Back in the 90s I had a suitcase big enough to get a partially dissembled 58cm road bike into. Now the biggest I can find have a longest dimension of 33" and unable to take 700c wheels. Any ideas?
Anyone done a DIY breakway bike? Seems a good project with the brazing kit etc I'm thinking of ordering. Though epoxy on an aluminium bike could work well.
A prize for the first "hope you have a good dentist" comment 🙏
What about a system of interlocking spoons to hold the frame halves together 😉
But if your problem is that the wheels don't fit then I don't see how having a frame that breaks down smaller is going to solve the problem?
Unless you're planning to split the wheels in two. In which case, I hope you have a good dentist! 😉
Found this company https://www.changebike.co.uk/ though not folding wheels.
I seem to remember Planet X (IIRC?) featuring a decent spec MTB that folded, with a steel cable under tension as the downtube? Made for a guy who flew a lot but wanted to MTB without hiring?
Ritchey did a breakaway version of their gravel bike (Outback?) that looked ace
Oulofixed and Stayer Cycles (both on Instagram, a couple of years ago) did really good examples of 26/29" bikes where the rear triangle folded into the main frame via a pivot behind the BB.
Cheers @shred that reminds me of a DIY case I was going to make in that style, I might revisit that.
Folding bike in an Airnimal case. I had a Rhino and a Brompton. Or S&S couplers in the same case. Or a Bike Friday and make the case into a trailer. Wheels don't really get any smaller, so case needs to be wheel-sized.
I had a Ritchey Breakaway road for a few years and replaced it with a custom titanium CX/gravel frame that I had made in China. IMO the slightly more relaxed geometry and tyre clearance meant that I could simply pack an extra pair of tyres and cover all-bases when I got to my destination. The Ritchey case is within airline limits for non-oversize baggage - it’s also great for holidays as you can pack the bike into the case and it fits safely in the car/camper. It was also the perfect size to put the dog bed on at my destination! The ti frame uses a combination of a cloned S+S coupler on the down tube and the Ritchey style seat collar - I did a detailed design for the Ritchey flange coupling in titanium, but didn’t want the risk of it coming slightly under or over size and it not working. When riding, you wouldn’t notice the difference over a normal frame. I’m still riding the bike but with a cable disc fork+brake up-front. I had a test ride of a Bike Friday too - it was a great bike to ride and I was very tempted at the time, but couldn’t justify another travel bike.
Cheers all. As ever I'm looking at doing this on the cheap and for one trip only - may be worth spending the £ on bike transport from the airline, but there's the fun in that?
I think you'll struggle to get full size wheels and a bike in anything like a regular suitcase.
I've a 20" (451) wheeled bike that just about fits, but I did have to hunt around for the right suitcase (modern ones aren't wide enough, bigger suitcases just go taller).
If I was DIYing, I might be tempted to make a suitcase, but part of the attraction of a suitcase bike is that it goes completely unquestioned, which you might not get in a custom case.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/transporting-bicycles/s-and-s-machine-hard-bike-case-grey/
S+S case will take full size wheels and a decoupled frame and meets airline regs for non-oversize luggage to give you an idea of dimensions.
I’m extremely close to ordering an Airnimal and case - looks like a brilliant solution
That ninja case counts as oversized baggage, I think.
I've got to travel with a bike this week and my eventual solution was two custom made cardboard boxes. Frame, forks and bits in one, wheels and tyres in the other. I had to pay extra but it was less than an oversize bag or bike charge.
English Cycles have done rear triangle folders that look good for suitcase packing:
It still feels like wheels would be the bounding element, maybe these days 650b might be the way to cheat a slightly more packable setup?
What about removing the tyres to reduce the wheel size?
Easiest way to get a cheap small package is to customise a bike box ime.if you take a bike box and reduce it in size. Make sure you add some straps to the outside for easier carrying
What about removing the tyres to reduce the wheel size?
I'd just deflate them, saves having to try and fully remount them in an Air BnB half an hour before you ride.
If you were running say 650b x 50mm the OD inflated comes out a tad bigger than 700cx28 but deflated obviously works out smaller for packing. Could make for a tidy 'all-road' suitcase bike setup...
Could roll cage connectors be the way to go?
https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/omp-connecting-sleeve-ompaa0-0195/
It would then just be a question of finding the right diameter. I know there are some fancier rollcage interlocking couplers available which might be a better (fancier looking) bet.
Or, if your tubes are 32mm or 35mm (or just less than 35mm if you have a shim) then scooter clamps might be what you're looking for:
https://www.skatepro.com/en-us/c245.htm
Well, that's interesting. The downtube on my Inbred is 35mm and the top tube is 32mm.
I need to go find my credit card and a hacksaw.
Maybe call your dentist to pre-book too?
It's OK, I'll make sure I get the ones for the 'pro' scooters. Maybe even oil slick.