The B&W Bike Bag II combines the flexibility and lightness of a bag with the stability of a hard case.

Test & Review: B&W Bike Bag II - good value doesn't have to be cheap

Jonas has tested the Bike Bag II by B&W for you: A bike case that you can trust with your bike without worries – no matter where your journey takes you.

With a very attractive price of 329 Euros, the B&W Bike Bag II commences with my practical test. Four flights later I can say: It’s a great value, but it doesn’t feel cheap! The bike case from B&W protects even the most delicate carbon frames and scores with features that are usually reserved for higher price ranges. I especially liked the solid bottom tray made of impact resistant ABS plastic. It lends the whole bike box a lot of stability. In addition, the plastic tray easily accommodates the carriage called "pedestal," to which the bike is fixed. Speaking of bikes: The Bike Bag is not a pure road bike product, but offers enough space even for most 29-inch mountain bikes. It’s great for cyclists who think outside the discipline box. The already low purchase price paid off even faster, also in comparison to a possible rental bike at my destination – which would not be an option for me anyway because of my requirement for a power meter and my perfectly-tuned bike adjustments.

Rides: Road

Packing and unpacking made easy

To pack the bike you first have to dismantle the wheels, handlebars and, depending on the bike, also the derailleur, as well as lower the seatpost. Since this is not possible because of my extension mark, I have removed the seatpost, but this is not a must. Here, the higher-priced competitors are somewhat at an advantage, where sometimes only the wheels have to be removed. With the B&W, these disappear in the supplied wheel bags, and there are compartments or storage and fixing solutions for all other small parts. All work takes place on the integrated service mat. This way, everything stays clean even under chaotic conditions, and small parts will not get lost. The frame itself is mounted with the bottom bracket on the aforementioned pedestal, the fork disappears in the well-padded and versatile adjustable fork guard, so that adapters for different dropout standards are unnecessary. The position of the pedestal in the floor pan can be selected depending on bike size and type. Thanks to the multiple adjustable strap system, the bike can be absolutely secured in the bag. I would have liked a softer material or more padding on the straps, though; I added extra padding here to protect the frame. Otherwise, no additional material is needed and everything has its fixed place in the case. The storage solutions for the rear derailleur and chain are simple but effective, and the handlebar spacers are quick to install and work seamlessly.

The frame is securely fastened to the pedestal and then stowed in the bag

Hook & loop fastener closures hold everything super tight.

Storage solutions for the rear derailleur and chain are simple but effective.

Everything stays securely in place in here, too.

Before disassembly, I marked the handlebar position. This way I can quickly and easily find the optimal setting when setting up.

Clever mounting solution for the handlebar.

The seatpost actually only needs to be lowered. Since I can't do that because of my pullout marker, I unceremoniously removed it.

I would have liked a softer material or more padding on the straps, though; I added extra padding here to protect the frame.

The bag itself is also well-padded. And yet very light in overall weight.

Pulling made easy: Four wheels in one

The B&W soft case didn't disappoint me on the ways to or in the airport either. On the contrary: It has a full four very smooth casters, two of which are locked in place and two of which are turning. Whether it’s over cobblestones, straight ahead or manoeuvring baggage claim – the suitcase can be navigated superbly. The two-way zipper not only ensures easy opening and closing, but is also lockable with a small lock. (Tip: make sure it's TSA compatible!)

Low weight means high payload

The B&W case weighs a slim 8.6 kilograms including accessories. Although the upper material seems thin and comparatively less padded, the bag has completely proven itself during my air travels. The bottom tray gives the case a lot of stability, the bike has always arrived undamaged and the case shows only a few, in my experience unavoidable, signs of use. But the invaluable advantage of the low tare weight is another one: I can still store luggage in the bike case and thus spare weight from the actual suitcase. This saves money in the end because I can fly with less checked baggage or avoid excess baggage surcharges. The B&W case pays for itself quickly, even for those who don't fly very often. Renting a good-quality bike at your holiday destination is often more expensive, not to mention the benefits of travelling with your own bike.

The B&W Bikebox II is an inexpensive, reliable and solid bike case with which you can fly to training camp at any time.

Conclusion:
The B&W Bike Bag II is an inexpensive, reliable and solid bike case, which transports your bike safely even when travelling by plane. I have entrusted my best bike to the Bike Bag without any stress. The biggest difference to higher-priced models is the slightly higher effort for packing and unpacking, because some parts have to be disassembled. If this doesn't bother you, you can always fly to your training camp with this bike case.

Jonas, Product Management