Best Bike Boxes

We’ve reviewed 15 top bike cases and bags for you to pack your ride in safely for trouble-free travelling.

Chain Reaction Cycles Complete

Chain Reaction Cycles Complete
£59.99
www.chainreactioncycles.com

Size 122cm x 68cm x 23cm Weight 6.12kg
Extras ID pocket, padded wheel bags, tool wrap
The CRC bag has smaller dimensions than most. It has a reinforced base with plastic runners, twin corner wheels, seven interior pockets, tool wrap and four quick-access zips, which double as slots to hang it on a bike rack. The sides are padded with 20mm thick high-density foam. The smaller dimensions did mean we had to dismantle Shiv test bike to get it to fit. The rear mech was removed and taped to the chain stays, and the whole bar assembly was undone and taped to the top tube. We also had to rotate the fork and remove the seat mast. With a standard road bike it was easier, though we still needed to remove the bar and stem and seatpost. The reinforced base holds its shape well making it easy to trolley around. The tough polyester material takes the knocks and we had plenty of faith in the dense foam padding.

Verdict
On the small side for a tri bike, but well made and great value.

Performance 2/5
Value 4/5
Overall 3/5

DHB Elsted Wheeled Bike Bag

DHB Elsted Wheeled Bike Bag
£62.99
www.wiggle.co.uk

Size 134cm x 90cm x 26cm Weight 6.78kg
Extras ID pocket
The Elsted’s dimensions are the biggest we’ve seen, but at 6.78kg it’s light for the size. Fitting the Shiv was pretty simple. The frameset fitted in with no problems, although we did undo the extensions and slide them back towards the frame. Two large slots hold the wheels in place and there is plenty of space left over for accessories and kit. The construction is heavyweight-coated polyester and the lining is a ripstop-like fabric. The base and corners are reinforced, adding a bit of structure and protection. The padding is dense 20mm crush-resistant foam. It offers decent impact protection for a bag, and still allows the bag to be folded, making it easier to store. Dual wheels and a grab handle make it easy to move and twin shoulder straps means you can lug it upstairs, though the large size means it helps if you’re tall.

Verdict
Masses of space, little in the way of padding and strapping though.

Performance 4/5
Value 4/5
Overall 4/5

Brand-X Bike Bag

Brand-X Bike Bag
£89.99
www.hotlines-uk.com

Size 122cm x 68cm x 23cm Weight 6.12kg
Extras ID pocket, padded wheel bags, tool wrap
The Brand-X bag should look somewhat familiar. That’s because it’s essentially the same bag as the Chain Reaction model. It features all of the same multitude of pockets, padded wheel bags and quality, reinforced base. The shoulder strap system, like the Chain Reaction one, is very stable, with the padded sleeve fixing the twin straps together. To access the full three-sided zipper you need to unclip one set of straps. The twin rollers and opposing grab handle make it easy to trolley and when packed it has just enough stability so as not to fall over easily. The black polyester hides scuffs and knocks better than the CRC version’s loud blue and white finish but aside from that they don’t differ at all. As the CRC bag is now so heavily discounted we can’t find a reason to spend an extra £30 here.

Verdict
Tough little bag, but available elsewhere at a much better price.

Performance 2/5
Value 2/5
Overall 2/5



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Posted on Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 at 5:00 am under Bike Gear, Gear. You can subscribe to comments. Comments are closed.

Tags: Bike Bags, Bike Boxes, Bike Cases, Product Reviews, Triathlon Plus Magazine