How to Travel with Brompton | B&W Hard Case Review

[@staskucherenko]

How do you travel with your Brompton?! 🌍

[@richmck007]

I bought a specially BROMPTON made bag from a company in Holland which covers my P Line perfectly and would NEVER check in my P Line. Also, I have a 6 Speed Black edition as well, but never travel with both. One can only ride one bike at a time! ). One does not need a case unless you live for your Brompton, let’s face it. Besides, that is an extra investment and the bag does not even have 4 wheels for practical use… And if that is the case, as I have found in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Holland, one can always rent a Brompton. It is so easy via Brompton’s customer care website. I organised my tour via Brompton Junction. In Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon and Paris as well as Amstadam. Besides, a G Line ( released in September 2024 ) is the best one to use now as the roads are not perfect in many European countries. I’m a Brompton owner since 2003.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

As a Dane our Bromptons are sold with a 600 mm seat post as Standard, so I was immediately disappointed that it didn't fit inside my - also new B&W Hard Case box, without taking off my saddle and remove the pin, from the bottom! But I can see that also You had to remove the saddle (What length is your Pin?)! I had hoped that a new, black, 535 mm Standard size (+ titanium) pin would be able to fit inside, without the carrier, as I don't find to take my "folding bike" apart, that fitting for a bike intended to fold! I have turned my Aceoffix, better functioning and lighter clamp upside down to get my saddle a little higher up during use, as a 6"+ man! Finn. Denmark

[@staskucherenko]

Hi Finn, thanks for your comment! I think I also got my P-line with Extended Seatport as a defalt, so also 595mm. Another thing is that my Brooks B17 Standart saddle is quite wide, so for me it was more of an issue rather than a combined height of seatpost & saddle. I am very much with you, this whole saddle mounting & unmounting is rather annoying, plus every time I follow this process - I have to spend a bit of time to set-up the angle of the saddle right, as it affects comfort quite a lot, but I guess it is what it is :( I am almost certain that Standart seatpost with narrower saddle should fit in nicely though. I also heared that B&W launched a new version of their case, which is slightly wider and taller, so should be able to fit even longer seatposts and all the extremities sticking off the bike more comfortably.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@staskucherenko That would have been fine, if B&W had realized that a little before! I also have a soft B&W bag by that, which I haven't tried to use though. But as a "Weight Fanatic" my Flame Painted, 2019 SuperlightM6LXBrompton, still with mudguards as a "Rainy Dane", is presently down to a not so much "Superlight" any more (Most loose parts have been replaced with new Titanium parts!), and last weighed around 9 kilo, so I expect it has reached around 8,5 kilo with the latest additions? I expect to come down to, or below 8 kilo, and still with my 6 gears, and looking quite as the Original Bike, if I'm able to get a painted titanium H stem post also (As the original. My bike is a Black Version)? I have a Selle, Carbon saddle though on a black titanium seat post with a lighter and better AceOffix clamp. I have seen an absurdly expensive titanium clamp also! Tempting 🤔. Finn. Denmark

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@staskucherenko At least I can see that You also use mudguards! The clamps on my now rather former Superlight are made from "Heavy Metal", so I have ordered a set from Carbon + bolts and two Alu holders for the frame, from China. I also have changed many parts on my brakes to Titanium. It still looks Original but it is far from that! Finn. Denmark

[@billhemingway5558]

i use my brompton to get to the bus and train locally and to go to bicycle events. good review of the B&W ..I don't think it's the bag for me.

[@staskucherenko]

Thanks :) Also use my Brompton for the same purpose quite often. Regarding the B&W bag - it is mainly useful for flying or long distance transportation, when it is not easy just to carry the bike around folded, like you would do over train ride, so pretty situational.

[@FirstLast-ml7yf]

Hi...just got a used M6L which came with the BW hardcase. Wondering what you do with the case when you are at your destination (an airport, for example)...or do you leave it in a room that you drove to? Is there generally storage at airports that could keep the bag until you get back to the airport, from a longer bike tour? Thanks!

