I am looking for a travel case that’s smaller/lighter than my trico iron case-- I travel 2-3x USA-Europe with my bike, need something that protects my bike, but also fits into an average euro car.
Anyone have any experience flying with a Bike Pro case?
I have never used a Bike Pro. I looked at getting one a few ago but didn’t because of how big they actually are, and the steel frame makes the case kind of heavy. I ended up buying a Tri All 3 hard case, which was great for durability, but I sold it because it was too big and didn’t fit into most rental cars. If I get a new case, I think that I will consider the Pika. Do a google for Pika packworks.
I saw this review of it on another forum.
Yep, I have one. Had the chance to try it out when I borrowed one from a friend and liked it so well that I bought my own. I’ve flown with it several times, but not overseas, and I haven’t tried to put it into anything smaller than a Toyota Highlander so I can’t comment on the ‘packability’ of it in smaller vehicles. The soft sides had me a bit concerned at first, but haven’t had any problems in transit. I do wrap most of the tubes with pipe insulation when packing, just to be safe, and use velcro straps to hold everything tight. It’s very EZ to get the frame secured in the case, and the metal framework provides good protection. With a bit of creative packing, I’ve gotten my wife’s bike and 2 wheelsets in there, with room for all the other bits n’ pieces to spare. Hope that’s at least a bit of help.
mike
I have used one for my massage table. It fits just right and I liked it and it’s smaller than a hard shell bike case so we had no problems getting it in the car.
I have used a Bike Pro exclusively since ~1993, probably 100 flights with it.
Never had a problem, I am actually on my second one as the first flat wore out.
Kurt
I’ve had one for a few years now. Flew with it a couple times domestically and it worked great. Spent 2 months in Europe with it, but shipped it instead of flying with it that time. I carried it in a VW Golf without issue (had to fold 1/2 of the rear seat down). I also wrap the tubes with pipe insulation and zip tie it on. 2 wheelsets? No problem!
And, from my experience, they’ve got great customer service!! Go for it!
I have one and love it but mainly use my tri all 3 case b/c the bike pro is so big compared. It’s a great case though and I prefer to use that. I have loaned it out to 3 people and 2 of them bought Bike Pro cases instead of something else.
We have a one bike and a two bike case. Unfortunately, new weight restrictions have made the latter useless, although you could put in one bike with a second set of wheels.
I used a Trico case many years ago and opened it to find a heavily damaged frame. Never a problem with the Bike Pro. It’s also pretty easy to use and the space can be used for helmets and other light gear.
It is bulky but I’ve put it in the back of a four door Volvo 850 and an Acura TL.
Highly recommended.
What Tri all 3 case do you have that is smaller than the Bike Pro?