best bike travel case 2023

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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Best bike bags 2024: Bags, boxes and cases that will protect your bike when you fly

The best bike bags to protect your pride and joy from heavy-handed baggage handlers

Best for roadies

Best for minimal disassembly, best for integrated handlebars.

• Best for MTB and road bike users

Integrated repair stand

Best budget bike box.

• Best for airbag protection

Best for low weight

• Best simple hardcase

Easy to manouvre

• How to choose

How we test

Quick list 1. Best for roadies 2. Best for minimal disassembly 3. Best for integrated handlebars 4. Best for MTB/road bike users 5. Best for an integrated repair stand 6. Best budget box 7. Best for airbag protection 8. Best for low weight 9. Best simple hardcase 10. Best for the nervous traveller How to choose How we test

The best bike bags, bike boxes, and travel cases for bikes are incredibly well-designed these days. 

Many cyclists travel abroad with their bikes for holidays or to compete. This means flying with your bike which can be a daunting proposition. Most of us have heard horror stories of riders opening their bike bag to find a damaged bike inside after a flight. Choosing the right bike bag or rigid travel case or box will ensure your bike is protected and will make your journey easier , meaning you can relax and just enjoy riding. 

Another thing you might want to consider while travelling with your bike is an insurance option. Even with one of the best bike bags things do occasionally happen. We have a list of the best bike insurance options, some of which cover your bike even when travelling, so if the unthinkable happens and your bike doesn't arrive in one piece, you'll want to have insurance in place to help ease the blow. 

You might also want to check out our list of the best bike torque wrenches . Modern bike components have specific torque specs and some of the options on our list will require some disassembly of your bike before use. Don't get caught at your destination without the tools you need to ensure your bike goes back together exactly how it's meant to. 

With those considerations in mind, please keep reading to see our list of the best bike travel cases and the best bike travel bags available today. We have flown with many of the bike bags in this guide, so that we can properly review packing procedures and durability on a flight. 

Best bike bags, travel cases and boxes: quick list

The Evoc Pro holds a road bike with pedals and wheels removed. A hard upper section adds protection.

Read more below

Popular with the pros, the Scicon AeroComfort just needs you to remove your wheels to be ready to go.

Bike Box Alan's largest box, the Tri Aero Easyfit will accept bars up to 50cm wide without disassembly.

Very large capacity means that this PRO bike bag can fit any type of bike with room to spare.

Bikes need disassembly to pack, but this Thule bag has an integrated workstand to make reassembly easier.

This B&W box makes packing easy, it closes with velcro and there are no latches or hinges to break.

Best bike bags, travel cases and boxes

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

1. Evoc Road Bike Bag Pro

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Road Bike Bag Pro pairs a soft lower and hardcase upper to offer protection without being too heavy. It includes an aluminium tray inside that attaches to the axles of the bike inside the bag, holding it secure and out of harm's way when in transit. This can double up as a workstand too, if you remove the pedals. 

To pack, only the pedals and wheels need to come off, and the saddle may need lowering. Then the frame is secured with a range of Velcro straps and purpose-built padding, the wheels go into individual wheel bags, and there's plenty of space to fill with kit, which doubles up as extra protection. 

There are internal pockets for tools and pedals, as well as an external pocket for the roller-skate-style wheel, which can be removed to prevent damage. 

The internal braces that add structure to the soft lower half are necessary, but they are stiff, so can hurt your hands when trying to get them in and out. The stitching between the upper and lower might also need care, as ours has started to show signs of wear. 

Despite that though, this is still the best bike travel case if you want to avoid any wasted time on your trip. Just check out our Instagram reel for how quickly Josh can unpack his bike for proof. 

Read more details in our full Evoc Road Bike Bag Pro review.

2. Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag

The beauty of the Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 TSA is you can pack your bike without turning a single bolt (unless you have thru-axles); all you have to do is remove the wheels. 

With a rigid Frame Defender metal base, the bike slots in using your quick-release or thru-axles, and comes with plenty of additional padding and a gear bag that's secured to the base under the downtube. 

At 9kg empty, 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.

Read more details in our full Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 TSA review.

3. Bike Box Alan Triathlon Aero Easyfit

Bike Box Alan makes a number of hard case bike boxes in Yorkshire, UK. The Triathlon Aero easy fit is the largest bike box the company produces and with a max width of 50cm means there is no need to disassemble the front end of your bike to pack it into the box. 

All that is required is to remove your wheels and pedals and you're good to go, making this box a great option for time trial or triathlon bikes, road bikes with more complex integrated handlebars or cable routing or for people who just don't want the extra hassle. 

The boxes are available in six different colours, we tested the red version. You can also choose customisable stickers and the box carries a 7-year manufacturing warranty as well as a range of spare parts. 

You can read more details in our full Triathlon Aero Easyfit review.

Best for MTB and Road

4. PRO Mega Bike Travel Case

With room to easily swallow road, TT and mountain bikes , the Pro Bike Mega Case is huge and features an aluminium 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, and in most cases, you can get away with simply spinning your bars.

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

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

5. Thule Roundtrip bike travel hard case

There are some bike travel cases that require a lot of disassembly and others that don't. The Thule Roundtrip Bike Travel Case falls into the category that requires taking things apart but they've been smart to embrace the concept. Parts of the bag that add support and protection come out and assemble into a work stand. There's even a clever triangle that you rotate to match your desired front axle standard. 

You can use the work stand to keep the bike supported and at a comfortable working height while you either get it ready to travel or get it ready to ride. It's a good enough work stand that although we have a list of the best bike repair stands you might be able to get away with a two for one purchase if you aren't much of a home mechanic. 

6. B&W International Bike Box II

Sometimes simple is best, and that's precisely what the B&W International Bike Box II has to offer. 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 utilises 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.

Integrated airbags

7. Biknd Helium V4

Using unique inflatable partitions and strategically placed rigid reinforcements, the Biknd Helium V4 is one of the most well-padded cases of the bunch. With the ability to carry two wheelsets, the Helium bag puts two airbags on either side to absorb impacts while the rigid base and front cover protect fragile handlebar components.

The bag opens flat to simplify packing, and the bike connects to the frame at the axles. There are special compartments for your pump, helmet and shoes and sturdy end caps to prevent hubs from poking through the bag.

Even with the airbags, the Helium is not all that light tipping the scales a 9kg, but it does offer considerably more padding than any other soft case.

8. OruCase B2

While many airlines are abandoning the extra fees for checking bikes, some still haven't taken note, and that's where the OruCase B2 comes in handy. Travelling with the OruCase B2, when asked by desk agents what's in the bag we've told them everything from massage tables and trade show gear, to 'it's just a really weird duffel bag’ — just make sure you’re not wearing a bike t-shirt, trust us.  

The OruCase sneaks in under most airlines’ maximum external dimensions limits for baggage and features plastic armour panels that are backed by foam to keep your ride safe. You'll need to remove your pedals, handlebars, front brake, fork and seatpost, and the bag is still a tight fit, but it comes in two sizes to fit a range of frames.  

Weighing in at under 7kg empty, there is plenty of free weight for you to fill the bag with riding clothes (which also work great as extra padding), and there are plush backpack straps to help you get around with minimal fuss.

Best for simplicity

9. Bike Box Alan Original Premium

The Bike Box Alan Premium is a hard case box that claims to fit road bikes up to 65cm in size. Our 58cm test bike had plenty of room to spare, so we're confident the claim is true. It is a super sturdy, hard-wearing box that comes with a seven-year warranty. 

The solid plastic case takes the brunt of all heavy-handed impacts while your bike is in transit, and the inclusion of an anti-crush pole prevents lateral pressure on your chainstays and forks, should your chosen airline decide to stack your bike at the bottom of the pile. There is a weight penalty, however - an empty box weighs in at 11.2kg. 

Two layers of foam padding prevent damage from within, and the myriad Velcro straps and internal instructions make packaging a straightforward process. 

Removal of your handlebars, seatpost, wheels, pedals, and rear derailleur is required, which does take up some of your precious ride time but for the protection on offer, it's a sacrifice worth making. 

10. Topeak PakGo X

The Topeak PakGo X is a bit like the kind of carry-on luggage you'd recognize on every flight except it's super-sized. Once packed the bike sits with the fork facing the ground and the tail of the bike up in the air. This means a more upright outer silhouette that's easier to manoeuvre.

More important than the orientation of the bike though is the well-thought-out protection. There are a number of protective elements and each one has a label on it. As you are packing it's easy to find which piece goes where and every part of the bike is both protected and securely held to avoid movement in transit. You will need to remove the bar and stem, saddle and seatpost, rear derailleur, and wheels but there's a place for everything. 

The one thing to be aware of is the weight of the case. Topeak lists the weight as 10 Kg for the case only but that's not how you'll use it. Instead, you'll want to look at the 12.8 Kg weight that includes all the protective pieces. Unless you have a lightweight road bike it's unlikely you will avoid overweight fees. 

Read more details in our full Topeak Pakgo X Bike Carrier review.

What to look for in bike bags, travel cases and boxes

There are quite a few considerations when choosing the best bike bag or case for your bike. We'll break these down below, to help you to make an informed choice of the best bike bag for your needs.

Hard or soft shell?

Hardshell bike travel cases 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 neatly rolled up for storage. 

How much does empty weight matter?

With a plastic base, wheels, internal skeleton, and robust materials, bike travel cases are heavy before you put anything inside, and some are pudgier than others. 

Most airlines will give you 23kg / 50lbs before they hit you with an exorbitant overweight baggage fee, some budget airlines even less. If your bag weighs 12kg empty, when you pack a 6.8kg lightweight road bike, shoes and a track pump you'll be nudging up against that limit. 

What size do I need?

Are you just looking to travel with just your road bikes, or will you be taking trips with your mountain bike too? Are you riding an aero road bike with integrated handlebars or TT bars? Are you riding an XL frame? 

These are all things to take into account when shopping for a bike bag because some of the more compact options are simply too small for certain bikes and frame sizes.

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 seat post, handlebars, and even the fork. 

That's going to cut into riding or relaxing time once you get to your destination and require you to carry more tools to rebuild your bike. As mentioned above, a torque wrench is essential if you're going to have to reassemble delicate components.

Do I need to worry about wheels and handles?

For something designed to help you move around with a bike in tow, bike travel cases and bike bags can be, unsurprisingly, awkward and cumbersome to move around with. 

If you want to avoid a back injury, a set of wheels should be a minimum requirement, especially if you're walking much after you land - some bike bags even use easily replaceable roller blade wheels, as they're prone to damage when being loaded and unloaded. 

In addition, you'll want plenty of handles to help you hoist your bag onto a conveyor belt or into the back of a car.

Do I need to remove my derailleurs and rotors?

Take them off. 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 them off. The last thing you want is to start your holiday with a bent rotor or a broken derailleur hanger. If you are removing disc-brake 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.

What's the fastest way to get my bike back together?

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.

Should I add extra padding?

Yes, we have just spent the last few hundred words saying how great the best bike travel cases, 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 is perfect for an extra layer of protection. You can also pop into your local bike shop, and if you ask nicely, they're likely to have plenty of spare packaging from a newly unboxed bike.

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 may as well use it, although be aware that some airlines stipulate that a bike bag should contain nothing but your bike.

Do I need to deflate my tyres?

When you’re packing your bike, take a second to let the air out of your tyres. Airlines don’t allow anything pressurised 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 pressurised to ~10,000ft which will only add ~3-4psi to your tyres, and it’s extremely unlikely a tyre will burst in transit.

The reason you need to take this step, is because if you do send your bike through with the tyres inflated, there is the distinct possibility that an airline employee will pull your bag aside and attempt to deflate them. At the very least, it'll mean someone heavy-handedly rummaging through your neatly packed case, but we’ve heard horror stories of bags and tyres cut.

Avoid the drama and just let the air out. If you're running tubeless, drop them to a reasonable PSI that won't result in a sealant shower. 

Is there anything else I should consider?

If you need to remove your handlebars , put the faceplate back on your stem so you don't lose the four bolts. 

If you need to remove your stem, refit the top cap, then a zip tie around the steerer will keep your fork, headset and spacers from rattling loose. Be careful not to damage the steerer when cutting the zip tie off. 

If you have Di2, unplug the battery. At the very least, it'll save some battery life, but it may also prevent your tightly packed derailleurs from shifting in transit and overworking the motor. 

