Review – Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Bag
Back in 2013, I reviewed the Scicon Aerocomfort 2.0 (read the review here). That bag has had some significant use: for transporting bikes on planes, trains, and even yachts. With many of my bikes now having thru-axle designs though, the Aerocomfort 2.0 had required some questionable 'bodging' on my part to make it usable. I was therefore relieved when the new 3.0 was released—this new design is much improved.
Thru-Axle Compatibility
One of the biggest differences with the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag is that it will accommodate 12 mm thru axles on the front and rear of the patented suspension frame system.To fit thru-axles, you simply remove the QR inserts in the suspension frame, then use your bike's existing axles to secure it to the frame. You can fit 12 mm axles up front and 12 mm axles on the rear (if you have 142 mm x 12 mm on the rear, you need to use a provided spacer to open the suspension frame up to 142 mm wide rather than 135 mm).
This added compatibility is significant, given that most disc brake equipped road bikes are now using thru-axles. It also means that the bag is more usable for a cyclocross or gravel bike (the wheel pockets are also slightly larger to accommodate 33-35c tyres).
It is also worth noting that I have successfully used this with a 15 mm axle on the fork of the bike; by leaving the QR adaptors in place, and simply clamping the bike in place using a front quick release skewer. This is not how the system is intended to work, but it does give you even more options for bike fitment.
Added Protection
The Scicon 3.0 Aerocomfort design features added protection compared to its predecessor. This comes in the form of rigid plastic plates around the rear derailleur area and more padding around wheel hubs and on the hoods/handlebar area.To make packing easier, Scicon have also neatly labelled the padding strips that go on the handlebar, top tube and saddle—so you can quickly see where each pad needs to go.
New Rolling Chassis Design
The third significant development to the Scicon Aerocomfort Road Bike Bag is an improved suspension frame design. The frame and chassis on the 2.0 was great, but this bag evolves further.The new frame features a solid plastic base that means you can store the provided gear bag safely in the bottom of the bag (containing shoes or similar) without the risk that it will push down on the base and cause the bag to drag on the floor.
The frame also features new wheels, which are lighter and all-plastic in design. This makes them less likely to scratch things or rust/bend with use. Replacement wheels are available from Scicon, if you do damage one in transit.
How to Pack the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag
Packing of the new Scicon Aerocomfort Road 3.0 Bike Bag is even easier than before:- Remove the wheels from the bike frame and fit these into the padded pockets on either side of the bag
- Attach the bike frame to the bag frame using the appropriate axles. Place the chain over the rear bar of the suspension frame and put it in the biggest chainring on the front. Use the rear derailleur protector
- Add the padding strips to the handlebar, top tube and saddle
- Strap the bike into the bag with the four straps: over the handlebar sides, saddle and top tube
- Zip up the bag, and lock it with the provided TSA lock
Summary
Overall, the new Scicon Aerocomfort Road 3.0 TSA Bike Bag shows great learning and development from the Italian brand. The original Aerocomfort was a winner, but this new design goes one better.It is worth noting that the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag still comes with a great TSA-approved combination lock and removable carry straps for easy handling. It will accommodate road bikes up to 62 cm in frame height, and handlebars up to 48 cm wide. Also despite the added protection, the bag is now lighter, at less than 8 kilograms.
More usable, lighter and more protective. There is a good reason that the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag is the bag of choice of dozens of professional cycling teams.
Shop the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Road TSA Bike Bag here
Hi, how did you bodge your 2.0 to fit thru axle? Have similar bag and looking at buying new bike but don't want to splash out on new bag :)
ReplyDeleteHi! I effectively cable tied the axle (fitted to the fork) to the strut on the bag. Lots of cable ties, lots of tape. It wasn’t neat, but it worked. A better bet would have been to strap a section of the right sized pipe to the strut, and then put the axle through that.
DeleteHi Tim, can the 2.0 be used with QR disc or is the rear dropout too wide? Scicon rather unhelpfully insisted all disc equipped bikes were thru axle, and I couldn’t have QR and discs, at which point I gave up talking to them!
ReplyDeleteHi Peter, yes you can use it for both QR and Thru axles
Deletehi Tim, I've got the same bag and have a hard time getting the QR adapters out to fit my thru axle bike. Could you let me know how to do that?
ReplyDeleteI successfully grabbed the adapter and slid it out with a needle nose pliers
DeleteIs it right that you can take it on a flight without removing the pedals and handlebars? Both BA and Easyjet say take off the pedals and have the bar flush with the frame. Which would make the bags benefits pointless. But if it is true it would be just brilliant!! Thanks, Jo
ReplyDeleteHi Jo, Yes you can fly with this bag without removing the pedals, however if it is BA or EasyJet and the bike is damaged in transit and you haven't removed the pedals, then they might use it against you in a possible claim for damage costs.
ReplyDeleteI've thought about and I think there's to much risk to the shifters for such a minimal weight and time saving of probably 5mins
DeleteHi I bought one of these and I had to take the front wheels off to attach the front axel frame into the slot. I assume once I store it I have to take front wheels off again to remove that bar. Anyone been able to remove front axel bar without taking wheels off.
ReplyDeleteHi I bought one of these and I had to take the front wheels off to attach the front axel frame into the slot. I assume once I store it I have to take front wheels off again to remove that bar. Anyone been able to remove front axel bar without taking wheels off.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Tim. I'm currently shopping to a travel bag/case and was wondering: can the wheels pockets can accommodate 40c tires?
ReplyDeleteHaving trouble finding a solid answer on this.
Thanks!
I have been trying to determine the same thing prior to purchase. Any luck with the answer?
DeleteCan gravel bike fit in the road bag? Handle bars are less than 48cm at the top but flare ou on the drops to 51cm??
ReplyDeleteYes I'd say it will - I have the Aerocomfort 2.0 bag, so I guess the dimensions on the 3.0 will be similar. The flare at the drops will be fine as there is a bit more space there. My Cannondale Topstone size S fits ok (and as aside have made 3d printed adapters to accommodate thru axles on the 2.0 ;).
DeleteMy bike is 50cm wide at the drops and 45cm wide on top*
( *centre of hood <-> hood )
I guess it depends how high your hoods stand when mounted in bag, as that is where the zip can get tight. Another thing to be aware in that respect is the wheel bags. I have 37mm WTB Riddler tires on 700c wheels and deflated they just about fit in the wheel bags but I'd say 40mm tyres could be a struggle
any concern about flared handlebars being overly exposed to damage if the bag is place on its side during transport? Any thoughts on how to further protect the flared handlebars?
Delete"It also means that the bag is more usable for a cyclocross or gravel bike (the wheel pockets are also slightly larger to accommodate 33-35c tyres)." What about 650 x 45's, etc.? Too big or will they fit?
ReplyDeleteI managed to just fit my 700 x 40c wheels inside my Aerocomfort 3.0 Road bag without deflating my tires. It’s a tight fit. You couldn’t go larger.
ReplyDeleteexcuse me, i find the 3.0 do not come with rear derailleur protector like the 2.0. how do you protect your rear derailleur? is it safe to travel without one?
ReplyDeleteIt says they’ve added plastic plates to the actual bag so perhaps that’s why there now no separate derailer protector. Mine got damaged on one flight using the seperste protector anyway but was fine on another. So perhaps the bag itself having more protection is better
Delete