Which Bike Bag Is Best 2022 Rated & Reviewed
When you are traveling over long distances with your bicycle, a bike rack is not always the greatest option. In the case of non-car transportation methods like trains or airplanes, a bike rack is not an option at all. The solution is to get yourself a bike bag! But which is the best bike bag?
The best overall soft body bike bag is the EVOC Bike Travel Pro (rated 33/40). The runner-up soft body bike bag is the Speed Hound Freedom Bike Travel Bag (rated 31/40). The best overall hardbody bike bag is the Thule RoundTrip Transition (rated 25/40). The runner-up hardbody bike bag is the Scicon Aerotech Evolution X TSA Bike Travel Case (rated 22/40)
We made a short list of our top four favorites: two soft body bike bags and two hardbody bike bags. Each bike bag on the list has been thoroughly reviewed and rated them to help you make the best choice. We also start with discussing what factors to consider before buying a bike bag.
What to Consider Before Buying a Bike Bag or Box
In case you would prefer not to buy one of our rated and reviewed bike bags, we have compiled a list of all the factors to consider when selecting a bike bag so that you can make the best choice between the bags that you have available to you.
We used our knowledge as well as authorities on the matter, such as bikeradar, Bicycling, and Cycling Weekly, to create the following comprehensive list of factors to consider.
What Is Your Bike Bag Budget?
Before you even start looking for a bike bag, you should first settle on a budget. This could be a fixed amount, or it could be a price range, but either way, you should know your limits before you see all the options.
If you do not set your budget, you are more likely to end up setting your heart on a bag out of your price range and overspending or settling on something else and feeling disappointed.
Another option you can consider is setting your budget, then choosing which bike bag you like best, and if it is out of your price range, then you can search on secondhand sites to see if someone is selling theirs, or you can contact the supplier and ask them when their products go on sale.
This would mean waiting for your bike bag, but if you have the time, then why not!
Hardbody Bike Box or Soft body Bike Bag?
The next thing to consider is if you are looking for a hardbody bike box or a soft body bike bag.
Hardbody bike boxes or cases are a really good choice if you are planning to travel by means of bus, train, or airplane because they are tougher and provide more protection than the soft body bags (LINK).
With these transportation methods, you will not always be able to keep an eye on your bike bag, so you cannot guarantee that it is being treated with sufficient care. You don’t want to reach your holiday destination or a cycling competition with a broken bicycle!
However, hardbody bike cases are generally the more expensive and heavier option.
You can still get some really good soft body bike bags that provide excellent protection (LINK), but for a more affordable price, and many people have successfully used soft bags for air travel, etc.
How Portable Is the Bike Bag?
Portability is obviously a key factor when it comes to a travel bike bag. But what makes a bike bag portable?
Wheels, handles, size, and weight all factor into the portability of a bike bag.
Does the Bike Bag Have Wheels?
You do not want to have to tote your bicycle in its bike bag across an airport or between bus stops, especially considering the fact that you will most probably be carrying other luggage with you. This makes wheels a necessity for any bike bag (LINK).
Typically, bike bags have two wheels at the back and bottom, similar to a regular luggage case, and you can pull them by a handle (although this will seldom be an extendable handle).
However, some bike bags have the added feature of a third wheel in the front and bottom, which allows you to wheel the bike bag without picking up any of its weight.
What Kind of Handles Does the Bike Bag Have?
Even though you want wheels for moving the bike bag easily over long distances, you will more than likely encounter stairs somewhere on your journey, and then you will be needing a good set of handles (LINK).
You can get bike bags with only regular handles or ones with shoulder straps as well, so you can carry them like a giant handbag.
These handles should be designed to be able to support the weight of the bag and the bicycle without breaking. They should also be designed not to cut into your hand and shoulders when supporting this weight.
Another consideration is the presence of a few side handles located strategically so that they allow you to manipulate the bike bag into a car trunk etc., more easily. This will also make it easier for luggage handling staff to move your bike bag, thereby encouraging them to be gentle.
What Is the Size and Weight of the Bike Bag?
A big and bulky bike bag is going to be difficult to maneuver, carry, and store. Not only does it make it more challenging to actual transport, but it also means that the bike bag is more likely to be dropped or bumped around, increasing the chances of your bicycle getting damaged.