If you have an internal seatpost wedge clamp, remove and pack it safely. You don't want to spend the first hour of your trip fishing it out of your frame.

Take a spare derailleur hanger with you. For the price, it's worth having a spare anyway, not least when thousands of miles from home. 

Some airlines will let CO2 cartridges through, but others will stop the bike and remove them. If you're going to risk it, make them easy to find so the baggage handler doesn't have to empty your entire bag. 

If you're using zip ties to hold things in place, you'll need cable cutters or scissors in your case for unpackaging at the other end. You'll also need more ties for the return journey. Maybe pack a screwdriver that'll allow you to undo the zip ties without cutting them. Not only does it save you zip ties, it saves the planet from a little bit of single-use plastic. 

Take your tools. If you're having to disassemble your bike to fit it in the box, you'll need to reassemble it at the other end - make a note of the tools used and don't forget to pack them. Especially your torque wrench. You don't want a 90km/h descent of Alpe d'Huez with badly torqued carbon handlebars. 

Bottles are a great hardshell for storing potentially damaging things - e.g. allen keys, or items that will pop if crushed - gels, suncream, toothpaste. Wrap them in a carrier bag, though, or you might have oddly flavoured water on your first ride. Shoes are equally useful for this. 

If you've got space in the bike bag, wrap your cycling kit in plastic bags and fill the gaps. Not only does this leave room in your other bag, it will act as padding. 

Don't forget food. Your riding holiday is likely going to involve increased mileage, and speaking from experience, you can't always trust the local tuna sandwich. 

The crew at Cyclingnews is a dedicated group of cyclists who, just like you, care deeply about their bikes. When we travel, we have to trust baggage handlers just like you. 

We're lucky to be able to travel a lot in the course of sharing all kinds of relevant cycling technology with you, so we take the opportunity to try out different cases and hope we get a working bike back at the other end. 

Every experience informs the next and we are sharing a collection of options we think are the best available for a whole range of different needs. 

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Based on the Gold Coast of Australia, Colin has written tech content for cycling publication for a decade. With hundreds of buyer's guides, reviews and how-tos published in Bike Radar, Cyclingnews, Bike Perfect and Cycling Weekly, as well as in numerous publications dedicated to his other passion, skiing. 

Colin was a key contributor to Cyclingnews between 2019 and 2021, during which time he helped build the site's tech coverage from the ground up. Nowadays he works full-time as the news and content editor of Flow MTB magazine. 

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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.

• Practical and versatile: This EVOC bike bag is light, stable and offers enough space for all kinds of bikes, including cross country, all mountain, enduro, freeride, downhill, road or triathlon.
• Maximum mobility: The bike bag storage is easy to transport thanks to the extra-wide Clip-On Wheel chassis and various handle options, which means transport through the airport is made simple.
• Optimally protected: The bike cover comes with a reinforced fork holder, additional padding and plate on the bottom. The wheels slide particularly evenly and which prevent the bike from leaning.
• Great features: The bag comes with

• Practical and versatile: The EVOC BAG is light, stable and offers enough space for all kinds of bike types, including cross country, all mountain, enduro, freeride, downhill, road or triathlon.
• Maximum mobility: The extra-wide chassis, grip options and particularly smooth gliding wheels make it a great bike storage and one of the best bags for air travel.
• Efficient bag management: The separate compartments for the wheels come with a stabiliser bar to distribute pressure from the exterior to ensure that spokes or brake discs are not bent.
• Optimally protected: For extra safety there is a reinforced

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, well written and useful!

Soft vs. Hard

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

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

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

alan triathlon hard case, nothing to dismantle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the best one and with 7 years guarantee

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

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

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The 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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10 Best Bike Travel Cases | June 2023 (Reviewed & Ranked)

 last updated on june 12, 2023, 10 minutes.

* The Adventure Pub independently reviews and recommends products through the use of advanced data analysis practices. By clicking the links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

OUR TOP PICKS

CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case - 700c Bikes - Bicycle Air Flights Travel Hard Case Box Bag EVA Materia...

Bike Travel Bag

evoc Bike Travel Bag-Black, 280 Litre

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Check below for our tips on purchasing the best Bike Travel Cases:

The 10 best Bike Travel Cases

Cyclingdeal bike travel case - 700c bikes - bicycle air flights travel hard case box bag eva material lightweight & durable with tsa lock - great for ....

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WHAT WE LIKE:

Pros & Cons From Reviewers:

ORUCASE B2 Bike Travel Case (B2-MTB)

Dakine Bike Roller Bag (Cascade Camo, One Size)

Road Bike Bag Pro

Aophire Folding Bike Bag 26 inch to 29 inch Thick Bicycle Travel Case,Bike Cases for Air Travel,Transport,Shipping

SCICON AEROTECH Evolution X TSA Hardshell Bike Travel Case - TSA Approved Bike Travel Bag

evoc Bike Travel Bag XL - Bike Travel Case for Fat Bikes and Plus Bikes Airplane, Train, and Car Travel Bike Bag

B&W International Bike Case

Bike Travel Cases Buying Guide : What You Need To Know

*Our top pick for the best Bike Travel Cases

Attributes Of High Quality Bike Travel Cases

- Bike Travel Cases should be made of durable materials that can withstand being jostled around and protect your bike from the elements. - They should have a secure closure system to keep your bike in place, as well as straps or handles for easy transport. - Bike Travel Cases should also be lightweight and compact so that they are easy to carry and store.

How To Choose The Best Bike Travel Cases

Bike travel can be a great way to see the world and get some exercise at the same time. But it can also be a pain if you don't have the right gear. Bike travel cases are essential for anyone who wants to take their bike on the road with them. But with so many different options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs? Here are a few things to consider when choosing a bike travel case: 1. Size and weight The first thing to consider is the size and weight of the case. You need to make sure that it is big enough to fit your bike, but not so big and heavy that it is difficult to transport. If you are planning on flying with your bike, keep in mind that most airlines have weight and size restrictions for luggage. 2. Protection Your bike travel case needs to offer enough protection to keep your bike safe from damage during transport. Look for cases that are made from durable materials like aluminum or hard plastic. Avoid soft-sided cases, as they offer little protection against bumps and drops. 3. Wheels If you are planning on traveling with your bike by car, look for a case that has wheels. This will make it much easier to move around, especially if the case is large and heavy. Cases without wheels can be more difficult to transport and may require multiple people to lift them. 4. Price Bike travel cases can range in price from around $100 to $1000 or more. The type of case you choose will largely depend on your budget. If you are only going to use your case occasionally, you may not need to spend as much money on a high-end model. However, if you are planning on using your case frequently or for long-distance travel, it is worth investing in a higher quality case that will offer better protection and last longer.

What To Avoid When Looking For The Best Bike Travel Cases

When choosing the best bike travel case, there are a few things to avoid. First, make sure that the case is big enough to fit your bike. You don't want to be stuck with a case that's too small and can't accommodate your bike. Second, avoid cases that are made of cheap materials. You want a case that will protect your bike from the elements and from being damaged during transport. Third, avoid cases that are difficult to assemble or disassemble. You want a case that's easy to put together and take apart so you can get your bike in and out without any hassle. Finally, avoid cases that are too heavy or bulky. You want a case that's lightweight and easy to carry so you can take it with you on your travels.

Additional Details

As a result of our extensive research into the best Bike Travel Cases, we discovered 428 products and condensed that list down to the top 10 products. Using our state-of-the-art AI powered system, we've collected and anayzed 1,063 customer reviews, compared 108 product features, and cross-examined 264 product specifications. From this data, we've discovered that most customers purchase Bike Travel Cases that costs around $571.39 and have an average customer rating of 85%.

At the Adventure Pub, we believe finding the perfect product can be a journey. With millions of products  competing for our attention, it's easy to get lost in the endless web of possibilities.  That's why our team is dedicated to finding the best products and making your researching experience more streamlined by doing the heavy lifting for you. Using state of the art quantitative analysis, machine learning, and natural language processing, we excel at cutting through the noise and finding the products that are actually worth your time considering.

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9 Best Bike Bags for City Commutes and Long-Haul Adventures—Tested and Reviewed

No matter how much gear you have, these can handle it.

This journey wasn't just about racking up miles ; it was an odyssey that put every conceivable type of bike bag to the test, from sleek frame bags that hug the contours of his bike like a 2000s tailored suit to rugged panniers ready for a tumble and still come out looking picture-perfect.

Best Travel Bag for Carrying a Bike

Thule roundtrip road bike travel case.

Best Bike Bag for Commuting

Brompton x bear grylls waterproof backpack.

Best Bag for Bikepacking

Apidura expedition full frame pack.

Through this shared adventure, coupled with an amount of research that could rival a doctoral thesis , I've compiled a list of the crème de la crème of bike bags. Each one is a story of durability, functionality, and sometimes, sheer style because, let's face it, even the most rugged of cyclists doesn't mind a bit of flair. So, whether you're a seasoned pedaler or a casual cruiser, join me on this quest through the best bike bags out there. Oh, and if you need the best bike racks or helmets , we have guides for those too.

This travel bike case is a premier solution for transporting your road, gravel, or cyclocross bike easily and safely during long-haul travels. Its integrated work stand not only guarantees your bike's safe transit but also facilitates hassle-free maintenance and assembly/disassembly. This case promises not just to carry your bike but to protect and maintain it every step of the journey.

Crafted from 100 percent recycled waterproof material, the Brompton x Bear Grylls Backpack is environmentally friendly and resilient against the elements—making it perfect for daily commutes in any weather. Its seamless integration with Brompton bikes, attaching securely with a quick click to the front, enhances the commuting experience by providing a hassle-free way to carry essentials. This collaboration with Bear Grylls aims to inspire adventure in the everyday, blending the functionality of urban cycling with the spirit of exploration.

The Expedition Full Frame Pack from Apidura is the ultimate game-changer in bike packing. Imagine you're gearing up for a long haul and have a load of stuff—think cooking gear, water bladders, tent poles, the whole shebang.

This genius pack slots right into your bike's main triangle, giving you tons of space without messing with your ride, thanks to its clever low center of gravity. It's like the best buddy for adventurers who don't want to leave behind their essentials for those epic trips. The way it's designed, you can load it up and still keep your bike feeling nimble and easy to handle, no matter how challenging the trail gets.

Rapha Bar Bag

This versatile pack becomes the perfect partner for those trips where you need just a bit more room to pack your essentials. Crafted with waterproof fabric, it keeps your belongings dry if you get caught in a downpour. It snugly attaches to your bike using two solid fixture points and sturdy Hyperlon straps, staying put no matter the terrain.

Plus, the quick-release buckles mean you can snap it off in a flash. Need to be seen when the sun goes down? The reflective webbing is a neat feature that lets you attach lights, keeping you visible and safe. With a 2L main compartment complete with internal mesh pockets and a handy quick access pocket, it's a compact yet mighty addition to your gear. And if the ride calls for versatility, this pack smoothly transitions into an over-the-shoulder bag, thanks to the additional strap.

Orucase Saddle Bag

Ever find yourself needing just the right bag for everyday rides, no matter the terrain or weather? This is your bag. It comes in two sizes, giving you the freedom to carry just the essentials or pack in a bit more for those just-in-case moments, perfect for mountain bikers, road enthusiasts, or gravel grinders alike.

What really sets this saddle bag apart is its rugged, waterproof ripstop fabric. Made from X-PAC material by Dimension-Polyant, it ensures whatever you stash inside stays dry and safe, even when you're powering through a torrential downpour or blasting over muddy trails. Plus, the bag features an integrated Bartacked Hypalon attachment loop, making it super simple to open and close, even when you're on the move.

CamelBak M.U.L.E. Pro 14

Heading out for a ride and need to keep hydrated? This bag’s a great pick if you want something light but tough. With its 3D Vent Mesh Harness, it’s super breathable and comfy to carry. There’s also a big three-liter water pouch that lets you drink on the go, and a handy hip belt for your must-haves. Whether it’s a short ride or an all-day adventure, this pack’s ready for anything, even fitting an Impact Protector and an e-bike battery.

Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers

These Ortlieb Back-Roller bike panniers are built to withstand whatever the weather throws at you, thanks to their tough coated polyester fabric and roll-top closure that keeps water out.

