Bicycle Cases

Bike cases  come in a wide variety of materials. The least expensive are semi-disposable cardboard boxes; on the other end of the scale, hard plastic shells can cost quite a few pounds. Although cardboard boxes (easily obtained from bike shops) are often a joke as a shipping container, they can be useful if you're planning on checking in your bike at the airport and need a disposable container. Most sources recommend you double-box your bike -- cut the bottom out of one and slide them into each other. If you're planning on travelling frequently with your bike or shipping it, you'll want to invest in something more durable, and your choices break down to a hard shell or soft shell case.

Hard-Shell Cases  Offer superior protection for your bicycle -- good for people who frequently ship or travel with their bicycles. Most cases have lots of extra room if you're an overpacker or want to toss in some more gear. Lots of padding and fasteners to keep everything in its place. Will require disassembling your bike. Take up a lot of room, even when your bike is not inside. Where will you put it when you aren't using it?

Soft-Shell Cases  Offer decent durability and some protection, but they don't compare to hard cases for longevity and strength. Much less expensive than hard-shell cases -- a good choice for people who only travel with their bikes occasionally. Less bulky and easier to carry compared to hard cases. Rolls up neatly when not in use.

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