The bike bag is designed to carry a whole bicycle, which is not a light object. To have a heavy bag on top of that will make it less travel friendly because it will be harder to carry, but luggage weight is also limited on airplanes (LINK). This is especially important when you are transporting a heavier bike (LINK).
Does the Bike Bag Have Crush Poles and Supports?
You not only want to transport your bicycle easily in a bike bag, but you also want the bike to be transported safely.
We have spoken a bit about of the portability of the bag can influence the risk of damage, as well as how hardbody cases are more protective than a soft body bag. But the protection of your bike has a lot to do with the presence and quality of crush poles and supports.
Crush poles are a feature of good hardbody cases. They are made from aluminum or carbon (LINK) and run down the center of your bike box to prevent the separate bicycle components from being crushed.
Supports are a feature of good soft body bike bags. They are positioned in such a way that they help the bag to maintain its shape (LINK).
Does the Bike Bag Have Padding and Strapping?
Another protective feature that a good bike bag will have is padding and straps. The padding is particularly important for soft body bike bags, which are more susceptible to damage caused by bumping packing the bag among other heavy luggage.
Of course, you can add your own padding (LINK), but when it is built-in, you know that the space has been designed for a bicycle plus padding, and you won’t have to worry about how you will fit the padding inside around the bike parts.
Strapping is important to both hardbody and soft body bike bags. The straps secure each piece of the bike within the bag so that it does not shift around and scrape and bang against other parts of the bike.
How Easy Is It to Pack a Bike Into the Bag?
Packing a bicycle into a bike bag can be difficult, particularly if you are new to this mode of transporting your bike, i.e., you usually just clip it onto a bike rack.
If you have a bike bag that requires hours of wriggling and shifting just to get all the parts to fit and then you still cannot close the zipper, then you will quickly learn to despise the bag that was supposed to help bring you great cycling joy.
Furthermore, if everything has to be wedged in tightly, it can bend or create undesirable pressure points on some of the bike parts, making it easier for them to be damaged if something impacts the bag.
Then there is the aspect of how disassembled your bike has to be to fit in the bag. Obviously, a more disassembled bicycle will fit into a smaller bag, but if you are not comfortable with completely “un-building” your bike, then you should probably opt for a bag that does not require this.
Can It Be Used for Multiple Bike Sizes?
Some people have one bike that they use for everything, or they only favor one type of cycling (road, trail, etc.). These people can buy one bag that fits that size bicycle, and they will be satisfied.
However, there are other people who own multiple types of bikes, and mountain bikes are certainly not the same size as road bikes, so instead of buying multiple bike bags, go for one that is designed to carry all different kinds of bicycles.
How Easy Is the Bike Bag to Store When It Is Not in Use?
As with all luggage, it must be stored somewhere when you are at home or when you are in a hotel or other accommodation.
Something that can fold smaller is going to be more convenient to store, and because of this, soft body bike bags generally beat hardbody cases in this respect (LINK).
Furthermore, some soft body bike bags will fold more compactly than others.
The Overall Best Soft Body Bike Bag: EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro
While different retailers sell this bike for different prices, you are unlikely to find a new EVOC Bike Travel Pro for less than $600.
|
|
Imperial |
Metric |
|
External Dimensions |
57.9 x 14.4 x 33.5 inches |
147 x 36 x 85 cm |
|
Collapsed Dimensions |
57.9 x 14.4 x 8.7 inches |
147 x 36 x 22 cm |
|
Weight |
22 pounds |
10 kgs |
What We Like About the EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro
- The EVOC has two back wheels plus a third wheel, which clips onto a bar on the front of the bag, as you can see on the third picture on Amazon. The hind wheels are located in external wheel wells, which means they are more vulnerable to damage, but it does mean that no internal bag space has been sacrificed.
- The EVOC has no fewer than seven handles located on different sides of the bag, ensuring that you can always carry it and maneuver it easily. Have a look at the photos on the EVOC website to see where they are all located.
- The EVOC has a molded bottom case, reinforced fork mount, stabilizer rods in the wheel compartments, polycarbonate covers, adjustable securing straps, aluminum slide rails, foam padding, etc. (LINK).
- The EVOC has a lot of space, opens fully on the side, and has separate wheel compartments, which makes it easy to pack.
- The EVOC is appropriate for Mountain bikes, Cross Country bikes, Enduro-bikes, Freeride bikes, Downhill bikes, Gravel bikes, Road bikes, and Triathlon bikes (LINK).
