Trotsky

I have a citizens 20 inch folding bike. I use a dahon padded soft case to travel. So far I have survived travel, but not without obliterated accessories, bent brakes, gears, and deep gashes in the metal frame. I am lookung for a hard case. I dont mind taking wheels off, seat post out and so. Any suggestions are welcomed.

towndock

Origami sells a hard case that doubles as a trailer.
https://www.origamibicycles.com/prod...-case-chassis/

rhenning

Bike Friday for years has used Samsonite suit cases. Mine is a 1995 and my wife's is a 2005 model. Roger

1nterceptor

Samsonite Winfield 2 28" Hardside Spinner Luggage
with a Tobukaeru folding bike with 20 inch wheels:

BromptonINrio

why not use cardbox as a case?
its inexpensive, disposable...its best way to bike travel with a folding bike

Trotsky

Thanks, it is funny that you suggest that. When we were in the process of moving to Barbados, I went to the local bike store and got two boxes that bikes came in, and shipped the bikes in those boxes. They did travel well, but that was on a ship. I want case on wheels, as going anywhere that requires more than one plane is a real pain. I also want to keep the size as small as possible, because folding bikes are starting to draw the ire of airlines. A few years ago, before folding bikes started to travel in larger number, I never had problems and was never asked about what was in the bag. Now, some airlines are talking about handling fees on top of the cost of the extra bag. Allot of the damage is from compression damage, from other things being put on top of it, while laying flat.

Trotsky

Thanks, yes I did see this on YouTube, and I am keeping this in mind as I look for a case. I already carry small wrenches, so the larger wrench should not add too much to the weight.

BromptonINrio

i realy think your aproach will lead to the same place cardbox leads.
The airline company and the airport dont need to ask what is in box...the know just by whatch it in xray scanner.
the is no way you conceal a bike in modern airport and the fees are aplicable in most cases.
so, the solution would choose bike friendly airline(as aerolineas argentinas are the in south america) or choose airline whoose especial equipaje costs fits in your pocket.

Fmtrx

While watching this video, the image of Mr Bean adding just a tie and not being able to close the suitcase hunted me.

1nterceptor

Yeah, it was a tight fit. In addition to the bike; I brought home some goodies from China.


DSCF1457 by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

Schwinnsta

In the USA it is TSA that scans and inspects. They don't care that it is a bike so long as no contraband. They don't inform the airline.

fietsbob

But, to get your boarding pass, the airline employee , may demand to see inside your bag ,

I have spoken to someone , who had spent their funds for an S&S coupled frame to pass the measurement maximum, to not be in the oversize fee category, But ..

with the boarding pass withheld as the hostage , he had to open the case , and the desk guy went AhHa! , its a bike !, and charged the fee anyhow..

so it all depends on who you deal with in getting on the plane.. and so good luck,

BromptonINrio

here in brazil and also in all south america thats exactly how it happens.
here the employee may ask to open or to pass to xray scan any luggage.

Pinigis 

Some bikes can be packed into an airline-legal-sized suitcase in just a few minutes without the use of any tools, so traveling with your folding bike can be very simple.