Bikebox Online, ‘the largest British company specializing in bike box rentals and sales’, has launched the latest version of its leading Velovault bike box to the market. This is the 4th generation model of the British-designed, hard-cased, bike box and is billed as the most versatile version yet.
Weighing in at 6% lighter than the previous generation, the new Velovault has stainless steel safety catches that ‘will not open in transit or rust when not in use’, plus an innovative tweak to the design that means the new Velovault can accommodate all wheel sizes including deep rim road wheels and 29er mountain bikes.
The Velovault was first launched in 2014 and designed by pro triathlete Sam Gardner, who knows the importance of a quality bike box after 20 plus years of competing internationally. Based on his experience, plus feedback from thousands of customers via Bikebox Online, Sam designed the first generation Velovault.
Built on a principle of no compromise with build quality, the Velovault is UK made, using quality UK components and is ‘strong, easy to pack and versatile so that it can accommodate 29ers, disc wheels and thru axles.’
Chief designer and owner of Bikebox Online, Sam Gardner, said “Whilst from a distance all boxes look the same, this is not the case. I realised that we could design a box that would be the best designed and have no compromises. I wanted to design a superior box that would be better, safer and easier to use than all the other boxes.
“Like me, the Velovault does not accept compromise and as a result it uses custom-designed integrated struts for additional strength and the same UK made catches that are used for Formula 1 cars. We hope they will help you to go just as fast!”
Key features of the Velovault are:
- 6% lighter than previous models, yet still just as strong – made from new, lighter polypropylene material.
- Universal wheel fixings and larger wheel moulding – Velovault is fitted for all conventional wheel sizes, including the new 650b and 29er mountain bike wheels. No need to fully deflate 29er tyres just to fit in the bike box.
- Innovative wheel mount design – two mounting holes mean big 29er wheels can now fit without the cassette from one wheel rubbing against the second wheel.
- Disk brake rotor recesses – built in protection for disk brake rotors, so athletes no longer have to remove them.
- Interlocking central struts with easy male/female connectors – providing increased crush resistance ‘the Velovault can take the weight of a man standing on your bike box, plus your box will click back into place after customs open up your box to take a look – ensuring your precious bike remains protected and packaged even after customs have opened your box.’
- Extra length – 50mm longer than other bike boxes, thus able to accommodate 29er wheels
- Protex stainless steel catchbolts – British made catches with a strength of 400kg per catch. Used by Formula 1 teams.
- The catchbolt is often the weakest part of a bike box but with Velovault, the catchbolt is the strongest. The company adds that the catchbolts are also made from stainless steel, so they will not rust.
Specifications
Dimensions: Length 116cm, Height tallest 91cm, Width 30cm
Weight: 11.9kg
Since the initial launch, the Velovault has been used by professional athletes such as IRONMAN champions Lucy Gossage, Tim Don and Cat Morrison, Olympian Toby Garbett, National TT silver medallist Kate McNeil and professional triathlete Nikki Bartlett.
The new Velovault retails from £459 and can be purchased online at bikebox-online.co.uk/shop.