- The EVOC is collapsible, which makes it easy to store.
What We Do Not Like About the EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro
- The EVOC does not have a horizontal handle on top of the bag, which would make carrying it easier.
- The EVOC is not as protective as a hardbody bike bag.
- The ECOV is quite expensive for a soft body bike bag. You do get quality for your money, but that doesn’t change your budget.
Rating of the EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro
|
CONSIDERATION FACTOR |
RATING |
|
Budget Friendly |
2 out of 5 |
|
Wheels |
4 out of 5 |
|
Handles |
4 out of 5 |
|
Size and Weight |
4 out of 5 |
|
Protection |
4 out of 5 |
|
Ease of Packing |
5 out of 5 |
|
Versatility for Different Bike Sizes |
5 out of 5 |
|
Storage Convenience |
5 out of 5 |
|
FINAL RATING |
33 out of 40 |
The Runner-Up Soft Body Bike Bag: Speed Hound Freedom Bike Travel Bag
The Speed Hound Freedom Bike Travel Bag is currently being sold by Speed Hound for $450, but you should shop around a bit to see if you can bag an even better price for this bag at another retailer.
|
|
Imperial |
Metric |
|
External Dimensions |
53 x 31 x 15 inches |
135 x 79 x 38 cm |
|
Collapsed Dimensions |
53 x 13 x 15 inches |
135 x 33 x 38 cm |
|
Weight |
Unspecified, but most users consider it to be “lightweight”, and it is definitely lighter than a hardbody case. |
|
What We Like About the Speed Hound Freedom Bike Travel Bag
- While it is not as cheap as some soft body bike bags, the Speed Hound is really affordable for a bike bag in the same category of quality and features as the EVOC.
- The Speed Hound has two back wheels that are located in internal wheel wells, which helps to protect them from damage (LINK). However, the wheels are quite close together, which makes cornering difficult.
- The Speed Hound has seven ergonomically designed and located handles for easy loading, unloading, and toting.
- The Speed Hound secures your bike to the bag through “anchor points on the frame, seat tube, chainstay, bottom bracket, and fork” (LINK). It is also padded on all sides and has a drive chain cover.
- The Speed Hound is suitable for most road bikes and mountain bikes (LINK).
- The Speed Hound has a lot of space, opens fully on the side, and has many dividers inside, which makes it easy to pack.
- The Speed Hound is collapsible, which makes it easy to store.
What We Do Not Like About the Speed Hound Freedom Bike Travel Bag
- The Speed Hound does not have a horizontal handle on top of the bag, which would make carrying it easier.
- The Speed Hound is not as protective as a hardbody bike bag.
Rating of the Speed Hound Freedom Bike Travel Bag
|
CONSIDERATION FACTOR |
RATING |
|
Budget Friendly |
3 out of 5 |
|
Wheels |
3 out of 5 |
|
Handles |
4 out of 5 |
|
Size and Weight |
4 out of 5 |
|
Protection |
3 out of 5 |
|
Ease of Packing |
5 out of 5 |
|
Versatility for Different Bike Sizes |
4 out of 5 |
|
Storage Convenience |
5 out of 5 |
|
FINAL RATING |
31 out of 40 |
The Overall Best Hardbody Bike Bag: Thule RoundTrip Transition
The Thule RoundTrip Transition hardbody bike bag will set you back by approximately $700, according to the supplier website. However, this is a fairly average price when it comes to hardbody bike bags.
|
|
Imperial |
Metric |
|
External Dimensions |
54 x 15.5 x 37 inches |
137 x 39 x 94 cm |
|
Collapsed Dimensions |
Not applicable |
|
|
Weight |
39 pounds |
17.7 kg |
What We Like About the Thule RoundTrip Transition
- The wheels are integrated on the Thule, which means they are joined together, allowing them to move more smoothly and making them sturdier at the connection point (LINK).
- The Thule has three handles, two in the front and one in the back. These handles are securely attached to the bike bag.
- The Thule provides top-tier protection for your bike thanks to the durable ABS shell and the lightweight aluminum crush pole or base rail. Furthermore, it comes with two separate wheel bags to keep your wheels and frame from coming into contact with each other.
- The Thule comes with a stand that doubles as a bike holder on which you can put your bike while you disassemble it and reassemble it so that you do not have to do it on the ground (LINK). The stand with the bike then simply clips into the bag itself. The only downside is that it attaching the bike to the stand can be a bit complicated the first few time you do it.