You won't have to leave anything behind with a 40-liter gear capacity. (That's 20 liters each, for those keeping score.) There's plenty of room for food, extra clothes, toiletries, and other essentials. The QL2.1 mounting system makes attaching these to racks (up to 16 mm tube diameter) a breeze and comes with adapters for smaller sizes too. Plus, there's an inner pocket for smaller items, large reflectors for visibility, and a shoulder strap for easy carrying off the bike.

Sold as a pair, these panniers are praised for their top-notch quality and design, featuring remarkably good latches and overall capacity.

Lezyne Flow Tool Caddy Pro

Ever been biking, rummaging through a pile of gear for your tube and tools, feeling the frustration mount? Well, say goodbye to those days with the Lezyne Flow Tool Caddy Pro. This tool bag is a game-changer for cyclists who value organization and convenience. Its sleek, ergonomic design not only fits perfectly in your water bottle cage but also offers easy access and smart storage while you're on the move.

With internal compartments that include a zippered section and a mesh pocket, this caddy ensures your tube, CO2 canisters, and multi-tools are neatly organized and always within reach. And when you're dealing with a flat by the roadside, the full 180-degree zipper opening means you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips, hassle-free.

Moral Code Tide Vegan Backpack

If you're heading out for quick ride around town and want to do it in style, the Tide backpack is our pick. It's practicality and sleek, making it a top pick for cyclists who appreciate both form and function. With its waterproof capabilities, you won't have to worry about getting caught in a downpour, and its durability means it can handle the rough and tumble of city life.

But what really sets the Tide backpack apart for us is the brand's commitment to style without sacrificing sustainability. It's made from recycled plastic bottles with vegan apple leather accents. The classic flap design gives you easy access to the main compartment, ensuring everything you need is just a zipper away. Plus, with extra pockets, your smaller essentials are always within reach.

What to Look for in a Bike Bag

When diving into the vast sea of bike bags, it's easy to get swept away by the sheer variety and advertised features. However, focusing on a few key factors can help you navigate these waters.

Type of Cycling - For the rugged off-roader, durability and water resistance are your best mates. Urban commuters, on the other hand, might prioritize ease of access and reflective elements for twilight rides.

Capacity and Compartments - Think Mary Poppins' bag, but for cyclists. You want enough space to stash your essentials but with savvy compartments to avoid a chaotic treasure hunt whenever you need your keys.

Attachment systems - A bag that fits snugly and securely on your bike is like a faithful sidekick, ready for any adventure without causing a ruckus.

Material - Look for lightweight yet sturdy fabrics that can handle adverse weather conditions and keep your belongings safe and dry.

Why Trust Esquire?

We don't have all the answers, but we're definitely not slacking on the research front, and we make it a point to chat with the experts. Our circle includes a bunch of recreational cyclists who are always on the move, giving us the lowdown on which bike racks are hitting the mark and which ones are missing it by miles. Toss in our own in-depth research, and you're looking at the best advice on the internet. We're here to guide you through the dizzying array of choices, slicing through the clutter to spotlight bike bags that truly excel in durability, user-friendliness, and versatility.

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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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Bike Travel Cases

Six of the best bike boxes and bike bags for travelling, review | back line sprinting's velo is a neat solution to the race day bag, douchebags the savage bike bag review, biknd jetpack bike bag review, evoc bike travel bag review, evoc danny macaskill bike bag review, thule roundtrip traveler bike bag review, buxum tourmalet bike box review, pro mega bike bag review, polaris eva pod plus review, polaris cargo bike bag review, scicon travel plus racing bag – in brief review, scicon aerocomfort 2.0 tsa review, polaris eva bike pod bike bag review, biknd helium bike bag review, scicon aerotech evolution bike case review, ground effect tardis review, merida bike bag review, b&w touring bike box review, revolution transit hard case with wheel bag review.

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• Travel Essentials & Accessories

13 Best Bike Travel Case for 2024

Published: September 5, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Elianora Valles

• Tech & Gear

Introducing the "13 Best Bike Travel Case for 2023" – a comprehensive guide that highlights the top-rated bike travel cases to consider for your upcoming adventures. Whether you are a professional cyclist or a passionate bike enthusiast, having a reliable travel case is crucial to ensure the safe transportation of your valuable bicycle. This expertly curated list features the latest models and designs equipped with innovative features, sturdy construction, and convenient portability. Discover the perfect bike travel case that will provide optimal protection for your bike while facilitating hassle-free transportation in 2023.

Jump to Review

CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case

This product has a rating of A. * What does this rating mean?

Overall Score : 8.5/10

The CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case is the perfect accessory for traveling with your beloved road bike. Made from high-quality EVA material, this lightweight and durable case provide excellent protection for your bike during air travel. It features a hard shell design with ample storage space, allowing you to pack your bike securely and easily. The case is compatible with 700C road bikes and comes with a TSA lock for added security. With smooth-rolling wheels and convenient soft handles, transporting your bike is a breeze. The case is equipped with various buckles, straps, and strong zips to ensure that your bike parts stay in place. Overall, this bike travel case offers great value for money and provides the peace of mind you need when traveling with your bike.

Key Features

• Suitable for 700C road bikes
• High-quality EVA material
• Hard shell design for maximum protection
• Smooth-rolling wheels and soft handles
• Includes TSA lock for added security

Specifications

• Color: EVA (700c Road Bikes ONLY)
• Dimension: 47.24Lx35.83Wx10.24H
• Size: Default
• Provides excellent protection for your road bike
• Ample storage space for easy packing
• Smooth and effortless transportation
• Strong and secure buckles, straps, and zips
• Comes with a TSA lock for added security
• Includes a 2-year warranty for peace of mind
• Bulky and can be difficult to roll
• Lacks padding on one side of the case
• Some durability concerns with zipper and wheels

The CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case is a reliable and practical solution for transporting your road bike during air travel. Despite its minor shortcomings, such as bulkiness and durability concerns with the zipper and wheels, this case offers excellent protection and security for your bike. With its ample storage space, smooth-rolling wheels, and soft handles, it makes traveling with your bike a hassle-free experience. The added TSA lock and 2-year warranty provide further peace of mind. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or an occasional adventurer, this bike travel case is a worthy investment to ensure the safety of your beloved road bike. Get ready to explore the world with your bike by your side!

Thule Road Bike Travel Case

The Thule Roundtrip Road Bike Travel Case is the ultimate companion for any cycling enthusiast. With its sleek design and durable construction, this travel case ensures the safe transportation of almost all road, gravel, or cyclocross bikes. It features a work stand that makes bike maintenance, assembly, and disassembly easier whether you're on the road or at home. The padded interior packing panels protect all parts of your bike during transport, while the rigid side panels and molded HDPE bottom tub provide superior protection. This travel case is designed to fit a wheelbase of up to 110cm. With its black color and dimensions of 48.82Lx12.99Wx33.46H, it is perfect for road biking enthusiasts. Customers have praised its quality and design. However, there have been a few reports of the front swivel wheel falling out during trips.

• Safely transports almost all road, gravel or cyclocross bikes
• Included work stand for easy maintenance
• Securely fasten the bike to the workstand inside the case
• Padded interior packing panels for complete protection
• Rigid side panels and molded HDPE bottom tub for superior protection
• Color: Black
• Dimension: 48.82Lx12.99Wx33.46H
• Size: Road Bike
• Safe and secure transportation for bikes
• Convenient work stand for maintenance
• Quality construction and design
• Reports of front swivel wheel falling out during trips

The Thule Roundtrip Road Bike Travel Case is a reliable and practical solution for transporting your beloved road bike. Its sturdy construction and thoughtful design ensure that your bike remains safe and secure throughout your travels. The included work stand is a game-changer, making maintenance tasks effortless, both on the road and at home. With padded interior packing panels and rigid side panels, your bike is protected from any bumps or knocks during transport. While there have been a few reports of the front swivel wheel falling out during trips, the overall quality and convenience of this travel case make it worth considering. If you’re a road biking enthusiast looking for a reliable travel companion, the Thule Roundtrip Road Bike Travel Case is an excellent choice.

Verpiason Bike Carry Bag

The Verpiason Folding Bike Carry Bag is a versatile and durable bag designed to transport folding bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes. It features a spacious interior with an internal divider compartment to protect your bike and a front zipper pocket for storing additional accessories. The bag is made of heavy-duty 600D oxford fabric and 300g non-woven fabric, ensuring its strength and durability. With its adjustable shoulder strap, the bike bag can be carried on your shoulder or in hand, providing convenience during travel. It is suitable for 26-29 inch folding bikes, 27.5 inch mountain bikes, and 700 C road bikes. The Verpiason Folding Bike Carry Bag is an excellent accessory for any cyclist looking to transport their bike safely and securely.

• Dimensions: 55.12" x 31.49" x 11.02"
• Weight: 5.29lb
• Suitable for 26-29 inch folding bikes, 27.5 inch mountain bikes, and 700 C road bikes
• Made of heavy-duty 600D oxford fabric and 300g non-woven fabric
• Internal divider compartment and front zipper pocket for storage
• Adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying
• Spacious interior to accommodate various bike sizes
• Durable construction for long-lasting use
• Adjustable shoulder strap for convenient carrying
• Internal divider compartment for added protection
• Front zipper pocket for storing accessories
• Thin fabric may not provide sufficient protection during air travel
• Lack of padding for extra cushioning

The Verpiason Folding Bike Carry Bag is a reliable and practical option for transporting folding bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes. Its spacious interior, durable construction, and adjustable shoulder strap make it a convenient choice for cyclists. However, it may not provide enough protection for air travel due to its thin fabric. Overall, it offers good value for its affordable price and is suitable for car or RV travel.

Scicon Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Travel Bag

Overall Score : 7.5/10

The Scicon Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Travel Bag is a must-have accessory for road cyclists who frequently travel with their bikes. This travel bag is specifically designed for road bikes and is built for air travel, equipped with a Travel Sentry Approved (TSA) padlock. Its internal support structure allows you to pack your bike without removing the handlebars, saddle, and seat post. Made from high-density woven Nylon, this bag provides excellent protection for your bike during transportation. The Twin Wheel System with eight wheels allows for easy maneuverability in any direction. With a sleek black design, this bag is both stylish and functional.

• Weight: 10.5 Kg
• External Dimensions: 115x95x28 cm
• Disk breaks ready
• Rim breaks ready
• Road bikes only
• Built for air travel. Travel Sentry Approved (TSA) padlock equipped
• Internal support structure
• No need to remove handlebars, saddle and seat post
• Made from high-density woven Nylon
• Twin Wheel System: eight wheels, 360 degrees
• Dimension: 42.91Lx19.69Wx40.55H
• Easy to pack bike without disassembling
• Durable and protective material
• Convenient Twin Wheel System for maneuverability
• Attractive black design
• May not fit larger or wider road bikes
• Expensive compared to some alternatives
• Not suitable for shipping carbon bikes

Despite a few limitations, the Scicon Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Travel Bag is a solid choice for road cyclists who frequently travel by air with their bikes. The bag’s design allows for easy packing without the need to remove important components, while providing reliable protection for the bike during transportation. The Twin Wheel System adds convenience with its maneuverability, and the high-density woven Nylon material ensures durability. However, users with larger or wider road bikes should be cautious, as the bag might not accommodate these sizes. Additionally, the bag is relatively expensive compared to some alternatives on the market. Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish and functional travel bag for your road bike, the Scicon Sports Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Travel Bag is worth considering.

CyclingDeal Travel Bike Carry Bag

Overall Score : 8/10

The CyclingDeal Transport Travel Bike Carry Bag is the perfect solution for safely transporting your bike during travel. Made with high-quality Nylon 600D, PVC-coated material, this bag offers full protection for your bike, with an extra-wide carriage that securely holds the bike frame. The bag features a friction system that prevents scratches, and a disc protection design to separate wheel compartments. With its durable and flexible construction, this travel bag is suitable for 26", 27.5", 29" MTB, and 700C Road bikes. It is water-resistant, dust-proof, and easy to clean. The bag also comes with a 2-year warranty for worry-free use. Whether you're going on a road trip or flying to your next cycling destination, the CyclingDeal Transport Travel Bike Carry Bag is the ideal accessory to keep your bike safe and secure.

