When we first introduced our compact bike travel cases over 12 years ago, we set out to solve a major pain point for traveling cyclists: airlines charging upwards of $200 each way to fly with a bike. Back then, we were bike racers with a problem to solve, so we designed our cases to be lightweight and compact enough to avoid these exorbitant fees. But as the landscape of flying with bikes has evolved, so have the challenges cyclists face. And in 2024, our compact travel cases, like the B2, are more relevant than ever.
While most airlines no longer have an outright “bike fee,” they’ve found a different way to charge you: the 50-pound weight limit. You might think you’re getting a deal, but as soon as your bag tips the scale beyond 50 pounds, you’re hit with fees that can easily add up. This is where the B2 shines. Weighing between 15 and 18 pounds, depending on the size, the B2 allows you up to 35 pounds of packable weight—plenty for even the largest trail 29ers. This weight flexibility makes the B2 a perfect companion for anyone looking to travel with their bike without risking costly surprises at the check-in counter.
As we’ve grown older, many of us now travel with larger groups of friends or family. Maybe you’re not just bringing a bike on a solo trip, but juggling everyone’s gear. That truck you take for granted at home? It’s not as common in many other countries. And fitting a bulky bike case into a regular-sized rental car or Uber can become a major headache—and a potential added cost.
The B2’s compact design is not only ideal for fitting your bike within airline regulations but also for navigating the logistical challenges of ground transportation once you’ve landed. Being able to toss your case into a standard-size Uber or rental car without needing to upgrade to a larger vehicle could save you $100+ round trip on transportation alone.
When we launched our compact cases, most of today’s aero, internally routed bikes didn’t exist. Today, the increased complexity of disassembling bikes, especially those with internal cables and aero designs, can make fitting them into standard travel cases a real chore. Fortunately, the B2-MTB size can accommodate most gravel or road frames up to 56cm without even having to remove the fork - making assembly and disassembly as hassle-free as possible—saving you time, stress, and ensuring your bike is packed safely.
Even though the landscape of flying with bikes has shifted over the years, the principles behind our compact bike travel cases are more important than ever. Whether you’re trying to avoid surprise fees at the airport, minimize logistical headaches on the ground, or ensure your bike fits in the case without a major disassembly project, the B2 continues to deliver on our original promise: making your bike travel experience as seamless and efficient as possible.
