Strengths: It's not perfect, but certainly better than a cardboard box, i've travelled by plane with my bike all over the U.S. and a friend took it to France once and we've never had an bike damage or lost gear Works better with MTBs than road bikes due to straight handlebars.
Weaknesses: Major problems in design...needs to be square, not tapered at one end. It needs to have more than one freakin handle!! Fully packed, trying to haul this thing up from the basement or on-off a shuttle bus is a real pain, no where to get a good hold of it. The latches can pop open during transport. It's only happened once to me, but I'm always nervous about it. I used to solve this by putting locks on it to keep them closed, but nowadays you can't put locks on any of your airline luggage. You can use zip ties, but TSA will cut them off about 50% of the time
Bottom Line:
Definately a lot cheaper than the Trico case. Although it takes some practice to correctly pack, it will protect your bike during transport. In my opinion it's not worth over $150. I wouldn't buy one again, but since I have it, I'll proabably continue to use it.
Similar Products Used: Trico case is easier to pack and better secured
Bike Setup: MTBs: C-dale Jekyll, Merlin Extra Fat, Spicer single speed Road: DEAN El Diente CTi, Litespeed Tuscany
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Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from austin, tx
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2004
Strengths: better than a cardboard box, provided it stays closed.
Weaknesses: my 62cm road bike frame does not fit in drive side up, as recommended. i've used it 6-8 times now, with three of the four lock loops being snapped off on two of my last 4 shipments (was it fedex, or performance? not sure, but dhl, ups, the airlines haven't snapped off the loops). it's asymmetrical top to bottom, with the top of the case beveling in. this makes it tough to close around things like a big chainring, brakes, etc.
Bottom Line:
i'm going to try the trico ironcase. seems to be easier to pack and more secure.
Submitted by
Landis
a Cross Country Rider
from Bakersfield
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003
Weaknesses: Fit, concept
Bottom Line:
Case not suitable for vehicle or airline transportation.
When strapped to the luggage rack on the roof of the car with the optional car kit, the air turbulence makes too much racket at any speed over 40 mph. An air dam-- like Yakima's-- is needed but isn't included in the car kit.
I don't dare try to take it on an airline because it will not enclose the width of the chainstays on a bike with a modern, standard 9-speed freewheel or cassette. There's a big gap between the two halves and I'm afraid to risk having the airline reject it. Apparently, this was designed a long time ago for something with a narrow dropout and a five-speed freewheel.
I'm returning it for a refund and getting something else.
Bike Setup: '02 Kona Cinder Cone hardtail stock '01 Kona Caldera hardtail stock
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Submitted by
peter
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003
Weaknesses: hardware, fit
Bottom Line:
Needed a case to fly my bibike to CA. Thought I would be considerate and use rubber coated padlocks to protect other luggage. Apparantltly, the rubber coating on the lock shackle was able to get enough leverage on the hasp loop on the case to pull the loop right out of the hasp. This happened to two of the four hasps. Apparantly the loops that hold the lock shackle have a flimsy pressed fit into the hasp plate and can be pulled out too easily. The strap handle also felt kinda cheesy, especially when the thing weighs 60lbs+ when loaded. Also, there was a 3/8" gap in the front of the case when closed-the two halves not quite meeting. This could be a problem if any small pieces get loose, or if you mount the thing on your car (rain) as they suggest. I think the basic design is good, but the hardware/fitment /handle issues need addressing. Only case I've tried, so if anyone knows of a decent one out there, let me know.