• FULL PROTECTION: Fast and easy transportation with extra-wide carriage.
• COMPATIBILITY: Suitable for 26", 27.5" 29" MTB and 700C Road bikes.
• DURABLE MATERIAL: Made of Nylon 600D with PVC coating.
• SPECS: Color: black; Inside size: 130 x 27 x 80cm ( 51.1" x 10.6" x 31.5”); Package measurement: 140 x 38 x 28cm (55.1" x 14.9" x 11”); Net weight: 8.3kg/18.3lbs.
• ORDER NOW, WORRY-FREE! 2-year warranty!
• Color: Soft (26"-29", 700c)
• Full protection design
• Durable and flexible material
• Suitable for various bike types
• Friction system prevents scratches
• 2-year warranty
• Not a perfect fit as pictured
• Internal straps and grommets could be improved

Overall, the CyclingDeal Transport Travel Bike Carry Bag is a reliable and durable option for transporting and storing your bike. Its full protection design, durable material, and compatibility with various bike types make it a great choice for cyclists. While it may not be a perfect fit as pictured, it still does the job effectively. The bag’s internal straps and grommets could be improved for better functionality. However, with its 2-year warranty and reasonable price, this bag offers great value for the price. Whether you’re a bike enthusiast or a casual rider, this travel bag provides peace of mind knowing that your bike will be protected during transport or storage.

EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro – Durable, Secure, and Easy Rolling

The EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro is a must-have accessory for bike enthusiasts who love to travel. With its durable P600D exterior and well-padded interior, this bag ensures that your bike is protected throughout your journey. Its TSA Approved locking zippers provide added security, and the large skate-style wheels make it easy to move around. The EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro fits most bike types, including XC, All Mountain, Enduro, Freeride, Road, Gravel, Cyclocross, and Triathlon bikes. While it does not include a Fork Protector, it does come with a Frame Pad for added protection. However, some users have reported issues with the bag's size and front rotor damage. Overall, the EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro is a reliable travel companion for your bike, scoring a solid 8 out of 10.

• FITS MOST BIKES – almost all XC, All Mountain, Enduro, Freeride, Road, Gravel, Cyclocross, and Triathlon bikes
• DURABLE – P600D exterior and well-padded interior
• SECURE – TSA Approved locking zippers
• EASY ROLLING – Large skate style wheels
• INCLUDED PADS – Only the Frame Pad is included with the Travel Bag Pro
• Dimension: 59.00Lx15.00Wx9.50H
• Size: One Size
• Durable and well-padded for bike protection
• TSA Approved locking zippers for added security
• Large skate-style wheels for easy rolling
• Fits most bike types
• Included Frame Pad for added protection
• No included Fork Protector
• Size may be problematic for some users
• Front rotor damage reported by some users

The EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro is a reliable and durable accessory for bike enthusiasts who travel with their bikes. It offers great protection for various bike types and is easy to maneuver with its large wheels. The TSA Approved locking zippers provide added security. However, it is important to note that the bag does not include a Fork Protector and some users have reported issues with front rotor damage. Despite these minor drawbacks, the EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro is a solid choice for those in need of a dependable and secure travel bag for their bikes.

Thule RoundTrip Sport – Hard Shell Bike Travel Case

Overall Score : 8.2/10

The Thule RoundTrip Sport is a durable hard shell bike travel case designed to protect your bike during transportation. It features a polyethylene construction with integrated wheels for easy transport. The case includes dividers to keep the wheels separated from the frame, ensuring safe and secure travel. With dimensions of 47" x 30½" x 10½" (outer) and 45" x 28½" x 10" (inner), it offers ample space for most bike sizes. The case is black in color and is designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Although it may be a bit unwieldy to navigate through airports, it provides excellent protection for your bike. It is also versatile, as it can be used for luggage or other items that need to be safeguarded from the elements.

• Durable polyethylene construction with integrated wheels
• Dividers keep wheels separated from the frame
• Ample space with dimensions of 47" x 30½" x 10½"
• Versatile and can be used for luggage or other items
• Black color and sturdy design
• Dimension: 33.90Lx18.30Wx16.50H
• Durable and sturdy construction
• Ample space for most bike sizes
• Excellent protection for your bike
• Versatile for other use cases
• Unwieldy to navigate through airports
• Straps may not be secured properly after TSA inspection
• No latches to secure the two halves together
• Slightly flimsy plastic

The Thule RoundTrip Sport is a dependable hard shell bike travel case that offers excellent protection for your bike during transportation. It is durable, spacious, and versatile, making it a great choice for frequent travelers. The integrated wheels facilitate easy transport, although it may be a bit challenging to maneuver through airports. The case’s dividers ensure that the wheels and frame remain separate, minimizing the risk of damage. While it has a few minor drawbacks like the straps not being secured properly after TSA inspection and the lack of latches, overall, it does an exceptional job safeguarding your bike. With its solid construction and thoughtful design, the Thule RoundTrip Sport is a reliable companion for anyone seeking reliable bike transportation.

Aophire Folding Bike Bag

The Aophire Folding Bike Bag is a must-have accessory for travelers who want to bring their bikes along. This durable bag is designed to fit regular 26-inch bikes and can even accommodate 27.5-inch bikes with the wheels and handlebar removed. It is easy to load in by simply disassembling the front wheel and handlebar and zipping up the bag. Made with high-quality materials, including heavy-duty 600D oxford fabric and 300g non-woven fabric, this bike bag provides excellent protection for your bicycle. It is also convenient to use for bike transfer on cars, trains, subways, and more. The unfolded size of the bag is 55.1 x 31.4 x 11 inches, while the folded size is 15.7 x 7.4 x 5.5 inches. With its practical features and sturdy construction, the Aophire Folding Bike Bag is an essential travel companion for cyclists.

• Suitable for 26-inch and 27.5-inch bikes with wheels and handlebar removed
• Easy to load in
• Made with high-quality materials
• Dimensions: Unfolded – 55.1 x 31.4 x 11 inches, Folded – 15.7 x 7.4 x 5.5 inches
• Convenient for bike transfer on various modes of transportation
• Size: X-Large
• Provides excellent protection for bikes
• Convenient for travel and transportation
• Easy to load and unload
• Does not fit all 29-inch wheel mountain bikes
• Lacks padding for air travel
• May not withstand rough handling during plane transfers

Overall, the Aophire Folding Bike Bag is a reliable and convenient travel companion for cyclists. While it may not fit all 29-inch wheel mountain bikes and lacks sufficient padding for air travel, it excels in providing durable protection for bikes during transfers on cars, trains, and subways. The bag’s high-quality materials and sturdy construction make it a reliable option for storing bikes in the garage or transporting them in vehicles. With its compact folded size, it is easy to carry and store when not in use. Whether you’re planning a biking adventure or need a storage solution for your bike, the Aophire Folding Bike Bag is a worthwhile investment.

Aophire Bike Transport Case

The Aophire Folding Bike Bag is a must-have for travelers who want to bring their bikes along on their adventures. This bag is suitable for regular 26 inch bikes and can even accommodate up to 27.5 inch bikes with the wheels and handlebar off. It is incredibly portable and easy to load in, simply disassemble the front wheel and handlebar, put the whole bicycle into the bag, and zip up. Made with heavy-duty 1680D Polyester, this bike bag is designed to last. It also features strong shoulder straps and an accessories pocket for tools. Not only is it perfect for bike transfer and air travel, but it also doubles as a storage bag. The Aophire Folding Bike Bag is the ultimate companion for bike enthusiasts on the go.

• Suitable for regular 26 inch bikes, up to 27.5 inch
• Easy to load in with removable front wheel and handlebar
• Made with heavy-duty 1680D Polyester
• Includes strong shoulder straps and accessories pocket
• Multifunctional as both a bike transfer bag and a storage bag
• Dimension: 100.00Lx100.00Wx50.00H
• Size: Large
• Portable and easy to load
• Durable materials for long-lasting use
• Includes shoulder straps and accessories pocket
• Multifunctional for various travel needs
• Some customers received used bags with mold spots
• Zipper may be prone to breaking or getting stuck
• Lacks additional support and straps
• Not suitable for high-end street bikes

The Aophire Folding Bike Bag is a reliable and convenient accessory for bike enthusiasts who frequently travel. Its portability, durability, and multifunctional design make it a great choice for bike transfer, air travel, and storage purposes. However, some customers have reported receiving used bags with mold spots and experiencing issues with the zipper. Additionally, the bag lacks extra support and straps, which may be a drawback for those with high-end street bikes. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and functional bike bag, the Aophire Folding Bike Bag is worth considering.

EVOC Bike Travel Bag

The EVOC Bike Travel Bag is a versatile and durable accessory that makes traveling with your bike a breeze. With its hybrid construction combining the benefits of a hardshell case and a soft bag, it provides maximum protection with minimal weight. It fits most types of bikes and has a capacity of 285 liters, along with convenient features like wheel compartments, a reinforced fork mount, smooth-rolling skate wheels, and multiple carrying handles. The bag is backed by a 24-month warranty from evoc. While some users have noted minor issues with the reinforcing ribs shedding glass splinters, overall, the EVOC Bike Travel Bag is highly recommended for its excellent performance and portability.

• Hybrid construction for protection and ease of use
• Fits most types of bikes
• Large capacity of 285 liters
• Multiple convenient features for easy travel
• Dimension: 54.50Lx15.25Wx9.00H
• Maximum protection with minimal weight
• Versatile and fits various types of bikes
• Smooth-rolling replaceable skate wheels
• Convenient carrying handles
• Reinforcing ribs may shed glass splinters
• Not as durable as some users expected

The EVOC Bike Travel Bag is a reliable and well-designed accessory for bike enthusiasts who frequently travel with their bikes. Its hybrid construction provides the best of both worlds, offering excellent protection while remaining lightweight and easy to maneuver. The bag’s spacious capacity and versatile compatibility make it suitable for various types of bikes. Although there are some minor drawbacks, such as the issue with glass splinters from the reinforcing ribs and occasional durability concerns, the overall performance and functionality of the EVOC Bike Travel Bag are highly impressive. Whether you’re a professional cyclist or a casual rider, this bag is a worthwhile investment to keep your bike safe and secure during your travels.

CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case – For 700c, 26",27.5" and 29" Bikes

The CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case is a must-have accessory for cyclists who want to take their bikes with them securely and easily. With its hard shell design and massive storage capacity, this case ensures that your beloved bike stays protected during air flights. The case is made from EVA material, providing high impact strength and tear resistance. It is compatible with bikes up to 29 inches, excluding XL frame 29er MTBs. The case features excellent quality wheels for smooth and effortless travel, as well as soft handles for easy maneuvering. It offers thick protection to prevent damage to your bike's wheels and frame, and comes with a TSA lock for added security. With a 2-year warranty and positive customer reviews, the CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case is a reliable choice for transporting your bike.

• SECURITY: Hard shell design for secure and easy travel
• MATERIAL: Made from EVA material for high impact strength
• COMPATIBILITY: Suitable for bikes up to 29 inches
• QUICK ACTION: Excellent quality wheels and soft handles for easy maneuvering
• PROTECTION: Thick layer and buckles/straps for added bike security
• Color: EVA (26"-29", 700c)
• Dimension: 48.82Lx11.42Wx40.16H
• Size: Large: 700c Road Bike 29" MTB
• Durable hard shell design
• Easy to pack and assemble
• Comes with a TSA lock
• Excellent quality wheels for smooth travel
• Thick layer protects wheels and frame
• Does not fit XL frame 29er MTBs
• Struggles to fit medium-sized mountain bikes
• Expensive compared to other options

The CyclingDeal Bike Travel Case is a reliable and durable solution for transporting your bike securely. It offers excellent protection, easy maneuvering, and a 2-year warranty. However, it may not be suitable for XL frame 29er MTBs and struggles with medium-sized mountain bikes. While it is more expensive than some alternatives, its positive customer reviews indicate its worth. If you’re a cyclist who frequently travels with your bike, this travel case is definitely a worthy investment.

Rhinowalk Folding Bike Carry Bag

This product has a rating of B. * What does this rating mean?