[@staskucherenko]

That's a good question :) Indeed, so far I have been bringing the bike in the bag to a hotel or destination room, unpacked / did any reassembly and just left the bag in the room for the duration of the trip. Regarding the storage at the airports - I didn't use it before to be honest, but it sounds like a very reasonable option. Big airpoirts, like Heathrow, should definitelly have it, with smaller ones - might not be guaranteed though. Also, I am pretty sure this should also be the case for rail stations, I know for certain there is dedicated luggage storage space at Padington, Kings Cross and Waterloo stations. Another idea to consider - there are some trailer bags that you can attach to the bike while going to the airport, actuall pack the bike inside for the flight and them reverse the process upon arrival, this article discusses one such bag - travellingtwo.com/13483. Lastly, I've read that on some american airlines it is actually possible to take Brompton in the overhead locker in a soft bag. But when I checked BA and few other european carriers - everybody were adamant on asking to check in the bike.

[@FirstLast-ml7yf]

Thanks.@@staskucherenko

[@Bustah]

Wish I had seen this earlier, I have that case, same complaints, disappointed in the case big time

[@staskucherenko]

@@Bustah Hi Bustah, thanks for sharing, I am rather with you about it. Did you find any alternative solutions, or sticking with the bag for the time being, regardless of all its downsides?

[@Bustah]

@@staskucherenko using it for now regardless :(

[@staskucherenko]

@@Bustah same with me :(

[@mithuharjani3620]

Thanks for the perfect information, I have an electric brompton and I haven't traveled with it yet but your information is very useful, very well explained, I already subscribed to your channel.

[@staskucherenko]

Thanks Mithu, appreciate your feedback :)

[@staskucherenko]

Btw, regarding the Brompton electric - I think pretty much the same logic should be applicable for packing it into the bag and carrying with you for long distance travel. Two points to consider that immediately jump into my mind - there is some additional weight from the battery and motor (though you still should be fine for the regular airplane bag weight limit, but worth checking), plus airline carriers commonly have special rules for transporting batteries in check-in baggage because of potential inflammation risks, so worth checking the rules in advance before you fly

[@chrismc6411]

I believe the standard Brompton battery is larger than airlines allow to fly with. I got my standard brompton converted to electric by ARCC for this reason as it comes with a smaller battery. Currently in Thailand with mine from the UK using the B&W case, no problem except the case was bigger than i expected and is classed as oversize in some small planes however, no extra charges so far@@staskucherenko

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@staskucherenko Well it could have been worse! You could have owned a highly flammable, Electric car 😄!

[@staskucherenko]

@@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188 indeed 😂😂😂

[@toobamukhtar5862]

I never knew you can easily carry over bikes for a trip. Such a helpful video

[@staskucherenko]

Indeed, thank you very much :)

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I also own an "absurdly" expensive, "Vincita", padded pouch for the folding pedal! It protects very fine during transport!

[@staskucherenko]

That's some really nice looking pouch indeed, definitelly has to get one as well :)

[@alexmorgan3435]

Good video. Sadly I have to say this hard case looks rubbish. First of all it weighs 9kg before you even put anything in it which is ridiculous. Then the build quality is poor. I have a B&W Cordura fabric bag which I have had for many many years and used for my Brompton when I fly with it. I first put my Brompton in an IKEA Dympa bag and use a foam sleeping mat and some cardboard to protect it. I only have to remove one SPD pedal. No need to remove the rear rack (not a Brompton rack, but an ACE rear rack). Total weight of the Brompton bag with tools, tent, stove, other stuff you cannot take into the cabin of the plane is about 18.5kg which means you can fly Ryanair as they have a 20kg weight limit for checked in baggage. Then when I get to my destination airport it takes about 20 minutes to get everything unpacked, set up and ready to ride off. I generally leave the B&W Cordura bag at my first night accommodation or in a locker if I fly out of the same airport I arrived at. In about 10 days I fly to Malaga with my Brompton for 2 weeks of cycling in Andalusia hopefully the weather is still warm and dry. I would suggest you consider using a fabric Brompton travel bag which will be a lot lighter!!

