ABOUT THE THULE ROUNDTRIP MTB CASE
Thule designed the RoundTrip MTB Case to safely transport any bicycle with a wheelbase up to 130cm and wheel size up to 29×3.0”. The RoundTrip MTB Case is a soft-shell design, though the 5mm corrugated polypropylene side panels and molded HDPE bottom tub offer rigidity and protection. When being stored, the RoundTrip MTB case is designed to collapse down to the size of just the bottom tub, taking up considerably less space.
The Thule RoundTrip MTB Bike Bag has two large rear wheels and a smaller, removable, swivelling front wheel to aid in maneuverability. There are four padded handles around the top of the case, and a single handle at the bottom of the front panel for transport on the two rear wheels only.
Inside the Thule RoundTrip MTB Travel Case, there is an aluminum alloy subframe designed to double up as a maintenance stand. Three legs and a connecting clamp are included to allow the subframe to free stand, easing packing the bike. However, this contributes to the high 14.4kg / 31.7lbs overall weight, which we’ll discuss more later. The stand features a fork mount that will fit all main standards, and a bottom bracket pad with strap to secure the rear of the bike.
Once mounted to the stand, the bike is then shrouded in a protective cover. This cover features the mounting points for each wheel, with a brake disc protector and straps to hold the wheels in place inside the case. A separate drivetrain shroud is added to keep the mech and chain safe.
The Thule RoundTrip MTB case is made with bluesign® approved 600D polyester and tarpaulin fabrics, giving some eco credentials. The price comes in at a premium $999.95 /£699.99, and is backed with a limited lifetime warranty.
THE DIRT
I’ve been racking up a serious carbon footprint in the name of testing the Thule RoundTrip MTB case properly. Supporting trips to Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand, with tram rides, cross-town walks, and tight connections that had me wincing at the brutality of the baggage handlers, I feel quite confident in my assessment of this bike bag. If you’ve got pockets deep enough, I think it’s the best option out there, but its purchase price tag isn’t the end of the financial burden that Thule’s bike bag is likely to stick you with.
The weight of the Thule RoundTrip MTB bike case is notably high, at 14.4kg / 31.7lbs all-in. As a result, it’s impossible to make the 50lbs weight threshold, and you’ll have to pay an overweight fee with most airlines as a result. You lose the privilege of being able to stuff a ton of gear in the bag, too, as you’ll quickly hit the 70lbs / 32kg maximum in place on most airlines if you’re not careful.
I removed the legs and clamp portion of the bike stand, as I didn’t find value in the maintenance stand, nor benefit to the packing process when using it. Flipping the bike upside down, removing the wheels, mounting the subframe, fitting the derailleur and chain shroud, then righting the bike and inserting it into the case was a quick and effective process that forewent the maintenance stand portion. I found the Thule bag to be faster and more intuitive than the EVOC bike bag pro, with a simple fork mount and the bottom bracket pad quickly ratcheting into place with a bike rack-style strap.
Quick and easy would be no good if the Thule bike bag didn’t protect the bike well, but thankfully, it has done a stellar job every time. This includes after being pulled apart by airport security. The wheels being stored inside the case means the Thule bag does a better job at protecting the rotors, and I felt no need to remove them as I would typically on the EVOC equivalent. The padded tarpaulin shroud has fitted every bike, albeit requiring a squeeze at times, and effectively separates the bars and wheels from the frame and fork. Depending on the proportions of your bike, a long rear end may begin to push the derailleur into the end of the case, as I found with the Forbidden Dreadnought. Even so, the mech held up just fine.
The Thule RoundTrip MTB bike case is proving to hold up very well, with limited signs of the abuse it has sustained. The plastic tub is marked but holding up well, and the fabrics have survived the abrasion well. The plastic where the subframe mounts has been the only casualty, partly breaking away but continuing to hold the subframe tight regardless. This is a replaceable part, and I believe Thule would send this out free of charge with minimal fuss if you sustained the same issue.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The weight and price of the Thule RoundTrip MTB bike transport case are equally excessive, but otherwise, it is a stellar performer. Offering safety and convenience of the highest level, it may just be worth the expense. 
Price: $999.95 /£699.99
Website: Thule.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
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