HOW I PACKED MY BIKE BAG WITHOUT REMOVING MY HANDLEBAR | SCICON AEROCOMFORT 3.0 TSA

In this episode, I demonstrate and talk through how I packed my bike into the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 soft case bike bag for my trip to Spain.
I like this bag because it is light, easy to use and foldable for easy storage. The total weight for my bike bag + bike was only 15kg. Importantly, I don't have to deal with any handlebar removal given all the integrated designs these days. I kept my pedals on and my saddle height was untouched. Yet I am able to fit my entire bike and easily push around a fairly compact bike bag after.
Reading the online comments about this bag, a few areas of concern were brought up.
1. Soft case leaves bike prone to damage
2. Shifters get banged in during transit
3. Rear derailleur is prone to damage because of its fairly vulnerable position.
In this video I will discuss how I mitigate these potential issues and more.
In the following episode, I will show you my practical experience travelling with this bike bag and how I set up my bike when I arrived at my destination.
Follow us on Instagram:
Oldham Breakfast Club: / oldhambreakfastcc
Me: / thewinsty
Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by Scicon.
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A lot of you have asked about the various equipment I use, so here goes:
Filming stuff
My action camera for filming (main): amzn.to/3QbMkPC (GoPro Hero 9)
My drone: amzn.to/3BcSWc6 (DJI Mini 2)
How I film without hands: amzn.to/3emdc23
Tripod for GoPro: amzn.to/3cLKqHE
GoPro battery (you’ll need it): amzn.to/3KQ1yIM
Memory card: amzn.to/3cQrVBZ
External SSD: amzn.to/3CXl2cC
Cycling kit
My helmet: Giro Aether MIPS
My sunglasses: amzn.to/3ASPH8m (100% Hypercraft)
My cycling shoes: amzn.to/3RkT3rL (Sidi Ergo 5)
On the bike
Cycling computer: amzn.to/3QgWFKe
Power meter: amzn.to/3BfqUwP
Heart rate monitor: amzn.to/3RjyOLb
Front lights (mount sold separately): amzn.to/3KRmMq2
Direct-drive trainer for Zwift: amzn.to/3cO97TO
Soft-case bike bag for travel: amzn.to/3HWZ4aR

[@sherveenlotfi]

best scicon aerocomfort 3.0 packing video on youtube. the one from scicon is terrible. thanks for putting this together... simple and straighforward. hope your trip went well. ride on!

[@thewinsty]

Glad to know it helped. Cheers!

[@simondedeney]

Thank you. This just saved my life. I was really struggling and your clear explanations and camerawork gave me what I needed.

[@jett_royce]

This is the definitive best-practices bike packing video for this case. Thanks for making it!

[@tonypowers123]

Great review and instructions video on the Scicon Travel Bag! Looks top notch, very well constructed and designed. And I love when the person using it gets to add on his personal preference and home materials for extra practicality and protection! Well done 👌

[@riderdr4018]

Thank you for showing the derailleur details since that’s most important part of bike。 I hope others could learn from you。

[@ftekkie]

Nice and thorough video with focus where it actually matters!

[@thewinsty]

Glad it was helpful!

[@garydurian1309]

nice job with video and details, THANK YOU!!

[@chones_]

i feel like i can trust your review because i see all your tan lines from your bib shorts and jersey which means you actually ride. great video. thanks.

[@thewinsty]

Also an indication of how strong the UV is over here at the equator!

[@anarchocyclist]

Lol okay

[@cwchee86]

hack of the day for the disc brake clamp Just use paper and fold it multiple times until it fits snugly into the calipers. Easy to find anywhere

[@thewinsty]

Always works!

[@cosmonott1]

I have the SCICON TRI 3.0 TSA AEROCOMFORT which i use for my roadbike when travelling. I'm not a triathlon guy, just a recreational cyclist. I also bubblewrap (then cellotape) the chain , rear derailleur & leave the pedals and handlebars on, just like you. Great video!

[@thewinsty]

Thanks for sharing! Agree the convenience factor is the greatest appeal

[@TheNabRider]

I wonder how the tri version fits on a road bike? Would you recommend it? Or better get a proper road version? Thanks!

[@ekoisme]

Thank you to make this video. I looking for bike bag that simple, light weight and safe. After watching your video, i think i found what I'm looking for.

[@johnjong1584]

I have the same bag and create some extra safety by putting piping isolation around the forks and some other tubes. Lost a wheel of the bag during transport at the airport and checked the nuts which were very loose. Happily I could buy some at Scicon, but they really made a mistake assembling (which they didn't admit). In April I will use it again, flying to Mallorca.

[@scoobychau]

Do u think removing the rear derailer and the disc of the wheel necessary?

