Opinions on bike box

dreddie

I'm planning to purchase a bike box/bag for transporting a carbon frame road bike.

I have narrowed it down to one of these choices. Any advice or opinions would be appreciated.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/b-w-bike-box/
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/brand-x-eva-bike-pod-2016/rp-prod134710
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/chain-reaction-cycles-pro-bike-bag/rp-prod114204

Thanks

Eddie

Wishbone Ash

I have both the 1st and 3rd one.

The 1st one is fine although the locks can be a bit fiddly. It's a generic Chinese make which you'll see re-branded to each bike shop, bike box seller etc. (If your frame is more than 56 in, you'll have to remove the rear derailleur.)

The 3rd one if ok - doesn't offer as much protection as the first but it can be folded up - handy should you have a small rental car. It also takes a larger bike without removing the RD.

Avoid the 2nd one. One of my friends has one and it is difficult and clumsy to take through airports etc, as there are no proper handles to grab it properly.

Wishbone Ash

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

...Avoid the 2nd one. One of my friends has one and it is difficult and clumsy to take through airports etc, as there are no proper handles to grab it properly.

Just looking at the pic again, it seems to have straps. My mate must have lost his!

Eamonnator

I have the 2nd one.
It's a great piece of kit.
I have mine about 10 years, used on average twice a year.
There are straps on it, but they are not the strongest, If you lift the bike by one of the straps, the clasp tends to open. I always use a cable tie to be sure to be sure. Even if straps open, the box won't open.
The box, while it is not completely rigid, is very strong. I have never had any problem. It has zip closure, but zip is heavy duty and very secure.
The wheels are secured by skewers. However if you use the skewers from your bike, the end of the skewers will stick out and could cause injury. I cut down a pair of skewers and keep them for use with the box.
There is nothing to separate the wheels from the frame. In the past, I used a, cut to measure, piece of foam. More recently I have used lightweight wheel bags.
My road frame is size 58cms, it fits in box without problem. I remove seat post and pedals and remove handlebars.
The weight as as noted by CRC is correct.
This box is identical to one, that was branded by Polaris.
It fits in a Ford Fiesta with three people and luggage for two people.
There is also lots of room for helmet, shoes, clothes etc.
I would recommend it.

To add: I have also used it for a hard tail mountain bike, again without problem

Review:
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/bike-travel-cases/product/review-polaris-eva-bike-pod-11-44624/

Another review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSLMboFbZZ0

dreddie

Thanks for that Wishbone.

The B&W one looks good but I am concerned about weight restrictions by the time I put tools etc into the box.

The pod looks good in that regard. I think older versions of it didn't have straps/handles which would be a real problem.

The bag has the advantage of being light, compact etc but protection would be an issue.

Bike size wouldn't be an issue, my frame is 55cm.

dreddie

Thanks Eamonnator. That's great feedback. Makes the pod look attractive.

Wishbone Ash

dreddie wrote: »

....The B&W one looks good but I am concerned about weight restrictions by the time I put tools etc into the box....

Don't worry about weight - it now up to 30kgs with most airlines. Regardless of that, they always check in the box before sending you to the oversized luggage area anyway. I've never heard of anyone being sent back even when the limit was much lower. I know lads who pack their tools and most of their luggage in the box also without any hassle.