Thule Roundtrip Bike Case [A Deep Dive]

[@JamesLG4]

Great video, thanks for putting this out. I really like this Thule case. I have two tips; 1. use a small diameter hollow tube cut to your rear hub width to prevent the rear triangle from being pushed inwards, basically a stand-in for the hub. 2. put those OEM snap-in spacers in between the brake pads to prevent having the brake pistons pushed out if the brake lever is pulled for some reason.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, that’s actually a really good idea for the rear axle. Then again, I think that would be a cool 3D print business idea / product. Re: the pad spacers - I have those (and install them for transport) but I forgot to include them in the video. I feel like one of these days I should do a ‘corrections’ video with all the little things I forgot. Nevertheless, I’m going to pin this as the top content for others because those are both great ideas. Thanks for taking the time to share. :)

[@paulmurariu4308]

@@GREYWOLFbike The cheap way would be to get a PVC pipe and cut it to fit your rear hub width(that is how i shipped all the frames i sold so far and no issues reported). When i did my research 3 years ago one of the requirements was that both axles should be tightened against a frame to avoid crushing so i bought the Biknd Jetpack XL. Not perfect but does the job.

[@RomaniMTB]

Best video on travel bags i have ever seen.thanks

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, I honestly appreciate the compliment, thank you! I’m a consumer first and foremost, but I’m also really passionate about product design. I’ve done some work in the past as a product tester and hope to bring some of that to the product videos on this channel.

[@AnthonyMcCulley]

Just wanted to say I think this bag is technically considered a hardshell case in terms of how airlines classify it which is an important distinction for some flights because they make you sign a different / additional waiver if you have a soft shell case.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, thanks for taking the time to comment and share the info. I suspect this might be airline specific as the airline I fly here in Canada only had one fixed price for bicycles. Nevertheless, this sounds like it would be a good thing for people.

[@LuisLopez-uy3if]

What an awesome and thorough review. They really thought of everything with this bag that covers the deficiencies that other bike bags have offered in this market. Keep up the great work.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, thanks for the kind words. I honestly experienced really bad burn-out toward the end of last year. Technology problems, logistical problems, and some of my videos getting 30 or 50 views was honestly really discouraging. …so kind words such as your own really help sustain me; thank you. :)

[@GregorHalenda-Saku-Moto]

This was really helpful - something so expensive and infrequently used is hard to pull the trigger on but I think you've sold me on this one.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, I 100% understand. I’ve done the cardboard box from a bike-shop thing before but it doesn’t deliver anywhere near the protection as a dedicated bike case. Besides, some shops are now charging $25 for a box!?!

[@PeterSdrolias]

Awesome review! This really helps with me decision. The service stand is a killer feature! Wow!

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, thanks very much for the kind words. …and honestly, I’m a consumer too; that’s why I made the video. I was just trying to help other people make an informed decision. I’m genuinely glad it was helpful. :)

[@prasanthnair611]

Thank you for this. I was a little nervous about the bag before seeing this. Much appreciated!

[@GREYWOLFbike]

You’re most welcome. I’m a consumer too and bought this bag with my own money as well. In fact, a lot of the videos I choose to make are trying to help other consumers learn more about products they are interested in. Thanks for the kind words. :)

[@krisbokelmann2872]

Thanks for a fantastic demo on how to pack a bike in this bag!

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey Kris, thanks for taking the time to comment. This channel is a long way from being monetized, so it’s kind words such as your own that help sustain me. I’m glad the video was helpful. :)

[@krisbokelmann2872]

@@GREYWOLFbike Honestly, I was very frustrated with Thule’s lack of instruction so your video was exactly what I needed. Thanks again!

[@felixduprey]

Great video...super helpful. Thank you.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, thanks for taking the time to comment and the kind words. At the end of the day I’m a consumer too, so I just try to make the kind of videos I feel would benefit me if I was shopping for a particular product.

[@revansma]

Great video - thx man!

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey Rob, thanks for taking the time to share the kind words. You may have noticed, the channel has gone dark lately. Rest assured I’m coming back and things are happening in the background, but gosh darn did I burn myself out badly but -and I really do mean this- people taking the time to share positivity is what’s really helping maintain the motivation to keep moving forward and keep improving. Thanks again. :)

[@juliewormald]

This is such a great and helpful video! Thanks!

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hi Julie, thank you for taking the time to comment. At the end of the day, I’m a consumer too. And given I have no affiliation with THULE I can honestly say it’s an awesome product. :)

[@puppykyk]

Great vid, hadn't seen the latest version of the Roundtrip 👍

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, thanks for the kind words. I’m actually not familiar with the previous version.

