This is an amazing bit of kit. Topeak thought of everything, to include an included headset spacer and an integrated work stand. It takes about 20 minutes to pack, but I am getting faster as I get some more reps. I traveled with it and the bike arrived in perfect condition. The orientation of the stand is really convenient to push through airports and on mass transportation. Even the TSA guy commented on how slick it was. Highly recommend this product.
Pros:
- Makes bike transport in small hatchbacks feasible without requiring hitch or roof mounting. That's meaningful for my EV, where aero matters a lot for range.
- Bike seems well protected
- Lots of extra space around the bike to stuff other gear
- Rolls easily on pavement
- Reasonably sturdy
Cons:
- Expensive
- Had to take off rear derailleur to fit my XL bike that was just within the stated wheelbase limit. And the steerer tube was tall enough to bulge the zipper out a bit at that area.
- Could use a grip/handle on the bottom near wheels to make it easier to tip into a car
- Wish instructions included flat bar bikes like mine
Pricier than other options, but worth every penny.
Like most of you, I have spent * A LOT* on my bicycles. In August I traveled from CA to France for 10 days riding in the mountains. I looked at many bicycle cases, read a ton of reviews, and purchased the PakGo X. No regrets. Despite their best efforts, neither TSA nor the baggage handlers managed to damage this case or my bicycle inside. It's strong, comes with a boatload of padding and other accessories (I added some of my own pieces of pipe insulation and lots of zip ties), and it is very easy to handle and move around even when fully packed, the wheels roll like butter. Very happy with this purchase.
I have traveled to Europe for years and struggled packing with my Polaris Bike Case every time. This year packing my bike into Topeak PakGo is peace of mind. Few parts of my bike need to be taken off: wheels, handlebar, and pedals. Since my bike is small, I don't even have to take the seat post off. Just have to lower it. My bike is secured on a plate (mini stand), sandwiched by wheels in padded bags strapped to the wall on each side. The frame protection kit is included. There are a few zipped pockets to store the saddlebag, rotors, tools, etc. PakGo is roomy, light and the wheels roll very well. I was nervous before the purchase for very few available reviews. More money but well spent.
This thing is fantastic! Light. Easy to transport. About 20 inches (HxWxL) shorter than current airline standards. And she rolls as beautifully and smoothly as in the commercials. I bought a spare set of wheels just-in-case she meets a baggage handler in a bad mood, but so far I don't need them. My bike is full carbon and with the tool bag and shoeshelmet I'm still about 4 lbs under airline max weight.
Traveling sucks! Traveling with your bike sucks even more! Airports and railways are packed but the upright nature of this travel case saves alot of headaches. She is well balanced, easily spins and rotates. You just don't feel as cumbersome toting a bike case around busy terminals and railway stations. And bike security? Built in TSA lock. Hard clamshell case that will take a tank to break thru. There are additional bumpers (can be replaced as needed) on all sides to keep the scuffing to a minimum.
My next trip is to Belgium in the Spring. I got a really nice while Lion of Flanders sticker I want to put on the case, but I just can't get myself to do it. This case is both simple and elegant and I don't want to tarnish it with a sticker. You get what you pay for in this life, and while this bike case is expensive......it WILL be the last bike travel case you ever buy.
This is my third travel case and my second hard case. First, the built-in stand makes it easy to disassemble and reassemble the bike. Second, the protection it provides is as good as any I've seen if not better. Lastly, it is so easy to wheel through the airport with a suitcase in tow, put onto the rental car bus and get up to your hotel room. Alaska Airlines has never charged me any extra fees as long as it is under 50 lbs and the case, my size 58 bike, and a few tools weigh in at 48.5.
I travel with my bike a lot and I've had 2 bikes damaged in other cases, but I feel very comfortable dropping this off at the oversized baggage. It is easy for the TSA to inspect without having to unpack it and will slide into any car or small SUV that has folding rear seats.
