Thule RoundTrip Pro

Thule's new RoundTrip pro bike bag combines transportability with work stand functionality.

With an integrated workstand and a foldable architecture that allows it to pack down for storage, Thule's new RoundTrip Pro may be the most convenient travel bike bag on the market. The $600 carrier is big enough for a downhill bike with riding gear-helmet, shoes, hydration pack tools and pads-yet folds down small enough to be transported in, say, a rental car, or stored at home without taking up much room.

Transformer: More than meets the eye

The RoundTrip Pro gets its assembled structure by utilizing a pair of plastic corrugated panels that accordion and zip into thin sleeves on each of the case's sides. The fit is extremely tight and requires a little wrestling, but provides rigidity to the case.

Inside the bag, a lengthwise aluminum beam clips into the case's molded plastic bottom. During transport it holds and stabilizes the bike within the case. Outside the bag, the beam attaches to a tripod knuckle assembly and three aluminum legs to create the workstand.

Thule RoundTrip Pro Stand Multi

The workstand's main beam provides the attachment point for the bike during transport, while it's legs slide into elastic loops to provide protection.

The bike attaches to the beam using an adjustable fork mount that accommodates either a 9mm quick release, or a 15mm or 20mm thru-axle. A pair of interlocking closed-cell foam blocks cushion the bottom bracket from the beam and provides tension against the ratcheting strap that cinches down the rear of the frame.

High capacity, low hassle

For the recent launch of their new 36 fork FOX asked us to fly with our personal bikes to Moab, so we could get a feel for the new suspension on a familiar ride. We took our Intense Carbine 29 in part because we wanted to see how the RoundTrip Pro would accommodate a bike with a fairly long wheelbase.

Thule RoundTrip Capacity

We brought two sets of pads-soft and hard-a helmet, hydration pack, shoes and a large tool bag to Moab in the Thule RoundTrip Pro. On the way home we were able to fit an extra fork and still had some storage room left over.

After removing the front wheel, we assembled the workstand and mounted the bike. Next we removed the rear wheel, pedals, handlebar from the bike. We then lowered and rotated the saddle before unclipping the beam from the tripod and snapping it into the base of the case. Though we still had a couple inches of clearance on each end, we unbolted the rear derailleur, wrapped it in a rag and zip tied it to the inside of the chainstays to keep it out of harm's way.

Thule RoundTrip Pro Wheel Bags

Thule's well-padded wheel bags help protect the bike inside the case, and can be used on their own without the case. The bags have a zipper pouch for axles and quick releases, but we failed to notice them until we got home.

After padding the handlebar with a few more rags we put the wheels into the well-padded wheels bags included with the case. Thule actually recommends bubble wrapping the frame, but we used more rags and our other gear-hydration pack, helmet, and pads to add protection and prevent disassembled parts from rubbing. Finally, we stored our rear thru-axle, pedals and tools in our shoes, using a pair of socks to clog them inside.

Thule RoundTrip Pro Knuckle

The workstand's tripod knuckle cleverly clips to the beam for transport and storage.

The last step before zipping the bag shut is packing the workstand's tripod-you simply remove the legs and slide them into elastic straps on the inside of the case's sides, then clip the tripod knuckle assembly to the beam anywhere under the bike's downtube.

Continue to Page 2 for more on the Thule RoundTrip Pro and full photo gallery »

Thule's instructional video offers some good advice on how to pack the RoundTrip Pro.

Good construction, details

Workmanship on the RoundTrip Pro appears excellent, and Thule paid special attention to small details like quality wheels and handle placement so the case is well balanced for rolling.

Thule RoundTrip Pro Wheel Card

A large pair of quality wheels and a well-placed grab handle make piloting the RoundTrip Pro a breeze. The case also includes a business card window.

At 22-pounds the RoundTrip Pro is quite a bit lighter than hard case alternatives, which makes it both manageable and unlikely to incur overweight baggage charges, though with most airlines, you'll be paying a steep premium for the privilege of flying with your bike.

Bottom Line

The Thule RoundTrip Pro is an excellent, versatile and lightweight bike travel case that features ample room for both bike and gear, as well as unparalleled compactness when not in use. The case encourages well-organized packing with its premium workstand and purposeful storage areas and pockets.

With the stand legs and padded wheel bags acting as reinforcement, we think the RoundTrip Pro provides bike protection that's well above average for a soft sided case. If you feel your bike needs more armoring, Thule actually sells a hard-sided version called the RoundTrip Transition with the same integrated stand for the same price.

The Thule RoundTrip Pro is more expensive than the two bags we see most often in our travels-the $475 Evoc Bike Travel Bag and the $375 Dakine bike bag. Thule sells another legit case in that price range as well with the $375 RoundTrip Sport, but we thing the RoundTrip Pro's advanced feature set trumps all of them. In fact, the workstand and the wheel bag are so good, we think Thule should sell them separately for people who don't need a bike case.

Thule RoundTrip Pro Side

Thule RoundTrip Pro Bike Travel Case

Pros

  • Excellent case with integrated workstand
  • Great construction and ease-of-use
  • Excellent compaction for storage at home or in car
  • Well-organized design
  • Great protection for a soft sided case
  • Excellent capacity for both large bikes and gear
  • Great workstand
  • Great wheel bags
  • Easy-rolling ergonomic design

Cons

  • Corrugated pieces a little hard to assemble
  • Not recommended for shipping via UPS, FedEx, etc.

MSRP: $599.99

For more information visit thule.com.