B&W International B&W 96500 Bicycle Box II (Suitable for Road Bikes up to 62 cm Frame Size and Smaller Mountain Bikes)

I needed something to transport a bike on a recent holiday, as rental in the resort was quite expensive. I didn't fancy a bag so settled on a box. This box was one of the cheaper ones available so I went for it and have no regrets.The printed instructions were not very straightforward, so I looked up more detailed instructions online. They recommended removing the rear derailleur. That might have been necessary for the older style box, but this one has a newer fabric and velcro strap which wraps the mech to the frame so removal wasn't necessary. Equally most instructions recommend removing the saddle and seatpost, but this isn't necessary if you slacken it and drop it down.Dismantling the bike took sometime the first time, but was much easier for the return trip because I knew what I was doing. The interlocking system to fasten the two shells together also took a bit of working out, and I needed a helper the first time, but having done it once I can easily manage it myself now. The case is very easy to pull, with smooth running wheels making it easier to manage than my suitcase. Beware the size though. We struggled to get it on a train and a taxi at Glasgow Airport refused to take us because of the size. Two different people asked me if it was a piano!So all-in-all a very useful product. Cheaper than some of the more sculpted ones, easy to manoeuvre, and most importantly it got my favourite bike abroad and back without any damage. Allow some time to pack it initially, be aware of the space requirements and make sure you know where the airline collects and drops off oversize luggage.

A quality item

I bought this bike case in August, but have just used it for the first time on a trip, flying from Edinburgh to Tenerife. The bike managed to survive the journey, but the case did not. When I reclaimed the case in Tenerife, the shell was split at the bottom corner, near the wheel and items of my bike clothing were hanging out. One of the securing clips was also smashed. This case is not fit for purpose and not suitable for airline handling. I have still to travel home with it, so I am going to have to carry out some repairs if possible. £255 for a case you can only use once.....poorly designed product.

I've used it twice. As in one return flight. I'm genuinely not sure the designers actually put this on a commercial flight to test the beating it's going to take. The box flexed and allowed damage to the bike one way....on the way back the box developed a tear. It's not really fit for purpose and is not up to the price. I would recommend a solid box for actual flying. Not really sure what this box is for.

I got this one from BA as a replacement after they managed to destroy my Bonza Bike Box. Upon opening the cardboard box it arrived in I found the box already had a crack across one corner and that was only after a trip with a courier. Its flimsy and does not inspire confidence at all.