Overall Score : 7.5/10/10

The Rhinowalk Folding Bike Carry Bag is a convenient and portable solution for transporting your bike during air travel. Made from heavy-duty 600D oxford fabric and tear-resistant non-woven fabric, this bag provides strong and stable protection for your bicycle. It features a front zipper pocket for storing personal items and comes with a storage bag for easy organization. The bag is designed to fit 26 to 29 inch bikes, with the option to remove the wheels and handlebar for a better fit. Safety is ensured with reflective silver strips and logos for enhanced visibility. With its easy operation and high-quality material, the Rhinowalk Folding Bike Carry Bag is a reliable choice for bike travel. Score: 7.5/10.

• Unfolded size: 55.11131.4 inch
• Folded size: 15.77.45.5 inch
• Portable and convenient with storage bag
• Easy operation for disassembling and zipping up
• High-quality tear-resistant material
• Reflective silver strip for safety
• Size: 26-29 Inch
• Convenient and easy to carry
• Durable material for strong protection
• Reflective strip for nighttime visibility
• Dimensions may be smaller than advertised
• Some customers received different products

The Rhinowalk Folding Bike Carry Bag offers a practical and reliable solution for transporting your bicycle during air travel. With its durable materials and easy operation, you can confidently protect your bike from damage. The compact size when folded and the included storage bag add to its convenience. However, it’s important to note that some customers have reported discrepancies in the dimensions and received different products. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Rhinowalk bag remains a good value for its price and provides adequate protection for your bike. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or occasional rider, this carry bag is worth considering for your biking adventures.

Rhinowalk Folding Bike Bag

The Rhinowalk Folding Bike Bag is a must-have accessory for travelers with folding bikes. Made of high intensity nylon, this bag is lightweight, durable, and waterproof, perfect for car, train, or plane trips. It fits folding bikes ranging from 20 to 26 inches and features strong webbing for enhanced strength. The bag is easy to use, thanks to its shoulder strap and small storage bag for convenient carrying. It also doubles as a picnic blanket when fully unfolded. With its multi-purpose design and practical features, the Rhinowalk Folding Bike Bag provides excellent protection and convenience on your biking adventures.

• Durable & Lightweight
• FITS 20"-26" FOLDING BIKES
• Strong webbing
• Easy to use
• Multi-Purpose
• Color: Black 26inch
• Made of high intensity nylon for durability
• Waterproof design for all-weather protection
• Suitable for 20-26 inch folding bikes
• Enhanced strength with strong webbing
• Convenient shoulder strap for easy carrying
• Includes a small storage bag
• Can be used as a picnic blanket
• Some users reported ripping after multiple uses
• Lacks carry handles on the sides

Overall, the Rhinowalk Folding Bike Bag is a reliable and versatile accessory for travelers with folding bikes. Its durable and waterproof design provides excellent protection for your bike during car, train, or plane trips. The strong webbing ensures long-lasting use, while the easy-to-use features, such as the shoulder strap and small storage bag, add convenience to your travels. Additionally, its multi-purpose design allows you to use it as a picnic blanket. While some users mentioned issues like ripping and the lack of side carry handles, the bag’s overall quality and functionality make it a great investment for any folding bike owner.

Things to Consider:

• Hard Case: Offers maximum protection but can be heavy.
• Soft Case: Lightweight and versatile but provides less protection.
• Hybrid Case: Balances protection and weight, combines features of both hard and soft cases.
• Size and Compatibility:
• Ensure that the travel case accommodates your bike's dimensions, including frame size and wheel size.
• Look for adjustable features to accommodate various bike types, such as road, mountain, or folding bikes.
• Durability:
• Opt for sturdy materials, such as heavy-duty nylon or impact-resistant polycarbonate, to protect your bike during transit.
• Consider reinforced corners, padding, or hard shells for added protection against impacts and rough handling.
• Portability:
• Check for built-in wheels, handles, and shoulder straps for easier transportation through airports or train stations.
• Look for collapsible or foldable designs to minimize storage space when the case is not in use.
• Choose a case with secure latches, lockable zippers, or TSA-approved locks to prevent unauthorized access or tampering during travel.
• Consider cases with additional strap or buckle systems to further secure the bike inside the case.
• Ease of Packing:
• Look for cases that provide clear instructions and include internal padding or custom foam inserts for easy and secure bike packing.
• Consider cases with separate compartments or pockets for storing accessories, such as helmets, pedals, or tools.
• Weight and Carrying Restrictions:
• Check weight restrictions imposed by airlines or transportation services to ensure the case meets their requirements.
• Consider lightweight options if you frequently travel by air and want to avoid bulky baggage fees.
• Assembly and Disassembly:
• Check if the case requires extensive disassembly of your bike or if it allows for minimal breakdown and reassembly, saving time and effort.
• Compatibility with Transport:
• Determine if the case fits within the dimensions of your vehicle for easy transportation to and from airports or train stations.
• Consider stackability to allow for multiple cases to be securely stacked during transportation.
• Price Range:
• Set a budget that aligns with your requirements and frequency of travel.
• Remember that investing in a more durable and feature-rich case may provide better long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions about 13 Best Bike Travel Case for 2023

Yes, you can use most bike travel cases for international flights. However, make sure to check with individual airlines for any specific regulations or restrictions regarding dimensions, weight, or packing requirements.

Bike travel cases are typically designed to accommodate various bike types, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and folding bikes. However, it’s essential to verify the case’s compatibility with your specific bike’s dimensions and features.

To pack your bike safely, start by removing any loose or fragile parts, such as the derailleur, pedals, and handlebars. Securely pad these components and use additional padding or foam inserts to protect the frame and wheels. Refer to the case manufacturer’s instructions for more specific guidance.

Generally, bike travel cases are considered oversized or special items and may have separate check-in procedures or fees. Verify with your airline or transportation service to ensure you follow their policies and avoid any unexpected charges or inconveniences.

When using a soft bike travel case, consider using additional protective layers, such as bubble wrap or foam, to provide extra cushioning. Ensure the case is securely closed and tightly strapped before transporting to minimize any potential damage during transit.

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Bikepacking & Adventure Cycling

Best Bike Travel Cases Bags For Your Next Adventure

Bike travel cases are the perfect solution to allow you to pack your bike up and travel to the furthest corners of the world with your bike.

This has personally been an area of struggle I have had with bike travel

As I opt for a cardboard box of my travels.

As these seem to be the best solution if you plan to bike tour and don’t have the ability to carry a bag with you or leave it at a hotel. Especially if you are moving about very often.

But they offer the best protection for your bike and organization

Compared to a cardboard box.

Also, most bike travel cases pack relatively small so you can avoid those oversized baggage fees.

I am doing more bikepacking adventures that range from a few days in length these days.

So having a bike travel case is the best solution.

And as I am currently in the market for one.

I was doing all this research comparing most bike travel cases available on the market and thought while I am at it, why not write an article for you guys.

So here we go, here are the best bike travel cases ready for your next bike adventure!

EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro

When looking at this bag by EVOC it seems to be very popular amongst fellow bike travelers.

The 310-liter bag can fit almost any type of bike, has separate compartments for your wheels with padded protection or your rotors, internal frame protection and straps, and even has rolling wheels.

The monocoque wheel chassis is stiff and lightweight and the molded bottom case with aluminum side rails and Aluminum front handle system makes for a durable design.

Fits most bikes: Cross Country, All Mountain, Enduro, Freeride, Downhill Bikes up to 29“, Gravel, Road, and Triathlon Bikes

Only takes a few minutes and all you need to do is remove the handlebar, pedals, and wheels.

Weighing in at 9.6 kg / 24.4 lbs

Dimensions : 147 x 37 x 85 / 57.8 x 14.5 x 33.4 inches / 310-liters of space

Thule Roundtrip MTB Travel Case

Transport your road bike or MTB safely and easily with Thules Roundtrip travel cases.

The above is their MTB travel bag, they also sell a road bike bag

What I liked most about this case is the integrated workstand for bike maintenance, assembly, and disassembly easier while traveling. This is always a bit of a struggle when putting your bike together on the road. So excited that they offer this feature.

Also, the workstand’s fork mount fits all front axle sizes, including 15 x 110 boost, 15 x 100, 20 x 110, and 12 x 100 mm thru-axle, as well as 9 mm quick-release

The case safely transports almost all mountain bikes, fitting wheelbases up to 130 cm and tires up to 29 x 3.0 in

Also, the padded interior packing panels are tailored to protect all parts of the bike during transport

There are even brake rotor pockets located in the optimal packing position and protect rotors from bending stress while traveling

Weight 13.44 kg / 29.63 lbs

Deminsions : 144.02 cm x 88.9 cm x 38.1 cm / 56.7 x 35 x 15 inches

DAKINE Bike Roller Bag

This bike travel case is the lightest option we have shown so far at 8.05 kg / 17.74 lbs

Weight is a big deal when it comes to bike travel, especially if you are flying. If you are traveling with all your camping gear as well it’s ideal to free up as much weight as possible.

This bag does just that and it’s the most affordable option when have mentioned so far too, check price!

This bag allows you to easily transport and store your downhill MTB or road bike with 360° padded protection and smooth-rolling, replaceable urethane wheels.

The rear triangle foam block and derailleur pocket stabilize your bike, while the internal padded bags hold your wheels and fork.

Also, the zipper is lockable (no lock included though)

Dimensions: 139.7 x 33 x 86.3 cm / 55 x 13 x 34 inches

PRO Bike Mega Travel Case

The PRO Bike Travel Case is a durable and protective travel case designed specifically for bicycles. It features a reinforced frame for added strength and improved protection.

This travel case is suitable for all types of bikes, including mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and road bikes.

It comes with two-wheel compartments strategically placed to enhance the frame’s stability.

The case is equipped with two rear caster wheels and two front fixed wheels, making it easy to maneuver despite its lightweight of 9 kilograms.

Key highlights include the reinforced design, universal bike compatibility, inner pockets for wheel storage, and the convenient wheel system for easy mobility.

Deminsions: 130 x 25 x 77 cm / 51.18 x 9.84 x 30.31 inches

Scicon Sports Aerocomfort

A road bike travel case

The Aerocomfort 3.0 Road is a convenient and foldable soft-shell bike case designed for cyclists on the go.

It features an internal bike stand that securely holds your bike in place, while a unique outer shell shape allows you to keep your handlebar and seat post intact.

With minimal bike disassembly and no tools required, you only need to remove the wheels.

Your bike settings remain undisturbed, and the case offers comprehensive protection with internal pads and safety belts.

It supports standard quick releases and 12mm thru-axle skewers and includes Thru-Axle to Quick Release adapters.

The case is lightweight, with external dimensions of 115x95x28 cm, and weighs 10.5 Kg, suitable for road bikes, and is designed for air travel.

It has an internal support structure and is made from high-density woven Nylon. The Twin Wheel System™ ensures smooth, silent movement with eight 360-degree wheels.

Additionally, the case is Travel Sentry Approved, and a TSA padlock is included for added security.

LifeLine EVA Pod Bike Travel Bag

Again one of the lighter cases to choose from

LifeLine’s EVA Bike Pod is the ideal solution for easy bike transportation.

Made from high-impact resistant EVA material, it provides excellent protection against impacts and abrasions.

This pod is designed to fit most modern bikes, securely locking them in place to prevent any damage during transit.

Not the most ideal choice compared to other cases as the reviews vary, which is why I was hesitant to include it.

The EVA Bike Pod features a clamshell design that allows it to fully open for effortless bike storage and removal.

It is securely sealed with industrial-strength zips and quick-release buckles.

The pod is equipped with multiple handles, making it easy to lift and maneuver. It also meets all major airport security baggage handling restrictions.

About The Author

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.

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Pro Bike Travel Case

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

• Exceptional
• Not so good

The Pro Bike Travel Case is a soft bag that's full of nice touches to make packing your bike away for travel easy, but it suffers terribly from poor construction and just can't go the distance.

Check out our guide to the best bike boxes and bike bags for more (robust) options.

The Pro case follows the template of many other soft bike bags, with a solid base with wheels on, a foam padded body that's resistant to both water and baggage handling abuse, an internal frame to secure your bike to once a level of disassembly has occurred, sleeves and pockets to put wheels and bits in, and a bunch of handles to help with dragging it around.

Like all soft bags, it's a compromise – it's better than a cardboard box in being more waterproof, easier to move about and needing less pipe lagging and packing tape, but not as protective as a full bike-enveloping plastic clamshell case, although it's lighter and easier to store.

