Hard case for road bikes with S&S couplings
2Smart
Posts: 105
I've just had a road bike fitted with an S&S coupling, and an excellant mod it is, this allows my bike to be reduced to a package of about 750mm x 750mm x 450mm. However, this is quite an odd shape for a suitcase or large bag and I was hoping to get a hard case for it.
Has anybody got any ideas?
Thanks
Has anybody got any ideas?
Thanks
0
Comments
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I, too, have S&S couplers on my (Waterford) touring bike. When I got the bike, I also purchased a companion hard case that looks like a big square plastic suitcase that is exactly the largest size the airlines will carry (assuming they don't change that rule, too). I have taken it on both domestic (US) and international flights (in/out of Heathrow) without problem, though it usually gets opened (and closed, somehow).
The first time I put the bike in the box it took me several hours. Now that I know how to do it, I have it down to about 90 minutes, in both directions. I've taken pictures of how I did it to remind for the next time. Since my bike is a touring bike, it doesn't fit in the box like most of the pictures you see on the web. I have to remove everything from the frame and even take the tires off the wheels to make it all fit in the box. Also, expect the frame to get nicked up a bit in this process. I carry some clear nail polish to coat each new nick at it arises. Check here for some pictures of bikes put into boxes: http://www.sandsmachine.com/#pack
While I often uncouple the bike, I rarely put it in the box. Whenever I want to carry the bike in a car, I find it easier to uncouple it and stick it in the trunk then to drag out the bike carrier, strap it on and then keep checking the rear view mirror to see that it is still attached to the car.
Incidentally, did you also get cable splitters? If not, you will have to remove cable to get the bike apart which is no fun. Get cable splitters. See http://www.sandsmachine.com/ac_cable.htm
Ray0 -
Thanks Raybo,
The diagrams are very well done but are what I expected. My bike does have cable splitters and I can reduce it down to a packing state in about 15 mins but that doesn't include protecting the frame tubes and other bits.
Is the make of your bike case, which is what I'm looking for actually called Companion, or is that just how you were referring to it?0 -
You can check out this link at S&S to see the different cases that they offer. I have a hard case from them and it works very well for bus, train, plane travel. Also check out the velcro tubing material that they offer to protect the frame. This all has to be cut to length to fit the dimensions of your tubes but can be done with scissors. I have no idea how you get this stuff in the UK. Perhaps one of the S&S UK frame builders (listed on S&S site) can help you. I was living in NA when I had my frame retro'd by Bilenky CYcles in PA. Good luck! www.sandsmachine.com/#cases0
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2Smart wrote:Is the make of your bike case, which is what I'm looking for actually called Companion, or is that just how you were referring to it?
The word "companion" was just the word I used in that sentence. My bike case is the one described as "10 inch edge pull" on this page: http://www.sandsmachine.com/ac_hard.htm.
Note that larger ones would be easier to use but would fall outside the airline maximum.
Ray0 -
My Thorn Nomad has S&S couplings and SJS Cycles do a hard case for this bike - it is not cheap.......
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-S-and-S-Hard-Bike-Case-(made-by-Samsonite)-3287.htm<b><i>He that buys land buys many stones.
He that buys flesh buys many bones.
He that buys eggs buys many shells,
But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.</b></i>
(Unattributed Trad.)0 -
Any other tips? Is there a particular type of chain that makes for easy packing? I presume you use one with a link instead of breaking it?
I'm building a bike with couplers for a RTW ride but I don't want to be lumbered with an empty hard case when I get to my destination(s) so I was thinking of building a disposable case for each leg of the journey. Maybe a cardboard box held together by duct tape, lined with hardboard or thin plywood or sections of plastic crates and reinforced with sections of plastic pipe so it can't be crushed. It all sounds a bit Heath Robinson, but it could add some creative satisfaction to the enterprise. Like the scene from Apollo 13 where they save the day by building carbon scrubbers or something out of odds and ends.<hr>
<h6>What\'s the point of going out? We\'re just going to end up back here anyway</h6>0 -
Thanks. It's a neat idea but I wouldn't want to stick it on my rack though.<hr>
<h6>What\'s the point of going out? We\'re just going to end up back here anyway</h6>0 -
I do use a separable link (e.g. Sachs, Wippermann) and remove the chain when I pack. I just put it in a plastic bag in the case. Seems like it just keeps everything cleaner. Others may have found that it's not necessary.0
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Eurostar wrote:Any other tips? Is there a particular type of chain that makes for easy packing? I presume you use one with a link instead of breaking it?
I'm building a bike with couplers for a RTW ride but I don't want to be lumbered with an empty hard case when I get to my destination(s) so I was thinking of building a disposable case for each leg of the journey. Maybe a cardboard box held together by duct tape, lined with hardboard or thin plywood or sections of plastic crates and reinforced with sections of plastic pipe so it can't be crushed. It all sounds a bit Heath Robinson, but it could add some creative satisfaction to the enterprise. Like the scene from Apollo 13 where they save the day by building carbon scrubbers or something out of odds and ends.
