Short review - I am happy with this bag. It was hard to pay the substantial cost, but it was the best quality I could find.
Longer review - With cargo straps, shoes and helmet this weighed 53 lbs. It is big… but compared to the ICON bag it is the same height and width but about a foot longer. I left the derailleur on and felt like it was pretty well protected; The bike is as well protected as any bag I have seen YMMV. With practice, packing and unpacking takes about a half hour. Rolling it around is like butter, then it folds down reasonably small.
Negative - The buckles for the tie down straps are wimpy and not easily replaceable. I predict a problem.
Recently bought this case recommended by my local bike shop. Traveled to Puerto Rico on Delta from Atlanta. My bike is all carbon with carbon fiber wheels too. Initially, the bike shop helps me with how to put the case together and quick tutorials on how to pack the bike. Only thing that I had to do was removed the wheels. I got some pipe foam from Walmart to put around the rear derailuer. I strapped my hand pump to the bottom tube between fork and pedals. I removed the pedals too. Put and another small bag with my ratchets in the case. All weighed 54lbs at the checkin counter. Went and came with no damage to the bike
The Evoc Pro is the perfect size for my travels. Not having to disassemble my TT bike is a huge plus, and the premium materials, including the hard services protecting the handlebars/cockpit area give me the confidence I need to ship my bike. My new model also has reinforcements around the corners to protect the zipper as well. I'm super happy with this bag and can't wait to use it on my next events!
This bag hit the sweet spot for me by being large enough not to have to disassemble the bike completely (especially integrated bar and fork) and being collapsible and not too huge to store (like a hard shell). Of course I requires careful packing and frame protection that is not included (eg, frame kit from another bag maker). That said, the airline gods need to smile on you. Also you need to prepare to have a big vehicle at your destination.
I’ll start by saying I don’t have the most recent design. Looking at the changes made from prior generations, some issues have been addressed (caster wheel looks improved). However, the 2 biggest issues I’ve had with this bag are not changed. The bike stand is still vulnerable to impacts. I’ve replaced my stand several times because it gets bent when airlines stack bags on top. Yes, they sell the individual rails for replacement, but they’re always out of stock (likely because others are having the same issue). The 2nd item not addressed is the bottom corners near the caster wheel. It’s soft material in an area that is susceptible to dragging and rubbing. I have holes in my bag from airlines dragging it on those corners. An easy fix you neglected in the redesign.
Thanks for the detailed feedback! Customer input like yours plays a direct role in how we approach new designs. The updated Road Bike Bag Pro features a full polycarbonate base, more resistant to both impact and abrasion than the previous aluminum rail system. We found that bag handlers would occasionally use their knee against the bottom of the bag to leverage it onto the plane, which could bend the rails. The new base eliminates that vulnerability entirely.