Soft bags pack small; hard cases survive handling you do not see
What you are buying is a decision about how much of the bike you take apart: a soft bag that swallows a 29-inch bike with wheels removed folds away in a cupboard between trips, while a hard case protects far better in transit and takes up its full volume all year. We compare which wheel sizes each maker states, soft against hard construction, how much dismantling is required to close the case, and packed weight — which matters directly against airline limits.
600D polyester · 85 × 33 × 69 cm (33.5 × 13 × 27.2 in) · 1.2 kg · 20–22 inch folding bikes
A transport bag for 20 to 22 inch folding bikes in 600D polyester, measuring 85 × 33 × 69 cm (33.5 × 13 × 27.2 in) and weighing 1.2 kg (2.6 lb), with an adjustable shoulder strap.
Best for: Folding bike owners taking a bike on a train, into an office, or as airline baggage.
Minimal packed size · fits a jersey pocket · front wheel compartment · seconds to close
A road bike transport bag that packs down small enough to carry in a jersey pocket or a bottle cage, with an internal compartment for the front wheel.
Best for: Riders who need to put a road bike on a train or in a taxi at the far end of a ride they set off on.
≈ $120
1680D nylon · metal zips · 14–20 inch folders · reinforced strap
A universal bag for 14 to 20 inch folding bikes in 1680D nylon with metal zips, named as compatible with Brompton, Dahon, Giant and Birdy among others.
Best for: Owners of named folding bikes who want a heavier fabric and metal zips.
≈ $40
Full-perimeter zip · carry handle · padded wheel compartment · address pocket
A full-size bike transport bag from an established German outdoor manufacturer, with a full-perimeter zip and a padded internal compartment for the wheels.
Best for: A full-size bike moved by car or train, where dirt and scuffs are the real threat.
≈ $235
Wheelbase to 106 cm (41.7 in) · TSA lock · double zip · two wheel compartments · rollers
A flight-capable bag for wheelbases up to 106 cm (41.7 in), with two separate wheel compartments, a chain pocket, wheels, a padded handle and a TSA-approved lock.
Best for: Flying with a road or triathlon bike, where a TSA lock and rollers are what the trip actually needs.
≈ $290
A hard case takes the handling that a soft bag passes straight to the frame. That is the difference between an intact bike and a damaged one.
A soft bag protects against dirt and rubbing, which is enough as soon as you handle the bike yourself.
A twelve-kilo hard case plus a nine-kilo bike exceeds every hold allowance. The stated empty weight is the figure that decides the excess charge at the desk.
At minimum the wheels and pedals, often the bars and the seatpost. The rear derailleur comes off on compact cases.
Airlines generally ask for it. Partial deflation is enough and protects the rim in an impact.
By removing it and stowing it inside the rear triangle, or with a dedicated guard. It is the part most often bent in transit.
It passes handling impacts to the frame. Many travelers use one anyway, with heavy padding.
They stop the dropouts closing up under compression. It is simple, effective protection.
The sports baggage allowance is soon reached: the weight of the case adds to that of the bike. Weigh it before leaving.
Foam at the contact points and nothing hard bearing directly on it. A carbon tube locally compressed can crack without it showing.
Airlines often ask for it, and partial pressure is enough: a completely flat tire no longer protects the rim. Check with the airline before traveling, as the instructions differ.
It is handling in the hold that breaks bikes, not the flight: a hard case answers that, a soft bag passes the impacts on. Remove the derailleur — it is the part most often bent — and fit axle spacers against the dropouts being crushed.
There is no table here, and the reason is in the listings. The figure published most often across these 5 products is carry, given by 2 of them — short of the four in five a column needs to compare rather than to display gaps. Each product page says what its own maker published.
Specifications: manufacturer sheets for bike gear and the matching Amazon product pages. Prices and availability: Keepa.
Most recent revision in this category: August 30, 2026.
