers great protection and padding for almost any mountain bike. Specifically, the Buds MTbag fits any MTB up to 29″. The entire softshell case is flexible, easy to carry, and user-friendly.

All you need to do is remove your rear wheel and you will be able to fit your MTB into the Buds MTbag. There is even a dedicated pocket inside the MTbag to store the front wheel with extra protection.

With its relatively tight dimensions, the MTbag is perfect for quick ground transportation such as cars, buses, trains, or metros.

Larger bikes have minimal disassembly required. You can keep the rear wheel in the frame, though you may have to adjust the seat height or rotate the handlebars. All in all, it’s a simple process that should take just a minute or two.

The reason that this case is so affordable is that it is not rated for air travel . With its softshell casing, the MTbag does not offer as much protection as other bike travel cases, specifically those rated for flying.

However, the MTbag comes with its own shoulder straps so you can carry your bike in more ways than one.

Finally, the MTbag is made with high-quality and eco-friendly materials. The case uses PE600D with 0% PVC, a stronger material that is rip- and abrasion-resistant, making it ideal for protected bike transport.

With each bike travel case, there is more or less disassembly required. You will always have to remove the wheels, though you won’t always have to remove the handlebars or pedals. These parts stick out quite far from the frame, but some bike travel bags have plenty of extra room.

Many bicycle travel cases come with a rigid frame inside the case. Regardless of whether the case is a hard shell or a soft shell.

Here, you will attach your bike’s frame to the case via the front and rear axles. The wheels are typically packed around the frame. Some cases include extra sleeves or padding between the frame and wheels.

Some bike travel cases come with extra pockets or partitions that help add layers between the bike, wheels, components, and equipment. Every bike travel case works differently.

Make sure to check with the manufacturer before packing your bike for the first time.

Most travel cases are built for road bikes up to 60cm or 62cm in size. A few of the bike travel cases on our list have MTB versions available which are typically larger, wider, and better equipped to handle flat handlebars, wide tires, suspension, and large disc brakes.

Bike travel cases are always designed to be packed tightly. So don’t try to fit more than what is recommended into a bike travel case. If the manufacturer limits the case to 58cm bikes, don’t try shoving a 60cm frame inside.

Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Travel Cases

Between hard shell and soft shell bike travel cases, there is no “best fit” for any style of bike.

Each case has its own unique dimensions and features, and some are made specifically for one type of bike. Larger and more rigid cases, for example, may be better for mountain bikes which are larger and could be more fragile in regards to their suspension and brakes.

A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself how much you value your bike. If you are traveling with a $5,000 race-ready carbon fiber frame, it is probably worth upgrading to a more expensive bike travel bag with tons of specific padding and features to ensure maximum protection.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling with a more casual $1,000 aluminum frame, you could opt for one of the best value bike travel cases.

You may also ask: should I get a hard shell or soft shell bike travel case?

Hard shell bike cases are made of a stiff material that cannot be bent or folded. These cases offer the best protection for your bike, but they are also large and can be difficult to transport.

Soft shell cases are made of foldable padded materials which can be compacted for easier storage. Without a bike inside, many of these soft-shell travel cases fold up to a fraction of their original size.

Don’t be fooled by the flexibility of a soft-shell travel bag. They offer nearly the same level of protection as a hard shell bicycle travel case, despite being significantly lighter. You can also get around more expensive fees when it comes to flying with a soft-shell bike travel bag.

When it comes to road travel – cars and trucks – the weight of your bike bag doesn’t really matter. A lightweight bike case is easier to lift into the back of a car.

However, weight does matter when it comes to flying with a bike travel case. Many airlines have a 50 lb weight limit before they start charging an overweight baggage fee. These fees can range from $20 to over $200. All of a sudden you’re paying for half a plane ticket.

When you’re packing your bike travel case, you need to factor in the weight of the case, the weight of your bike, and any extra gear that you are going to throw into the case.

Some airlines have rules and limits regarding bike box dimensions . So make sure to check before committing to a certain case.

Smaller soft shell cases may sacrifice size and protection, but they will often avoid the oversize and overweight bag fees incurred by hard shell bike travel cases.

Protection Levels

Both hard-shell and soft-shell bicycle travel cases offer different levels of protection.

