Question of faith
Coke or Fanta? Snickers or Mars? Hard case or soft case? Opinions differ here - that's the way it is with questions of faith. Some believe in hard cases, others in soft cases. We pitted the two concepts against each other in a practical test. As an example, we chose the hard B-Box and tested it against the soft Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro.
Facts
Bikes are expensive. Unfortunately, packing them safely when travelling by plane is also expensive if you use special bike
cases. The B-Box costs 660 euros. Evoc's Bike Travel Bag Pro is hardly cheaper at 550 euros. When it comes to weighing, the B-Box makes us wonder: with an empty weight of 13.9 kilos, the complete bike must not weigh much more than 16 kilos in order not to exceed the 30-kilo maximum weight for most airlines. It doesn't help that there is enough space in the box for shoes, pedals, spare tyres and tools. With the Evoc, this is no problem thanks to the empty weight of just 8.4 kilos. There is also enough storage space for pads, inner tubes and more. Clear victory on points for Evoc: 1:0.
Packing
For both bags, the wheels, handlebars and pedals of the bike must be removed. With the B-Box, you place the bike in the hard shell and secure it with plastic straps. Unfortunately, handling the straps is fiddly. The wheels are secured in the lid with plastic eyelets that are too small and can easily get lost. With the Evoc, you open one side of the bag and place the bike on a stand for the bottom bracket - easy! Velcro fasteners ensure a firm hold. The wheels are placed in reinforced outer pockets. We also liked the Evoc better when packing. 2:0 in favour of Evoc.
Transport
With a wheelbase of 68.5 centimetres and a low centre of gravity, the B-Box rolls as true to track as a sports car. However, the width of 81.5 centimetres is somewhat unfavourable, for example with revolving doors or in a queue. Annoying: the lid has a sharp edge. If you grab it from the top, it presses on the back of your hand. The narrow Evoc (36.5 centimetres) is easy to pull on smooth surfaces. However, it tips over more quickly as the centre of gravity is higher and the axle is only 32.5 centimetres wide. This round ends in a draw. Score: 3:1 in favour of Evoc.
Security
Hardcase boxes are more robust and have a reputation for protecting their contents better. They distribute forces better and withstand punctual loads better. Points in favour of the B-Box. However, we have had no bad experiences with either hard cases or soft cases.
Final score: 3:2 in favour of Evoc!
CONCLUSIONBoth bike cases are almost on a par in terms of handling and transport, but the B-Box falls short in the important criterion of weight: With an empty weight of 13.9 kilos, the payload is simply too low. We therefore recommend the Evoc to freeriders.
Our tip for savers: a bicycle box will do!
TRAVELLING BY BIKE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Travelling by bike can be expensive. Some airlines really skim off the top. An overview.
If you are travelling by bike, you should not take advantage of cheap ticket prices without first enquiring about the cost of taking your bike with you. Most airlines charge per leg of the journey. This means that flights with a stopover and different airlines can be really expensive. The price per leg varies from 45 euros (Emirates) to a hefty 150 euros (Airberlin). To avoid paying more than necessary, it is important to book your bike online in good time. If you turn up at the check-in desk with your bike bag without registering it, you often have to pay extra. On a flight to the Canary Islands, for example, Condor charges a whopping 51 euros each way. Airlines where you can check in your bike bag as normal luggage and only have to pay attention to the weight are few and far between. Until recently, Airberlin, for example, was still popular with cyclists. However, they also changed their guidelines in December 2015: They are now charging a hefty €70 to €150 per leg.
LHLufthansa from 50* € continental, 100* € intercontinental. Weight limit: 32 kilos, weight must not be exceeded.
ABAirberlin from € 70* with advance booking in zone 1-2 (European mainland) to € 150* from zone 3. Weight limit: 23 kilos, if exceeded (max. 32 kilos) significantly more expensive (up to € 100*).
ENCondor from €45* with advance booking in Zone 1 (European mainland), from €70* in Zone 3-5 (long-haul). Weight limit: 30 kilos.
EZSEasyjet 42-50* € zone 1 (European mainland), no long-haul flights. Weight limit: 32 kilos. Total luggage max. 52 kilos.
IBIberia 75* € with advance booking, flat rate regardless of zone. Weight limit: not specified.
RYRRyanair 60* € with advance booking, 70 € at the airport, flat rate regardless of zone. Weight limit: 30 kilos.
TUTuifly 65* € zone-independent flat rate. Weight limit: 30 kilos.
AFAir France 55* € in zone 1 (European mainland) to 100* € in zone 5 (long haul). Weight limit: 23 kilos Economy, 32 kilos Business Class
EWEurowings 50* € for short and medium-haul flights, 100 € for long-haul flights. No explicit weight limit.
Important: Register your bike bag online in good time!
* per route. Please note: With so-called low-cost airlines, you often even have to pay again for connecting flights with the same airline.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
