BikeRumor.com

The airlines’ bicycle transportation prices are inflated, so why not the case, too?

Biknd’s new Helium inflatable bicycle transport case uses a five-section soft-sided case to provide full protection at about 2/3 the weight (19.8lbs versus 29+ lbs) of a traditional hardshell case.  This lets you pack a few more accessories without going over airline weight limits and incurring even more charges.

Fully opened, the Helium puts your bike in the center, locking the fork to a rigid base and mount, with space for two sets of wheels on either side.  The inflatable air pockets fold between the frame and wheels to provide full protection on both sides of the frame.  The wheels are strapped in tight, and the hubs have hard plastic shells to protect them and provide a base to press against the air packs.

On the outside, another hard plastic shell section lines up with the hubs and is mounted to the 900 denier ballistic nylon and 1200 denier polyester outer fabrics.  Behind that is a layer of EPA foam, and the whole thing is lined with tough, easy to clean 900 denier tarpauline fabric.

Pricing, photos and specs behind the break…

The front section is a hard plastic to protect the nose of your bike and helps hold the bag’s shape when folded and zipped shut.  Biknd says the Helium will hold up to a 64cm road bike or full size dual suspension freeride mountain bike. It comes with foam sleeves for your stem, fork legs and bottom bracket section, plus an axle for the rear dropouts to keep the rear end from getting crushed or bent.

Close it up and pump up the chambers and you’re ready to roll, er, fly.  The case glides along on four caster wheels.

The Helium retails for US $599 and is available in the U.S. and Canada. International sales are in the works…they’re looking for distributors.