Hard shell cases are typically made from plastic and will not fold under any moderate load. Soft shell cases are usually made of nylon and include lots of padding to keep your bike protected.

Without a hard shell casing, there is a higher chance of a soft shell travel case being compressed in storage – but that’s the padding’s job.

The vast majority of travel situations won’t crush your travel case among other luggage, so a soft shell case will be more than sufficient.

Additionally, most soft-shell bike travel bags have a rigid frame that helps protect against these crushing forces.

The best bike travel cases have additional padding and structure to hold the frame, fork, wheels, and components in place. Especially that pesky rear derailleur hanger.

Related Topics:

Top Dutch Bikes of 2024: A Comprehensive Buying Guide to Help You Choose

Best Budget Gravel Bikes of 2024: Your Gateway to Affordable Gravel Adventures

Best Rear Racks for Bikes: Carry Panniers for Commuting or Traveling

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• Thule RoundTrip MTB Bike Travel Case

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RoundTrip MTB Bike Travel Case overview

The Thule RoundTrip MTB Bike Travel Case is safe and easy way to travel with your mountain bike, with an integrated work stand for proper assembly and maintenance along the way.

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• How to choose my bike transport bag

ROADBAG TRAVEL | Fully Padded Bike Travel Bag For Road Bikes

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Your next trip with your road bike calls for a fully reinforced bike travel bag like the ROADBag Travel. With its integral padding and padded protection accessories for each bike parts, remove only front wheel and  your bike is safely protected during the transport .

Fits for all types of road Bikes and Gravel bikes up to 700C. Max length 50.2 In, Max width 33.5 In.

Measure your bike dimensions as on the product image to make sure it your bike fits inside the bag perfectly. The seat height might need to be adjusted depending of your bike.

Dimensions unfolded: 60.2 x 33.1 x 9.8 in

Dimensions folded: 36.2 x 22.8 x 7.9 in

Weight: 11 lbs

Exterior material:  PE600D

Interior material:  TPE-lined +13 mm high-density atilon foam padding with shape recovery on all sides + PE Board reinforcements on lateral sides

Is there any guarantee applied to Buds-Sports products?

Our main guarantee is reflected from the overall satisfaction of our customers around the world. If 98% of our clients are satisfied and are recommending our products, we guess that this is enough as a guarantee.

However, if you are unsatisfied for any reason about the product you just received, we are offering a 30 days product guarantee. Please send your detailed request at [email protected] .

Is it better to keep the rear wheel of remove it for the transport of the bike?

We would always advise you to keep the rear wheel for two main reasons:

• The transmission and particularly the rear derailleur, as well as the chainstays and seatstays, are  fully protected  by the retention of the rear wheel on the bike.
• It is way faster to pack your bike in its travel bag if you have to remove the front wheel only. 

Do I need any accessories if I’m buying a Buds-Sports bike travel bag?

The bag itself is enough for the transport of the bike. However, if you want to maximize the security of your bike during transport, we highly suggest to add the accessories.

We are never safe from any mishandlings of the bike bag that could cause damages to the bike or the structure. This is why we created some innovative accessories that will cover the most important part of your bike structure and guarantee a safe transport. 

What are the differences between Light, Original and Travel product lines?

The main difference between these three product lines is the quality of the material which increases the overall quality and longevity of the bike travel bag.

The PE600D is the perfect material for this type of products. The Travel product line is padded and made of a PE600D material, the Original is also made with a PE600D but not padded, and the Light is made of a Nylon240 which is very light and compact, ideal for bikepacking.

There is an issue with my order, what should I Do? (Wrong item, damaged, unsatisfied…)

That is unfortunate and we are sorry about it, don’t worry we are here to help you.

Send us an email at [email protected] with your order number attached and with a detail explanation of your problem/request. We will get back to you within 24/48h.

Customer Reviews

The ROABag Travel Plus exceeded my expectations with its full padding and additional frame protectors. It's perfect for ensuring my road bike arrives without a scratch.

