Traveling is already stressful enough, but if you are taking your bike with you, it adds another level of anxiety, for me at least. Will the airline lose it? Will it be damaged? Did TSA mess anything up when inspecting it? So for a trip to Florida for a weekend training camp, Topeak sent one of their PakGo X travel cases. This rolling, hard-sided case helped ease my fear of finding a damaged bike after each flight.
The PakGo X is one of four PakGo travel cases that Topeak offers. The X and EX are geared towards road, gravel (max 700cx40mm tires), and some mountain bikes (26″ wheels). The EX+Plus steps up to take on road and gravel bikes (700cx50mm), and 29″ mountain bikes. Lastly, the TT covers, well, time trial and triathlon bikes, along with other road, gravel, and 26″ mountain bikes. There are some other differences, but that gives you the starting point.
For me, the PakGo X was perfect. I was looking for something light and easy to move around, protective so my bike didn’t get damaged, and could carry some extras to help keep my other bags light.
The Details
While all four versions share many of the same features, I’m going to focus on the PakGo X since that is what I tested and am reviewing. The X can handle bikes with a wheelbase of 112cm/44″ long and a max seat tube of 65cm/25.5″. The max tire size up to 26″ x 2.35 or 700 x 40C. This has you covered for most road and gravel bikes out there, but if you have an integrated seat mast, or a VERY large frame, take some measurements first.
Starting on the outside, the outer case is made of Makrolon Polycarbonate, a very impact resistant and durable polycarbonate. A version of it, Makrolon Hygard, is actually used in making bullet proof plates that can withstand the impact of high powered hand guns, so I would say it is pretty strong. There are rubber bumpers at all four corners on both sides of the flat side panels to help protect it from shocks, like being thrown onto a plane. It has handles on the top and one side to give you various options for moving it, and four pairs of 60mm wheels at the bottom corners that roll over smooth or rough surfaces in any direction. Opposite of the side handle, where the hinges are located, there are some molded in risers that allow the case to stand completely vertically on it’s side, allow one side to remain vertical while the other lays flat, or both sides lay flat and protect the hinge when unzipped. The durable zippers unzip in both directions, and fit into an integrated TSA-approved lock in the upper corner that you can customize the four digit code for security. There’s also a handy name plate to add some customization to the case.
Inside, the case has a lightweight aluminum frame for durability and protection. There is also foam padding on the panels for protection, and your wheels strap into either side of the case to sandwich your bike in between for protection. A nylon cover wraps around the entire inside of the case, and can be unzipped to get to the padding. At various points, there are also small zippered pouches to carry things like tools, computers, and other smaller items.
The case also comes with all of the padding, reusable zip ties, and small bits that you will need to pack and protect your bike. There are covers for your drivetrain that goes over your crank and derailleur to keep everything from getting greasy. What really sets the PakGo X apart from other cases on the market is the mini-stand. This adjustable stand splits time as a traveling work stand to help you break down and build your bike back up, but it is also what you mount your bike on for travel. The stand can accommodate quick release or 12x100mm thru-axles to lock in the fork and a pad and strap system for the bottom bracket region. There are different shaped pads that you can use to find the right fit for your bike, and both mounting points are adjustable to center your bike on the stand. When you are ready to pack the bike in, there are slots in the aluminum frame that you slide the stand into, and it will keep you bike in place within the case. There are also multiple straps to hold the wheel bags and the frame in place.
All in, the case weighs a little over 32lbs with all of the accessories and measures up 50″x33.5″x13.8″.
Breaking Down and Building Back Up
I’m not going to go into the full process, as Topeak’s instructions are really easy to follow, but it was very straight forward. That integrated bike stand that helps you mount the bike inside of the box is extremely helpful. After taking off your front wheel, you mount the bike to the stand at the fork, and strap the bottom bracket area down on the other end. From there, you start disassembling and putting protective pads and covers on various parts of the bike. Since I use completely internal routing, I took the stem off at the steerer tube, rotated it down to the side, and strapped it in place. The seat post comes off and goes between the rear stays after the wheel is removed. You will need to remove your pedals and the rear wheel comes off, but the rear axle goes back in with a small plastic bit to help keep the chain tensioned. The instructions also have you add foam tube pads at various points with reusable zip ties to hold them in place. There are also other little plastic pieces that help cover holes (seat tube) or keep your headset in place (steerer tube) that are really well thought out. The only thing not included that would have been helpful would be some wedges you can put in the disc calipers, but there are many different standards and chances are, you might have some laying around. If not, buy your mechanic a drink or bring them a tasty snack, and you might be able to bribe them into sharing some with you.
