DIY – Make and transport your own bike cover for the train
To travel by train in Europe with your bike, it's often necessary to put it in a cover. In this article, I'll show you how to make your own carrying case from a tarpaulin, or how to transform a cheap protective cover into a carrying case that's easy to attach to your bike's fork, so you'll always have it with you.
Watch the video tutorial
System D cover
When you’re out and about, you can’t carry a big protective bag, which is better suited to occasional transport. An ultra-light cover is preferable.
You may already have something at home to make your future homemade travel bag. Here are two options:
- The DIY option : Sew a tarpaulin on three sides to make a 90x130x50cm rectangle, open on one side, and sew a few Velcro fasteners to close the whole thing.
- The budget option: An inexpensive protective cover. Sew one or two extra velcro fasteners to close it.
Finally, you’ll need two straps to carry the bike and secure the folded cover to your fork. Once again, you have two options:
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- Two pieces of knotted inner tube
- Two non-slip straps
Solution available for purchase
Looking for a compact, ready-to-use carrying case? Consider Artefact cases made from parachute fabric!
Lightweight and compact, they can be transported in the same way as the one I’m proposing here.
Note, however, that these covers are designed to carry bikes upside down, which can cause air bubbles to rise in a hydraulic brake system and reduce braking capacity. Don’t panic, it’s rare, but be sure to test your brakes before setting off!
Carry your bike in a bag
Place your cover on the floor with the opening facing upwards. Store your dismantled bike in it. Close it with the Velcro fasteners, and then fasten the straps around the frame.
Ultra-light covers are designed to cover the bike, but not to support its weight. So always carry your bike by the straps, saddle or frame.
For more info, check out my tutorial on how to disassemble your bike and put it in a cover to take the train!
Carrying the bike bag
The magic of this system is that the straps act not only as carrying handles, but also as fasteners for transporting the cover on your frame or fork. Tighten the straps and ride in total freedom!
The trick to securing the cover to the fork if you don’t have a luggage rack there: make a small ring to prevent the cover from slipping off. For example, wrap a piece of inner tube (these things are really useful) around the fork and tighten it with a hose clamp. That’s all there is to it!
Have a good trip!
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