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Tardis

123 reviews
Colour
Jet Black

Trip through space with your very own time machine. The Tardis transforms your ungainly treadly into a compact bundle - handy when smuggling it onto planes and trains. Unbolt the stem to release handlebars, whip off the pedals and rear derailleur, then remove the wheels and seat. The frame is cunningly placed upside down with the wheels loaded on either side to protect the fragile bits. Shrinks into a compact package when you get to where you're going. Doctor Who?

+Features
  • Fits most mtbs (including 29'ers and fat bikes - but not big downhill rigs), road and touring bikes.
  • Dual compression straps ensure a snug fit for smaller bikes.
  • Adjustable sleeves fit 29, 26 or 650B wheels.
  • Sturdy carry handles and shoulder strap.
  • Internal sleeves locate wheels.
  • Lockable 10 coil zips.
  • Front and rear drop-out spacers protect your frame 'n' forks in transit.
  • Internal pocket for stowing pedals and tools.
  • Foam padding at hub protects bag from rubbing.
  • Folds into compact 'A4' x 8cm storage bag.
  • Dimensions: 135cm x 80cm
  • Made for us in China.
+Tech

  Weight: 1800 gm

+Cordura
Super-tough 1000 Denier cordura nylon for maximum abrasion resistance.
  • Composition: 100% nylon with PU coating.

+Compare

  Tardis Dogsbody
Approx. Packed Dimensions 135 cm x 80 cm 172 cm x 80 cm
Bag Weight 1800 gm 1240 gm
Disassembly Required Moderate Minimal

+Video

+FAQ

+Packing your Tardis?
  • The Tardis takes the hassle out of carting your bike about on public transport. It provides reasonable protection from abuse but won't stop it from getting squashed. Strategic placement of cardboard or closed cell foam around the fragile bits can minimise bumps and bruises. Air travel is hard on luggage, so be prepared for a bit of wear 'n' tear. You'll need to dismantle your bike a little to fit it in. Think of the packaged bike as a sandwich - with the wheels providing structure on the outside, and the frame siting upside down between them.
  • Remove both wheels and slip into the internal sleeves. Tighten the straps.
  • Clamp your thru-axles, or skewers with the plastic spacers provided, into the dropouts on your frame and forks.
  • Remove your disk rotors if they end up clashing with the bike when loaded. Slide some cardboard between your disk pads to prevent them being inadvertently squeezed closed in transit.
  • Unscrew both pedals and stash them in the zip pocket.
  • Take off your handlebars by undoing the faceplate or removing the entire stem. Secure alongside the forks.
  • Whip off the rear derailleur and tape to the chain stay. Removing the derailleur hanger is generally best. If you take out the main derailleur screw instead, be careful when reassembling - it's easy to cross-thread, which is a bad way to start your holiday.
  • Fully lower, or take out the seat and seat post.
  • Place the bike upside down in the Tardis. Zip up, seat back upright, tighten the compression straps and lock your beast away.
  • Road bikes over 60cm and full-noise downhill bikes may need further disassembly to squeeze in.
+Packing your Dogsbody?
  • The Dogsbody takes the hassle out of carting your bike about on public transport. It provides reasonable protection from abuse but won't stop it from getting squashed. Adding 'disposable' cardboard stiffening or closed cell foam around the fragile bits can minimise bumps and bruises. Air travel is hard on luggage, so be prepared for a bit of wear 'n' tear.
  • Shift your rear derailleur into 1st gear - it's less exposed close to the frame.
  • Remove the front wheel and turn your handlebars so they are parallel with the top tube. If you rock extra-wide bars or an extra-long frame, you'll also need to unscrew the front plate of your stem and release the handlebar. 
  • Slide some cardboard between your disk pads to prevent them being inadvertently squeezed closed in transit.
  • Unscrew both pedals and stash them in the zip pocket. Clamp your thru-axle into the front fork dropout. If you have a quick release skewer use the plastic spacer provided, 
  • Slip the bike, rear wheel first, into the round end of the Dogsbody. Slide the forks into the opposite corner. The front wheel should nestle neatly between the handlebars and frame.
  • Lower your seat and seat post, or remove entirely.
  • Zip up and lock your beast away.
  • Road bikes over 60cm and full-noise downhill bikes may need further disassembly to squeeze in. With touring bikes you can often get away with leaving the rear rack on.
+Differences between the Dogsbody and Tardis?
  • The Dogsbody requires only minimal disassembly of your bike when packing. Simply whip off your front wheel, seat and pedals.
  • The Tardis demands more effort (and skill) to take your bike apart and put together again. Both wheels, the handle bars and rear derailleur need to be removed. The payback though is a more compact package - handy in airports and crowded public transport. More importantly it fits in the standard luggage racks on fast trains like the TGV.
  • Both the bags weight less than 2kg. They collapse to an easily stored A4 package when empty - and do a fair impersonation of a picnic rug at your campsite when folded out.
+Pros & cons of a bike bag, bike box or hard case.
  • Bike boxes are cheap (generally free), relatively light and disposable, but bulky.
    • So are challenging to fit in a taxi or bus.
    • Difficult to manoeuvre around airports.
    • And consequently are more prone to baggage handler neglect.
  • Hard cases provide maximum protection, but...
    • Are quite expensive (NZ$600 - 1000).
    • Very bulky so you'll need to store at your destination. As with a box you'll be challenged loading it into a taxi, bus or metro.
    • And very heavy - typically 8-12 Kg. Add your bike at 12-15 Kg and you'll generally blow out your 23 Kg airline allowance. Plan to negotiate or pay for excess luggage.
    • They are probably a good option if you own a precious composite or Ti road bike with expensive exotic wheels.
  • Bike bags like the Tardis are...
    • Reasonably priced at under NZ$200.
    • Weigh in at under 2 kilos - providing plenty of headroom before hitting the standard 23 Kg excess baggage ceiling.
    • Are low bulk for getting around public places and transport.
    • Easy to take with you on tour as they compress to an tidy A4 package when not in use.
    • Provide effective protection from the usual sources of transport damage. Remember that a mountain or touring bike is well able to survive plenty of knocks and wear 'n' tear when used in anger. 
+Will my bike fit in this bag?
  • Road and touring bikes, hard-tails, XC and Trail dual suspension (26, 650B and 29 inch wheels) mountain bikes should fit into either bag. 
  • Fat bikes fit also, but you may need to deflate the tyres to reduce their width.
  • Some 29" long travel enduro-style bikes with slack head angles may not fit in the Dogsbody - the Tardis is a better option.
  • Downhill bikes will struggle to fit in either bag - due to their 'plus' tyres, long wheel base, high front end and triple clamp forks (which won't swivel 180 degrees as required).

