Hey all,
What kind of travelling cases do you use? Does anyone have a case like the following:
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=122&subcategory=1134&sku=11008&brand=
The price is definitely right, but is this a good case? Any feedback is much appreciated.
~jason
anyone?
Jason
I am sure it will serve the purpose and you are right - the price is attractive.
How much shipping or traveling on planes do you intend to do?
The case looks like it would be a tight fit.
Enquire with Nashbar on their refund policy - get it shipped to you and if it turns out to not appear sturdy enough - ship it back and use the store credit or whatever they offer you - towards something else.
I used a similar case and was terrified while flying - that something would get loaded on top of it and crush my bike.
I have since gone to a triall3sports hard case which I love
AJ
I have had a couple of bike boxes now and my current model is the cream of the crop as far as I am concerned, the Elite travel case. It does depend on whether you will be taking your bike on the same flight (my preference) or sending ahead with a USPS type operation. The #Elite case is compact, easy to transport around the airport and no too large in a hotel room at the destination. It is also easy to pack, getting 3 wheels and all but the largest of frames inside (have gotten a large Kuota Kalibur and large Giant TCR in) no problem.
Bryce used a triall3 UPS size box and found it a little fiddly and short of useable space once the bike was in, but then it is designed tobe sent ahead. All have their strong points, my preference is with the Elite.
it mentions 2 layers of foam, and the pictures show the wheels on bare wall of case. you’ll want 3 layers of foam, like the trico ironcase has…case/foam/wheels/foam/frame/foam/case. I tried to buy a piece of good quality foam from an upholstry shop and its pretty pricey. from the looks of it, I wouldn’t use the case.
I just looked at the link choptank sent, and it is a very similar design to the Elite case in a different material. I purchased a sheet of closed foam from an upholestery shop to place between the wheels and the case shell for £4 ($9), and it was cut to shape, by the shop, using one of the supplied sheets as a template.
I wouldn’t have any reservations using it.
My girlfriend has this type of case. I have a tri-all-3 hard case. My observations are:
Tri-all-3 is more sturdy and rigid. It is made of much stronger plastic as well as a metal reinforcement ring at about the midpoint. Much more protection. It is also larger. My girlfriend was about maxed out with her 52cm Trek, and that was with everything stripped off the bike. Tri-All-3 is more accomodating. Also leaves space for stuff like wetsuit, protective bubble wrap, etc.
Downsides to the Tri-all-3 are cost (altho I think it is worth the extra money) and size. You will need to rent a mini-van, truck or SUV at your destination (altho I have actually held tightly onto mine while it was in the back seat of a Mustang convertable driving 65mph from Kona airport along the Queen K - I don’t reccomend that!!).
thanks for the input so far! anymore opinions?
I’m surprised Mike A’s gf’s 52 Trek was maxed out in her Nashbar box, perhaps it is smaller than the Elite. I have had a small Kalibur, a large Kalibur, a 54 cm r2.5 and a large Giant TCR in my Elite (on different ocassions, of course) without difficulty. Also, I have fitted both the Elite and the UPs size boxes in the back of a '86 VW Golf at the same time, so can vouch that a hatchback is big enough (with the rear seat down) to get your bike and box to your accomodation.
Yeah, my concern is I have a 58cm which is the supposed max for this case. The Nashbar case is a great price, and I don’t have a $5000 bike or anything. I’m not in the financial position to buy one of those $450+ cases right now so if this case would work out that would be great.
If you have a local Nashbar (sorry, I don’t know if it is mail order only) I would recommend taking your frame minus the seatpost and wheels along to see if it fits ok.
Sorry, I can’t be of more help.