General information regarding hard cases:
A hard case will provide the highest level of protection for your bike. They are ideal when you start and finish the cycling portion of your travel from the same place. They also work great when you have the ability to ship the empty case ahead to a point where it will be needed for your next flight.. Some framebuilders offer trailer options (shown below) that work in conjunction with our hard cases for those who want to take the case along with them while touring. Towing the case solves the problem of what to do with it as well as making a great container for touring gear. For maximum protection, we recommend that 3 or 4 compression members be used to stiffen a case. All of our cases are small enough to fit in the front seat of a compact truck or in the trunk or back seat of most cars so no special transportation is necessary to get to and from the airport.
Oversize cases
Some of our cases are available in 12" and 14" oversize versions but those sizes do not meet airline size requirements. Although some people choose an oversize case for a single bike, we don't recommend it since there is a possibility that you will be charged for oversize luggage. It's very rare that a single bike won't fit into a 10" case. Packing a bike for the first time is like learning anything new, it takes following instructions, experimentation and practice. Packing tips are available here. Our oversize cases are designed to accommodate bicycles (typically tandems or recumbents) that won't fit in a 10" case. For tandems that won't fit in a single 10" case, we normally recommend two 10" cases instead of using an oversize case. That way, the extra space in each case can be used for miscellaneous items and clothing and since there are normally 2 people traveling with a tandem, you won't get charged for the second case. Since many airlines add a fee for cases that weigh over 50 pounds, be especially careful to check the weight of an oversize case before you get to the airport since it's easy to exceed the weight limit.
Construction styles original vs designer
We offer two basic construction methods to better meet the needs of our customers. Our original gray hard case, with its rugged look, has been in use now for almost 10 years and it is known for its strength and durability. We rarely hear of one of these cases being damaged. Our new designer cases have a more elegant look and they are a bit lighter yet they are still very tough and durable.
Wheel configurations
Edge pull:
- Has wheels along the narrow edge and it pulled on its edge.
- This configuration is best for maneuvering in tight places like airports or train stations.
- They are less stable than a side pull case especially on an uneven surface.
Side pull
Has wheels along the long side of the case and is pulled on its wide side
This configuration is very stable even on uneven surfaces.
Combination edge and side pull (not currently available)
- Has wheels on the narrow edge and wheels on the side so it can be pulled either way.
- Can be pulled on edge in tight places and on its side over rough terrain.
- The extra set of recessed wheels that extend into the case could make packing the bike slightly harder.
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Original style hard cases (gray) |
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Features and benefits:
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10" Edge pull
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Flip out handle and 2 wheels on the narrow side.
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12" and 14" edge pull (Oversize)
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10" Side pull
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12" Side Pull (Oversize)
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Designer style hard cases (black) (not currently available) |
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Features and benefits:
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10" Edge pull designer hard case (not currently available)
OUR LIGHTEST CASE
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12" Edge pull designer hard case (Oversize) (not currently available)
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OUR MOST VERSATILE CASE 10" Combination edge pull / side pull (not currently available)
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Trailer options offered by others

S and S suitcase and Bob trailer combination. Available at: Tandems
East

An
Around the World test of the Bilenky's
trailer/suitcase is complete and now this marvel is in production. Thanks and
congratulations go out to David & Kiki of merry old England for all their
help in the testing of the Bilenky one wheeled wonder.

The Turtle Tow by Bilenky Cycle Works
Description provided by Bilenky Cycle Works:
The turtle tow is single 16" wheel trailer custom fabricated to be used in conjunction with an S & S hard case; the chassis can be removed from the case and are packable into the case with most of a coupler single bike. (you will need some type of collapsible soft pack or wheel bag for your bike's rear wheel.
The design features: 4130 tubing, ball bearing headset, and internal tubular bracing, external anodized aluminum edging for the hard case - distinguishing this from currently available standard one-wheel trailer modifications. Our new lower pricing for the trailer unit is $395; $745 complete with hard case.Please contact Bilenky Cycle Works to purchase this trailer case.