S and S Machine
Bicycle Torque Couplings (BTCs)
Your Travel Bike........Your Only Bike!


Bina, of Bilenky Cycle Works, heads to Denver with 3 singles and a Tandem in S&S hard cases

General information regarding hard cases:

A hard case will provide the highest level of protection for your bike. They are ideal when you start and finish the cycling portion of your travel from the same place. They also work great when you have the ability to ship the empty case ahead to a point where it will be needed for your next flight..  Some framebuilders offer trailer options (shown below) that work in conjunction with our hard cases for those who want to take the case along with them while touring. Towing the case solves the problem of what to do with it as well as making a great container for touring gear. For maximum protection, we recommend that 3 or 4 compression members be used to stiffen a case. All of our cases are small enough to fit in the front seat of a compact truck or in the trunk or back seat of most cars so no special transportation is necessary to get to and from the airport.

Oversize cases

Some of our cases are available in 12" and 14" oversize versions but those sizes do not meet airline size requirements.  Although some people choose an oversize case for a single bike, we don't recommend it since there is a possibility that you will be charged for oversize luggage. It's very rare that a single bike won't fit into a 10" case. Packing a bike for the first time is like learning anything new, it takes following instructions, experimentation and practice. Packing tips are available here. Our oversize cases are designed to accommodate bicycles (typically tandems or recumbents) that won't fit in a 10" case. For tandems that won't fit in a single 10" case, we normally  recommend two 10" cases instead of using an oversize case. That way, the extra space in each case can be used for miscellaneous items and clothing and since there are normally 2 people traveling with a tandem,  you won't get charged for the second case. Since many airlines add a fee for cases that weigh over 50 pounds, be especially careful to check the weight of an oversize case before you get to the airport since it's easy to exceed the weight limit.

Construction styles

We offer three hard case construction methods to better meet the needs of our customers. 

Wheel configurations 

Edge pull:

Side pull

Combination edge and side pull 

Methods of pulling a case

Edge Pull

Side Pull

 

Original style hard cases (gray)

 Overall features and benefits of our Original style hard cases (gray):

  • Time proven rugged design. 

  • We rarely see any damage to these cases. 

  • The shell is made from silver-gray high density polyethylene which is extremely tough.

  • Industrial style handles and hardware for strength and durability.

  • Two locking metal latches.

  • Padlock tabs so a regular padlock can be used in addition to the locking latches for added security. 

  • Heavy duty recessed ball bearing wheels. 

  • Spring loaded steel flip out handle for pulling the case.

  • Molded in feet so they can't be broken off and they are farther apart for added stability.

  • We stock all the latches and hardware in the event that something gets damaged.

  • Available in 10, 12 and 14" sizes.

  • No liner so it can easily be washed out after that mountain biking adventure.

  • Available in edge pull, side pull and combined edge/side pull configurations

  • Made in the USA

  • See prices below.

 10" Edge pull, Original style hard case  (gray)

Case dimensions are 26" x 26" x 10"  (click here for a dimensioned drawing of the case interior) which meets the typical airline standard maximum size limit of 62" combined (length + width + thickness). The standard 2 wheel case has an improved wheel configuration that greatly improves the stability of the case when it's being pulled. Our old style case was more stable when being pushed rather than being pulled.  To convert an older push style case to a pull style case, click here.  

  • Approximate retail price is $430.00
  • Approximate weight is 17 pounds

 
    
Flip out handle and 2 wheels on the narrow side.


Full length piano hinge

 12" and 14" edge pull, Original style hard case (gray)  

Oversize  Our original 2 wheel edge pull hard case is also available in both 12" and 14" oversize versions but they do not meet airline size requirements.  

12" case

  • Weigh: 18 pounds
  • Approximate retail price: $501.00
14" case 
  • Weight 19.2 pounds
  • Approximate retail price: $501.00


Compare our 10" hard case to the 12" and 14" oversize versions. 

10" Side pull / edge pull (4 wheel) Original style hard case (gray)

This 4 wheel case can be pulled on its narrow or wide edge. It has 2 wheels located on the wide edge of the case so it's very stable when being pulled over rough terrain and 2 wheels on the narrow edge so it's maneuverable in tight places.  When being pulled on the wide edge, it's pulled by the all black carry handle instead of the telescopic handle found on our side pull case below.  Case dimensions are 26" x 26" x 10"  (click here for a dimensioned drawing of the case interior) which meets the typical airline standard maximum size limit of 62" combined (length + width + thickness). It has the improved wheel configuration on the narrow edge which greatly improves the stability of the case

  • Approximate retail price is $465.00
  • Approximate weight is 17.5 pounds

 

 

 

 10" Side pull with telescopic handle, Original style hard case (gray)

This case has 4 wheels located on the wide edge of the case so it's very stable when being pulled on uneven terrain or sloping surfaces.  We also added a telescopic pull handle which provides extra clearance between your feet and the case.  The ribs on one face were added to protect the center section that houses the pull handle. Although the basic case is 26"x26"x10", the same inside dimensions as our 10" case, the ribs add another inch to the 10" height of the case for an over the ribs dimension of 11".  Technically this case is oversize so you may get charged for it however some airlines ignore feet and ribs when measuring so they accept it without an extra charge. The same 10 inch compression members that are used with our standard case work with this case.