Bag assembly

All bike bags require a bit of a knack to packing that gets easier each time you use them, and the Pro Bike Travel Case is no different – although the process is increased considerably by having to build the bag up from its initial packed state, and the supplied instructions are pretty basic and require a bit of thought and intuition to decipher.

The bag is given its shape and a level of rigidity by a series of rods that need to be inserted around the three upper edges of the bag on both sides. There are two long rods to fit along the top of the bag and four up the sides. They're a struggle to insert into their respective nylon webbing pockets at the ends, so while it needs to be that way to give the bag some of its structural integrity, you don't want to be doing this assembly every time you use the bag. You have to flex the upright poles a worrying amount to get them to fit into their end pockets and it's all very fingers-and-thumbs in the dark, hidden corners of the non-zipped side.

The positive to this system is that when all the rods are removed from the bag it squishes down to a fraction of its size, making it easier to transport, store or hide under a bed. Being the owner of a solid bike case that won't fit in the loft hole and takes up a lot of the spare room, this is a definite advantage for the majority of weeks of the year when the bike isn't going away.

But if you needed to squish the bag down for storage during your holiday, taking these out and then replacing them for travelling home again would be a tedious chore.

There are also four shorter thicker rods that fit in the side panels to protect the bike from side blows, a bit.

Packing a bike

Construction over, it's time to put the bike in. With its wheels off, the bike fits onto an alloy cradle that straps in the bottom of the bag, making it easily removable to facilitate this part of the process.

As long as its wheelbase is less than 124cm your bike will fit, and the bike carrier supports are adjustable along the cradle arms to fit whatever distance there is between your bike's dropouts. They're held in place with four hex key-tightened collars.

It's pretty fiddly to set up initially but when it's done, it's done, unless you plan to use the bag for a variety of bikes. Your bike is held into the internal frame with its own quick release/bolt-through skewers; there are blue adaptors on the arms to swap around to suit whatever size dropout width and configuration your bike has. The right rear one also has a chain guide built in to keep that tidy. There are additional wide Velcro straps on both arms to wrap up and over the skewers for extra stability and security.

Next up, it's seatpost and bar and stem removal time. The Pro case comes with a frame pad that wraps around the front of the bike's frame triangle, with Velcro straps to hold seatpost/saddle and stem/bar safely out of the way. If your seatpost is heavily greased it might make everything a bit grubby, so a plastic bag might come in handy here. I found that the cable routing of one of my bikes didn't like the bar being stored to the left, as the supplied frame pad would like, so I had to reverse everything to get things to play nicely. There's usually a bit of adapting and adjusting to fit everything in any bike bag, and this appears to be this one's area of fudge.

Note: if you have a small bike or not much seatpost showing then it's possible you could fit the bike in the bag with the saddle and seatpost still in. This does mean it becomes more of a structural part of the bike bag and subject to any external forces that might make themselves known, which you might not fancy.

You then shuffle the hitched bike frame and carrier combo back in the Travel Case and secure it to the base with the straps.

Now the frame can be secured to the side of the bag with straps at the head tube and seat tube cluster areas. These are attached to large foam blocks to keep the bike away from the side of the bag and provide some squash and thump protection.

Pop the drivetrain cover on to stop any other stuff you might put in the bag from getting oily smeared.

Wheel pockets

The wheels slot into cavernous pockets each side of the bag and are held taut with a pair of Velcro straps. They're offset front and back to help with tidy packing, and there are large reinforcing plastic discs on the outside to lessen axle rub and rotor damage.

Extra protection

For further protection, four foam blocks are supplied to stick to the bag via Velcro strips running either side towards the bottom, so you can mount them where your bike might be most sensitive to baggage strikes and clumsy loading.

The base and the bottom 30cm of the inside of the bag is lined with a silver foil type material that will help towards waterproofing, and more importantly it makes it easier to see where you've dropped that 3mm bolt when you're assembling the bike in a dim hotel basement.

The Pro Bike Travel Case also comes with a big drawstring bag to put your helmet or shoes in, and there's a large zipped mesh pocket to store pedals, energy bars and whatnot inside the rear end of the bag, and another open mesh pocket for knick knacks on the side towards the base.

I fitted a 56cm road bike in the bag and there was plenty of room to spare, you could easily fit a mountain bike in if you wanted, although rangier full-suspension bikes and modern geometry long-low-slack bikes might struggle.

I've spent some time in the past packing and unpacking various bikes into a large variety of bike bags and boxes, and once the initial setup is done the Pro Bike Travel Case is one of the good ones. Mounting the bike onto the cradle and then putting it in the bag is genuinely useful, especially at the other end when you might be putting the bike back together in a hotel room, where this frame can serve as an impromptu bike stand – so you can build most of the bike back up without making a mess of the carpet.

On the move

The base of the bag has four solid bars bolted to it for rigidity and to protect the bottom from rubs and scuffs, and moving the bag around is made easier by the four wheels.

The rear two are integrated into the bag and slightly recessed into a large corner boot of plastic, while the front pair are removable.

The front ones are castor wheels, which help with steering, and they can be clicked off with a push-button to stop them getting damaged in transit – a neat feature, on paper. A small external zipped pocket to put them in would be handy so you don't have to reopen the bag to hide them in before they disappear into the hold, especially if you've made use of the zips' ability to have a small padlock or zip-tie slotted through them, but that's a minor whinge.

There's a webbing grab handle on each side of the bag and one on the top for general heaving about, plus two handles on the front edge, both thickly padded with rubber, one on the top corner and one at the base, so you can comfortably pull the bag along on all four wheels or lift the front and roll along on the back ones.

It doesn't like strong winds either.

Lots of pros, but...

So there's a lot to like about the Pro Bike Travel Case. It's lighter than a plastic clamshell case and folds down small when not needed. The twin-railed metal frame in the base gives a secure footing for the bike and out of the bag makes it very easy to disassemble/assemble for packing/unpacking. The wheel pockets are huge and will fit a mountain bike wheel, and the internal pockets are handy too. It's a pleasingly compact and manoeuvrable bag, although dragging it around can be a frustrating affair at times. Unfortunately the Pro Bike Travel Case has a problem, and it's a big one.

It doesn't handle the chuck, thump and crush of airline travel at all well. It's impossible to predict how kindly a bag will be treated once it goes through the plastic flaps of no return, and we've all heard horror stories while probably never having an issue ourselves. But even taking the abuse lottery into account, the Pro Bike Travel Case really isn't up to the task.

On its first outing the pop rivets holding the plastic foot that house the rear wheels gave way, I suspect because of the main body having a certain amount of flex to it in relation to the base, allowing too much movement for the rivets to cope with. This was quickly fixed with some nuts and bolts, but it wasn't a good or reassuring start.

As if to prove it, on the case's next travels, one of the upright struts forced its way through its nylon end pocket, which compromised the bag's rigidity, protection and integrity. And there was some serious scuffing to the zip on a top corner.

On its third trip away, that loose pole punched its way through the bottom corner of the bag, possibly thanks to a blow from above, and a pole that runs along the top of the bag went through its webbing pocket too. The metal studs that stand proud of the inserts that the removable front wheels click into were showing damage too, likely from being dragged across the floor by a ground crew employee who isn't paid enough to care. This became worse over successive trips, so that enough of these studs has been worn away that the wheels don't clip in any more, so they're useless now. It's also maybe how one of these removable wheels got lost in transit somewhere. Oh, and a bit of the zip has come away from the body of the bag on a corner.

Overall, the Bike Travel Case really looks like it's been through the wars. Despite all of this, though, and with an increasing degree of trepidation each time I've used it, the bike inside has emerged completely unscathed. But it's an unacceptable and worrying amount of damage for a bag to sustain in so few trips that it doesn't inspire much faith for future travels. For the Pro Bike Travel Case's sake it's probably a good job that we're being encouraged to minimise air travel to help save the planet.

On paper, the Pro case isn't badly priced for what it is, but its performance lets it down. More protective, more robust bike bags and boxes can be had for less.

If you don't need the packability of a soft case, the Bike Box Alan Premium Bike Box is arguably the benchmark bike bag for safe travelling. Go anywhere near an oversize baggage belt and you'll see one. It's a plastic shell that requires more bike breakdown than the Pro, but it's cheaper (£440, and currently on sale for £374), and a sturdy box that should set your mind at rest however often you travel.

The Merlin Cycles Elite Travel Bike Bag looks similar but has a cheaper rrp of £429, up from £380 when Nick reviewed it in 2020 (and because it's Merlin it's probably on sale right now – oh yes, it is, £289). It doesn't have the bike cradle or bag-reinforcing struts and only has one set of wheels, but it packs away small too and in the course of testing appeared to hold up well.

The Evoc Bike Travel Bag always seemed to a popular and sturdy soft bag when I was hoicking bikes out the backs of vans, and comes with an optional frame to support the bike like the Pro case, but is still cheaper at £424.99. The members of the road.cc staff who helped with the testing recommended it, with one even considering buying it for themselves.

The Bikebox Online VeloVault2 is more expensive than the Pro, at £545. It's another hard case that's quite roomy, although that translates into it being quite a big box. Mat was impressed, though, saying it was strong, well made and very easy to pack. (And just as he said in his review in 2018, if you don't want to stump up the cash to buy one, they're also available to hire.)

'Soft' travel bags are always going to have their issues and be more susceptible to grazes and injuries than hard cases when dealing with being handled poorly and loaded into luggage compartments with the likelihood of piles of other heavy things chucked on top of them, but it's the compromise that many are happy to make for a bag that's light to move around and easier to store when not in use.

Over my years of travel with bikes I've stood nervously at the baggage carousel waiting to see what might have happened to countless bikes in bags and boxes, and I've never seen a bag suffer such a succession of damage in such a short time. Normally you'd have to wait a few years and get a-few-times-round-the-world amount of air miles under your belt to come to a satisfactory conclusion about the protection and longevity capabilities of a bike bag, but there's no need here.

For this sort of money you're going to expect a bag that will look after your bike for many years of travel, and while there's always an element of luck in such matters, a large amount of the Pro Bike Travel Case's misfortune seems to be poor design and construction choices.

A soft bike bag with some great features that would be even greater if it could stay in one piece

road.cc test report

Make and model: Pro Bike Travel Case

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Pro says: "The PRO Bike Travel Case features a reinforced frame to provide a sturdy, protective, travel case for your bike. Designed to provide you with a better sports' bicycle experience the PRO Bike Travel Case was developed to fit all bikes; including 29'er mountain bikes, gravel bikes and road bikes. It features a reinforced inner frame and improved protection, when compared to the previous version of PRO's Bike Travel Case. Inside the Bike Travel Case there are 2 wheel compartments, which have been placed to further ensure the strength of the frame. It rolls on 2, rear, caster wheels and 2, front, fixed wheels to efficiently carry its 9-kilograme weight."

On paper it should be a good bike bag because there's lots to like in the details; in real life, however, it's worryingly poor. Sturdy it is not.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Improved function and durability for the ultimate travel bag

Renewed frame design combining super durable materials with a stress-free set up

Glass fibre rod construction for extra strength

Upgraded wheel compartment placement ensuring additional security

Fixed roller wheels on the back for easy manoeuvrability

It looks well made and there's been some intelligent thought put into the features, but it seems like it just wants to fall apart.

On the one hand it's a good bag if you want something that can pack away smallish, has a great bike cradle and some genuinely useful design features; on the other, its ability to self destruct puts doubts in your head about its ability to look after a bike.

It broke on its very first outing.

As a soft bag it's going to be quite lighter than a full plastic box – handy with airlines' random baggage weight restrictions.

More protective, more robust bike bags and boxes can be had for less, plus its performance lets it down.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Technically it did its job in being able to protect a bike from the adventures of air travel, but the fact that it started to fall apart on its first outing casts doubt on it being able to do that for much longer.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Light, packed down for storage, bike cradle.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It's just not up to the job.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

If you don't need the packability of a soft case, the Bike Box Alan Premium Bike Box is arguably the benchmark bike bag for safe travelling. It's a plastic shell that requires more bike breakdown than the Pro, but it's cheaper at £440, and currently on sale for £374.

The Merlin Cycles Elite Travel Bike Bag looks similar but has a cheaper rrp of £429, up from £380 when Nick reviewed it in 2020, and is currently on sale for £289.

The Evoc Bike Travel Bag comes with an optional frame to support the bike like the Pro case, but is still cheaper at £424.99.

