2016/7/25 9:59:37
It's easy for cyclists to get bored riding the same roads day after day. Luckily, there are plenty of roads to explore—all you have to do is hop on a plane and go someplace you've never been.
The challenge to this scenario is finding a suitable way to transport your bike. As discussed in Part 1 and Part 2, you have plenty of options to pack your existing bike and keep it safe and secure during travel. But for cyclists who would rather not mess around with taking apart their everyday bike or risk the chance of damaging a nice race bike by putting it in the hands of baggage handlers, there are other options.
A folding or breakaway bike designed specifically for travel can be packed up into a small case and checked with regular baggage to bypass extra baggage fees. This option will allow you to keep your other bike at home and avoid the stress of shipping your only bike back and forth.
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Here are the pros and cons of a dedicated travel bike as well as the different options currently available.
An S and S Coupling, also known as a Bicycle Torque Coupling or BTC, is a precision lug that's installed in a bicycle frame when it's manufactured to allow it to separate and pack for easy transportation.
To break down the frame, two couplings are fitted to allow the frame to be broken into two pieces that fit into a case that meets standard airline baggage sizing. This means no more baggage fees.
You have the choice of either buying a bike already fitted with S and S couplings or having them retrofitted onto an existing bike. Be aware though that retrofitting can only be done for titanium and steel (and on some carbon frames, but this is rare). S and S couplings can also only be fitted to frames with round tubes.
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These frames are manufactured and retrofitted by S and S Machine Works.
Packing the bike does take more time to fit than it would using a standard bike box. The bike requires more work to disassemble (jn addition to unscrewing the frame couplings) in order to fit into the box. Once you have mastered it, it takes 15 to 20 minutes more than the normal packing process. But be prepared, as it does take much longer the first couple of times.
The cost to retrofit the couplings will vary depending on the frame material and the tube diameter. A review of price lists and my own experience suggests that costs range from $1200 to $1500 for a package that includes the couplings, cable splitters, a coupling tightening tool and travel case.
Buying a new bike with S and S couplings fitted to it generally costs less than retrofitting.
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The additional weight of the S and S couplings depend on the tube width and the material. As an example, titanium couplings for tubes an inch and a half wide are between 151g and 166g per coupling. Steel couplings for the same size tube weigh around 175g per coupling. You'll lose some of the weight of the frame when the sections are removed to fit the couplings, so it does balance some of the added weight.
You have a few options for soft or hard bike cases ranging in price from around $300 to $600.
Cost is the major advantage. If you travel regularly you can recover the cost to have S and S Couplings added in a short period of time.
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If you're concerned about keeping your bike as light as possible, adding another 300g might not be something you want to do.
Packing the bike can be a pain the first few times you do it. Read the instructions and leave yourself plenty of time to figure it out. It helps to take pictures and draw diagrams to make things easier the next time you pack your bike for travel.
In my experience, there's no difference. The couplings lock and tighten to give you a stiff frame that feels normal.
Make sure you carry the tightening tool the first ride after assembling the bike. The whole frame won't suddenly fall into two pieces, but it's worth giving the coupling an extra tighten after 10 to 15 miles to be sure.
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Ritchey Breakaway bikes allow the frame to be broken into two parts and packed into a bag that fit within airline baggage regulations. The method of assembly and disassembly though is little different.
The frame separates at the down tube close to the bottom bracket and at the seat tube/top tube connection.
On the down tube, a hinged clamp locks securely over flanges at the end of each segment. Near the seat tube, the frame is cut at an angle and held together by a combination of the seat post insertion and dual clamps that act as a brace, holding the frame together.
Ritchey offers a number of frames with the breakaway design. Road and cyclocross frames are available in either steel or titanium. Prices range from $1500 to $3000.
The weight of the clamp and bolts add between 80g and 100g.
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Ritchey offers a soft bike case with the bike purchase that measures 31 x 26.5 x 8.5 inches. This is larger than many travel bike cases, (e.g. the hard case for bikes with S and S couplings) which makes it easier to fit the bike into the case. Technically these dimensions are slightly over most airlines standard baggage guidelines of 62 inches (combined), however after several flights with this case I have always checked the bag as regular piece of luggage and have never been charged extra fees.
If you're racing on the bike and going for a sprint win, you may notice that the bike doesn't respond like a racing bike. If you plan to use the bike for touring, traveling or the occasional Gran Fondo, there will be no discernible difference in ride feel for the majority of cyclists considering this option.
Cost, cost, cost. As above, the main advantage is the money you'll save on airline fees if you travel often.
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There is no retrofit option on a Ritchey Breakaway frame.
As with S and S couplings, the packing process can be a little more complex. Once you learn the process it only adds another 15 to 20 minutes, and the slightly larger Ritchey soft case makes putting the bike into the case less of a squeeze.
The Ritchey Breakaway bike and those fitted with S and S coupling are for cyclists who want to travel with a road bike without compromising speed or ride feel. If you're just looking to travel with a bike that you can cruise and explore on, a folding bike may be a better option.
Brands such as Brompton, Dahon and Bike Friday are well-known and established brands in the folding bike market. Recently new retailers have entered the market to give consumers a variety of brands and price points to choose from.
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Folding bikes are easy to pack and take under a minute to fold for transport. They're surprisingly fast to ride too. I've overtaken many road bikes on a Brompton, much to the dismay cyclists watching me pass by a bright pink folding bike.
In the past folding bike owners had to settle for bikes with 20-inch wheels, however these days there are also wheel options from 24 to 26 inches available from retailers like Montague Bikes, Tern Bikes and Airnimal. You might think they look funny, but for the majority of cyclists, folding bikes are an excellent option if you're looking for a cheap, functional bike to transport on an airplane with a minimal amount of hassle.
Remember that no matter which option you choose, the goal is to have fun and get out there to discover new roads. And just because you have to travel doesn't mean you can't take your bike with you.
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