http://www.ambmag.com.au - 97TESTEDPacking the bike is relatively simple,
depending what you put in. I could leave the
seat post in on a meduim XC 29er, but if you
have a dropper on even an XL bike dropping
it should be fine. The bike fits best driveside
down, which I hate, but you’re just packing it
like this, not transporting it this way. There’s
a useful video on the Bike Box Rental website,
who supply the VeloVault2 bike bags. I could
leave the mech on, but really you’re better to
remove it and secure it. I took the stem off the
streerer, and placed it alongside the forks. I
used all the different hook and loop closures to
keep it all in place. It’s also worth using padding
around the bars, and the mech. You might
need to jostle the exact position of the central
pole, as at first attempt it was right where the
rear shock fits, so I put some padding there to
prevent rub.
The wheels go into the top, and a 29er wheel
fits best without air in the tyres. Or more
accurately, less than 10psi so you can get them
to sit nice and flush and so the tyres help hold
it all in place, along with the straps. There’s a
side with a deeper recess for the cassette. You
can leave your rotors on, but I would suggest
removing them as a safeguard.
There is plenty of space around your frame
for shoes, spare tyres or a soft bag tool kit.
I wouldn’t risk putting a helmet in. The case
closes nicely, with the buckles securing the
clamshell. These can be locked for security.
There was nothing rattling inside, and with
a couple of choice bits of extra padding I’m
sure everything was stable without unwanted
contact points.IS THIS THE BIKE BOX FOR ME?
Weighing 12.3kg the VeloVault2 does give up a
little bit of weight, but it’s a very light hard case
if that’s the security you’re chasing. Thanks to
its compact size, you might struggle to get a big
long travel bike in there – although turning the
fork or removing it would mean you could fit just
about any bike in.
Packing into the box was simple enough, as
was rebuilding. In this way it has no different
demands to other bags on the market. Ease
of mobility was great with 4 wheels, although
lifting the bag sideways to go in the back ofa vehicle is still awkward, like most bags.
Throw in some peace of mind about using a
hard case and I think this bike box suits those
chasing events like the Epic Series, or who are
planning more travel to events. It would also
suit those travelling to trail destinations for
riding trips with friends. I don’t think it suits
someone like a privateer EWS racer who might
opt for a cardboard box and fill it with spare
tyres and clothes to squeeze everything out of
their luggage allowance. And while you could
make a downhill bike fit, it would take a while
stripping it down to do so. This box is best
suited to XC and light trail bikes, and they will
fit with a minimal amount of fuss and might just
squeeze under 23kg, or easily under 30kg for
international trips or those with some frequent
flyer status.
The main downside is size when you’re
storing it. It cannot be compressed, which is a
bonus when in use and less so when you’re not
using it.HITS
Securebiketransportation.
Lockablebuckles.
Easymovementwith 4 wheels.
Lightforahard caseMISSES
Stillalargechunkofyour baggage
allowance.
Not easy to store.BIKEBOXRENTAL.CO.NZ