[@renatodel2]

Thank you very much for the detailed video. I wonder if the Thule Roundtrip Bike Case would also fit the new generation of electric MTBs, as unfortunately there is no information on that by Thule

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hi, thank you for the kind words. Re: eMTB compatibility, the only limiting factor I would see if weight capacity of the internal frame. When the case is on its side going through the airport conveyors, the bike is essentially suspended off the two ‘wings’ and the one ‘clip’ / release. Since e-bikes weight a lot, I could see this as a point of failure. Otherwise I don’t foresee any other compatibility reasons that would prevent use of an e-bike. If the maximum bike weight is not published by Thule, I would contact their customer service.

[@antoineproulx3477]

Very nice and helpful review. Thank you! I am seriously considering buying a bike travel case and I am hesitating between the EVOC Pro and the Thule Roundtrip MTB. Can you comment on how much space there is left in the Thule case to fit other stuff, like a full-face helmet, pads, shoes, etc. Thanks!

[@GREYWOLFbike]

LOL! I cannot confirm nor deny I successfully flew with my bike, pedals, tools, flip flops, a PFD/lifejacket, water shoes, towel, pillow, and two jars of pomegranate paste in bubble wrap. …and a few other items I’m sure. However, I DO NOT recommend placing your helmet in the case even though there is protection. I always carry mine onboard with me to ensure it did not experience any impacts. Thanks for the kind words. :)

[@alexistaylor-butler8319]

You literally forgot to record the one part I needed

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, sorry about that! The process would be as follows: 1. Remove the front axle (usually a 5mm bolt but you may also have pinch-bolts on your fork) 2. Lift the front end of the bike and remove the wheel 3. Place the bike onto the rack positioning the QR-15 mount into the fork mount 4. Reinstall the axle. 5. Ensure the foam ‘blocks’ are positioned under the bottom bracket.

[@paulobezerraherebia4845]

Hi, Greywolf. Nice Video, tks for that. My question is about the possility to use the same case of MTB for Road/Gravel bike. Is this case is usable for all bikes? I’m asking this, cause i saw in Thule website that are a case for MTB and another one for Road bikes.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, so I’m familiar with the one you’re referencing. So far as I can tell they are fundamentally the same product albeit for a seat bag and handlebar wrap. I haven’t contacted Thule yet, but I’m hoping I may be able to purchase these products as I do anticipate flying with my new gravel bike at some point. Oh wait, did I just share with you something I haven’t announced yet??? ;)

[@craigyoung8541]

Hi again. Can I ask you, how many times you have travelled with the case, have you ever put extra padding, like towels or blankets, have you ever had any damage or issues to case or bike? Thank you again for a great video.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

HI, it has been on three (3) non-stop flights and one very long (1,200km) road trip in the back of a pick-up truck. Lol. I do add the bubble-wrap where the strap goes around the BB-area of the bike as shown in this video, but no other padding. In fact, I once flew with two jars of pomegranate pate wrapped in bubble-wrap stuffed in the rear axle area and did not sustain any damage to the bike or paste. Lol. I’ve also taken the opportunity to fill the extra space with lightweight or bulky items like a life-jacket, flip-flips, water shoes, etc. to reduce my carry-on size. Thank you for taking the time to comment and please know I sincerely appreciate your kind words. :)

[@RedPanther2030]

Thanks for the thorough review, really appreciate it. I have few questions though. Does a 29er with XL frame fit in that bag? does it exceed weight size limit? or you just paid the standard fees and you're good to go?

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, thanks for the kind words. At the end of the day, I’m a consumer too, but I’m also really passionate about good product design. Re: the XL frame size, someone else commented they experienced fitment issues but I believe they suggested removing the rear derailleur was a solution. Obviously not ideal, but given the alternative I think it could be worse. If you aren’t sure, just order from a reputable source with a good return policy. I purchased mine directly from the THULE website.

[@RedPanther2030]

@@GREYWOLFbike Thanks for the information. I just ordered it from THULE, I'll give it a try and see if it fits. I have a giant trance 29er with XL frame, which is a big bike. I'm kinda limited with the options out there. Also, It seems to me no matter what you do, it'll always be above weight limit. Unless if I put some of the heavy parts in another bag i.e. pedals,, chain, derailleur, seat post, handlebar, tools etc... that could bring the weight down drastically.

[@westley1210]

@@RedPanther2030 Have you experimented with this and your XL?

[@RedPanther2030]

@westley1210 yeah it fits but you have to disconnect the rear derailleur. It's easy..

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Very interesting!

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Right?!? I love clever product design because, at the end of the day, I’m a consumer too! I 100% purchased this case with me own money, but that’s not to say I wouldn’t be opposed to a ‘long-term review unit’ from THULE. Eh? Eh? Lol

[@keithgerkens8943]

Great video. Do you find this bag is compliant with most airlines size restrictions?

