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Off finally to see my Dad in the states and taking the bike.
Thinking of buying a bag and debating whether the pro is worth the extra money, I don’t need the extra space as my bike is a medium.
Very much lighter and the wee rail at the bottom of the bag is a much better grab handle than the standard bag (the bike weight sits on the bag wheels rather than on your hand due to tipping the bag more). The extra clip on wheel is useless though.
The EVOC pro is a very nice bike bag. Mates have them and they are a great solid bag and the rail is brilliant. Very spendy though.
I have the CRC Pro bag which is also a great bag. Not EVOC quality but for £200 it's a great bag. Probably more than sufficient for your requirement. Mine has done 3 trips and no sign of any wear and tear and no bike damage in transit.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/s?q=bike+bag&cat=direct
So to answer your question
Evoc bike travel bag, is the pro worth the extra £150? In my opinion, NO
I’ve got one having several cheep’ bags that were crap. It’s spot on and takes the hassle out of travel. The frame doubles up as a little workstand to build / take apart the bike. It ain’t cheap but I would recommend it.
I’d add some mates have the regular on and they are good, but the lack of the bar wheel is a big downside.
I used to travel a lot with my bike and I’ve used the CRC one which was terrible, it does the job but it you have that and a suitcase it’s a proper nightmare to drag through airports. I then borrowed a standard EVOC which was great, so much easier to use
I bought the EVOC pro in the end which is 100% worth the extra money because being a bit lighter it means I can get my whole bike in there without doing stupid stuff like remove seat post to save weight but the clip on wheel is the main advantage, allows you to wheel it about without having to pick it up
But that depends, the above is for my frequent use. If it’s a one off trip just get the CRC one and deal with the hassle, or ask your LBS if they rent bags
Or . . . save the hassle and rent a bike once you’re there?
Very much lighter
Umm the pro is a kilo heavier than the amateur.
Managed to get an normal Evoc bag for a good price the pro was £180 more!
Plus it weighs a kg more too due to the frame in it and when you’re with BA with a weight limit of 23kg, could make a difference of £130 in xs baggage weight charges.
Mine must be a previous version of the pro as it doesn't have a frame and is super light. Ah well, live and learn. Sounds like the clip on wheel got better too as it is absolutely useless on mine. Collapses whenever you have a bike in the bag 😉