As you can see, I was carrying a five-figure bike and thinking, “How in hell do I protect it during flight travel?” We all know that things break quite often. How will an Evoc Bike Travel Bag bag fare if my regular luggage gets a beating with visible scratches and pieces missing?
I used a Thule Evoc Bike Travel bag case. It was a standard Thule Evoc Bike Travel Case. The compartment closed with tons foam in a sandwich-type arrangement. The bike is basically compressed in a box, with everything floating about in chaos. The bike is extremely safe, but I nearly broke my hand while dragging it around Hyde Park, London. After that trip I decided to do more research and purchase an Evoc Bike Travel Bag Case. It was easy to roll, had a medium size, and provided a lot protection. Here are six Evoc Bike Travel Bag Cases I have used over the years and why they are no longer available.
Similar Bikes that were previously used for travel
Scicon Aerotech Evolution: Four travel wheels broke through the case’s bottom. I think I have replaced four in a year. The plastic that held the wheel screw was cracked. United Airlines provided a free replacement, the Thule Round Trip.
Thule Round Trip: The Evoc Bike Travel Bag Case is super heavy but feels like a fortress. With just a bike, wetsuit, and wheels, it weighs in at nearly 70 pounds. It comes with a built-in stand for assembling and cleaning the bike. It is not something I use for international travel, however.
Scicon Aerotech Comfort: I used this early version of the bike case, and it cracked on one trip. The Evoc Bike Travel Bag Case is great for people who don’t like to disassemble their bikes, but it leaves the bike a little more exposed. Five athletes currently use the bag, and they have been happy with it. It all depends on the baggage handler’s mood and the day.
Biknd Helium V2 and V3: These cases were used over three years, with more than 25 trips between them. These bags are great! I’ve been to Europe, South America, Iceland, and everywhere else in the United States using them. Only problem was the overall durability. The zippers broke, the cloth was ripped and the front was completely ripped off by LATAM baggage handlers. The airbags are easy to puncture and deflate. Biknd will eventually send replacement bags for you.
The EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro: A Review
Upon initial research, my first thought was “Wow!”. There doesn’t appear to be much padding along the sides of the case which could protect the stem, bars, and frame. There are wheels stored in the rear and they are well protected so there is no worry. However, the bag’s security and protection impressed me immediately.
As someone mechanically inclined, I advise you to learn basic maintenance if you plan on traveling more than three times per calendar year.
It is essential to know how to take out your seat tube, cockpit, rear derailleur, rear pedal, and chain. The cost of bikes is more than that of cars, so it’s important to learn how to do basic maintenance and assembly. What should I take with me when I travel?
Take out any damaged parts before packing your bike
The Chain: You only need a simple link and a set of basic chair pliers. After major trips, I like to clean my chain. This prevents grease and dirt from building up in your Evoc Bike Travel Bag. Rubber gloves are a must to prevent your hands from getting soiled. I just remove the chain and put it in a Ziplock bag.
Cockpit: No matter what type of bike you are riding, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a triathlete, mountain biker or roadie. To save space, the bars must be removed. EVOC created a clever contraption that secures your bars to the frame of your road bike. Triathlon bikes can have crazy designs so securing your bars on your frame to your bike is necessary. This is easier if you have electronic shifting.
Seat Tube: You can sometimes just push the seat tube down and be done with it. However, it is very easy to take it off. Make sure to use tape to mark the location of the seat tube when it is removed.