A cycling holiday is an incredible way to explore new landscapes and challenge yourself on different terrains. Whether you’re planning a warm-weather training camp or aiming to conquer iconic climbs in the Alps, ensuring your bicycle arrives safely is paramount. For those flying to their cycling destination, investing in a quality Bicycle Travel Bag is not just a good idea, it’s essential.
The market offers a wide array of bicycle travel bags and boxes, all designed with the primary goal of protecting your precious bike during transit. Stories abound of cyclists arriving at their dream destination only to find damaged derailleurs or, worse, cracked carbon frames. These unfortunate incidents highlight the critical importance of selecting a reliable bicycle travel bag or box.
When choosing a bicycle travel bag, you’ll generally encounter two main types: soft bags and hard boxes. Soft bags are often more budget-friendly and easier to store when not in use, making them a practical choice for cyclists with steel or aluminum frames. However, for those traveling with carbon frame bikes or high-value bicycles, a hard box offers superior protection. While hard boxes are more expensive and bulkier to store, their robust nature provides enhanced security. Many cyclists opt to rent hard boxes for this very reason.
Regardless of whether you choose a soft bicycle travel bag or a hard box, it’s crucial to ensure your bike fits without requiring excessive disassembly. Road bikes typically pose fewer issues, but larger mountain bikes might require careful measurements to confirm compatibility.
To help you navigate the options, we’ve rigorously tested numerous bicycle travel bags and boxes. Below are our top recommendations, followed by essential considerations for choosing the best bicycle travel bag for your cycling adventures.
The Quick List
[
Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 bike bag](Best overall) 1. Scicon AeroComfort 3.0
Best overall
The Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 bicycle travel bag combines a soft exterior with an internal metal frame. This design securely holds your bike with minimal disassembly. Its lightweight nature allows for packing extra gear while staying within airline weight limits.
[
Evoc bike travel bike bag](Best for ease of use) 2. Evoc bike travel bike bag
Best for ease of use
The Evoc bicycle travel bag, a soft bag, is lightweight and conveniently storable. Ample padding ensures bike protection, and its large side opening simplifies bike loading.
[
LifeLine EVA Bike Pod against a white background](Best value) 3. LifeLine EVA Bike Pod
Best value
The LifeLine EVA Bike Pod bicycle travel bag is light, compact, and budget-friendly. Its semi-rigid structure offers enhanced protection over soft bags, though its two-wheel design can be less maneuverable.
[
Orucase B2 bike travel case](Most portable) 4. Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case
Most portable
The Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case is a lightweight and portable bicycle travel bag, featuring rucksack straps for easy carrying. It requires more bike disassembly and can be slightly unbalanced when wheeled.
[
Thule Roundtrip bike bag](Best with stand) 5. Thule RoundTrip Pro XT bike bag
Best with integrated stand
The Thule RoundTrip Pro XT bicycle travel bag includes an internal frame that doubles as a workstand, a valuable feature for cycling trips. It’s a reinforced bag, offering more protection than soft bags, but comes at a higher price point.
[
VeloVault 2 bike box](Most robust) 6. VeloVault2 bike box
Most robust
The VeloVault2 bike box is a robust bicycle travel bag option, providing exceptional protection. Its sturdy build ensures bike safety, but its heavier weight may impact baggage allowances.
Best Bicycle Bags and Boxes for Cycling Travel: Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag with a bike packed away inside
Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag
Best overall
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- Weight: 8.2kg
- Dimensions: 115 x 95 x 28cm
- Frame size: Up to 62cm
Reasons to buy:
- Makes travelling quick and easy
- Very little disassembly required
- Keeps frame off the ground
- Lots of padding
- Separate pockets for wheels and components
Reasons to avoid:
- Question marks over protection of the rear derailleur
- Bulky so doesn’t fit into cars well
The Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 bicycle travel bag is a top choice among the Cycling Weekly tech team. Its user-friendly design makes bike travel straightforward and efficient. Packing your bike takes just about 15 minutes, and reassembly is even quicker.
This bicycle travel bag features a soft fabric exterior, housing a secure internal metal structure. You simply remove the wheels, secure the chain, and use quick releases to mount the bike onto the frame, ensuring immobility and enhanced security within the bag. The process is remarkably easy, requiring minimal effort.
Notably, only the wheels need to be removed; handlebars remain straight, eliminating the need for twisting. While this contributes to a slightly bulkier front end, the bag offers excellent protection. It includes thick soft fabric, dedicated compartments for wheels, helmets, and shoes, and crucially, keeps the rear derailleur elevated and protected. For cyclists seeking a hassle-free bicycle travel bag that balances ease of use and protection, the Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 is an outstanding option.