First of all, I'd like to emphasize the efficiency of the live chat on the site. I was hesitating between 2 covers, given my high saddle height, and Eve and Dany guided me straight to the right cover in just a few minutes. A big thank you for their professionalism and our always courteous and friendly exchanges! I should also point out that I had the pleasure of being offered a protective cover, a commercial gesture I really appreciate, thank you Dany! I ordered my cover on Wednesday am and received it on Friday morning! Delivery was top-notch, I exchanged with the carrier to find out if I was available, and once again, nothing to complain about. I'm delighted with the quality of the bag (Road Bag Travel), which allows me to put my bike in it without removing my rear wheel, which is really comfortable! To sum up: great site, dedicated team and quality products! Don't look elsewhere!

Easy to put my bike trek TL , easy to carry. I use for travels in south africa. Perfect, no damages !

have used it several times and no problems. the bike is easy to store (keep the rear wheel on the bike), easy to transport. Difficult to put the 2 skates on the bottom from the first tries. Better to use the trolleys at the airport. non-adjustable shoulder straps l

Easy and fast . Good rear protection with the rear wheel on the bike. Easy to carry . Very good for the price.

Buds-Sports is a French recognized brand that is deployed in more than 28 countries .

Buds-Sports travel bags and accessories have travelled and protected bikes all around the world for hundreds of thousand miles.

It's your bike's turn !

Our products are used by professionnals, semi-pros, casual users and pationnate bikers.

Once you will try it, you will adopt it !

Always worried about the damage that can occur during the transport of your bike ?

No worries with the Buds-sports solutions that guarantees a 100% safe bike transport

Where are we going next ?

The most beautiful roads, the most challenging tracks, the most advanced downhills.

With Buds-Sports bike transport solutions, don't be afraid to travel with your bike.

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Buds-Sports MTBag Travel Fully Padded Mountain Bike Transport Cover without Disassembling the Rear Wheel

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About this item

• Fully padded high density foam cover - full mountain bike protection
• Retention of the rear wheel on the bike - just a few seconds to protect the bike
• No tools needed: bike positioning helps maintain seat height*
• No risk of damaging the transmission thanks to the retention of the rear wheel on the bike
• External dimensions: 172 x 90 x 25 cm; folded dimensions: 73 x 45 x 22 cm; weight: 3.5 kg

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Product Description

Mtbag travel.

MTBag Travel Fully Padded Bike Bag by BUDS-SPORTS - Without Removing The Rear Wheel - Your Mountain Bike Travels Safely

The MTBag Travel padded cover for travel is intended for all uses thanks to its maximum protection, ease of use and storage: designed for transporting the bike in a hotel, car or bus, it can also be used for long-distance air travel!

The MTBag Travel MTB transport bag padded with 10 mm EPE foam from Buds is the only MTB bag in the world allowing travel, transport and storage of a MTB without removing the rear wheel*. The cover is padded with 10 mm EPE foam on both sides for optimal side protection. The retention of the rear wheel guarantees total protection of the rear of the bike while the Fork Bike Protect fork protector (included) guarantees protection of the front. The front wheel is completely protected by a separate dedicated cover, the WHEELBag Travel (included) also padded with 10 mm of EPE foam so as not to damage the frame during travel.

Check compatibility with your bike

To ensure that your bike will fit in the cover, you can measure your bike by referring to the diagram opposite, after removing the front wheel and turning the handlebars at 90°.

Advantages of the MTBag Travel padded bike cover

• Removal of the front wheel only
• Front wheel well protected in the padded WHEELBag Travel (included)
• No tools required: the positioning of the bike allows you to maintain the saddle height*
• No risk of damaging the transmission
• No need to remove the handlebar (except in special cases*)

WHEELBag Travel padded wheel cover

The WHEELBag Travel padded wheel bag from Buds allows you to transport and protect your road bike or mountain bike wheel up to 29 inches thanks to a large diameter of 78 cm.

Wide opening and comfortable handles, full 10mm EPE foam padding for maximum protection.

Buds-Sports Fork Bike Protect

The Buds Fork Bike Protect fork protection allows you to effectively protect the fork of your bike during transport. It suits to all types of forks (rigid or suspended, discs or pads) in a few seconds.

MTBag Travel specifications

Comparison of mtbag models, looking for specific info, product details.

• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 28.74 x 17.72 x 8.66 inches; 7.7 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ 38429
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ March 3, 2021
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Buds-Sports
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08MDDDVYQ
• #462 in Bike Covers

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7 Best Bike Trunk Bag Reviews | (Top-Rated) Rack Trunk Bags to Consider

Welcome to our list of the best bike trunk bags!

