I bought a Body Bag from GroundEffects, since I decided that getting boxes everytime I wanted to leave the city for a ride was wasteful. This bag folds up into an A4, book-thick size that can be strapped to the rear rack, and it’s only 1.15 kg.

To get the bike in it, I removed the handlebars, the seat, the pedals and the front wheel. I almost though that the forks might have to go as well (which would make it impractical for me), but it just slips in. I might have to look at removing the derailleur, just in case of knocks, but a smaller bike, like a road bike would fit much more easily. The company provides a spacer for the front forks, which is no more than a bit of cylindrical plastic. Since I have a long skewer to go through the extra length of the front racks, it’s no use to me and I just used the spacer that the bike shop gave me.

The bag also has an inside zip pocket, where I can put the pedals, and appropriate Allen keys, and other small items. I expect that I’ll have to take the tools out of there when I fold it all back down, though 🙂

Of course, I’m not sure if State Rail will like the idea of a “non-boxed” bike, but I don’t think that there’ll be much of a problem. Now to book my next trip.