Did you build one in the end? I'd be interested as I face a similar question, i.e. not carry around the luggage I transport the bike in."There are holes in the sky,
Where the rain gets in.
But they're ever so small
That's why rain is thin. " Spike Milligan0 -
I've built the frame but not the rest of the bike!<hr>
<h6>What\'s the point of going out? We\'re just going to end up back here anyway</h6>0 -
I have the Samsonite case from SJSC for my Thorn Audax. I usually plan my trips to start and end at the same place, so I just ask to have the case stored at the hotel. You could just mail the case ahead, or back.
I tried transportin my bike in a soft case, but that is a fine way to get it damaged (broke the shifters on mine). frankly I'd rather transport it fully assembled than try the soft case again. The whole beuty of having S&S couplers and the hard case is the ease of mind while traveling; the case is very sturdy and if you use the frame protectors your bike will most likely come through unscathed.
Magnus Thor
IcelandMy new thing: http://www.flickr.com/photos/70951302@N00/sets/109683/0 -
Special K wrote:Did you build one in the end? I'd be interested as I face a similar question, i.e. not carry around the luggage I transport the bike in.
I use a Ground Effect Tardis bag. Fold it up, stick it in a polythene bag, and send it to the hotel at my final destination (or you could send poste restante to a post office).0 -
What about BUILDING a case?
Simple box section frame, with lightweight board stapled to it.
Thinking that £400 is much too much money for a suitcase. Could buy another bike/holiday for that..."There are holes in the sky,
Where the rain gets in.
But they're ever so small
That's why rain is thin. " Spike Milligan0 -
If you build it, they will come!
£400 does seem way too much just for a case. I bet you could make one for next to nothing.<hr>
<h6>What\'s the point of going out? We\'re just going to end up back here anyway</h6>0 -
Looking at the options - if you;re in the UK its either buy a 400 quid case from Thorn or use a traditional bike case which sort of defests the object of S&S coupling.
Have decided none of these options is good enough. Thinking about producing and selling some flight cases - what sort of price point (realistically) do you think they should be at. Consider the price of soft bags and traditional hard cases for bikes. I think it can be done for a good deal less than 400 quid...
Appreciate any feedback thanks"There are holes in the sky,
Where the rain gets in.
But they're ever so small
That's why rain is thin. " Spike Milligan0 -
Special one
Start looking at people who make bespoke cases for musical instruments. I had a guy lined up from Glasgow to make one for my Setavento with couplings. Thankfully Setavento disappeared before I shelled out any cash and I went off the whole idea.
Alternatively have you spoken to Ritchey/Dahon about a breakaway bag only? (with apologies if this suggestion is at the bottom of page one)================================
Cake is just weakness entering the body0 -
Good call. Have had a look at people who make custom made flight cases. God bless the internet. God bless Google."There are holes in the sky,
Where the rain gets in.
But they're ever so small
That's why rain is thin. " Spike Milligan0 -
What have you been quoted so far ? I'm interested in a case for a Thorn Nomad.
Andrew0 -
Hey Andrew,
Yes, I've a Nomad too. I've got some quotes but they range quite a lot. However I am going through a mate of mine who has a lighting company and uses a manufacturer to make bespoke cases for his equipment. Waiting for the quote and will post again here when I know it. If it's under £300 I'll get a few made up so I get a decent price and sell them on if people are interested.
In the meantime, it doesn't look as though the case will weigh much less than 8.5kgs - which is a lot if you consider the allowances on flights. Add the weight of the Nomad and parts and it's pretty likely you'll hit limits very quickly. Saddles and pedals in hand luggage I think? Anyway, the key advantage for me is ease of transport - cabs at the other end, luggage compartments on trains etc etc.
cheers
Alex"There are holes in the sky,
Where the rain gets in.
But they're ever so small
That's why rain is thin. " Spike Milligan0 -
Quote has come in and it's £196 plus VAT.
The spec they've come up with however needs a little tweaking. Currently using 9mm high pressure laminate and suspect this might be overkill and makes the dimensions less airline friendly.
In anycase (no pun intended), if you can get a bespoke bike case made for under £250, it begs the question why SJC are selling them for 400 quid!"There are holes in the sky,
Where the rain gets in.
But they're ever so small
That's why rain is thin. " Spike Milligan0 -
Mmm , The "official" case is 7.1Kg. There is some good advice from Andy Blance on flying with a bike here http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/airtravelwithbikes.html
Personally I've flown multiple times with the bike unwrapped or in a big poly bag & never had problems. It's always nerveracking waiting for the bike to come of the conveyor though. The habit of some airlines of charging by _size_ is what concerns me.
Interestingly in an email exchange with Andy Blance he said that whenever possible he flies with his bike intact, as disassembling it to fit into the case is a pain in the backside. He said he's had most benefit from the couplings when fitting bikes into a taxi or bus.0 -
I'm just getting my s and s equipped frame so very interested in a hard case that is not as expensive as the 400 quid that sjs seem to want.
I have done a google search and although there are a lot of suppliers I need to spend a few hours sorting it.
Interested in hearing more about what people have found out i.e. which companies can offer something?
I personally need something that goes no bigger than the 62 inch limit.0
