Somewhere between a box and a bag, is a ‘soft bike case’ – such as this offering from Evoc.

This case is supported by glass fibre rods, but the main body of the protection comes from a soft foam – which is lighter. In addition, the rods can be removed, allowing the box/bag to be collapse to just 30cm in height.

How to: Get the best road bike for your budget 

There are two separate wheel compartments on the sides, as well as separate spaces for smaller parts, and 8 carry handles so you’ll always be able to grab one on the carousel.

Wheels on the base mean you can roll around the airport, and at 8.6kg, you’ve got room to play with the idea of packing your kit in around the frame – which saves space in your case, and lets you use your lycra as extra padding. At £259.99, you’re spending more than you would on a bag or a cheaper box, but getting with it longevity, and packability, which will be handy on the 358 days a year you aren’t using it!