Bike bags. . . . for the Italian Job

[adjustablewench]

I need to give this some thought - as I don't own a bike bag as yet.

However I think I need to work out what sort I need. I am guessing if we are stashing them some where a soft one is better?

How easy it to get ones that fit a 29er properly?

Any thoughts, suggestions would be most welcome!

[Blackhound]

Ione, I have a soft bag used once in the garage I could lend you. Would need to check it fits a 29er but it should do. It is a Creek2peak brand with soft sides and a hard bottom(!) with wheels.

Other options are a cardboard box from your lbs or hire of a hard case such as 'Bike Box Alan' from Barnsley. Not so easy to store the hard cases though. Cardboard you can recycle on arrival and get another for the return.

[adjustablewench]

Ooh thanks Kevin that would be a great help! Will have to out for the cardboard option if storage over there is tricky.

[Chew]

Speaking to the Chadwicks, if you want to leave the bag with left luggage at the airport it needs to be something you can fold down as small as possible so they can store it in there facities.

Probably avoid cardboard if possible as it'll get wrecked on the way out and then there's the hassle of finding one for the return.
I'm sure there will be someone who can lend you one

[Taylor]

I think I remember seeing €20 to transfer your bags from start to finish by the organisers. The rail station is right next door to the airport so easy walking distance with a bagged bike, so long as it's got wheels on the bottom.
Saves the hassle of left luggage and your change of clothes can be waiting at the finish.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Anyone tried the CTC plastic bike bags? You could even take it with you ... make a nice groundsheet or emergency tarp

[PaulB]

Si at 18 bikes has hard case bike bags for hire, seeing as your local 'ish.

Paul.

[FLV]

Another idea. I have used a ground effect tardis many times.

It folds down about a4 x 100mm deep.

I used to use it for touring and carry it with me. I've also used it by padding loads of card in there to protect the bike and disposing of that. Hiding or posting the bag and sourcing new packaging (usually from grocers etc) to re protect to go home.

It dosnt offer the same protection as a proper padded bag but then, the bike was on old thorn.

Don't know if it fits 29ers but if you want to borrow it to try you can. ( it does have a small hole so needs a patch.)

[Taylor]

Blimey, wouldn't trust the baggage chimps at Bristol airport with my bike and a Tardis.

[adjustablewench]

Si at 18 bikes has hard case bike bags for hire, seeing as your local 'ish.

Paul.

Cheers I think the problem will be stashing it somewhere in italy

[adjustablewench]

Blimey, wouldn't trust the baggage chimps at Bristol airport with my bike and a Tardis.

If we had a Tardis we wouldn't need a plane . . . .

[ctznsmith]

Don't know if it fits 29ers but if you want to borrow it to try you can. ( it does have a small hole so needs a patch.)

Ground Effects do a bigger (body) bag now in addition to the Tardis that I've been contemplating. I think it packs down to A4 again but 5cm wide. It does still weigh as much as a small tent though.

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/products/ ... t-bike-bag

and the only review I've ever come across:
http://www.whileoutriding.com/gear-revi ... t-body-bag

[Mpolo]

we've used ctc bags for all our trips away Morocco, Cuba, Holland easy to store, cheap and the idea is the baggage handlers can see what it is. we've never had any problems. just remove front wheel, pedals, hanger a bit of wrapping, tape and string. and they are plenty big enough for a 29er

[AlasdairMc]

Anyone tried the CTC plastic bike bags? You could even take it with you ... make a nice groundsheet or emergency tarp

No, but I put my folder in a soft cover padded out with cardboard, and watched the baggage loader throw it off the plane onto the truck.

YMMV obviously...

[adjustablewench]

[Mike]

My bikes have been damaged twice thanks to handlers on planes in the past. But ba always paided up not so sure easyjet would be so straight forward :0?

[Bearbonesnorm]

The comments here: http://travellingtwo.com/resources/flyi ... ic-ctc-bag are worth reading. Seems to be a lot of love for the clear CTC bags, obviously the thinking is that if people can see it's a bike, they'll be less inclined to pile stuff on top of it, throw it around or generally not give a toss.

[Arrowhead]

Your all In for a treat...... Jane and I could not make the event last year and flew out later in the year. stunning route, fab food and genuinely lovely people. As for left luggage at Pisa Airport.....I removed the bikes from the soft bike bags and put one inside another. I went to the window to check them in but there is a sign showing the maximum size of case they will take. Even folded my empty bike bag was four times too big!!!! The Italian gentleman refused to take the bag, pointing at the signage.... It took some time but I managed to talk them into letting it stay. A nice lady took me to xray the bag, before allowing me to put it in their left luggage. So if you all turn up at once .....its not going to be easy..... the room is small and has racks designed for cases......good luck to you all !! It was one of the best bikepacking trips we have ever done and we would both love to do it again. On the way home we booked into a 4 star hotel opposite the station..... I must have looked a little scruffy at breakfast.....they asked me to prove I was staying at the hotel !!! How rude!!

Andy

[ctznsmith]

Do the CTC clear bags have any form of handle/strap?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Do the CTC clear bags have any form of handle/strap?

Not as far as I know. I think the idea is that you package your bike at the airport, so no need carry it around.

[Farawayvisions]

Dan and I use the CTC bags. Plenty big enough for a 29er. Been on multiple trips using these and no damage to bikes. Flown with Easyjet, BA and Virgin. They're a bit bulky to carry around, but if you're able to leave them at the airport, we did that in Amsterdam.

There are no straps on the bag, but the bike is easily moved on a trolley and depending on how heavy your bike is it's fairly easy to carry the bike in your arms.

I have links to several different airlines and their policies in the post below.

http://www.farawayvisions.com/flying-with-a-bicycle/

[FLV]

Dan and I use the CTC bags. Plenty big enough for a 29er. Been on multiple trips using these and no damage to bikes. Flown with Easyjet, BA and Virgin. They're a bit bulky to carry around, but if you're able to leave them at the airport, we did that in Amsterdam.

There are no straps on the bag, but the bike is easily moved on a trolley and depending on how heavy your bike is it's fairly easy to carry the bike in your arms.

I have links to several different airlines and their policies in the post below.

http://www.farawayvisions.com/flying-with-a-bicycle/

Whilst I have used many other methods, never the ctc bag method.

Care to do a blog post on how you dissasemble? or do you not?

[adjustablewench]

Think stu already posted this one http://travellingtwo.com/resources/flyi ... ic-ctc-bag

Looks straight forward enough

[FLV]

Think stu already posted this one http://travellingtwo.com/resources/flyi ... ic-ctc-bag

Looks straight forward enough

pft, cant read every link....

clicky clicky

[Farawayvisions]

Whilst I have used many other methods, never the ctc bag method.

Care to do a blog post on how you dissasemble? or do you not?

I already include those instructions in the post.