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For the Pika Packworks Bike Case crowd

ezellrhezellrh
in General Training Discussions

Getting close to throwing down on my travel case (for those that gave input to my last thread a few weeks ago, thanks).  I've settled on the Pika Packworks case.  I'll be using it for international travel 3-5 times a year for the next two years (and then less frequently after that).  I have question for the current owners of a Pika case.

-  My bike's (Felt B-12) measurements (H-25 inches, L-42 inches) fall into the standard case sizing.  This leaves two inches both ways of tolerance.  I assume that based on this, going with the standard case is the best option (not the stretch).  Do any of the owners of either find fault with this?  Cost difference between the standard and the stretch is negligible, I just want to make sure there isn't some compelling reason to size up.  Thanks for your input.

Comments

  • novaavantnovaavant
    I have the standard size and it fits my cervelo R3 58cm and cervelo p2 56cm perfectly with no issues. I guess the only reason to size up would be stuff more things in the case but then you risk going overweight and getting hassled to pay the baggage fee.
  • Mark RobertsMark Roberts
    I'm considering the Armored Hen House -- especially with the 20% off EN deal.
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    Don't up size. A roomier fit just means more void space in the bag. You don't want that extra wiggle room.

    I have standard size and my Madone just fits. The MAdone has on integrated seat post that sticks out several inches above the top tube. You cut it to fit. If my legs were longer the standard wouldn't work.
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Concur with Dino ... you want the smallest case that fits the bike. 99% of bike damage is caused by stuff inside rubbing against each other. Minimize what you put in the case.
  • robin sarnerrobin sarner

    what they said.

    my wife has the standard.

    I have the large.  (for obvious reasons)

  • ezellrhezellrh
    Thanks for the feedback all.
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030

    Posted By Mark Roberts on 29 Mar 2015 11:38 AM


    I'm considering the Armored Hen House -- especially with the 20% off EN deal.


    The problem with the Ruster is there's a lot more disassembly required than most other cases, most notably the removal of the fork. That could vary from somewhat easy to very difficult depending on the bike and wrenching skills. I'm very savvy with a bike wrench and do almost all my own work on my bikes to include a gen 1 and gen 2 Trek Speed Concept 9-series that are arguably the hardest bikes to work on. There is no way I'd want to remove the fork on a 9-series SC, put it back on, remove it again, then put it back on again just to get it to fit in that case in the hopes that I can avoid bike fees for the airline (which is not a guarantee). It's a pain in the ass to remove the fork on that bike. YMMV. 

    The other issue with the Ruster is your wheels become separate pieces of baggage. So even if you get away with not paying the bike fee you're going to possibly pay for the wheels as extra baggage depending on how many other bags you have and your status with the airline. Certainly cheaper than the bike fee though.

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