Read more: Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag full review
Best for Ease of Use
Multi-coloured Evoc bike travel bag
Evoc Bike Travel Bike Bag
Best for ease of use
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- Weight: 8.6kg
- Dimensions: 130 x 80 x 27cm
Reasons to buy:
- Easy to use
- Bike padding kit included
Reasons to avoid:
- Soft case doesn’t offer the protection of a hard box
While hard cases provide maximum bike protection, they can be cumbersome to store and heavy, potentially exceeding airline baggage limits. Soft bicycle travel bags, like the Evoc Bike Bag, offer a compelling alternative. Although providing slightly less protection than hard cases, the Evoc bag has proven reliable for transporting bikes on numerous occasions without damage.
The Evoc Bike Bag particularly excels in user-friendliness. Its side opening makes loading the bike incredibly easy, and Velcro straps simplify securing components in place. Wheel compartments are located externally, a feature that initially raised some concerns. However, after over ten flights using this bicycle travel bag, no scratches or damage occurred, dispelling those worries. The newer model features a reinforced front zip, enhancing its durability. For cyclists prioritizing ease of packing and transport in a soft bicycle travel bag design, the Evoc Bike Bag is an excellent choice.
Read more: Evoc bike travel bike bag full review
Best Value
LifeLine EVA Bike Pod
LifeLine EVA Bike Pod
Best for value
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- Weight: 6.5kg
- Dimensions: 1200mm x 907mm x 280mm
Reasons to buy:
- Inexpensive
- Fits a bike without too much disassembly
Reasons to avoid:
- Sides are quite flexible
- Feet prone to damage
The LifeLine EVA Bike Pod bicycle travel bag offers a cost-effective solution for transporting your bike. Despite its relatively compact size, it can accommodate smaller bikes with minimal disassembly. It rolls on two rear wheels and stands on two front feet. Quick-release wheels, although not thru-axle wheels, can be attached to the exterior of the case.
Maneuvering the LifeLine Bike Pod is generally easy; however, lifting the front end for longer distances can be tiring due to the handle design. The bag’s sides are somewhat flexible, suggesting the importance of thorough internal padding for wheels and frame to prevent damage from crushing. Concerns were noted regarding the durability of the feet and the zip’s longevity with frequent use. Overall, the LifeLine Bike Pod presents itself as a budget-friendly bicycle travel bag suitable for cyclists who travel less frequently and seek an affordable option without compromising essential protection.
Read more: LifeLine EVA Bike Pod full review
Most Portable
Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case
Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case
Most portable
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- Weight: 6.8kg / 15lbs
- Dimensions: 74 x 86 x 23cm / 29 x 34 x 9″
Reasons to buy:
- Highly portable
- Great for multimodal trips
- At 15lbs, it’s one of the lightest bags on the market
- Compact in size and storable
- The backpack strap is pretty unique
- Cute “Therapy Equipment” tag
Reasons to avoid:
- You have to be comfortable taking your bike apart to pack your bike
- A little lopsided when packed, making it prone to tipping
- You’re going to want to purchase the frame protection kit also
The Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case stands out as a highly portable bicycle travel bag. Its compact size, rollable chassis, and backpack straps make it ideal for cyclists needing maximum maneuverability, especially on multi-modal journeys. Having been tested on numerous domestic and international flights, the B2 impresses with its sleek design and trustworthiness. Its space-saving dimensions can potentially help avoid extra baggage fees, adding to its appeal.
Packing the Orucase B2 does require more bike disassembly, demanding confidence in reassembling your bike upon arrival. It’s also a higher-priced option. However, its exceptional portability and potential cost savings from reduced baggage fees make it a worthwhile investment for cyclists prioritizing ease of transport and space efficiency in a bicycle travel bag.
Read more: Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case full review
Most Versatile
Thule Round Trip Pro XT bike bag
Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Bag
Best with built-in stand
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- Weight: 8.6kg
- Dimensions: 126 x 89 x 30cm
Reasons to buy:
- Doubles up as a stand
- Integrated wheels
Reasons to avoid:
- More expensive than other options we’ve tested and liked
- Does have weak spots
The Thule RoundTrip Pro XT bicycle travel bag is a versatile option, blurring the lines between a soft bag and a hard case. It incorporates structural elements to enhance bike protection while maintaining a softshell design. A standout feature is its integrated base, which doubles as a workstand when legs are attached. This is an incredibly convenient feature for cyclists who like to perform their own bike maintenance while traveling.
