Test & Review: Thule RoundTrip Pro XT – A case ...
A stroke of genius out of Sweden: The RoundTrip Pro XT from Thule has a work stand integrated in the case. Patrick put this all-rounder to the test.
Test & Review: evoc Road Bike Bag Pro - The last bike bag you will ever buy!
Quickly packed, quickly ready to ride again: Packing a bike has never been so uncomplicated as with the Road Bike Bag Pro from evoc.
Admittedly, with a price tag upwards of hundreds of euros, the evoc Road Bike Bag Pro is aimed more at people who are serious about cycling and who frequently travel with their road bike. They will especially appreciate the easy handling of the evoc Road Bike Bag Pro. Only pedals and wheels have to be detached. Handlebars, seatpost, saddle and derailleur all stay in place. Packing is super fast and easy, and my personal settings like seat height, saddle angle or handlebar position remain exactly the same. This means I don't have to fiddle with a tape measure and protractor on site to reproduce my personalised settings, but can drive off straight away. For frequent travellers, bike fitters and racers is this is a blessing especially. The fact that really only wheels and pedals have to be detached is a unique selling point of this bag. The fact that you don't even have to turn the racing handlebars to the side is incredible.
A few steps to the perfectly-packed road bike
The rest of the packing process is also very simple: with the help of the included adapters, the dropouts of the bike are mounted directly on the road bike stand. The stand provides stability and easy handling. This works for both classic quick-release and modern thru-axles (like on my Factor) in varying widths. Next, I fix the right crank arm securely to the chain stay with some bubble wrap and a couple of cable ties. With the Cockpit Pad, the handlebars are simultaneously secured and protected, while the wheels disappear safely into the padded Road Bike Wheel Bags. Thanks to the numerous tie-down straps with click locks, I can securely anchor any frame shape, no matter how exotic, in the case, e.g. if I want to fly with the aero machine. Two spacers provide additional stability. And done! Everything needed for secure packing is included. The evoc case is the most well thought-out bag I have ever used.
The best of both worlds: Hard shell meets soft case
The Road Bike Bag Pro is a clever hybrid of a hard and soft case. Unlike the classic hard case, not all of the entire outer material is a hard shell. Instead, targeted reinforcements, rails and pads provide lateral protection for the bike and wheels. The lid of the evoc case, however, is made of impact-resistant polycarbonate like the kind found on a hard case, and provides additional protection when stacking. The fixed frame gives stability from below. Compared to a full hard shell, the hybrid concept saves weight without sacrificing protection. This way I can also book flights on airlines with strict weight restrictions or store accessories like clothing, spare tyres, helmets, etc. in the suitcase right up to the weight limit. Added to that, it folds up to save space and doesn't take up too much room in my apartment.
From the car park to the terminal: Three-wheel construction ensures stable handling
Air travel often means going long distances on foot with a lot of luggage: from the train station or parking garage to the terminal, for example. Thanks to its wide track, long wheelbase and especially with the included clip-on wheel, the evoc case runs fabulously stable and quiet, even on cobblestones or over curbs. The wheels are based on those found on skateboards and roller skates, and are interchangeable. I think the small additional roller in the front is especially great. It improves the "drawing comfort" once again significantly. However, there is a slight drawback: the small wheel in the front should be removed before you drop off your luggage. Those who forget this – like me – will probably lose the wheel while in transit. The case can still be hauled without it, but having the front wheel attached is noticeable more comfortable. Speaking of baggage claim: The evoc wheeled case is lockable and fully TSA-compliant. Now when I travel to the USA, I don't have to fear any nasty surprises when customs or security authorities want to check the contents of my suitcase. A business card compartment also makes it easier to find your bike at Palma airport when five identical bike bags roll onto the carousel.
The know-how is noticeable, and gives you full confidence
I didn't have any at hesitation at all about trusting the evoc bag with my carbon racer, and my trust was rewarded. I took the bike out of the case at my destination the same way I put it in before I left. Small abrasion or wear marks on the bike bag are inevitable during a flight, and happens even on high-quality cases from everyday use. Remember to pay attention to the small-but-supportive extra front wheel when checking in the luggage. The bottom line is that the evoc has impressed me completely. The years of know-how and expertise from its Munich-based manufacturer is immediately noticeable.
Summary
The overall concept is absolutely coherent, every detail is extremely well thought-out, and the workmanship impeccable. All in all the Bentley of bicycle bags. The fact that my personal bike setting aren’t affected is the cherry on top. If you really love your bike, take the evoc case!
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