The ribbed side of the case can be seen in the photo below showing the 12" version of this case.

  • Approximate weight is 18.3 pounds

  • Approximate retail price is $572.00

 

 

 
Telescopic pull handle and 4 wheels along the long edge
See the wheels and  ribbed side of this case in the photo below

12" Side Pull Original style hard case (gray)

Oversize Our side pull case is also available in a 12" oversize version but it does not meet airline size requirements.  

  • . Approximate weight is 19.7 pounds
  • Approximate retail price is $608.00 

 


12" and 10" side pull cases

 

 

Butterfly Latch Hard Case     

 

 

 Overall features and benefits of our Butterfly Latch hard cases:

  • The shell is made from textured black high density polyethylene which is extremely tough.

  • Industrial style handles and hardware for high strength and durability.

  • Two rugged steel butterfly latches that can take a beating without breaking.

  • Padlock tabs so a regular or TSA approved padlock can be used. 

  • Heavy duty recessed ball bearing wheels.

  • Wheels are placed farther apart than any other case we offer for extra stability when being pulled.

  • Wheel pockets "molded in" instead of "cut in" for extra durability.

  • Durable, full length, piano hinge.

  • Rugged spring loaded steel flip out handle for pulling the case.

  • Rugged spring loaded steel flip up handle for carrying the case.

  • Molded in feet so they can't be broken off and they are farther apart for added stability.

  • We stock all the latches and hardware so in the unlikely event that something gets damaged, it's repairable..

  • No liner so it can easily be washed out after that mountain biking adventure.

  • Lighter than our original hard case style so you can carry more cargo inside without exceeding the weight restrictions.

  • Available in a combination edge / side pull version

  • Made in the USA

  • See prices below.

 

Construction Details


Heavy duty butterfly latches


2 Wide spaced wheels for added stability and full length piano hinge

 

 Due to its wide wheelbase, this case is very stable when pulled on its edge.

 

 10"  Edge pull, Butterfly Latch Case (2 wheels)

Case dimensions are 26" x 26" x 10"  which meets the typical airline standard maximum size limit of 62" combined (length + width + thickness). 

  • Approximate retail price is $396.00
  • Approximate weight is 15.2 pounds

 

Very maneuverable in tight places

This is our most versatile, yet economically priced, case

 10" Combination Edge Pull / Side Pull, Butterfly Latch Case (4 wheels)

Case dimensions are 26" x 26" x 10" which meets the typical airline standard maximum size limit of 62" combined (length + width + thickness). Uses the carry handle as the pull handle when pulling it on its edge which is the same configuration that we use on the Designer style case shown below.

  • Approximate retail price is $430.00
  • Approximate weight is 15.6 pounds

 

 

Very maneuverable but the added benefit of 2 side wheels for stability on rough surfaces  

 

10" Aluminum Hard Case      Our Newest Style Hard Case



Shown in use with wheel / handle assembly attached

 

 Overall features and benefits of our Aluminum Hard Cases:

  • The shell is made from sheet aluminum for a lifetime of service. Please keep in mind that although aluminum rugged, it will develop a well traveled look since it will dent more easily than a plastic case which bounces back instead of denting.  Scratches may also show up more on aluminum due to its reflective surface.

  • Industrial hardware for high strength and durability.

  • The interior is slightly more roomy than a plastic case since the interior corners are a little less rounded. This may make a difference if your bike is large or difficult to pack and a fork tip or frame tube needs to fit tightly into a corner.

  • Two lockable steel butterfly latches draw the case closed and provide rugged durability.

  • Two side latches give added reliability and ruggedness to the case.

  • TSA approved padlock can be used on the top two latches to protect the contents of the case.

  • Durable, full length, piano hinge.

  • Removable wheel / handle assembly provides stability and maneuverability when the case is being pulled.

    • Side pull wheel configuration provides more stability than edge pull cases.

    • The extendable handle makes pulling this case easy compared to pulling as side pull case by its carry handle (our plastic cases).