I've spent the last few weeks researching and testing out various bike trunk bags by talking to cycling enthusiasts , checking online reviews , and taking long rides to put these bags to the test.

As cyclists, we know how important it is to have a reliable way to carry all of our necessary items on our rides. Whether it's for commuting , bike touring , or even bikepacking , a good bike trunk bag is essential . And let's be real, small backpacks and baskets just don't cut it when you need to haul more than a few items.

That's where a bike trunk bag comes in. These handy bags attach to your bike's rear rack and provide ample storage space for all of your gear. But with so many options available , it can be tough to choose the right one.

That's why I've put in the time and effort to compile this list of the best bike trunk bags . I've ranked these 7 bags based on their storage capacity , durability , features , and value to help you make the best decision for your cycling needs.

After countless miles and endless trips to the bike shop, I'm confident that these are the best bike trunk bags out there. So no matter which one you choose, you'll have a reliable and convenient way to carry all of your gear on your rides.

Let's get started!

Best Bike Trunk Bags:

• Ibera Bike Trunk Bags 
• Topeak MTX Bicycle Trunk Bag 
• Roswheel Bicycle Trunk 
• Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk Bags 
• BV Bike Commuter Carrier Bike Trunk Bags 

BLUETOP Bicycle Rear Seat Rack Trunk Bag 

• ROCKBROS Bike Trunk Bags

Bicycle Trunk Bag Reviews

These bike trunks are all the top-rated trunk bags that money can buy. Each bag on the list was carefully selected after extensive review. Moreover, they offer only the best in quality, price, and performance. Let's check them out individually:

Ibera Bike Trunk Bag - Best Trunk Bag Overall

The Ibera PakRak bicycle trunk bag is a large bike bag that offers plenty of storage and features that we think you will love. It is affordable and, most importantly, large enough to hold all your items. This bag's main compartment can hold clothes, a water bottle, or even a small laptop and still have room to add a few more items.

The included side pockets also provide extra room to store more items. Plus, unlike the other bags on the list, it has a rear pocket that you can use to store a few other cycling gears. The main compartment has a wide opening that makes it easy to load your items. And the hard base and padded flooring help protect whatever you stored inside from damage if you accidentally drop the bag.

It features a smart clip-on system that makes attaching it to your bike rack hassle-free. And with the reflective stripes on the sides, top and rear of the bag, it will be easy to spot in the dark. For added visibility, there is a slot provided that will allow you to mount a rear taillight.

Topeak MTX Bike Trunk Bags

The Topeak MTX trunk bag is like a transformer in disguise. While in it's regular form, this bag is very unassuming and looks like a small bike trunk bag. But on the inside, the space offered is massive.

Topeak MTX trunk bag offers up to 1,010 cubic inches of internal space thanks to the ample main storage and side compartments. The bag's main storage area measures 9.8" x 14.1" x 8.5 inches and has compartments that can be removed or inserted.

It is more than sufficient to hold a good amount of groceries, books, or cycling gear when you need it. Additionally, it boasts two transforming side compartments that expand into bike panniers to provide much more space to hold items. Moreover, the reflective side stripes add that little bit of extra design style and visibility needed for riding in the dark.

The only downside to the Topeak MTX trunk bag, which isn't something bad, is that it requires you to get their MTX rack as this bag doesn't use straps to hold it in place. With that said, when it is paired with the MTX rack, this bike trunk bag is as stable as your bike frame and will not move or shake once it is secured.

Overall, this is one of our top recommendations. And if you haven't bought a rear rack or considering upgrading to a much better one, get the set from Topeak. You won't regret it!

Roswheel Rear Bicycle Rack Bag

This bike rack bag emphasizes a high-quality design with ample internal space and durability. It offers 13 L of internal capacity that is more than enough to hold a few suits of clothes, wallet, camera, and other biking gear. Moreover, it has two side compartments with reflective stripes on both sizes and on the bag's rear to boost visibility.

This bike trunk bag is the cheapest bag on this list, so it lacks a little in style. But the functionality of the bag is still on par with the others.

Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk Bag

Among the best bike rack trunk bags that we recommend is the Mesa Trunk bag from Bushwhacker. This brand has been around for a while and sells some high-quality products. And the Mesa Trunk bag is no exception.

It has near excellent ratings across the board from experts and reviewers. This bike rack bag retails for an affordable price that you will find attractive.

The Bushwhacker Mesa bike trunk bag is built with 600 denier polyester material that makes the bag durable enough to haul items for years. It has plenty of room inside to store your details and has compartments to spare. The main compartment of the bag measures 12" L x 6" W x 7" H.

Plus, the two large side pockets provide a good amount of extra storage space for items you need to reach quickly. The side pockets measure 10.5" L x 2" W x 5" H. The internals of the Mesa Bike trunk bag is insulated right around and will keep your drinks cold or warm hour hours on end. Plus, it has thick paddings that further raise this bag's quality and prevent your items from being damaged.

Mounting the Bushwhacker bike trunk bag is easy to do thanks to the 4 point mounting. Overall, this is an excellent bicycle rack trunk bag that you will appreciate adding to your bike.

BV Bike Commuter Carrier Trunk Bag

The BV bike trunk bag is a lightweight bag that features tonnes of great features. It is built with 600D polyester and 1000D Cordura that makes it a very high-quality bike trunk. By itself, the bag weighs just 1 lb and has a large main compartment that measures 12" x 4-6.75" x 5.5". It also has two good size side pockets for storing extra items.

The BV trunk bag is  perfect for commuting or bike touring  thanks to the included features. It features a reflective 3m Scotchlite trim that improves your bike's visibility when it's dark out. Moreover, the added compartments for storing a water bottle and mini-pump were great to see.

Installing the bicycle trunk bag onto the rack uses two velcro straps and holds the bag firmly in place. With this bag, you have all you need in a bike trunk!

ROCKBROS Bike Trunk Bag

RockBros bike trunk bag is the perfect choice for persons that want a bag with multiple compartments and unrivaled versatility. This bag has a relatively large main compartment, like the other bags on this list. It has an internal dimension that measures 13.9" x 6.6" x 6.4 inches. You also get an internal separator board that you can use to organize inside the bag.

Externally, the bag features reflective straps and side compartments that improve visibility. Moreover, it has a large water bottle holder with compatibility to attach a taillight onto the bag.

This bag is one of the few bicycle trunk bags with panniers in the form of side compartments. The ROCKBROS bag's compartments can be folded out and expanded to provide more room to store items.

Related: Hatchback Bike Rack: How to Transport Your Bike Safely and Easily

The inclusion of a rain cover also adds to the versatility of this bag. Even though the materials offer some water resistance, having the rain cover was really good to see. And to make it even better, this bicycle trunk bag is easy to mount to the rack as it uses velcro straps and fixed buckles to fix it securely on your bike rack.

This  seat rack  trunk bag by Bluetop is a very budget-friendly bag that we know you will fancy. It offers a large internal capacity that measures 15.3''L x 6'' W x 6.7'' H and can hold plenty of items. Moreover, the water-resistant polyester material it is built from offers excellent durability.

The bag has a water bottle holder and two side compartments equipped with reflective stripes for improved nighttime visibility. Plus, there is an adjustable strap included that makes the bag easy to sling across your shoulders.

Fitting is easy since it uses two velcro straps to secure to the rack and sits securely behind you. With this bicycle trunk bag, you can load it up with your most important items without having to worry about it deforming in a short time.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Best Bike Trunk Bag

When it comes to hauling gear on your bike, a bike trunk bag is a convenient and practical choice. These bags attach to your bike's rear rack and provide additional storage space for items such as clothes, tools, or groceries. However, with so many available options, it can be tough to know which is best for your needs. Here is a buyer's guide to help you choose the best bike trunk bag for your cycling needs.

Backpack or Shoulder Bag

One of the first decisions you'll need to make when choosing a bike trunk bag is whether you want a backpack-style bag or a shoulder bag. Backpack-style bike trunk bags can be worn on your back when you're off the bike, while shoulder or messenger-style bags can be worn over your shoulder or across your body. Remember that some of them offer you the option to carry it in your hand. Consider your preference and how you plan to use the bag when deciding which style is best for you.

