It took three years to develop the Tranzbag Air. The launch was postponed again and again because the creators were not 100% satisfied. Now they are, and rightly so.

Processing & details

The heart of this bag is the so-called air frame system. These are inflatable "tubes" in robust chambers that give the bag its shape and stability. As there were no suitable tubes on the market, Tranzbag developed its own without further ado: wafer-thin to save weight, robust to withstand the stresses of air transportation. The four air chambers can be filled with a floor pump in just a few minutes, one bar of air pressure is sufficient.

The bag has numerous fastening options to secure bikes from 26 to 29 inches. There is space for road bikes as well as mountain bikes without having to remove the handlebars or rear wheel. For the latter, there is a compartment on the outside that can also hold large 29-inch tires. Three spacious material compartments on the inside provide space for shoes, helmet and other equipment. The aluminum rails running along the bottom give the bag the necessary stability.

The Tranzbag Air has four smooth-running wheels and can be pushed effortlessly. Seven carrying and steering handles simplify handling. The bag comes with protective material for MTB and road bike handlebars and also with "protectors" for the fork and the front brake disc.

When unfilled, the bag can be reduced to a pack size of 170 x 39 x 23 centimeters in just a few simple steps and is easy to transport or store thanks to a cover. It weighs around 9.5 kilos.

In use

The Tranzbag was immediately put to the acid test. First it was transported on the front carrier with the bike, then taken on the train in its packed state. There is just enough room for it in the very small parcel shelf on the newer SBB trains.

The manufacturer states that it takes ten minutes to pump the Tranzbag and pack a bike, which we can confirm. It took us just under eight minutes - that was all the time we had, the train was riding in a few minutes and we had to get on with it.

It is advisable to inflate the two air chambers of the main compartment first and only inflate the side wall when the bike is supplied with air. This gives you better access to the inside and the "lid" is not in the way. Pumping takes longer than packing. Remove the front wheel, fit the disc guard and place it in the compartment provided. It takes just a few seconds to fit the handlebar and fork protectors to the bike, remove the pedals and it's ready to go into the bag. Secure the rear wheel, frame and handlebars with three straps. Pack everything else lying around - there's plenty of room in the Tranzbag Air. Close the lid and off you go on your journey.

The first problem arises when the bag has to go into a car or cab. Then it's an advantage if the coach is slightly larger than a Cinquecento. Luckily, a VW bus was available, because the box is large: 160 x 39 x 95 centimeters. Good thing the bag has lots of handles, so you can easily lift it into the vehicle.

On the train, it is easiest to place the bag upright on the surface designed for it. It completely fills a two-seater bike compartment on an SBB train. When you arrive at the airport, you immediately realize how easy it is to push or pull the bag. Thanks to the high-quality wheels, it requires absolutely no strength and the long distances in the airports can be mastered effortlessly.

Once you arrive at your destination, the bag shows the usual signs of wear and tear. Unfortunately, airline luggage is often not treated very gently. Inside everything has remained intact, on the outside only dirt and minimal signs of friction are visible.

When riding in the streetcar, it is advisable to place one foot under the bag to protect it, because as mentioned above, it rolls away quickly. Standing the bag upright is not an option unless you are holding it firmly. If it stands on its own, it will quickly tip over as there is nowhere to lean it against. The bag is easy to pull through the city even when fully loaded, not even cobbled streets are an obstacle.

Once the bike has been removed from the bag, it can be reloaded in two minutes. The four large release valves allow the air to escape in just a few seconds. A few folding handles and the protective cover can be pulled over it, and it can be stored in the cellar with the smallest dimensions.

Conclusion

Traveling by bike takes on a new dimension of convenience. On the one hand due to the simplicity of packing, on the other hand due to the really effortless pushing of the fully loaded bag. We can really only congratulate the makers, they've done everything right! The bag is worth every franc.

Recommendation

If you travel a lot by plane with your bike in your luggage, you should take a closer look at the Tranzbag Air. With its additional storage compartments, it offers athletes in particular help when it comes to complying with the weight specifications for luggage items.

Price: CHF 725.00

Manufacturer/distributor

www.Tranzbag .com