- The Thule will easily carry most road bikes, mountain bikes, and cyclocross bikes (LINK).
What We Do Not Like About the Thule RoundTrip Transition
- The Thule is an expensive bike bag.
- The Thule is quite large and quite heavy by itself. This means that once your bike is inside it, moving it around may prove to be a challenge.
- The size of the Thule and the fact that it is a hardbody bike bag means that it is not collapsible, and so storage is not convenient.
Rating of the Thule RoundTrip Transition
|
CONSIDERATION FACTOR |
RATING |
|
Budget Friendly |
2 out of 5 |
|
Wheels |
4 out of 5 |
|
Handles |
3 out of 5 |
|
Size and Weight |
2 out of 5 |
|
Protection |
5 out of 5 |
|
Ease of Packing |
4 out of 5 |
|
Versatility for Different Bike Sizes |
4 out of 5 |
|
Storage Convenience |
1 out of 5 |
|
FINAL RATING |
25 out of 40 |
The Runner-Up Hardbody Bike Bag: Scicon Aerotech Evolution X TSA Bike Travel Case
The Scicon Aerotech Evolution X TSA Bike Travel Case is a painful $1249 from the Scicon website. However, they do have sales, so if you bide your time, you might be able to get it a few hundred dollars cheaper.
|
|
Imperial |
Metric |
|
External Dimensions |
Not provided |
|
|
Collapsed Dimensions |
Not applicable |
|
|
Weight |
26.5 pounds |
12 kg |
What We Like About the Scicon Aerotech Evolution X TSA Bike Travel Case
- The wheel design of the Scicon is amazing. It is a proprietary design featuring eight ball bearing wheels (four at the front and four at the back) that can rotate 360 degrees. This makes most terrain easy to navigate, and you can roll the bike bag without having to lift either end off of the ground (LINK).
- The Scicon is only 26.5 pounds (LINK), which is only a few pounds heavier than the EVOC while still providing the protection of a hardbody bike bag.
- The Scicon is made from durable ABS composite. The bike frame is fastened into the bike bag using a suspended frame system that works like a car’s seat belt. There are also tube pads (LINK).
- It is relatively easy to pack a bike into the Scion, as long as it is the appropriate size. You can watch a video on how to do this on the Amazon
What We Do Not Like About the Scicon Aerotech Evolution X TSA Bike Travel Case
- The price of the Scicon is hard to look past for most people.
- The Scicon handles are recesses in the casing (LINK), which makes them difficult to use properly.
- The Scicon is only designed for race bikes (LINK).
- The fact that the Scicon is a hardbody bike bag means that it is not collapsible, and so storage is not convenient.
Rating of the Scicon Aerotech Evolution X TSA Bike Travel Case
|
CONSIDERATION FACTOR |
RATING |
|
Budget Friendly |
1 out of 5 |
|
Wheels |
5 out of 5 |
|
Handles |
2 out of 5 |
|
Size and Weight |
3 out of 5 |
|
Protection |
5 out of 5 |
|
Ease of Packing |
4 out of 5 |
|
Versatility for Different Bike Sizes |
1 out of 5 |
|
Storage Convenience |
1 out of 5 |
|
FINAL RATING |
22 out of 40 |
Conclusion
We consider the top four bike bags of 2021 to be the EVOC Bike Travel Pro, the Speed Hound Freedom Bike Travel Bag, the Thule RoundTrip Transition, and the Scicon Aerotech Evolution X TSA Bike Travel Case.
From our ratings and reviews, you will see that we ranked both the soft body cases higher than the hardbody cases. This is because we found them to have more appealing features than the hardbody cases.
However, the one category that the hardbody bike bags will always win is the category of protection, and in some circumstances, this will be the most desirable quality, making the hardbody bike bags the better choice for you.
References
https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-bike-boxes-and-bike-bags/
https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a27334144/bike-travel-cases/
https://www.cyclist.co.uk/buying-guides/1782/bike-boxes-a-buyers-guide
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/best-bike-bags-and-boxes-a-buyers-guide-323679
https://www.evocsports.com/BIKE-TRAVEL-BAG-PRO/100406100
https://thespeedhound.com/products/speed-hound-freedom-bike-travel-bag
https://sciconsports.com/us_en/aerotech-evolution-x-tsa-bike-travel-case