We Tried It: Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

Bike travel became a reality for me at the tail of the pandemic. As my desire for new gravel challenges grew, I quickly realized that many of the places that I wanted to go were beyond the limits of my aging minivan. Since then I've experimented with several options to transport my bike including two hard cases, a soft case, and the tried and true bike box. Each got my bike to the airport securely, but that's where the similarities end.

Depending on the case used I've paid $150 luggage fee each way, the bike wasn't properly repacked after going through airport security, and several parts including the tires, handlebars, and brake rotors have been bent.

Frustrated by each of these outcomes, I decided to try a new bike case for a recent trip to Morocco. In addition to avoiding the outcomes mentioned earlier, I wanted a lightweight, space-saving option that would allow me to use a mid-size sedan rather than a minivan or SUV to transport my bike to the airport. I also wanted alternate carrying options if I needed to transport the bag upstairs or over any distance.

From the need, I connected with the makers of Orucase—a company that blends "hard case defense with soft case versatility." Orucase offers two case options—the B2-R (fits most road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes up to 58cm) and the B2-MTB (fits most mountain bikes, including 29er trail and enduro models). The B2-R requires the removal of the handlebar, wheels, and fork, while the B2-MTB can fit most road and gravel bikes size 56cm or smaller, and the fork does not need to be removed.

Orucase also offers a 7-piece frame protection kit with embossed labels that identify exactly which bike section the padding is intended to protect.

When the B2-MTB arrived, the first thing I noticed was how light the bag felt. At only 15 pounds, I could pack my bike plus several accessory items without exceeding the airline threshold of 50 pounds for free checked luggage.

After removing the wheels and handlebar, the padding was applied to each section of the bike. The entire process took less than 15 minutes. The wheels were packed into individual sleeves. Setting up the Orucase was a little tricky. With written instructions, I was forced to watch the manufacturer's assembly video. The video, coupled with the color-coded zippers, made erecting the sidewalls of the case pretty seamless. Once the bag was fully assembled, packing the bike into the bag was a very straightforward process.

When it was time to head to the airport, the Orucase, my suitcase, and carry-on luggage fit easily in a mid-size rideshare sedan—a big win. I used the backpack straps at the airport to carry the Orucase to the oversized luggage check-in. This made navigating through the long corridors quick and seamless. Navigating through check-in, I got stares and curious glances. When it was time to check in the Orucase, I approached the ticket counter with bated breath. Would I make the 50-pound cutoff?

I did! The bike, shoes, helmet, pedals, hand pump, and a few tools weighed a whopping 43 pounds—a major win.

Upon arriving in Morocco, the Orucase was either mistaken or mishandled because the Orucase was placed on the luggage carousel instead of being delivered to the oversized luggage area. To leave the airport, I used the Orucase carry handle, which has the slightest bit of flex for comfort when rolling the bag. I couldn't wait to see how the Orucase performed in flight. To my surprise, everything, sans the TSA check tag, was exactly where I had placed it when I initially packed my bike.

On the way home, the bike bag housed everything that I left home with plus two handlebar bags and a frame bag. Again, it came in under the 50-pound max. When I finally unpacked the bike at home, again, everything was in its assigned spot, and the bike was unscathed.

The bike case folds almost flat and easily fits in a closet or on a shelf. This convenience means that the next time I plan to travel, I will need to reassemble the sections of the bag that make it rigid—a small tradeoff for significant convenience and protection.

The Orucase normally retails for $649.00, which is on the higher end of bike cases. Currently, Orucase is offering the B2 Bike Travel Case and Frame Protection Kit Bundle for $679.00 instead of $778, a $99 savings.