    • The entire wheel / handle assembly is easily replaceable if it's lost or broken.

  • Rugged spring loaded steel flip up handle for carrying the case.

  • 8 hard rubber feet prevent the case from being scratched when on edge or laying flat.

  • We stock all the latches and hardware so in the unlikely event that something gets damaged, it's repairable..

  • No liner so it can easily be washed out after that mountain biking adventure.

  • Stickers will adhere to the aluminum case better than they adhere to a plastic case. Caution, b icycle stickers may draw attention to the contents of the case which could result in the airline charging you a bike fee so keep that in mind when you choose stickers. Country stickers would be a good choice.

  • Made in the USA

  • Weight:   Case 17.80 pounds,   Wheel/handle assembly: 2.33 pounds.

  • Price: $575.00 Includes the case and removable wheel/handle assembly.


Wheel / handle assembly installed and extended.

Construction Details 


Wheel / handle assembly removed and collapsed.


Wheel / handle assembly installed and extended.


Butterfly latches located on each side and two on top for unsurpassed ruggedness
Also note the steel corner reinforcements, 8 total.


Regular butterfly latches are used on the sides.


Padlock type butterfly latches are used on the top.

 

Designer style hard cases (black)  

Overall features and benefits of our Designer style hard cases:

  • A more elegant, luggage like, look compared to our other hard cases.
  • The shell is made from black ABS plastic.
  • Two locking latches are recessed in the metal frame for a more streamlined look and added protection against damage.
  • Recessed ball bearing wheels.
  • The interior of these cases are fabric lined and each 26x26" face has a thin pad across its entire surface (see photo).
  • Comes with an adjustable safety strap to prevent the case from accidentally opening during transit.
  • The pull and carry handles are spring loaded to stay flat against the case when they are not in use.
  • We stock all latches and hardware in the event that something gets damaged.
  • Lighter than our original style so you can carry more cargo inside without exceeding the weight restrictions.
  • Available in 10 and 12" sizes.
  • See prices below.

BLOWOUT SALE

Because we can't get replacement wheels for this case, we will no longer be offering it.
We are liquidating our existing inventory  of cases "AS IS"  for under half price. 
There is no warranty on these cases.
We can't repair them if they are ever damaged.
Available, direct only, from S and S Machine.
Give us a call 916-771-0235

 

 

 10" Edge pull, Designer Style hard case 

 Case dimensions are 26" x 26" x 10"  which meets the typical airline standard maximum size limit of 62" combined (length + width + thickness). This case uses our new wheel alignment specification and it pulls great even though the wheels are located on the narrow edge of the case. The designer edge pull case is our lightest case at only 15.25 pounds (original design. is 17 pounds)

  • Approximate weight is 15.25 pounds
Approximate retail price is $340.50   "AS IS" Liquidation Price: $170.00

We are SOLD OUT of these 10" Designer style cases!

Although we are sold out of 10" designer style cases. We still have some 12" designer style cases available but keep in mind, they are 2" oversize (they are 64" overall and the max. is 62"). Lots of people travel with these and they aren't charged as oversize but it's a possibility.

 

 

 

   

12" Edge pull designer hard case, Designer Style 

Oversize This edge pull hard case is also available in a 12" version shown here but it does not meet airline size requirements.  

  • Approximate weight is 15.75 pounds
  • Approximate retail price is $450.00   "AS IS" Liquidation Price: $195.00

 

Trailer options offered by others


S and S suitcase and Bob trailer combination. Available at: Tandems East

 


An Around the World test of the Bilenky's trailer/suitcase is complete and now this marvel is in production. Thanks and congratulations go out to David & Kiki of merry old England for all their help in the testing of the Bilenky one wheeled wonder.

 


The Turtle Tow by Bilenky Cycle Works

Description provided by Bilenky Cycle Works:

The turtle tow is single 16" wheel trailer custom fabricated to be used in conjunction with an S & S hard case; the chassis can be removed from the case and are packable into the case with most of a coupler single bike. (you will need some type of collapsible soft pack or wheel bag for your bike's rear wheel.
The design features: 4130 tubing, ball bearing headset, and internal tubular bracing, external anodized aluminum edging for the hard case - distinguishing this from currently available standard one-wheel trailer modifications. Our new lower pricing for the trailer unit is $395; $745 complete with hard case. 

Please contact Bilenky Cycle Works to purchase this trailer case.

S and S home page

Framebuilder list | Cases | Packing | Photos | Reviews | Comments | Retailer list | Installation | Specifications | Cost | Retrofit or new? | Travel adventures | e-mail

Contact Information

Home Page