The Tranzbag is cult and has been offering a lightweight solution for the free transportation of bicycles on public transport for 20 years. Since this spring, Tranzbag has expanded its classic bike transport bag with a smaller and lighter model. The Pro model is a good half the size of the original and holds bikes with wheels up to 29 inches. However, as with the original model, the front wheel must also be removed from the Pro.

The Tranzbag appeals to two types of customers. Firstly, the public transport user who not only saves the bike ticket. Because packed in this way, the two-wheeler becomes a piece of luggage that can be transported free of charge. This bike bag also enables transportation in means of transport that have no or only a few bike hooks or transport spaces. On the other hand, the product is also very practical for transporting bikes in the car. If you have to transport it in the car interior, it protects your car from dirt. It also saves a lot of fuel in the long run, as transporting bikes on rear or roof racks increases fuel consumption by up to 20 percent.

The first impression
The robust seams on the Tranzbag Pro make it look like it is also tough. Anyone who owns the original Tranzbag knows that this product will last forever with a little careful handling.
Included in the packaging is the usual shoulder strap and two fork protectors which, like the Pro Bag, are new. The protectors are two socks made of stretch textile and a foam pad at the end. These are slipped individually over the fork legs to protect the dropouts from rough ground and possible impacts. In the age of thru-axles and disc brakes, this is unfortunately not as helpful as intended, as you can't get them over the bars on the brake side, nor is there a compartment for stowing the axle.

The lightweight Ribstop fabric of the Tranzbag looks robust and the carrying handles are cleverly positioned and sit comfortably in the hand. As with the original Tranzbag, the zipper is generously dimensioned and conveys durability. There is an integrated compartment for the front wheel. Like the original Tranzbag, the lightweight Pro Bag is also very well made.

On the road
Handling the Tranzbag Pro is uncomplicated. The first time you struggle a little to place the bike in it. However, you soon get the hang of it and packing takes less than a minute. The shoulder straps are cleverly positioned, so it's easy to lug around. Unpacking the bike is again child's play.

Stowing the bag in the small transport bag takes a little more time. This is very tight and it takes one or two attempts to stow the bag. Especially if you also want to pack the fork protectors and the shoulder strap. It remains to be seen whether the fine seams and the narrow zipper can withstand being stuffed inside in the long term. However, at 19x17x7 centimetres, the pack size is actually small, making the Tranzbag Pro easy to stow in a bike backpack. The transport bag has two straps on the outside to attach it to rucksacks or anywhere else, which is rather inconvenient on a bike tour.

Easy to stow the bike and comfortable to carry: the Tranzbag Pro makes a good trap and takes up very little space in the bike backpack. Photos ©Filip Zuan

Conclusion
At just under 160 francs, the Pro version is no bargain. However, assuming that the bag lasts a few years, it is still cheaper than a general subscription for the bike or the additional fuel consumption of the car. In addition, the compact pack size of the Tranzbag Pro means that it fits easily into a bike backpack. Only the transport cover is a little small.

www.tranzbag.com