WHICH TRAVEL BOX TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR BIKE?
When you go on a trip with your bike, transporting it safely is one of the main issues!
Indeed, there is nothing like leaving with a free mind knowing that your bike is perfectly protected against the numerous solicitations and manipulations that go hand in hand with its transport, especially when you take the train or the plane!
Here is an overview of the main characteristics to take into account, to help you choose the safest and most practical means of transportation for your bike ;)
What are the features to consider?
When shopping for a carrying case, the size and capacity of the case is a very important factor to consider! Indeed, it would be useless to buy the safest transport box possible if you can't store your bike inside.
Choose the right size box for your bike
For a road bike or a light hybrid, 300L models like the Thule Roundtrip Road are sufficient, but you can always opt for a larger box: it will allow you to store some equipment that you don't necessarily want to carry in your bags and luggage.
For mountain bikes, we recommend larger models, with a capacity of at least 400L, like the Thule Roundtrip MTB . These bikes often have wider tires and a larger wheelbase, which requires a larger box.
What is the wheelbase?
To find out the wheelbase of your bike, it's very simple: measure the distance between the front and rear wheel axle, this number in centimeters is called wheelbase! The manufacturers always indicate the maximum possible wheelbase in their box. If you have a fatbike or a mountain bike for enduro or downhill riding with big tires, you should also check the manufacturers' information on the maximum tire size that the transport box can hold.
You have found the right size of transport box for your bike? Great! Now, if you're not sure which model to choose, it's the safety aspect that will make the difference.
Securing your bike
The models we offer at Bicycles Quilicot are all secure enough to travel several times with your bike on the train, bus or plane without worrying about anything happening to it. In fact, for safe transportation and handling, the bike must be securely attached to the inside of the box. Some models offer fixing rails (sometimes even with a tripod, which will make you almost a real workshop stand outside the box), this is an excellent option for securing your bike and therefore protecting it as much as possible.
Rigid or foldable walls?
Concerning the sidewalls, some will prefer a 100% rigid shell (like on the Thule Roundtrip Transition ) but the models with foldable sidewalls have improved enormously over the last few years and now offer the same optimal level of protection (like the Evoc Pro 305L with its polypropylene padding, HDPE molded tray...). These foldable models also have the advantage of being less bulky and therefore more convenient to store at home or when traveling. In any case, you will be able to board a train or leave your suitcase in the hands of airport employees without fear if you have followed the packing recommendations!
Pack your wheels well!
Transport boxes offer compartments or bags to store your bike's wheels, and this is essential for a safe trip. Indeed, even if you have perfectly secured your bike in the box, if an unprotected wheel travels against the frame, there is a great risk to find your bike scratched because of the friction of the two parts during the transport, even with great care. So pack your wheels perfectly in the box for more protection!
How to properly pack your bike in its transport box?
When shopping for a transport box for the first time or when choosing a model with new features (mounting rail for example), it is not always easy to know how to proceed!
The Thule brand has a great video on how to install a bike in the Roundtrip Transition box.
In the same idea, here are the steps to follow if you opt for a folding model, here the Thule Roundtrip MTB .
You are now perfectly informed to make your choice! Remember to make sure that you have a model that fits your bike and offers a maximum of safety options.
Shop for your travel box in our online store and get ready for your next cycling trip!
Don't neglect your equipment either, check out our article on how to choose your travel bag .
Have a good cycling trip!
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