The Bikebox Online VeloVault2 is around the same price as the Pro, at £545. It's another hard case that's quite roomy, although that translates into it being quite a big box. (If you don't want to stump up the cash to buy one, they're also available to hire.)

Did you enjoy using the product? It was nice in that it was simple to pack, manageable to walk around with, light and squished down small for storage, but its ability to self-destruct under the bumps and scrapes of travel was very, very disappointing.

Would you consider buying the product? No

Would you recommend the product to a friend? No

Use this box to explain your overall score

There's lots to like about the bag, but its willingness to self-destruct under transit trauma makes it unfit for purpose. You can get more robust, more protective bags for less.

Overall rating: 3 /10

About the tester

Age: 50   Height: 180cm   Weight: 73kg

I usually ride: It varies as to the season.   My best bike is: The one I\'m on at the time

I've been riding for: Over 20 years   I ride: Most days   I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, cyclo cross, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Fun

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Jo Burt has spent the majority of his life riding bikes, drawing bikes and writing about bikes. When he's not scribbling pictures for the whole gamut of cycling media he writes words about them for road.cc and when he's not doing either of those he's pedaling. Then in whatever spare minutes there are in between he's agonizing over getting his socks, cycling cap and bar-tape to coordinate just so. And is quietly disappointed that yours don't He rides and races road bikes a bit, cyclo-cross bikes a lot and mountainbikes a fair bit too. Would rather be up a mountain.

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I've been away on 4 trips to Europe l, and a friend with the same case,with this case and the bikes have always survived fine. I think it offers great protection for the bike. Wheeling it isn't great. I haven't had the same damage from baggage handlers as Jo. It has a few scuffs and marks but nothing that a suitcase wouldnt pick up as well. I think 1.5 stars is a bit harsh and makes it seem like a seriously unviable option, which it definitely isn't., I'd give it 3 stars at least,

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If your bike is going to be handled by other people, outside of your sight, then:

Hard case > Cardboard box > Soft Case > Nothing

But they have their benefits for other uses.

I prefer big fish -> little fish -> cardboard box myself. 

If you have an expensive bike (particularly if its carbon) and travel with anything other than a hard case box, you really are asking for trouble IMO.  You might get lucky indefinitely, but if you travel a lot then I'd say there's a high chance it'll end in tears.  Maybe I was particularly unlucky, but on my second flight using a Scicon soft bag, it got crushed / dropped / manhandled so badly that the steel QR holding the rear wheel to the internal frame was bent and the mech hanger of my Trek Madone ripped off.

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2023’s Best Bike Travel Cases

Riding abroad can be an amazing thing for a cyclist. Different  weather, higher-quality roads, and little traffic are all wonderful.  As imagined, most  cyclists prefer to travel with their own bike rather than renting a bike while traveling. That, however, requires getting it there. A sturdy bike travel case or bag is a worthwhile investment whether you plan to travel across the country or just locally. Your bike will be kept secure, and you will have more reassurance than if you just stuff it into a random storage box and hope for the best.

Bike Box Vs. Bike Bag:

A lighter weight bike bag affects two things: how easy it is to carry and haul around, as well as how much of your baggage allowance it consumes. The difference is in the level of protection; a hard flight case-style box will withstand more knocks than a soft bag. Having said that, soft bike bags will usually protect your bike from the worst of the elements, and they are also less expensive than bike boxes.

There is a middle ground, which includes bags that have some more structural materials inside but maintain the lightweight nature of the bag. Other bike boxes may have clever built-in storage solutions. Some, for example, have built-in dropouts that allow you to stand your frame upright and in a tighter position.

How to Pack Your Bike Into a Bike Bag or Box:

Packing the bike into the bag or box can sometimes be more difficult than some may expect. If your useful riding companion has any special pieces of internal structure, the process may differ slightly, but the common procedure is as follows:

• Remove your bike’s wheels.
• Turn the handlebars to the side.
• Remove the seat post or drop it down into the frame.
• Remove the rear derailleur.

Richkasun Bike Travel Case:

            Starting off with a lower-budget option, the Richkasun is a great travel case for 27.5-inch to 29-inch folding bikes. The dimensions of the Richkasun bike travel case is 55.1 by 31.4-inches, with a height of 31.5-inches. The secondary carrying case is 15.7 by 7.4-inches. Loading bikes into this travel case is a fairly simple process. Mountain bikes require the front wheel, cushion, and handlebars to be removed, whereas 700c road bikes only require the removal of the front wheel. The travel case also features double oxford fabric and encrypted webbing, providing resistance to tears. There is also a high-quality, durable zipper and a firm metal buckle on the bag for further stability during transportation.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag:

Bike Travel Bag has a hybrid construction that combines the benefits of a hardshell case with the convenience of a soft bag and includes a bike stand, clip-on wheel 2.0, and frame pad. Intelligent strengthening components provide extra protection while maintaining a light weight for flying. This bike travel bag is designed to fit most Cross Country, All Mountain, Enduro, Freeride, Downhill, 26/27.5/29-inch, Gravel, Road, and Triathlon bikes. The Evoc bike travel case has a 310-liter capacity. It also features two external, separate wheel compartments, carrying handles, a reinforced ford mount, and rolling wheels for convenience during travel. Evoc assures that their products are free of defects, and the bike travel bag is covered under the warranty for 24-months.

CamGo 20-Inch Folding Bike Bag:

            The CamGo 20-inch folding bike bag has some of the best reviews on AMazon, and is also found at one of the most reasonable prices. The bag is made of high-intensity nylon material, which is durable, lightweight, and waterproof. The CamGo 20-in folding bike bag is ideal for 14-inch to 20-inch folding bikes. The bag’s durability is promoted with strong webbing, and there is also a shoulder strap attached to assist with carrying the bag. The CamGo folding bike bag is great for storing your bike while traveling, but it can also be used as a blanket when completely unfolded!

CyclingDeal Bike Travel Hard Case Box:

            One of the higher priced options on the list is the CyclingDeal Bike Travel Hard Case Box. The CyclingDeal bike travel case utilizes a hard shell, large storage design that allows riders to transport their bikes anywhere they’d like, securely and conveniently. This bag makes packing a simple process and makes traveling a breeze!

This bike case is made of EVA material that has been heated to 200 degrees, has a surface thickness of 1cm, and a hardness (Hs) of up to 80. It has high-quality strength, as well as resistance to tears. The thickening sponge layer and hard shell case protects your bike, and it also has a modern, stylish design. There are numerous quick release buckles and straps accessible to help you with organizing your bike’s components and extra accessories.

Aophire Folding Bike Bag Travel Case:

The Aophire Folding Bike travel case is another highly-rated and affordable bike case on this list. A compartment on the inside of the bag separates the bike and front wheel to prevent scratches during transportation. The material is made from thick and durable 600D oxford fabric and 300g non-woven fabric.

The Aophire folding bike bag fits standard 26-inch bikes, and up to 27.5-inch bikes with the wheels and handlebars removed. Carrying by hand or shoulder is very convenient. The durable dual zippers wrap around to a 3/4 position, making it easier to load the bike into the travel bag. The bag also has an additional front zip pocket, for storing small bike tools, components, and accessories.

It is worth it to invest in a bike travel case and, more importantly, to understand how to properly pack your bike into the carrying case. No bike bag is completely resilient to accidents, but they do provide significantly more protection than a cardboard bike box, especially if the bike is worth more. If you’re thinking about making an investment in mountain bike cases, you may find it difficult to decide which one is best for you, and there’s a lot to consider.

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The 13 Best Travel Backpacks for Day Trips, Weeks-Long Adventures, and Everything in Between

Including Calpak, Patagonia, and Dagne Dover

Why Trust PEOPLE?

People / Brian Kopinski

As a frequent traveler, I used to opt for suitcase luggage until I found the right travel backpack.

It's one that actually maximizes storage while minimizing friction. It keeps heavy jackets , shoes, and accessories from causing shoulder and back pain, and allows room for more travel clothes . It's weatherproof or water-resistant for getting caught in the rain, and it’s definitely easier to manage while traversing cobblestones, trains, and other areas where a roller suitcase just doesn’t cut it. That's the gold standard for travel backpacks — and we found 13 that fit the job.

Whether you prefer a tried-and-true laptop backpack for a work-from-vacation weekend or a standard bag for longer trips, read on for the best travel backpacks as determined by editors, travelers, and shoppers alike.

Best Travel Backpacks Under $75

Matein travel backpack.

With 80,000+ five-star ratings, this backpack is praised for its storage and organization, including a laptop pocket, front pocket, hidden anti-theft pocket for passports and other essentials, and a roomy interior. Its memory foam padding provides comfort across the straps, top handle, and back panel. Plus, it has a built-in USB charger and cable for easy access to your technology.

“I traveled with it for a weekend trip and didn’t need to pack any other bags because all my clothes, toiletries, tablet, and everything else fit in it,” one shopper wrote . “It’s durable and the straps are thick …so it’s really comfortable to wear.” 

Materials: Polyester, metal | Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 7.8 inches | Colors: 23

Calpak Kaya Mini Backpack

In lieu of a traditional travel purse , consider this stylish mini Calpak backpack for day trips and excursions. Its faux leather exterior, outlined stitching detail, and attractive hardware look sleek, and it has plenty of space for belongings on a day away from your luggage. It also has adjustable straps and a trolley sleeve for airport or train days. Some shoppers compliment its functionality for daily use, too, such as commuting to a coffee shop or office without having to lug a big laptop bag.

Materials: Faux leather | Dimensions: 10.65 x 8.5 x 4.25 inches | Colors: 6

Aloha Keep It Light Hana Hou Backpack

PEOPLE associate shopping director Erin Johnson lives in Hawai’i, so she relies on a water-resistant bag capable of handling a variety of day trips. “The Aloha Keep It Light Hana Hou Backpack is great for traveling because it has a laptop sleeve for those who can't live without their computer, and its water-resistant fabric means it can double as a beach or pool bag,” Johnson says.

Available in three whimsical prints and a basic black, the lightweight ripstop backpack fits everything without feeling overwhelming. It has side pockets for a water bottle, a front storage zipper pocket, and a trolley sleeve for convenience.

Editors Say

“This recently-released water-resistant nylon backpack has become my new go-to. (Seriously, I've worn it almost every day since the moment it arrived.)” — Erin Johnson , associate shopping director

Materials: Ripstop nylon | Dimensions: 12 x 5.5 x 16.5 inches | Colors: 4

Bagsmart Quick Access Carry On

For those packing largely within one backpack, this machine-washable pick will satisfy most of your needs for under $100. The 180-degree flat computer compartment has multiple organizers for tech chords and the like, with several straps and six external pockets. Inner and outer compression straps allow you to stuff the bag full while meeting most airlines’ personal item requirements. Its compartments also keep shoes, laundry, and more separated — ideal for a longer trip.

Materials: Nylon | Dimensions: 12.2 x 16.5 x 10.2 inches | Colors: 3

Best Travel Backpacks Under $150

Beis the backpack.

“Shay Mitchell really thought of everything when she was designing this bag ,” says PEOPLE shopping writer Alyssa Brascia . It’s clear the new travel show host has a serious interest in making luggage look good. Brascia used this backpack for three years before a zipper malfunction caused its early retirement. 

That said, she plans to buy another one and specifically recommends it for overpackers. Its full-zip feature grants you complete views and access rather than having to rummage from just a top opening. And yes, there is a trolley sleeve — and even a key leash in the front pocket.

“This bag is so unassumingly spacious. I could pack for an entire week-long beach trip in just this one bag: shoes, makeup, hair tools, and everything. (An incredible feat for an overpacker like myself!)” — Alyssia Brascia , shopping writer

Materials: Cotton body, PVC trim, polyester lining | Dimensions: 13 x 19 x 5.5 inches | Colors: 8

Patagonia 26L Refugio Daypack

Backcountry

Entertainment shopping director Laura Gurfein swears by the Patagonia brand, and the handy features of this Refugio daypack speak to why. It has a hydration hanger, pass-through access, breathable back panel, and bike-light clipping point, too.

Made of 100-percent recycled polyester, this durable backpack has a removable padded laptop sleeve, ideal for hitting the trails or commuting to the office. One shopper praised this versatility: “I use this all week for work, and switch it out as my day/diaper/hike bag on the weekends.” 