+Shipping
  • Items are generally packed and sent the same day your order is received.
  • Costs $9 by overnight courier within New Zealand.
  • NZ$12 by tracked airmail to Australia.
  • Around NZ$15-25 by tracked airmail to destinations elsewhere in the world - calculated in our shipping cart as you check out. 
    • More shipping and tax details in our FAQ.
    Customer Reviews
    4.8 Based on 123 Reviews
    5 ★
    84% 
    103
    4 ★
    13% 
    16
    3 ★
    2% 
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    2 ★
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    1
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    1
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    Filter Reviews:
      CP
      06/01/2008
      Cycling P.

      Bike Bag on Tour

      With bikes ever harder to transport on planes, there's no doubt the less noticeable they are at the heck-in desk, the less forehead furrowing will ensue. As the name suggests, the Tardis is small on the outside and big on the inside. The frame is placed upside down, with the seatpost and handlebars removed, the rear mech taped up inside the stays and the two wheels packed in either side in the sleeves. This in itself provides plenty of lateral support, though to best play baggage handler roulette, you should also bolster it with pipe lagging, clothes and locally sourced cardboard.At 115x70cm, the Tardis is as easy to carry with it's shoulder strap as it is to fit into a car boot, or tie to an Indian roof-rack (touring racks and forks on 60cm+ frames will need to be removed). Fork spacers are provided, chunky zips can be can be locked and there's reinforcing in the right places, with padding around the wheel axles. The real beauty, though, is it's pack size; the bag folds down to a fat A4 sized parcel, weighing just 1.6kg, and can be easily stowed in a pannier, or posted ahead for the end of a tour.Verdict: The best non-padded bike bag we've tried.

      AC
      07/01/2008
      Australian C.

      Light and Compact

      Cheapest, lightest and most compact of the lot, Ground Effect's Tardis bike bag may not offer as much protection as some of its more expensive competitors but it's not a lot less. It's so light, easy to store and cheap (just three return trips and you'll pay more in cardboard boxes), it's in a league of its own. The Tardis comes with packing instructions and Ground Effect recommends the frame is placed upside down with the wheels loaded on either side in the bags provided. Front and rear drop-out spacers are also provided to protect your frame and forks, and there's an internal pocket for stowing pedals and tools. No wheels underneath but a sturdy carry handle and shoulder strap on top. The zips are lockable 10-coil zips. Perhaps best of all, the Tardis disappears into a compact 'A4' storage bag when not in use.

      T
      06/30/2015
      Turrell

      granddad

      just a tip really if you put a bit of bubble wrap in the helmet to keep it clean and pack it a the back it might poke out a little but does help to protect the derailluer

      06/30/2015

      Ground Effect

      Clever, but just be cautious as your helmet is important to look after too.

      NC
      07/27/2015
      Nick C.

      simple quality

      Have used my Tardis once and will again for sure. Enough room for my full sus 26", helmet, shoes, tools, jackets and riding kit for 2 days with more to spare. Good quality stitching around straps and bulky zips ensure a secure carry, and material is hard wearing with extra padding around hubs. Slight improvements could be made to 1) shoulder strap construction for comfort, 2) density of lining around corners for protection and 3) increase options for internal storage, but really these are minor things and easily worked around with a bit of clever packing. On the whole its an awesome bag and wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Thanks groundeffect!

      DW
      08/12/2015
      Dan W.

      Tardis tough and roomy

      Bought a Tardis to transport an XL all mountain bike. Has plenty of room once I disassemble the bars, fork, wheels and derailleur - on my most recent trip i also had two helmets, one which was a full face, three pairs of shoes, pads and other bits and bobs. The zips are nice and big so you don't feel you're going to stretch and brake them. The wheel holders on the insides work effectively. Has a nice little pouch to store small things like screws. Fabric is nice a tough, didn't get any rips or fraying.