I am looking for a sturdy case to ship a bike overseas (that I can possibly get in my car for the trip to the airport). Has anyone had experience with the Air Caddy and do you recommend it? Any other recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.
I’ve had my SciCon hard shell bike case for 5 years and there’s not a nick on it, or the bike (!) and I travel long haul every year.
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I use an Ironcase. It fits in most hatchbacks and even a compact if the back seats go down.
–Scott
I’ll 2nd the Trico Ironcase. Good value, fits in most cars, and as durable as any case out there.
I just picked up a Pika Packworks EEP on the recommendation of a pro team mechanic. The build looks impeccable and will fit in a car easier than pretty much all hard cases.
I used to fly transatlantic with my bike ave. 4x per year, used the Trico Ironcase for a couple of years. It’s a nice box, small, durable and you can fit it into most cars, but the plastic does get worn out after a while, my plastic prop-up studs both fell off on the bottom, it’s a pain if customs or TSA open the package, cause they are sure not to close it back the right way! And the packing takes a looong time. I bought a Prousa soft case a while ago, and am much happier with it overall-- it arrives much less damaged on the outside, I’ve never had issues with bike damage (had a bunch of problems with the Trico after TSA agents opened it and then reclosed it), it’s much easier to cart around the airport since it has 4 wheels and a nice handle, the Trico is cumbersome to maneuver if you have another piece of luggage, and size-wise the small ProUsa is about the same as the Trico.
Ive heard good things about the Scicon, but it’s just a bit too $ for me.
Hope that helps,
Ziva
Thanks for the advice. Does the Trico Ironcase have wheels? Also, does it accomodate other items in addition to the bike (helmet, wetsuit, etc.)? Any extra charges for shipping internationally?
Any extra charges for shipping internationally?"
I did a quick search on this the other day for a different thread. The only airline I found that was still free for intn’l was BA as long as you don’t exceed the number of bags limitation. NW charges $150 on the high end. Check the web sites of your airline under “international baggage/sports equipment/bicycles” and make sure you bring their documentation with you to the airport. Remember that smaller, connecting flights might have different policies. Also, don’t stuff your case full of other crap that makes it heavy and handlers/inspectors angry. Be careful of exceeding weight limitation (check web site for this). Even if the airline charges, you may be able to convince the counter person that you only have two bags, they aren’t over-weight, they are both normal suitcases, so why should you pay extra. My experience has been that the counter people don’t know the rules very well.
May be more info. then you need as you’re just asking for a product reco. But check out this link. I found it valuable when I first started travelling with my bike. May find something useful in here. First link is how to pack the bike in the case. 2nd is bunch of bike air travel info. Both are great.
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/packing-steps.shtml
“…Be careful of exceeding weight limitation”
This is a very good point. Seems that the airlines are looking for opportunities to charge the overweight penalty these days.
Trico Ironcase. Fits in ANY car backseat.
Thanks for the advice. Does the Trico Ironcase have wheels? Also, does it accomodate other items in addition to the bike (helmet, wetsuit, etc.)? Any extra charges for shipping internationally?
Yes, it has wheels and a pull handle so it’s easier to drag to the car, through the airport, etc. It also accommodates additional stuff (I normally put my helmet and wesuit inside the bike triangle without problem, but remember that if you’re shipping it this just adds to the cost so oftentimes it’s easier to just pack other stuff in your travel bag. I haven’t shipped it internationally so can’t answer that one. Here’s the website.
A fellow triathlete told me to consider the Velo Safe clamshell vs. the Trico Ironcase (I don’t really want the full-size Velo Safe due to car transport issues). Any opinions on which of the above is better as far as room and durability? Thanks.