Materials: Recycled polyester | Dimensions: (26L) 18 x 12 x 6.5 inches, (30L) 19 x 12 x 6.5 inches | Colors: 6

Calpak Luka 15-Inch Laptop Backpack

For remote workers and digital nomads, a dedicated laptop-friendly backpack is a must for protecting your tech and peace of mind when on vacation or traveling through another city. The Calpak Luka collection gives you security and a little dash of panache. The backpack’s trendy, puffy exterior is both lightweight and scratch-resistant, and it has a padded laptop pocket, a water bottle pocket, and a shoe compartment for commutes or weekend trips.

“Despite the plush appearance, the material is incredibly durable. These bags have so many compartments for storage and are fairly lightweight. I’m a huge fan of anything in the Calpak Luka collection and this bag is no exception!” — Madison Yauger , shopping editor

Materials: Polyester | Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 7 inches | Colors: 23

People / Jhett Thompson

Best Travel Backpacks Under $200

Lululemon wunderlust backpack.

PEOPLE senior shopping editor Erika Reals flagged this Lululemon find for its aesthetic and functional features. As she frequently travels, details like its water-repellent fabric, zippered pockets, and adjustable exterior straps (for yoga mats, jackets, and the like) caught her interest immediately.

Buckled closures keep items locked in tight while a drawstring top allows for quick access when needed. The backpack has a bulky, utilitarian feel that traditional backpacking brands embody — in a smaller size — yet is polished with that Lululemon touch.

Materials: Polyester, nylon | Dimensions: 14.2 x 6.1 x 20.1 inches | Colors: 2

Dagne Dover The Dakota Backpack

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover is known for its unique neoprene material, bold colors, and reliable durability, so it’s not a shocker that its backpack is a favorite, too. Details like a key leash and air mesh tablet sleeve offer basic organization, but this backpack is best for those wanting simplicity and a striking design. It’s available in three sizes, to store the bare-bones essentials up to a day’s worth of gear.

“I’ve had this backpack for two years and the neoprene material is such a game changer: It’s water-resistant, cushioned, and sturdy for holding heavy items such as laptops and insulated water bottles . It doesn’t have a ton of compartments, but it’s built to last.”— Madison Yauger

Materials: Neoprene | Dimensions: (S) 9.5 x 5 x 13 inches, (M) 11.5 x 5 x 17 inches, (L) 13.25 x 5.25 x 17.5 inches | Colors: 13

Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

I’ve tested dozens of bags, but the Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack has stolen my heart. Its clamshell opening makes it easy to pack for week-long trips or a quick day away, and its many pockets allow me to stow dozens of gadgets and gizmos the way I prefer: separately. 

Its padded straps prevent aches while I’m standing for hours in a Border Customs line, and I appreciate that it minimizes the physical impact of my overpacking. A compression sleeve helps with underseat storage, even when I think I can’t possibly fit it under the airline seat in front of me. It’s now my go-to personal item, and I always get complimented on the stunning icy blue color. And did I mention it’s water resistant? It’s been soaked in the rain and still protected my books, sketchbooks, and other precious, fragile items.

Materials: Ripstop polyester, TPU laminate | Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches | Colors: 10

Away Outdoor 25L Convertible Backpack

Similarly, I’ve often opted for this convertible backpack for big trips, as it functions as a backpack or a duffel. Years in, I still reach for my Away Carry-On for most trips, and this backpack from the brand’s outdoor line embodies its same resilience and style. The water- and abrasion-resistant fabric is lightweight and has a sheen that’s oddly beautiful.

Although the design is meant to be protective, there isn’t as much structure in this backpack as in others. Despite its many pockets, organizers, and included compression straps, the 25-liter bag feels more flexible, which will appeal to shoppers seeking a lightweight and unobtrusive backpack. It packs flat, and it’s the most comfortable one I’ve tried.

Materials: 100% polyester | Dimensions: 13 x 17 x 7.6 inches | Colors: 2

Best Travel Backpacks to Splurge on

Yeti crossroads 27l backpack.

Yeti is not just for coolers and water bottles. Like the rest of the brand’s offerings , this everyday backpack is simple yet solid. It’s inspired by motorcycle gear, so it’s meant for rough-and-tumble use — and yes, it fits your tumblers, too. Multiple access points make it easy to get to any supplies right away, with a full-zip ability that lets the bag go wide.

PEOPLE shopping editor Kayla Kitts has brought this Yeti backpack on many adventures “from local festivals and park days to weekend trips and air travel." She loves that the exterior is incredibly durable and easy to wipe down, and the interior is packed with a slew of organizational features and compartments.

“Most recently, I took this bag to a music festival and filled it with a 10- x 9-foot outdoor blanket , two water bottles, various toys and books, and the Yeti Daytrip Lunch Box filled with snacks. It even toted a soccer ball to the park!” — Kayla Kitts , shopping editor

Materials: Tuffskin nylon exterior, PU-coated base | Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.4 x 20.3 inches | Colors: 4

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

For longer trips stretching into weeks rather than days, adventure travelers rave about Cotopaxi’s sustainable — made from leftover fabric — and durable backpacks. The brand’s funky mix of unique fabrics are distinctive and made for any adventure. The bag’s clamshell opening is ideal for suitcase-like packing, while divided interior pockets and anti-theft zippers keep everything in place when you’re hailing buses, planes, and changing your itinerary on a dime. 

Most importantly, this backpack is built to withstand the elements and inclement weather, including an additional rain cover for protection, so you’re not worried about sacrificing your belongings. Load-lifter straps and a mesh suspension system keep this bag comfortable when your travel circumstances are anything but.

Materials: TPU-coated polyester, ballistic nylon paneling | Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 11 inches | Colors: 5

Grace Smith is a contributing travel and shopping writer who, as a frequent hotel reviewer, spends as much time as possible wandering through various destinations. She’s used to living out of a suitcase or backpack, having moved every few months for several years. And yes, she is an overpacker, so finding the right bag for quick trips, endless flights, and long stints away has been a crucial mission. With PEOPLE editor selections, shopping insights, and her own globe-trotting experience in mind, Grace curated this list of the best travel backpacks for all of your 2024 destinations.

Related Articles

• R 1300 GS Adventure

Triple Black

Option 719 karakorum.

• Data & equipment
• Keep Me Informed external-link-arrow-slim

Available soon

European model shown. 

As strong as your willpower

Your BMW R 1300 GS Adventure

Show the world what you’re made of

Finally, you can go on all of the tours you’ve ever wanted to go on. In the way that suits you best. After all, you know that the technology fits the bill. You have never experienced a ride as smooth and light as this one on a BMW Adventure bike. No other adventure has had such a comfortable start. You can reach any destination with the R 1300 GS Adventure.

One legend, four variants.

How do you want to travel the world, equipped for every adventure.

Large windscreen and hand protector with integral turn signal as standard

7.9 gallon fuel tank capacity

Standalone aluminum tubular rear frame

Hand-protector bar and integrated additional headlight

Adjustable foot brake and gearshift lever + Enduro footrest for the rider + Comfort Enduro footrest for the passenger

LED matrix headlight and a new additional headlight

Integrated storage solutions + docking points for accessories

The available automated shift assistant

It’s high time for personal growth

When you know you have the right equipment, you can face almost any challenge. Treacherous terrain, harsh weather conditions, and everything that spontaneity has in store for you on your travels are all a breeze with the Enduro Package Pro. The Riding Assistant ensures that you won’t have any nasty surprises. Thanks to the warnings issued by the modern radar system, you can take every hurdle with ease, because you have the peace of mind, and technology you need for the trip of a lifetime.

The ground is always within reach

The adaptive vehicle height control helps ensure you can reach the ground more easily, and also offers simplified handling. After riding off, your R 1300 GS Adventure automatically lifts itself by 1.18 inches. Shortly before you stop, it lowers itself again, so that you can more easily get off the bike and put your R 1300 GS Adventure on the available center stand with the help of the comfort lift assistance.

Developed for an enhanced riding experience

With the optional automatic clutch operation, riding off and stopping is easier than ever. As an alternative to manually changing gears using the gearshift lever, the gearshift process can also be done fully automatically, so that you can concentrate entirely on your adventure.

The automated shift assistant elevates your riding experience to a new level with precise gear changes. You can look forward to precision gear changes and smoother drivability in a wide variety of situations in a way that suits the riding mode you have selected.

Your ride, your adventure

Obstacles become a question of attitude.

Ride for longer, get further. The 145-horsepower boxer can take you right to the heart of your adventure. You are completely focused, and you have stamina. Your R 1300 GS Adventure can do some of the thinking for you, as well as issuing a signal for the vehicles are in your blind spot. When combined with the Headlight Pro, you’ll always know what to expect.

Ready for a personal adventure

More lashing eyes, docking elements, and storage than ever. The R 1300 GS Adventure forms the basis of your future tours. The wide selection of bags, luggage, cases and holders allows you to choose the right equipment for your own personal adventure, which can be attached to your bike seamlessly.

This is what adventure sounds like

Every appearance makes a statement, your adventure, in color.

Choose the right design for your R 1300 GS Adventure and pick the variant that suits your great adventure in all aspects of your vision.

Racing red solid paint

Designed for adventure; from the silver fuel tank, right up to the black-and-red seat. Complemented by hand protection extensions, which are also in red, and the black handlebar and wheel rims, this variant is a real head-turner.

The sporty character can be seen in all aspects, from the Racing Blue Metallic paint color, right down to the graphics in Light White and Racing Red. The high, black-and-red rider's seat is complemented by the hand protection extensions, which are also in red.

The elegance of this variant begins at the handlebar, and continues all the way to the black rim graphic. The fuel tank in a tinted clear coat, as well as the comfort seat in black and gray and the engine bar with silver-colored inserts mean that the Triple Black variant makes an impressive visual statement.

The exclusive Aurelius Green Metallic paintcontrasts elegantly with the gold-colored linework and the “Option 719” badge on the tank cover. The grille on the additional headlights and the black-and-gray comfort seat round out the aesthetic of this variant.

Reach for your goals

It’s clear as day: your goals are ambitious. The footrests give you safe footing, and the comfort seat gives you the time you need to reach your goals. After all, it offers you a comfortable and secure seating position. Your knees rest comfortably against the contours of the fuel tank, as if they were made for each other. The capacity of the tank will take you anywhere you want to go. However you want to do it. The wide range of docking elements, such as lashing eyes and storage compartments, serve as the interface to your great adventure.

For the trip of your lifetime

The adventurer.

A motorcycle that can do some of the thinking for you? Yes. With the Innovation package, your R 1300 GS Adventure is more capable than ever. You are prepared to handle all situations. You can follow your own instincts, as the riding modes offered by the Dynamics package, together with the Shift Assistant Pro, can help support your riding style. Explore the recommendations, including the additional equipment for traveling, or configure your own!

The dynamics package allows the rider to exploit the full potential of the sporty bike. Thanks to the Shift Assistant Pro and the freely configurable Riding Modes Pro, every trip can be made into an even greater experience. Moreover, the sports brake wins riders over with its sporty aesthetic and optimal handling.

The cross-spoked wheels with a black anodized wheel rim ring combine excellent off-road capabilities with an iconic aesthetic. The crossing stainless steel spokes create a wheel that is both stable and elastic. These qualities are especially advantageous on ambitious off-road trips.

The black 12-liter tank bag is the perfect companion for shorter and longer tours with its payload of up to 11 lbs. The sturdy rucksack with a watertight inner bag can be latched securely onto the tank without belts, and it is resistant to both weather influences and UV radiation.

The black radiator cowl bag offers practical storage space for smaller items that you need to access quickly when riding. The sturdy bag can be attached securely to the radiator cowl without belts, and is particularly tear-resistant and durable, and is also resistant to water, weather influences, and dirt.

Aluminum case, silver, 36.5 l + 37 l, electrified

The robust aluminum case offers over 73 liters of storage space. With practical details, such as an integrated USB-C charging socket, a payload of up to 22 lbs on each side, and plenty of space for a helmet, they are particularly useful on longer journeys.

Volume expansion for the aluminum case, silver, 20 l

The volume expansion for the silver aluminum case expands the case’s capacity by 10 liters on both the left and right sides. The volume expansion is installed between the body and cover of the case, and thanks to the BMW locking system, it is securely attached to the cases.

Select your variant

Just as exciting.