Bike - Train - Bike Bicycle Bag -> Bonkers Product Testers Needed!

[Broadside]

Hi Barry,

I really like the sound of your idea. I very rarely take a bike on the train but if I did then I would definitely offer to be a tester. For me your idea is probably more interesting to get say 2 or 3 road bikes in the boot of a standard car because they would pack up quite small with wheels down the sides of the bag. Whenever I put bikes in the boot of a car like that I have a problem with getting everything else in the boot grimey, but your bag covers that issue, same goes for the chain gunk with the slip on cover, so that is two ticks so far.

The other thing that concerns me is the forks or rear dropouts getting compressed if I stack other luggage on top of the bikes with them lying down, I have often thought about putting some sort of wheel-less quick release skewer in the dropouts to cure this problem but never looked further in to it. To extend that idea further and to resolve the problem others have cited about rear derailleur damage, could you think about designing something that goes in the rear dropouts and has a little triangular stand to rest on the ground to bear the weight? This puts the weight of the bike on the parts of the frame designed to handle it. Extending that idea a step further how about some sort of lightweight plastic cup that slips over the rear derailleur protecting it from knocks and is secured on this 'thing' I have described that goes in the rear dropouts. A similar 'thing' would be needed in the front dropouts to protect them from compression also.

Your idea of transporting the bike upside down is a good one, but the dropout protectors would really take this a stage further and offer a huge increase in protection. I would be happy to be a tester for you if you want to show the adaptability of using the bags to keep things nice and tidy in a car, I'd even take my bike on a train ride for some pics!

 

[BarryBonkers]

Your idea of transporting the bike upside down is a good one, but the dropout protectors would really take this a stage further and offer a huge increase in protection. I would be happy to be a tester for you if you want to show the adaptability of using the bags to keep things nice and tidy in a car, I'd even take my bike on a train ride for some pics!

Your prototype Bonkers bicycle bag and chain cover are on the way!

 

[BarryBonkers]

While some posts might sound a little contentious, I really appreciate the time everyone has taken to provide feedback even if they think an idea sucks. Provided with the reason why it sucks, we can work on solutions. And that's invaluable.

Regarding the fear that the rear derailleur could get damaged, we will make an accessory to protect the rear derailleur. We want to keep the Commuter bag as light as possible so it's easy to carry on the bike. At the same time, we want Bonkers bike bag users to have the protection they need.

For keeping one's hands and the inside of a car clean, we have refined the design of the Bonkers Gear & Chain Cover. The 3D shape is surprisingly complicated and time-consuming to make but we feel it's worth the time and effort to create a cover will offer the best protection and ease of use.

I hope that in about one month's time we will have finalised some products, ready to show everyone. In the meantime, if you would like to join the team of product testers who have volunteered so far, please get in touch. Our product development process is ongoing and we would love to incorporate as much real-world use as possible.

My thanks go to everyone involved so far. Bringing a new bicycle product to market is quite an adventure.

 

[fossala]

What about bikes with panniers like most commuters have? It also rules out dynamo and hub gearing as it would be more hassel than it's worth.

 

[Hill Wimp]

Sorry I may have missed the point as I sit here on the train with my bike as a commuter but why would I want to put it in a bag on the train ? Long journeys such as Eurostar etc but not as a commuter. That's just too much faff.

 

[Hill Wimp]

Southern for one don't allow bikes on peak time trains.

Neither do SouthEastern your train has to be in either before 7am or after 1030 and you can't go home before 7pm either. Sucks

 

[qigong chimp]

If the wheels were sleeved or velcro tabbed on the inside of the bag at the same height relative to the frame as when in the dropouts, and/or positioned such that with front fork dropouts on the floor the rear triangle was lifted some - like a narrow two wheel trailer with its nose on the ground and arse in the air - risk of damage to rear mech would be reduced.

 

[Broadside]

Neither do SouthEastern your train has to be in either before 7am or after 1030 and you can't go home before 7pm either. Sucks

This is part of the point of the bag I think, when the bike is in it you can carry the bike on as regular luggage which is not restricted.

 

[wintonbina]

We do yearly charity bike rides in France and have to strip our bikes down into vans for transit on the Ferries. We could test one for you if agreeable!
Tony

 

[Sillyoldman]

Will it work with full length mudguards? Could be a problem in winter if not.

 

[CopperBrompton]

Do you have a spare folding bike, and do you take your bike on trains at peak times? Have you travelled with your bike on Eurostar?

I use my Brompton when I need to take a bike on peak-hour trains. Eurostar isn't an issue as you can take full-sized bikes.

 

[CopperBrompton]

Lucky you. My point was that not everyone has access to a spare folding bike. I thought bikes had to be packed up as luggage on Eurostar, but I could be wrong.

No, they go in the guard's van on Eurostar but remain assembled.

My Brompton isn't a 'spare' bike!

 

[upandover]

I'd love to test this please. I take my bike on the train to Birmingham which is generally fine but difficult when busy, and go to london regularly, when I don't but would like to. Bikes are harder on these trains but luggage is another matter, and as the Boris bikes are simply terrible, and I wnd up waiting hours for the cheap train home, it would be great to have my bike.

I'm particularly interested in how the bag packs up t be carried either end. Be great to learn more (and try more)

Thanks, Steve

Oh yes - and I'm a reaonably handy amatuer photographer -meaning I occassioanlly get a great shot with my dslr.

 

[Servicemycycle]

I have used this bag a few times now and I am actually quite impressed!

ive managed to hey my bike on a virgin train as hand luggage without pre-booking

 

[Sara_H]

@BarryBonkers. Have you considered making a bag for folding bikes? I have a decathlon folder, and had a lot of difficulty getting a lightweight slipover bag for it I eventually had it shipped from china I think. I think I paid about £45.

The one I have sits in a seatpost bag, I wanted to carry it on the bike all the time in case I needed to get on the bus with it (cos I believe bus drivers can be arkward about such things.