While offering robust features, the Thule bag does have some areas that might not inspire complete confidence, especially considering its higher price point. However, it remains a solid choice, and as a precaution, extra bubble wrap is always recommended for added frame protection, regardless of the bicycle travel bag used. The workstand function adds significant value, making the Thule RoundTrip Pro XT a versatile and practical option for cyclists seeking convenience and functionality alongside bike protection.
Read more: Thule RoundTrip Pro XT review
Most Robust
Blue Velovault2 bike box
VeloVault2 Bike Box
Most robust
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- Weight: 12.5kg
- Dimensions: 122 x 90 x 30cm
Reasons to buy:
- Spacious inside
- Quality fixings
- Sturdy
- UK made
Reasons to avoid:
- Heavy at over 12kg
The VeloVault2 bike box is a robust and reassuring bicycle travel bag choice for cyclists prioritizing maximum protection. Its sturdy build and spacious interior offer peace of mind when flying with your bike. Weighing 12.5kg, it typically remains within standard airline weight limits. High-quality clasps, ease of closure, and smooth rolling are notable features.
Attention to detail is evident in its construction, with features like a new carrying handle, longer wheelbase, and enhanced strut design. The VeloVault2 is built for durability and protection, making it an excellent choice for cyclists traveling with high-value bikes or carbon frames who prioritize robustness above all else in a bicycle travel bag.
Read more: VeloVault2 full review
Advice
How do I pack a bike into a bicycle travel bag or box?
Packing your bike into a bicycle travel bag or box requires careful steps to ensure safety during transit. While specific processes may vary slightly depending on the model, here’s a general guideline:
- Remove Pedals: Detach the pedals from the crank arms.
- Deflate Tires & Remove Wheels: Partially deflate your tires and remove both wheels.
- Remove Seatpost & Saddle: Take out the seatpost along with the saddle.
- Handlebar Removal: Either detach the handlebar from the stem or remove the handlebar and stem together from the steerer tube.
- Rear Derailleur: Disconnect the rear derailleur (leave it attached to the chain for simplicity).
- Secure Frame & Components: Using manufacturer-recommended methods, securely fasten the frame and all removed components inside the bicycle travel bag or box.
- Pack Tools: Remember to pack essential tools needed for bike reassembly upon arrival.
For more intricate packing, you might consider removing the chainset for enhanced protection, but this requires more mechanical skill for reassembly. If you’re not comfortable with this, it’s best avoided to prevent complications on your trip. Also, factor in the weight of extra tools when packing, as it contributes to your overall baggage weight.
Best bicycle travel bags vs best bike boxes: Which is better?
Choosing between the best bicycle travel bags and bike boxes involves considering the trade-off between weight and protection. While hard bike boxes offer superior protection against impacts, lighter bicycle travel bags have advantages in terms of portability and baggage allowance.
A lighter bicycle travel bag is easier to carry and maneuver, and crucially, it reduces the overall baggage weight, minimizing potential excess baggage fees. However, this weight advantage comes with a trade-off in protection. Hard flight cases are more resistant to rough handling than soft bags.
Soft bicycle travel bags generally offer adequate protection for most travel scenarios and are often more affordable than hard boxes. Many of the best bicycle travel bags incorporate structural inserts to enhance protection while maintaining a lighter weight. Some also feature clever internal systems, like built-in dropouts, to secure the bike frame upright within the bag. The ideal choice depends on your priorities: maximum protection versus ease of transport and cost.
Do I need to add extra padding to my bicycle travel bag?
Regardless of the robustness of your chosen bicycle travel bag or box, adding extra padding to protect critical components is highly recommended. Bubble wrap and foam piping are excellent materials for this purpose. Your local bike shop might have surplus padding materials from bike deliveries, which can be a cost-effective option. Focus on padding the frame, especially in areas where other items inside the bag might rub or cause friction during transit. Extra padding adds a layer of security, minimizing the risk of damage to your bike during travel.
A road cyclist riding with a mountain in the background
How We Test
A top-performing bicycle travel bag or box strikes a balance between robust bike protection, lightweight design, ease of carrying, and straightforward packing.
Our testing process involves using these bags and boxes to transport various bikes on multiple flights. Each bag undergoes repeated packing and unpacking cycles. We assess their ability to protect bikes from transit damage and evaluate their ease of packing and handling. While all tested options provided adequate protection and were reasonably user-friendly, each exhibits unique advantages and disadvantages that can influence a cyclist’s ultimate choice. Our reviews are based on these real-world tests, aiming to provide practical and reliable guidance for selecting the best bicycle travel bag for your needs.
