I am about to use this case for the first time when I travel to Colombia for the Cartagena 70.3 next month.
What modifications have you made to make it more secure?
I read about the skewers possibly punching through the outer so I will put rubber washers on there. I’m also thinking about putting some kind of additional liner between the case and wheels.
My bigger concern is the four locks. Since I’m traveling internationally I cannot use the TSA locks (or can I?) to lock down the case and I can see how the locks might not be completely secured if TSA or whoever doesn’t line up the lids properly. I’m not concerned with locking it to avoid theft (they’ll just steal the whole case), I’m more concerned with locking it to keep it shut.
Has anyone used a luggage strap to wrap around the case or used the AeroTech Evolution Protector that Scicon sells?
Thanks!
The hard case, right?
No need for extra cushioning for the wheels, they’re super secure where they are but be sure to deflate the tires otherwise you’ll be scratching your head thinking you need longer skewers. The skewers can get beat up so maybe use some cheap skewers to secure the wheels.
As for the rest of the bike, I have a custom foam cutout that I put together. I’d offer pics but I have to get the case out of the attic (I don’t plan on using it until next summer, just road trips between now and then).
Regarding the locks… yeah, sorry. You’ll just have to have faith the TSA will close it properly. The less junk you have in the hard case the easier it will be to close and the more likely they will be to close it correctly.
Yeah, the hard case.
The foam padding on the inside sounds like a good idea. I will do that. Additionally, I have the AlboPad kit. I don’t plan on having anything in there but the bike.
You’ll just have to have faith the TSA will close it properly.
That’s kind of the the scary part. I’m federal law enforcement so I can sweet talk the TSA guys and stand right there while they open it and make sure they close it back up properly. I’d like not to do that (I think it’s kind of douchie) but I’m trying to protect a $13,000 asset in there. Obviously, I can’t get the brotherhood of the badge treatment with the Colombians but I don’t think other countries are as crazy about opening up everyone’s luggage like the USA.
I used mine for years (20 or more trips) before the skewer hole became damaged. I ended up getting a buddy to glue/epoxy some large washers on the outside to firm up the opening.
In my experience the TSA/security folks have always locked it back up properly, but don’t always position things inside the way you left them, so I would get some foam pieces to ensure the frame and bar stays right where you want it.
Jack
I am about to use this case for the first time when I travel to Colombia for the Cartagena 70.3 next month.
What modifications have you made to make it more secure?
I read about the skewers possibly punching through the outer so I will put rubber washers on there. I’m also thinking about putting some kind of additional liner between the case and wheels.
My bigger concern is the four locks. Since I’m traveling internationally I cannot use the TSA locks (or can I?) to lock down the case and I can see how the locks might not be completely secured if TSA or whoever doesn’t line up the lids properly. I’m not concerned with locking it to avoid theft (they’ll just steal the whole case), I’m more concerned with locking it to keep it shut.
Has anyone used a luggage strap to wrap around the case or used the AeroTech Evolution Protector that Scicon sells?
Thanks!
I’ve used mine for four years now, ship 4-5x per via FedX…no TSA issues. Only shipped by air once for 2013 Worlds in London. I always lock the case and have only had to open for TSA while in London (they didn’t have lock openers so used my key…make sure you have key with you) and watched while they searched through it. No big deal but it was just by chance we got to airport early because process took about an extra hour. Yes, I’ve had the skewers punch through the case and since have glued metal washers to the case. I’ve also had two wheels punch thru the case as well and have had to jury rig with small metal braces to still be usable. I’ll put an extra layer of bubble wrap around the bike as well but the case is pretty well padded. Never had need to use the strap.
I used mine to travel to Italy a few years back. I didn’t use any extra padding beyond what came with it but did pack all of my cycling clothes (in clear gallon ziplock bags), equipment (helmet, shoes, pump), and nutrition in the case as well. My bike is pretty small 48cm w/650c wheels so the extra gear helped secure it as well, just had to make sure it wasn’t over 70lbs total. I’ve traveled internationally using TSA locks every time so no concern there, it’s pretty standard worldwide. I did include written directions w/photos of how it should be re-packed if they remove it and included my name, cell number incase they had any questions or issues, and emphasized that it was an expensive bike and to please take care in repacking. I had no issues leaving Norfolk, VA they were actually very happy to have me walk them through opening, repacking, and closing (verbally from behind the gated off area). Returning from Italy the Italians opened it saw my note and didn’t want to chance breaking anything and said looks good and closed it while we watched, no issues. Coming back to the US through New York - the a-hole TSA people said there was no way they’d let us watch them checking it and said they could handle it without our help… get back home and they broke off my rear derailleur* *because they closed it improperly.
Yeah, the hard case.
The foam padding on the inside sounds like a good idea. I will do that. Additionally, I have the AlboPad kit. I don’t plan on having anything in there but the bike.
You’ll just have to have faith the TSA will close it properly.
That’s kind of the the scary part. I’m federal law enforcement so I can sweet talk the TSA guys and stand right there while they open it and make sure they close it back up properly. I’d like not to do that (I think it’s kind of douchie) but I’m trying to protect a $13,000 asset in there. Obviously, I can’t get the brotherhood of the badge treatment with the Colombians but I don’t think other countries are as crazy about opening up everyone’s luggage like the USA.
You can order the foam online and then cut it with a hot wire knife. I glued mine into place in my case. I bought mine off eBay. Not sure it was these guys or another vendor but I had them cut the big sheet up into 12"x12" squares and ship it to me. I then cut and layered the foam. It was an afternoon project but worth it.
When traveling within the U.S, just put a starter pistol into your bike case. When you check your bag tell the gate agent that you’re “declaring a firearm”. TSA will come over to you, inspect the bag in front of you, close the case in front of you, and put a seal on the bag with an extra tracking document. It takes a few extra minutes but it’s well worth it to protect your baby.