Scicon aerocomfort 3 bike bag
Discussion
Hello
I bought one of these for the Mrs who is off to Club La Santa in a couple of weeks for a triathlon training camp. I bought it because it requires minimal disassembly - basically all you have to do is take off the wheels.
I've put the bike in it an it is very easy but I have to confess to being nervous about the risk of damage vs a hard shell case. Anyone with real world experience which they care to share or any tips for minimising risk - I've already read about pulling the rear mech forward with an old inner tube!
Thanks in advance.
I bought one of these for the Mrs who is off to Club La Santa in a couple of weeks for a triathlon training camp. I bought it because it requires minimal disassembly - basically all you have to do is take off the wheels.
I've put the bike in it an it is very easy but I have to confess to being nervous about the risk of damage vs a hard shell case. Anyone with real world experience which they care to share or any tips for minimising risk - I've already read about pulling the rear mech forward with an old inner tube!
Thanks in advance.
I took my bike to cali last oct in an Evoc bag - it DID require a bit of dissassembly and I didin't like that the wheels were on the outside of the bag.
I confess I put cardboard panels over them, then slotted them into wheel bags (from decathlon for about 12gbp each) and then into the bag. I really didn't want to risk something going through the spokes - I was only there fore 3 days for a race, there would be no chance for repairing damage or sourcing spares.
I also add pipe insularion tubes over the frame, and make sure things are cable tied in place so that there isn't too much scope for movement.
Finally - I packed the bag out with clothing, toolwrap and nutrition supplements then any spare space with those air pockets that come with electronics etc. - It was handy that I had received my wheels a few days before, which had the air pockets and the card panels.
obviously you have to be careful on weight - adding in the pump and stand took it to about 24kg.
I confess I put cardboard panels over them, then slotted them into wheel bags (from decathlon for about 12gbp each) and then into the bag. I really didn't want to risk something going through the spokes - I was only there fore 3 days for a race, there would be no chance for repairing damage or sourcing spares.
I also add pipe insularion tubes over the frame, and make sure things are cable tied in place so that there isn't too much scope for movement.
Finally - I packed the bag out with clothing, toolwrap and nutrition supplements then any spare space with those air pockets that come with electronics etc. - It was handy that I had received my wheels a few days before, which had the air pockets and the card panels.
obviously you have to be careful on weight - adding in the pump and stand took it to about 24kg.
I've had damage from cardboard bike boxes (proper ones used for shipping new bikes) and hardshell cases. There are arguments for using the toughest case possible and for using the flimsiest (hoping that this will encourage careful handling) but, I have to be honest, I find the thought of a soft case terrifying.
I'm now sticking to hardshell cases with crush-prevention bracing because the consequences of damage aren't worth the compromise. There are no guarantees but I fancy better odds with a hard case and, if the worst does happen, I'd expect an insurance claim to be easier if I can demonstrate I've taken every available precaution.
It's worth learning to assemble and disassemble the bike. Usually it's only necessary to unscrew the bars, seat post, pedals and rear mech. Using something like a Tippex pen or nail varnish (more durable) to mark alignments can make assembly pretty quick. Definitely remove your rear mech and secure it inside the rear triangle (or at the very least be sure to pack a spare mech hanger). Use sacrificial wheel skewers for transport, with your normal ones packed separately, as these are usually first in the firing line.
In the past I've taped my helmet over the rear mech but it's not a great idea. It'll protect your mech but it's easy for the helmet itself to take a knock or a crush that'll render it useless for safety.
I'm now sticking to hardshell cases with crush-prevention bracing because the consequences of damage aren't worth the compromise. There are no guarantees but I fancy better odds with a hard case and, if the worst does happen, I'd expect an insurance claim to be easier if I can demonstrate I've taken every available precaution.
It's worth learning to assemble and disassemble the bike. Usually it's only necessary to unscrew the bars, seat post, pedals and rear mech. Using something like a Tippex pen or nail varnish (more durable) to mark alignments can make assembly pretty quick. Definitely remove your rear mech and secure it inside the rear triangle (or at the very least be sure to pack a spare mech hanger). Use sacrificial wheel skewers for transport, with your normal ones packed separately, as these are usually first in the firing line.
In the past I've taped my helmet over the rear mech but it's not a great idea. It'll protect your mech but it's easy for the helmet itself to take a knock or a crush that'll render it useless for safety.
Thanks for the thoughtful responses. I can assemble and disassemble fine (the nail varnish is a great idea - thank you), the problem is I wont be with her...
Will muse some more. It is insured in the worst case and she could probably rent / borrow a bike from club la santa but nerve wracking as you say!
Andrew
Will muse some more. It is insured in the worst case and she could probably rent / borrow a bike from club la santa but nerve wracking as you say!
Andrew
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