[@johnjong1584]

@@scoobychau I loosen the derailleur (Ultegra di2) a bit, rotate it forward and then fasten it again, so it's not so far back, while still solidly mounted to my bike. No extra protection for the discs.

[@chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504]

I also own one too. Actually the disc will not get bend if faced inwards. Don't face it outwards as the cassette might just "pressed" into your frame.

[@thewinsty]

You might be right, but I did it because I noticed the pedals on one side was directly pressing against the rotors when external side force is applied on the bag. So just to be 100% safe for me. If I had to deal with rubbing bent disc rotors for 2 weeks…

[@chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504]

@thewinsty are your pedals place in a level position before closing up the bag? The instructions from Scicon said need to do that.

[@thewinsty]

@@chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504 Yup, leveled. So one is out of the way of the rotors and the other (I believe it’s the forward position) is in the way

[@chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504]

@@thewinsty great. Should be ok for your disc rotors. 😊

[@yelloboy32]

I have the same bag but take my pedals off AND place wheels in the bag with discs facing in. Another good hack, loosen the stem on your handle bars so they give if hit or smashed on the plane and not cause any damage

[@TheNabRider]

Hey man, great vid. How do you feel about the safety of this bag? I’m interested in it because it’s not required to remove the handlebar and saddle seat post just like what you’ve mentioned. But since it’s a soft case, I’m a bit worried. I’m having a SL7 as well, such a great bike! Cheers.

[@thewinsty]

I was initially a bit skeptical of the safety as well since it’s a soft case, and all the anecdotal reports on the forums don’t help with reassurance. The design is great though, the wheels on the sides act as great shields for the bike frame, padding is adequate and in general I don’t see how the bike will get damaged short of it dropping out of the plane hold onto the tarmac directly. Cheers!

[@hokagekira]

i bought the same bag too because of the handlebar ease. Its a hassle to remove the handlebar especially if its an integrated one. And the Scion bag is great as i've brought my bike from australia and no issues. and it has space to secure your helmets, tools and even your clothes (just pad it all around areas that u wan to pad with your clothes. and that counts as 1 luggage!

[@thewinsty]

Absolutely agree. I was considering a hard case initially for the increased protection. After this trip, I’m sold as well!

[@scoobychau]

Do u think removing the rear derailer and the disc of the wheel necessary?

[@TheOkinawaBoy]

Nice video. Still not sure if I have buy one or use rental bikes. Do you know if it's necessary to remove Di2 battery from the bike? On some bikes you can reach battery only from the bottom bracket side.

[@thewinsty]

I didn't remove the battery for my recent travel, so I would say no. I think riding your own bike on travels is quite an experience, so would recommend!

[@smaartcast2391]

Hi pal thanks for the vid! I've used to fly with everything packed into a B&W bike bag, eliminating the need to pay for the second lugguage place. Could you tell me can you actually fit shoes, helmet and riding stuff in this bag? You've scaled 19.5kg - is that only the bike inside or some more stuff?

[@thewinsty]

It’s my bike, shoes, helmet (yes they fit), tools, bike pump, some kit including jersey, bibs and socks, bottles. My other bag was a handcarry sized luggage trolley

[@darnellhenderson2170]

Thank you for the video. Please tell us where you picked up the Sram wedge. I really appreciate any help you can provide.

[@thewinsty]

Try a bike shop that sells sram, they might give it away for free

[@drTeddyJo]

Great informative video...Just wondering if there was any damage to your bike etc despite using the bike bag? I am just worried as my bike is the only one available where I am from and my wheel set costs $4000RRP

[@thewinsty]

So far so good for me :)

[@Snailchesster]

Winston, would you do a video comparing your personal experience using SRAM and Shimano?

[@thewinsty]

That’s been on my to-do list for some time, I should probably get to it soon :)

[@learning2tri729]

Have you seen the Scicon REAR DERAILLEUR BAG & REAR TRIANGLE FRAME SHIELD?

[@pedaling.z]

can this bike fit usual budget carriers like scoot/jetstar/airasia? seems like it exceeds the limit of SQ as well. would like your advice!

[@thewinsty]

Yes no issues, typically as long as you bring a proper bike bag they won't give you any trouble

[@Jam789]

Where did you keep this disc after you remove from the wheels? This is a good idea to prevent bending the disc, but. not sure it is allowed to be hand carry onto the plane

[@thewinsty]

I put it in my check in luggage with my clothes

[@toshman696969]

Just saw this after your travels would you recommend this bag?

[@thewinsty]

Yes absolutely. Worked well without issues for me

[@hockysa]

thanks for this, just bought one

[@thewinsty]

Good one!

[@hockysa]

@@thewinsty would you be able to do a video on how it stores when not in use?

