Pros
- Extra protection
- Useful as a workstand when you're rebuilding the bike
- Easy to use
- Good value
Cons
- Adds 3.4kg of weight to your bike bag
Price as reviewed:
£55
Packing bike bags can be a chore, yet cutting corners could prove costly. The Anti-Shock bike bag frame, exclusive to Geoffrey Butler Cycles, looks a touch ‘Heath Robinson’ but it’s effective and a real labour saver.
It’s a sturdy steel framework, adjustable for different bikes, on a cloth-covered plywood base (80x19cm). Setting it up initially can be fiddly, and it’s easier with a helper. The forks and rear dropouts simply slot onto axles, protecting against crushing, and also keeping the chainrings up out of harm’s way.
The bike is secured with standard quick-release skewers, supplied, so it couldn’t be simpler. There’s no need to remove the rear mech, as there’s a separate protector, saving time and hassle.
Just turn the bars under, bubble wrap then put the whole thing in your bag.
Verdict
The only downside is the added 3.4kg of weight. Some airlines are hotting up on checks so it might limit what else you can stash in your bike bag. A small price to pay for peace of mind; I’ll be using it a lot.