[@GREYWOLFbike]

100%, yes. In fact, for the airline I travel most often, it’s below their size and weight requirements for additional costs, although be sure to reserve your baggage ticket online in advance and not at the counter. I got hosed once when they added extra charges for ‘sports equipment’ even though it didn’t exceed their specifications.

[@youssefnpaus75]

Would this work for a road bike with regular caliper brakes, and how would you put the road bike wheels in position inside the case? Note these aren’t disk brake wheels. Thank you.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

First and foremost, THULE makes a ‘road’ version of this bike bag - www.thule.com/en-ca/bike-packs-bags-and-racks/bike-travel-cases/thule-roundtrip-road-bike-travel-case-_-3204825. If, however, you’re looking for one bag which can accommodate both MTB and road, I believe this will accommodate road - yes. I have not done so yet myself but I intend to in the future. You may need to get creative with the handle-bar placement during transit (my plan is to carry extra protective wrap), but the bike stand accomodates four (4) different axle standards, so you should have no problem fitting a road bike. Re: the wheels - I don’t believe there is any issue. While there is no disc brake to hold the wheel, there are the two (2) hook-and-loop straps for each wheel and I believe this to be sufficient.

[@zangetsu178]

Wonderful video. Thanks. One question though will this work with the road bike?

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey Bryan, thanks for the kind words! Yes - absolutely, this will work with a road bike for sure. It’s the one section of video I forgot to film properly, but there is a native 15mm thru-axle but also another mounting location which has adapters that allow you to select different axle sizes. In fact, I’m hoping to get a gravel bike next year and I’m already planning a trip using this bag!

[@zangetsu178]

@@GREYWOLFbike looking forward to your video. Hopefully I can get my hands one myself.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

My best advice would be to shop around. Many sites offer different discount options. If you’re in Canada, Altitude Sports offers 5% off to members. If you’re in the USA, Backcountry.com offers 15% off if you sign-up for their text alerts.

[@bobreany2906]

Thank you!!!!!

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Thank YOU for taking the time to comment and the kind words. :)

[@LiveAeons]

Hello! I would like to purchase this bike case. Do you think it can fit an e-bike?

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hi! Which e-bike do you have or intend to purchase?

[@LiveAeons]

@@GREYWOLFbike , a Mondraker Level, with Bosch Performance Line CX.

[@samcapistrano6740]

Thnx for vid! May I know how heavy it is (empty)? Thnx!!

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, happy to help! Honestly…. I’m a consumer too at the end of the day. Re: weight - Google says 29.54lbs.

[@user-or5fj6kr1f]

I have a Salsa Cutthroat with drop bars. Will drop handlebars work with this bag? I have been thinking I needed an EVOC Pro, but perhaps this will be just as good. Any comment on comparisons?

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, that’s a fair question. To be honest, I hope to be in a position next year where I can get a gravel bike which will also have drop-bars and I plan to use this case. So, what I do know is this; where the fork attaches, this case can accommodate four (4) different skewer standards. It’s also perfectly long for a MTB and the BB holder/mechanism slides to accommodate different frame sizes, so I see no issue there. So far as the bars are concerned, I plan to secure them using the regular straps but position them to curl around the front of the front of the bike. This might not work perfectly depending on the amount of drop your bars have, so if need be, I will secure them against the bike underneath the flaps which protect the fork. For this you are going to want to use some bubble-wrap or other protectant so your bars don’t damage your frame, but one way or the other I have full confidence it will work.

[@user-or5fj6kr1f]

@@GREYWOLFbike Thank you do the response! I am going with Thule. Leave to the GD in a week!!

[@craigyoung8541]

It doesn't fit my Rocky Mountain Instinct XL frame. Slightly too small maybe by about a cm. Anyone else have this experience?

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Out of curiosity, would it fit with the derailleur removed?

[@craigyoung8541]

Yes I think it would but how problematic is that? Removing the derailer is another whole level of disassemble-reassemble that I’m not prepared to do, and makes the process no longer simple.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

That’s entirely understandable. I ask because someone else commented knowing their bike was longer than rated for but was willing to remove the derailleur so I was wondering how successful that would have been to forward them on the feedback.

[@SMuld]

Will this work with a cannondale Lefty? 😅

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Does the lefty use a QR15 front axle? If so, I don’t see why not.

[@SMuld]

@GREYWOLFbike it uses a different 'axle'. It's a spindle.

[@DeathsBiographor]

Have you had any issues with overweight charges from airlines?

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Hey, thanks for the question. I’ve only had one issue where the bag was within the total size and weight requirements for a standard checked bag, but because it was a ‘bike’ they charged me an additional $15. If you run into this scenario, come prepared with a screenshot of your airline’s baggage specifications and you may be able to avoid the surcharge. :)

[@DeathsBiographor]

@@GREYWOLFbike Thank you! I will be sure to do that!