[@thewinsty]

Check out the last part of my latest video

[@georgelockhart6335]

hi , im 1st time travel my bike with a bike bag to KL side from sabah , any idea if from airport , move to city , how to travel with? find a bigger grab car or train? any idea

[@thewinsty]

Train is fine. Car wise - should be able to fit into a regular sedan/hatchback. No need for XL car. But if you have multiple large luggages + Scicon bike bag, then yes maybe you will require a bigger car

[@user-tj3ou8gl7c]

You took off the rotors... Did you leave the cassette on the rear wheel?

[@thewinsty]

Yes I left the cassette, no reason to remove

[@roldansongcuan2328]

Hi , how do you choose the right size for road bike bag ? Thanks

[@thewinsty]

Hi Roldan, it is only sold in one size. Cheers

[@allencameron2619]

That’s interesting man that u went with a soft bag I’ve heard nothing but bad things about them like u said. - bent break dice - handle bars/frame getting snapped in too - holes in the bag - crank arms getting bent or broken - wheels getting holes in them and spokes breaking or coming out of the rim. And also have fun in Spain man 😁👍

[@thewinsty]

Thanks Cam!

[@ck21985]

Oh no. Is it really Bad Lok you explain? I want to buy it but you make me doubt about that bag.

[@ck21985]

@thewinsty can you confirm that?

[@willmeteora]

How do you find the bag surviving the rough handling during the transit? I am worried about the carbon handlebar getting cracked, or the frame getting damaged. Appreciate the feedback!

[@thewinsty]

No issues with usual handling, I don’t think they need to baby your bike bag even, as long as they don’t throw your bike bag out from the luggage hold and onto the tarmac

[@cludRobot]

I am concerned that because the handlebars are not removed, when the bag is dropped on its side, it can damage the steering tube, brifters, or handlebars. Any issues with this?

[@thewinsty]

No issues for me, it was well padded with the bag so I think it can take a reasonable amount of impact e.g. if it tumbles over in transit. Of course if it drops out of the cargo hold at 38,000ft I don’t think it will stand a chance despite the padding

[@ugghhhyoutubeisawful646]

@@thewinsty 😀🤣

[@jeffroom]

Perhaps, chain on the small chainring??

[@thewinsty]

For some reason the instructions recommended the big ring, so I just went with that :)

[@rayF4rio]

Nice! Where did you put the rotors to keep/pack them flat?

[@thewinsty]

With my clothes in the normal check-in luggage. You can also choose anywhere else you think is safe from lateral forces. I didn’t carry on because there’s a rule against anything that might be considered a “weapon” and they’ve confiscated wrenches from me before

[@MrFishieeeee]

What’s the tool you use to remove the brake discs? Thx :)!

[@thewinsty]

That’s a cassette tool!

[@MrSubterfu9e1]

Quick question, it did not look like you were using QR adapters for the front fork ? Actually, can anyone here who has the 3.0 bag lmk if anyone uses the adapters at all ? :D

[@thewinsty]

I think the adapters are if you’re still on the QR skewer system. Most disc bikes these days just use the big thru axle so no adapters required

[@lx425]

I got this bag too. Do you put your helmet in it as well, or do you carry it on?

[@thewinsty]

I put my helmet together with the shoes inside the small bag that comes with the bike bag

[@lx425]

@@thewinsty the gear bag that fits behind the fork? Ohh I should do that, then the wheels should help protect helmet against impacts.

[@thewinsty]

Yep that’s what I did

[@ugghhhyoutubeisawful646]

mannnn...tried general google....tried weightweenies.... tried 20 different vids ....finally! thanks. im not a fan of the soft bag (current one is a very hard rectangle-pita to pack but sturdy), but i am going to buy and pray my 56 systemsix fits with bars on.

[@thewinsty]

The soft bag concern bothered me too, but I think so far so good. Got to have enough extra cushioning in the right places as well

[@carlosb555]

Looks like you swapped out the factory through axles. What ones are you using?

[@thewinsty]

I am on DT swiss thru axles, nothing too fancy

[@gabrielanamie2017]

Thanks for this video! The official one is horrible.!

[@PuneethBedre]

Looks like the bag must always be upright

[@lordalfa600]

A lighter roadbike for climbing is a rim brake bike. 😀

[@thewinsty]

That’s true. Helps me save time on the descent too since I won’t be slowing down. 😂

[@Oakpathetics]

I love my rim brake bike and prefer it over my disc for certain hilly routes where I live.. but for a trip to Europe I’d definitely take the disc bike for the long technical downhill sections which may wear out the carbon rims otherwise

[@ancogbernard]

rim warrior

[@aaxxa]

one more thing, remove pedals as well