Material report by Tamara Kroll / Team Green`n Fit
Today I would like to introduce the B&W bike box that the Air Travel team is providing us with. And that's exactly what I do, because I live in the south of France and regularly fly my bike to Germany for races. So I'm not writing like many about my unique experience with a product sent by the manufacturer for testing, I didn't get the bike box to test, but to use.
The trapezoidal hardshell case is reliably solid, relatively light for its size and therefore, in my opinion, very well placed in the price-performance comparison.
The external and internal dimensions of the manufacturer agree with my final measurement (inside 108 or 78 x 80 x 25, outside 114 or 85 x 88,5 x 29,5). I have a ROSE XLITE CRS 53 frame, my colleague got a 57 frame in without any problems. However, you should download and read the packaging instructions on the manufacturer's website. Because it's not that easy, at least not if you're a complete beginner in packing your bike! It took me a whole two and a half hours, shame! In the meantime everything has been dismantled, packed, secured and locked for me in half an hour. I think it works!
With my body and frame size, I don't even have to remove or lower the seat post, but unfortunately it's not possible without removing the pedals and rear shift thread. The handlebars must also be detached from the stem and rotated. And all this in a certain order, otherwise the whole thing won't work. It is also important to mark the saddle height and the handlebar angle with a CD pen, otherwise it may take two and a half hours to assemble it later.
The manufacturer states the real weight as 11,8 kg. On my scale he was 10,5 kg. But I took out the two tire bags that came with it, that way it can be declared as a 'wheel in case' and I don't have to pay anything extra. The manufacturer specifies a maximum weight of 30 kg, I once packed the case with 34 kg and everything was ok. And the best thing was that you didn't even notice it when transporting the suitcase! Whether it's 23 kg (that's usually the weight with the bike and everything you need for cycling in it) or 34 kg, it could be handled equally well or badly.
Yes, and there I am on the only small negative point of the suitcase. The casters. They are of the highest stable quality with even a reinforced axle, but they are not 360° wheels. This means that you have to lift the case every time you change direction, even the smallest. It's hard at first, but then you get used to it. Since the wheel thread can be easily removed and replaced (which is not the case with many suitcases), you can "pimp" the suitcase, but I haven't researched that yet. But as I said, you just have to get used to it, but the case is also a few hundred euros cheaper than many others of its quality, you shouldn't forget that. But what is very well designed are the two side handles, with which you can really lift the fully packed suitcase. So far I have not “rolled into” any train or bus, I always had to lift it up a few steps. And that's just great with the two handles.
Even after five flights, the suitcase looked like new. And then came the sixth. He confirmed that you should always, but really always, only fly with a hard shell case. I have no idea what was done to him, but he clearly shows signs of aggressive abuse, but only on the outside. The bike is fine. In addition to the very solid hard shell, which is stabilized by a continuous aluminum frame, the bike is protected inside by two thick foam mats. If you have packed the bike according to regulations, the inner luggage straps are sufficient. Of course you can protect it with additional foam or bubble wrap. Once closed, you can lock the case, but the locks don't inspire much confidence. So I secure it with plastic straps on the sides.
I think you should get a suitcase like this as long as you have somewhere good to store it at home. The price of this bike box is extremely competitive, and if you can then lend it to other cyclists, you quickly recoup your purchase price. So it's worth it, one way or another. Anyway, I'm completely satisfied.
Good Trip!
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