Anyone have any first hand experience with soft sided bike bags ( like the bikebag.de)
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I used to use a hard case but switched just over a year ago to a soft case made by neal pryde. It comes with two wheel bags inside and is kind of like a very well padded surfboard bag.
Personally I WAY prefer it over a hard case:
- i get charged by airlines on fewer occasions
- it fits in the trunk of a cab more easily
- I don’t need to remove my back wheel which keeps my derailleur in the right position
- i can carry it up stairs easily with comfortable shoulder strap
- the wheels/handles are in a more sensible position for dragging along
i have used it for about 10 flights so far and had no problems at all. i actually think because it’s much lighter than a hard case it’s less likely to shock the frame when dropped by the careless baggage handlers.
do you suppose that the baggage handlers are more careful with a softsided bag than a hard shell case ( or am I dreaming)?
where can you find Neil Pryde bags. Are there others that are worthy of checking out?
I fly with a Pika Packworks bag (company in Salt Lake City.) Some cycling teams use them. Owner is a cool guy, and he sews them at his shop. Padding and canvas material very good quality.
i dunno about that but something which ways <30lbs instead of ~60lb is less likely to piss them off i would have thought!
I have the Pika too. Never any issues with damage and rarely get charged the bike fee. It’s lighter and doesn’t scream “bike” to the baggage guys.
is there a website showing the Pika bag ? what are the dimensions ( how much do you have to break the bike down to pack it)?
I found that too but wondered if a vendor shows more of the bag, or gives some dimensions on it.
I know of three pro teams that in 2005 used the Akona bag. To date zero damage & no added baggage fees when flying.
Hope this helps. Call 800-470-2606 for more info
looks nice. any idea of the dimensions? I have a long seat tube ( aero to the seat) and am tall, so the issue is always getting the bike in a case. right now I have to take the cranks/rings off. I would much prefer to pack a bike vs a box full of bike parts.
How much did it cost? And where can you buy it?
Check this guy out. I used it and it was great (belongs to a friend who lent it to me). Very little disassembly - on a road bike with drops, you wouldn’t even have to remove the handlebars. No removal of rear derailleur either. Fits tons of other stuff, too.
https://www.bikeprousa.com/race_case.php?UID=20051206162857168.98.32.15