AirCaddy bike box - mini review

[dgjessee]

I just used the AirCaddy triangular bike box to travel from Atlanta to Scotland for the HTR400. I'd used the hard plastic boxes in the past and I have always had to dismantle my mtn bike more to use those (like taking the fork out and such). And since I MIGHT travel with my bike once or twice a year, the 4-5 use lifespan of the AirCaddy shell had a plenty long lifespan. Anyway, I just wanted to say I'm extremely satisfied with the box! With a 27-lb Niner Jet9, size large, and all my bikepacking bags and sharpy things, the box was 51lbs (British Airways' limit). My bike made it completely unscathed to and from the race (can't say the same for the race itself, or hard plastic cases). The box is in great shape considering and the wheels I ordered with the box make it really easy to move. Just for evidence, here's a picture of my bike on the tarmac in Amsterdam wedged sideways under about 40 suitcases (I shouldn't have looked).

[Slim]

Yeah, that shot is what made me afraid to use the standard cardboard box. Guess the arrows pointing 'this side up' are just to hard to read.
 I also have an aircaddy. my bike does require some serious disassembly to fit:

Remove pedals and rear derailleur. Deflate rear tire. Unbolt rear shock(This lowers and shortens the bike a lot)
Deflate and compress front fork. remove stem-handlebar from steerer. Remove front brake. Remove seat/seatpost. Secure all the parts that are now dangling  by cables and hoses. Squeeze really hard to make bike go into box.

Not quite as easy as they make out on the website. However, this is for a XL sized 130/140mm travel full suspension 29er. If you have a hardtail, or 26" wheels, or a size S bike, you will have far less work to do[/left][/left].

[isignay]

Do you think a sized large  19" 29er rigid would have difficulties?  Anyone have other experiences with this box?

[dgjessee]

I had a size large (20") Niner Jet9 in my box. Honestly it fit absolutely perfectly. I did exactly as the directions said with one exception: I took my pedals off because they were touching the sides and I just imagined that was asking for more impact. Check out the wheelbase of the Jet9 - I don't think you could have fit anything bigger, lengthwise. www.ninerbikes.com/jet9

[Slim]

Check out the wheelbase of the Jet9 - I don't think you could have fit anything bigger, lengthwise. www.ninerbikes.com/jet9

As I mentioned. I fit a MUCH longer bike in, but with more disassembly.
A Rigid 29er L would probably be okay. You might have to flip the fork around and remove the brake caliper, this shortens up the length a lot. After that there isn't a whole lot you can do to shorten/lower a rigid bike.
If you are worried, measure your bikes length without the fronjt wheel and I will measure the box.

[CupODamus]

PIKA works out of SLC. soft sided bike cases. Rarely do I get asked if it's a bike. Not once have I paid to fly my bike in 3 plus yrs.