I just got the Biknd Helium bike case (the one with the inflatable bladders) and put my road bike in it to test it out. I have yet to fly with it but, have a training trip to Europe planned in the near future so that will be the true test (unless this Icelandic Volcano continues to erupt, then I am not flying anywhere). I bought it from www.gearandtraining.com and was able to get 10% off since they were just in the process of updating their website to exclude these cases from coupons. Free shipping was included, as well!
The bottom is molded hard plastic with a quick release for the front fork. The BB rests on a foam block and is secured with a strap. Also included is the crank, fork and stem cover. (Note: I did not remove the rear derailleur, but will when traveling and apparently it will also double as dog bed): http://i43.tinypic.com/qwzz4j.jpg
The wheels secure on either side (will carry 2 sets of wheels) and have plastic protective cups that are secured with velcro (yes, those are red tires, for use on the rollers): http://i40.tinypic.com/jfaryo.jpg
Here it is with the inflatable bladders folded over the wheels and ready to zipped up. The front part that goes over the shifters is hard plastic, I will probably put some padding inbetween the shifter to prevent any rubbing: http://i44.tinypic.com/rcsmk1.jpg
The sides are zipped up and each bladder was inflated with the included pump (it’s just a generic exercise ball pump). Make sure any random dachshunds don’t try to get in there too! http://i44.tinypic.com/2ptuxpf.jpg
Total weight of the case + bike was around 39lbs. The bike is a size 58cm RS with set of cheap performance brand training wheels. There are two sets of wheels on the bottom, the rear are fixed and the front swivel, a lot easier to move around than an ironcase. There are also two large pockets to store pedals, shoes, etc.
I just travelled to San Francisco and back with my akona biospeed case and did not pay either way (would have been $50 on air canada). Very rare that I ever pay with the akona case. However, without wheels, I find tranferring to/from customs, to the airport train, to rental car etc etc really a pain. I like the softshell design you have WITH wheels.
I just got mine a week or so ago. It is a well designed case.
Only 1 concern from me: there isn’t much padding between the wheels and the outside of the case when packed up (there are re-inforcing caps to try to transfer impact to the hubs, but if a corner of a someone elses suitcase goes into the side of the Helium the right wayI could imagine the spokes taking a hard hit). I’ll probably put an extra piece of cardboard between the wheel and the outside case for those pricey race wheels.
I’m going to use it Tuesday flying to IM South Africa. When I get back in a few weeks I’ll post my thoughts.
Very nice. I guess it will come down to how much the air lines charge. If there is no difference then I am sticking with my tri-co. Also another nice case we just started to carry the Evoc.
I beg to differ.
This case is BY FAR the best one I’ve used (the Iron case, and the triAll3). Flew to Lanzarote this spring and my bike took a detour (god only knows where) but still arrived safe and sound a few days after me.
The inflatable bladders provide great protection and greatly reduce the weight of the case. It’s also quite convenient to be able to bring up to 4 wheels without having to lug an extra wheelcase on the plane.
Well thought-out design. Recommended it to a pro tri friend who also got one and is extremely happy with it.
I traveled to/from Spain (from west coast of US) this past May and had no issues whatsoever. I flew on British Airways and was only charged for bringing a second bag; in fact the agent at the baggage counter was surprised that a bike was even in there. One of the other things that is great about this case is how maneuverable it is with the swivel wheels in the front. It was quite easy to walk with my bike case and other luggage by myself. Plus, it folds up and out of the way when not in use.
I did see the case for sale at probikekit.com for around $505 US.
I haven’t put my tri bike in the case but, there would be plenty of room (unless you have a bike that is over 60cm, their website lists the max dimensions for frame size). The only difference is you would have to turn the aerobars to face the rear wheel and strap the stem to the fork (like road drop bars). Which is similar to how you put a bike in a hard sided clam shell case.
Thanks for the info! I noticed that several of the pro teams had also switched. I’m leaning towards the Biknd but seeing as it is a somewhat new product I am a little hesitant to pull the trigger.
I have also driven 100mph down the highway while not wearing a seatbelt and been fine… that doesn’t mean it was smart.
Do you really want your $10,000 bike sitting underneath 600lbs of suitcases in a softshell case? I don’t think the airbladders would protect it…
Just a friendly suggestion! I just don’t see the logic of paying $1,000’s for race entries/travel costs then trying to save $100-200 on luggage fees by risking your $10,000 bike in a soft-shell case. If the luggage guys ‘treat’ it well it should be fine, but they’re not exactly customer oriented.
Again, I’m sure that plenty of people have used a soft-shell and been OK. That’s great and I’m happy for them. There are also plenty of those who have and been totally effed (myself included). One look into what actually happens to luggage and it makes you want to use fedex!
I’ve always used Fedex to ship my bike ahead of time – I have the trisports hard case and another case for my race wheels – right now, my stuff is on the way to IM MOO – so I hope this thread doesn’t jinx my shipment.
So, what is your experience with the case now that you have used it. Any thoughts?? I’mm getting a soft case in the next few weeks to transport my road bike. Recently used a borrowed ProBike case, which was excellent at protecting and transporting the bike, but it is gargantous and not collapsible. It makes it extremely hard to transport and store in small vehicles and hotels. Plus, it is not the lightest of cases either.
Looking at the EVOC, Aerus soft case, Biknd Helium Bicycle Travel Case, and the Scicon aerocomfort plus.
Giving this thread a bump as I just got back from a trip in which I had packed my 58cm P3C, Zipp 404s (front & rear) and Zipp 900 disc. Flew Southwest and on the way out was not charged (they waived the fee since I am active duty military) and on the way back was charged the normal $50 USD. Had no damage the bike or wheels and even watched the baggage handler throw the case onto the belt on the disc wheel side. I did put an extra piece of dense foam (about 2’’ thick) and a piece of cardboard over the disc wheel, just in case (though the guys at Biknd, said the case was designed to transports discs too).
Probably best thing about this case was how easily it rolls with the swivel front wheels. I was traveling solo and it was a breeze to walk through the airport with the bike and a large 50lb suitcase with the rest of my gear!
bumping the thread once again. i need to pull the trigger on a case soon. i’m really thinking about the scicon evoluntion aerotech, ordering from wiggle. i’ve looked at all the other suggestions. the bike pro race case, pro bike case, helium case from biknd, evoc, etc. i’ve borrowed and used a tri all 3 and didn’t really love it.
does anyone use the scicon? i’d rather pay for the quality than worry that my wheels and bike won’t make it. thanks.
Anyone have direct experience flying with the Biknd case?
For me its either that or the tri all 3 case. Both have their advantages and disadvantages for me personally. Just looking for some reviews from people who’ve actually flown with one.