[@staskucherenko]

Well, I can say now that you made me comtemplating twice in one day, Alex :) I heared about the merits of IKEA Dympa bag, but didn't realise you can combine it with smth like B&W Cordura and fly with it without much mechanical work needed upon arrival and departure. So thanks a lot about your advice :)

[@peterwilborn3233]

Alex, Have you ever used one? I really hope you have used one extensively before making such a harsh pronouncement. The world doesn't need yet another internet expert with strongly held opinions on a subject he hasn't first-hand experience. I do. I have traveled to many countries in the world over my 20 years of owning 6 Bromptons. I have used (and still use) the following: a Cordura bag (from Carradice) with sleeping mat (as you suggest); a soft-sided bag with wheels made by Brompton; a B&W suitcase (as reviewed), and an HPRC case with tons of internal padding from Italy (built for Bromptons). Each has its best use-case. IMO, the B&W Suitcase is the best all-arounder (especially for month-long international trips with other luggage and for more than just cycling). I really like your suggested alternative for shorter, cycling-specific trips without checking luggage. I use the HPRC case for long trips to less developed countries (where it may be strapped to the top of a bus and generally chucked around over many modes of transportation). I use the soft-sided Brompton for longer cycling trips when I want to check the bag, need the roller wheels (because of rolling another suitcase) and then store the bag in a locker (like Japan). IMO the B&W suitcase is not rubbish, it just sounds like it is not best for your use for a cycling vacation.

[@klausm.5936]

I also own and use a B&W hardcase and I'm very happy with it. Main use are international flights with my T Line. Since you complain about the only two wheels: please keep in mind, that B&W is also offering a version with four wheels which is moving around like every other four-wheel suitcase. B&W offers this version for the asian market so you may have to do some research depending on where you live. B&W is a Germany based company which offers some other hardcases for road bikes as well.

[@staskucherenko]

Hi Klaus, thanks for your comment. That’s good to know, thanks for sharing. I also heard that in early 2024 B&W release a slightly bigger case which also alleviates many of the problems I’ve mentioned in the video. And anyways, regardless of all the potential considerations, this case is still probably the most secure and reasonable way to travel with Brompton with minimum amount of stress :)

[@richmck007]

Asa P Line owner, who has travelled a lot in Central Europe, I test rode the T Line when it was first on the market. I almost bought it but for the one gear and the price at the time. I opted for the P Line with 4 gears and can carry it easily so I imagine you will have little to no problem carrying your sub 8 kilo T Line. My question to you is would it not be more practical ( minus the cost, of course…) to rent a T Line or similar when you travel in order not to use an extra case when travelling..?

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

Thank you for the review - we love that area! Your review made me look for alternatives and we found the Samsonite Stryde 2 Large is also an option.

[@staskucherenko]

Thanks for your comment, I have totally fallen in love with the area as well :) Regarding the Samsonite Stryde 2 bag - thanks a lot for the reference, it looks very cool and practical, especially with 4 wheels to use. Do you know whether Brompton fully fits in it without much disassembly, or it is still required to remove the saddle / any other extremities to squeeze the bike in?

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

@@staskucherenko They are still enroute. Apparently, it's also a popular option so there is some content out there on how it fits.

[@VictoriaKucherenko-v8l]

Very informative and useful video, thank you, Stas!

[@staskucherenko]

Thanks for your feedback, glad it was helpful!

[@klausmcclean3369]

Helpful video, thank you.

[@staskucherenko]

Thanks for your comment, glad you liked it :)

[@imishanin]

Considering purchasing same bicycle. What brand and model are you using?

[@staskucherenko]

Brompton P-Line, in Midnight black colour, with Mid-height handlebars. I can highly recommend it, very happy with it so far. Also, you can buy it with or without Roller Rack (or Advanced Roller Frame) as on optional item, would suggest to get one if available, it adds a bit of weight but makes the bike much more stable when folded and adds an option to carry stuff on the rear rack.

[@richmck007]

@@staskucherenkoI have exactly the same model. I changed the pedals, removed the rack and the bag holder as well as changed the tires. It now weights 9. Kilos. It was worth the money to do it, as I saved on the case you show in this video!

[@olgalykholobova988]

Well done, Stas! 🚴‍♂️

[@staskucherenko]

Thanks :) more to come!

[@Gew888]

Hi, what camera you used to make this video?

[@staskucherenko]

Hi Gew, so the sections with landscapes are captured with helmet-mounted GoPro Hero 11, while on the bike. All the sections with me talking - captured from an iPhone.

[@Gew888]

@@staskucherenko Thank you for the information.