Once you have broken the bike down, it’s time to start mounting everything into the case. For the wheels, you have two padded bags that your wheels can be placed into and then strapped down on either side. Always remember to deflate your tires before flying with them. You don’t want to land with exploded tubes or sealant all over the inside of the bags, due to the pressure difference at altitude. Next, grab your bike, fold the little legs on the back end of the rack, and then slide it into place in the case. The rack has grooves that it slides into, so when you have the case laid completely flat and open, the bike will either stand vertically, our you can rotate it down to lay on it’s side. Go ahead and add anything else in that you want to pack, close it up, and zipper it up to the one corner where you can lock it using the integrated TSA-approved lock.
In The Real World
All loaded up, the case weighed about 75lbs, which isn’t bad for considering everything that was inside. I had my bike, helmet, tools, hydration packets, water bottles, shoes, running shoes, some kit, chamois cream, and some other small odds and ends. While the case is on the larger side, I was able to fold the seats down in my Subaru Impreza and slide it in. So far, so good.
Once at the airport, the wheels on the bottom made it very easy to roll the case everywhere. In the parking lot waiting for the bus, from the curb to the desk, no problems. On the bus was a little challenging as they aren’t really made for cases like that, but I just stood and hung on for the ride while holding the case.
On the flight home, I stuffed in almost everything I could. 
Helmet in the upper right, shoes in the upper left, the outer case kept everything well protected. 
The frame mounts to the mini work stand, which is so helpful in breaking down and building the bike back up. It’s one of my top features. 
The strap used to lock the bottom bracket in place, along with the adjustable position cradle with various inserts to match your bike. 
The adjustable front end mount helps you position the frame in just the right place. 
Once the bars/stem are off, the spacer helps keep everything together on the front end. 
Your rear axel holds the chain roller in place with the wheel off. 
The pad that goes under the drive train cover to keep everything protected. 
Another view of the chain stay pad. 
Seat post off, and in it’s pad, waiting to be strapped into the back of the frame. 
Kudos to the design engineers that use every inch of space inside of the frame. 
The work stand mounts to the case to keep your bike locked in, but also holds it up so you can access everything underneith. 
Your wheel bags… 
…that get strapped into either side of the case. 
All of the extra pouches were great to carry kit and other small items. Again, very well thought out, and adds some additional padding.
Check-in was pretty smooth, and while I did pay an upcharge over standard luggage fees, it was pretty reasonable, especially because it was allowed to be a heavier weight than a typical bag. Other than having to sign a waiver that the airline was not responsible for damages (they didn’t make me do it on the way home), it was just like checking in any other bag. From there, the anxiety began, but at least I could track it with the AirTag I threw inside.
At our destination, because of it’s size, the PakGo X was waiting for me in a separate area of the luggage claim. Once we had our bags, it was off to the shuttle to the rental car. Luckily, they gave us a compact SUV, which made it really easy to slide the case in and out. Small cars might be tough, so keep the dimensions above in mind when planning a rental. When we arrived at our AirBnB, it was time to see if the bike made it through, and it did. TSA left a note inside saying they had opened the case and inspected it, and they did a pretty good job keeping everything in its place. Assembly went super smooth, and I was off and riding the next day.
On the way home, everything went just as smooth. I got some looks as we rolled through the airport, with a few people asking me what I had inside. I think I’ll always have a little anxiety traveling with my bike, but I was much more confident on the flight home that the PakGo X would get my bike home without a scratch.
As for the case itself, it held up well. No cracks, minimal scratches, it still looks pretty new.
Conclusion
Leading up to the trip, I was pretty nervous about flying with my bike. I’ve heard plenty of stories of friends flying, and everything went well. I’ve also heard the horror stories of getting to your destination and finding a cracked seat stay or other damage. When the PakGo X arrived, it helped relieve much of my fear, as it really is a stout case. It came with excellent instructions that made it easy to use and while it is a rather large case standing on the wheels, it is very easy to roll around on all surfaces.
If you travel often with your bike, the $1099.95 price tag will be very well worth every penny. It’s not cheap, but think of how much it would cost to replace a damaged frame, along with missing out on whatever event you were traveling to. When you factor in airfare, lodging, registration, and all of the hardwork you put in leading up to the event, it becomes priceless. In the end, I feel it is well worth the cost, even if you only travel once a year or so with the case.
There are other cases out there, some hard sided like the PakGo X, but Topeak has done a really great job in adding in some unique features that make life easier while traveling. The mini-stand was extremely helpful when building the bike up and tearing it down at the destination where I didn’t have my normal bike stand and full complement of tools. Don’t let your trip be ruined by a damaged bike, let it fly first class while you’re back in coach with the Topeak PakGo X.
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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