Heading away with your bike for a holiday, event or even taking it along for some time off during a business trip should be exciting. Unfortunately the thought of travelling with a bike can knock the shine off the experience for some. But the range of bike bags on the market keeps improving, and we took a look at the updated Scicon AeroComfort Road 3 Travel Bag.
The AeroComfort Road 3 has an internal frame and strong base, mated with padded sides. Unlike many bike bags, it has 4 wheels that allow 360 degree rotation. You can drag your bike bag along behind you, without having to heft the weight of the bike and bag to pull it on two wheels.
Don’t miss our guide on how to choose a bike bags.
The internal frame is neat as it slides to adjust for longer or shorter wheelbases, and while it can take quick releases (with two provided) the frame also accepts 12mm through-axles front and rear, with a spacer to account for 142mm drop outs as well. The internal wheel pockets are padded, and reinforced inside and out where the hubs will be. There is a small internal pocket in the back, an optional derailleur hanger protector, a gear bag to stow your helmet and shoes, velcro tabs in the base to secure a track pump, and a small external pocket for the haul straps – or extra tools. The whole lot comes with a storage bag too, so it’s not a nightmare to store at home.
The Scicon AeroComfort weighs 9.28kg, with the TSA approved padlock and two carry straps (which you should remove before flying). This is a little more than the weight claimed by Scicon, but with a road bike, gravel bike or cyclocross bike inside plus shoes and helmet, it should be no problem coming in under 23kg.
The bag has been designed to be simple to use – you just need to take your wheels off and follow the instructions for packing it. So, here goes.
How to pack your bike into the Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Bike bag
1. While Scicon say you can keep your pedals on – I opted to remove mine. As much a force of habit as anything else.
2. With the bag open, shift the bike into the largest chain ring and smallest sprocket and remove your wheels. I suggest removing your quick releases, and disc rotors too if you have them.
3. If you remove your rotors, a cardboard sleeve is often the best way to transport them. You can slide this in with a wheel, or place it flat in the base later.
4. Place the bike in the bag’s stand, and secure the quick releases. You can use the ones with the bag, or have your own do double duty (which saves doubling up on weight). Push down on the saddle to make sure your bike is sitting in straight.
5. If you have disc brakes, remember to put a spacer in. If you don’t have one, a 20 or 50 cent piece works, but cardboard or a folded business card work even better.
6. The derailleur protector is optional, but if you don’t use it I would remove your rear derailleur. It sits beneath the quick release nut outside of your frame.
7. Scicon include a pad for the top tube and two for the bars, as you’ll use the internal tie downs across these areas.
8. Scicon also provide a gear bag to sit in the hollow between your cranks and fork. It’s a good spot for your shoes and helmet. I would also consider just placing your shoes and some spares or clothing in there. Sometimes the best place to have your helmet is with your carry on – it needs to save your life after all. The gear bag attached to the bag frame to stay put.
9. Place a wheel in each side of the bag, in the zippered sleeves. I put the cassette out – just in case. Zip them closed.
10. Bring the two sides of the bag together and use the big red strap across the top tube pad to hold the bag together. If you have some extra clothes, or bidons, you want to put inside – do it now.
11. At the front, attach the two tie down straps over the handlebars, then pull the bag over each shifter. There are padded strips inside the corners of the bag, you might need to move them to get the fit right depending on bar width. Zip the bag to the top.
12. Put any tools, or pedals if you removed them, in the small pocket in the rear.
13. The rear tie down straps also have a saddle cover. You may need to drop your seat height, depending on what seat height you run. Stretch the protective cover over the saddle and tighten the strap.
14. Now you can zip up the rear – if you’re nervous add some extra padding. A short foam roller fits in this space perfectly.
15. You can see that the bag has a reinforced section where the rear derailleur is, for piece of mind.
16. There’s a haul strap on top, plus a shoulder style one. You’re best to remove them when dropping your luggage off. There’s an external pocket for them – or you can use that for tools.
All that’s left now is to travel test it! We’ll have a review in our next issue. If you subscribe – you won’t miss it.
RRP: $949.00
From: Scicon Australia