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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.

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.

'I suspect that you can divide cyclists into personality types around coffee', muses columnist Dr Hutch

By Michael Hutchinson Published 21 April 24

State Bicycle Co. announced today a Bob Marley collaboration that features Marley-themed bikes, frame bags, top caps and apparel.

By Kristin Jenny Published 20 April 24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bike Travel Cases

Best bike travel cases, scion road aerocomfort 3.0 tsa, evoc travel bag, orucase travel bag airport ninja, dakine bike roller bag, b&w international bike box ii, thule roundtrip, freedom speed hound bike travel bag, how do bike travel cases work, how to choose.

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

Consider also: Best Bike Racks For Cars

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

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

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

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

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

MSRP: See on Amazon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check Current Price on Amazon

• Includes internal bike stand
• Removable wheels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MSRP: $535.00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: Best Bike Storage Solutions

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

Get From REI

MSRP:   See on Amazon

• Very affordable
• Protective hard shell case

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

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

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

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

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

MSRP: $999.95

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Travel Cases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Protection Levels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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