Waterproof Material

If you plan on using your bike trunk bag in wet weather, it's essential to choose a bag made of waterproof material. Look for a waterproof liner or roll-top closure bag to keep your items dry. Alternatively, you can opt for a bag with a removable rain cover to provide extra protection from the elements.

When it comes to bike trunk bags, durability is key. You'll want a bag that can withstand the rigors of regular use and can handle being thrown around on your bike. Look for bags made of high-quality materials such as waterproof nylon or polyester, and consider bags with reinforced corners or a hard base to protect your items.

Pannier Compatibility

If you're planning on using your bike trunk bag for longer rides or bike touring, you may want to consider a bag compatible with panniers. Panniers are bags that attach to the sides of your bike's rear rack and provide additional storage space. Look for bike trunk bags that can convert into panniers or have side pockets that can be used as panniers.

Exterior Pockets

Exterior pockets can be a convenient feature for storing smaller items that you need quick access to. Look for bike trunk bags with zippered or velcro pockets on the outside of the bag for storing items such as your phone, keys, or tools.

Mounting System

The mounting system is how the bike trunk bag attaches to your bike's rear rack. Velcro straps, buckles, and clips are all common mounting options. Consider the ease of use and stability of the mounting system when choosing a bike trunk bag.

Storage Capacity

The storage capacity of a bike trunk bag refers to the amount of gear it can hold. Consider the size of your items and how much storage space you'll need when choosing a bike trunk bag. Some bags have a large main compartment, while others have multiple smaller compartments for better organization.

Other Features

Other features to consider when choosing a bike trunk bag include a tail light hanger for added visibility, zippered pockets for secure storage, and thick padding to protect your items. A compact bag that doesn't take up too much space on your bike's rear rack may also be a useful feature and a durable bag that can withstand regular use.

What is the best bike trunk bag?

In my opinion, the Ibera Bike Trunk Bag is the best bike trunk bag on the market. It has a large storage capacity, a hard base and padded flooring to protect your items, and a clip-on system for easy attachment to the bike's rear rack. It also has reflective stripes for visibility and a rear light clip attachment for added safety.

What is the most stylish bike trunk bag?

If you're looking for a stylish bike trunk bag, the Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag is a great choice. It has a unique design and comes in a variety of colors to suit your personal style. It also has a detachable shoulder strap for carrying off the bike and a rain cover to protect your items in wet weather.

Are there any bike trunk bags that are waterproof?

Yes, the BV Bike Commuter Carrier Bike Trunk Bag is a waterproof bike trunk bag. It has a waterproof material and a roll-top closure to keep your items dry in wet conditions.

What is the largest bike trunk bag?

The Topeak MTX Bicycle Trunk Bag is the largest bike trunk bag on the list. It has a main storage area of 9.8" x 14.1" x 8.5 inches and two transforming side compartments that expand into panniers for even more storage space.

Is there a small bike trunk bag option for those who don't need a lot of storage space?

For those who don't need a lot of storage space, the Roswheel Bicycle Trunk is a good small bike trunk bag option. It has a compact size that still provides enough space for essentials, and it attaches easily to the bike's rear rack with straps.

Can a bike trunk bag be used as a backpack?

The Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk Bags can be used as both a bike trunk bag and a backpack. It has a detachable shoulder strap for carrying off the bike and a rear light clip attachment for added visibility.

Are there bike trunk bags with a shoulder strap for carrying off the bike?

The BLUETOP Bicycle Rear Seat Rack Trunk Bag has a shoulder strap for carrying off the bike. It also has a reflective strip for visibility and a rain cover to protect your items in wet weather.

What is the most durable bike trunk bag?

The ROCKBROS Bike Trunk Bags are known for their durability. They are made of high-quality material and have a sturdy attachment system to the bike's rear rack. They also have a reflective strip for visibility and a rain cover to protect your items in wet weather.

The Bottom Line

The Ibera trunk bag and Topeak MTX trunk bags are two of the best bike trunk bags to install to your rear bicycle  rack for commuting or bike touring.  They offer incredible storage capacities. And are built to last and secure your items.

If you go with either option, you'll be well set to haul items. However, the other items listed are also excellent options to consider, and some are very cheap and easy to mount to your existing rack. If you need more information on choosing a bike rack or bag,  check out our detailed buyer's guide .

Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White