Best Bicycle Covers For Travel (Buyer's Guide)

‍When it’s time to hit the road on your next cycling adventure, you’ll need a bicycle cover for travel that protects your equipment.

The seven best bicycle covers for travel include the following

1. TeamObsidian Outdoor Travel Bike Cover
2. Pro Bike Tool Travel Bike Cover
3. Bikeroo Bike Cover
4. Bakcou Outdoor Bike Cover
5. Formosa Bike Cover For Travel
6. JOY-TECH Bike Cover
7. M COMNOVA OUTDOORS Bike Cover

After thorough research and testing, we're excited to share our top picks for the best bicycle covers for travel to help you make an informed decision and protect your beloved bicycle. Keep reading to find out which covers we love the most.

‍7 Best Bicycle Covers For Travel (Buyer's Guide)

For many cyclists, protecting their bicycles during transportation and storage is crucial to ensuring they can continue to hit the road or trail no matter where they go.

This is where a bike cover designed for travel comes in, offering a convenient way to safeguard bikes from the elements, scuffs, and potential thefts. Bike covers are used on the back or top of your vehicle when traveling with your bike.

They can be adjusted to fit on various bike racks for optimal protection during travel. Choosing the right cover means finding one that's durable, lightweight, and easy to install, so you can use it confidently during your travels.

You also want a cover that packs down easily and is portable so you can bring it along on your journey without hassle. Here are seven of our top picks you can try today.

1. TeamObsidian Outdoor Travel Bike Cover

For those seeking a highly durable and versatile bike cover for travel, the TeamObsidian Bike Cover is a top pick worth considering. This cover is compatible with platform-style hitch bike racks and will cover the entire bike and bike rack on your vehicle.

We recently used this cover on a trip, and we must say that the heavy-duty 600D ripstop material provided excellent protection for our bikes. The cover shielded our bikes from the elements and ensured that they remained secure and in place throughout the journey.

However, we noticed some inconsistencies between the product description and the warnings on the packaging. This didn't impact our experience with the bike cover, but buyers should be aware of this detail.

What Sets This Cover Apart

The ease of use is an aspect of this cover that stood out to us. It was simple to fasten the cover on our bikes, and the adjustable drawstring cords and central buckles made it a snug fit.

The added reflector straps on both sides also made the cover highly visible, ensuring safety while traveling. It’s incredibly versatile, unlike most bike covers, and it will fit on mountain bikes, road bikes, etc.

Pros

• Made from the thickest and strongest 600D ripstop material on the market
• Effective in all weather conditions, including rain, sun, wind, and snow
• Easy and secure use with adjustable drawstring cords and central buckles
• Two-year warranty

Cons

• Lock holes only at the front and back, not on the sides

2. Pro Bike Tool Travel Bike Cover

We recommend the Pro Bike Tool Travel Cover for those seeking reliable protection for their bicycles during outdoor storage. It comes with drawstrings, lock holes, and added size to fit most bike racks while traveling.

This cover impressed us with its sturdy, ripstop 300D Oxford fabric and heat-sealed TPU seams, providing top-notch protection against harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, ice, wind, and sun.

The waterproof and anti-UV material with PU coating ensures the safety of our bikes, even during severe storms or extended sunlight exposure. It can be purchased in 3 sizes too.

However, it's essential to note that this cover is not designed for use while traveling or indoors. It may also not be compatible with larger bikes or those with unique shapes. Additionally, a few users reported rusting of the metal rings, which could be a potential downside.

What Sets This Cover Apart

One of the big things I appreciated was the front lock-hole design, allowing the use of cable, chain, or U/D locks for added security. The adjustable buckle strap and "toggle" wheel/tire fit ensured a snug fit, even during windy days.

The reflective safety loops on the cover made locating handlebar ends easy and facilitating smooth removal. This helps with storage and allows for easier loading and unloading when it’s time to remove the cover.

But it keeps the bike protected at all times, and the added protection is why I believe this is one of the best bike covers available.

Pros

• Durable and weather-resistant material
• Secure fit with the lock-hole design and adjustable straps
• Available in multiple size options for 1, 2, or 3 bikes
• Ideal for side-by-side rack storage

Cons

• Some users reported rusting of metal rings

3. Bikeroo Bike Cover

We recently used the Bikeroo Bike Cover to protect our bikes during a long road trip and found the 300D ripstop Oxford fabric to be of exceptional quality. The cover effectively shielded our bikes from sun, rain, wind, snow, and dust, proving its worth in various weather conditions.

The cover's design made it simple and secured to use on different bike styles. The drawstring cords and central buckles allowed for a snug fit, although we had to knot the extra drawstring at the center for better security.

Reflective straps on both sides of the cover made it easily noticeable, while the top handles allowed for easy removal. One drawback we encountered was the oversized nature of the cover for certain bikes.

This might not be a problem for larger or uniquely shaped bikes, but it could be a consideration for those with smaller frames. The bottom closure could use improvement, possibly with the addition of a Velcro closure system for better dirt prevention.

What Sets This Cover Apart

The cover is ideal for both travel and stationary storage. So if you find yourself doing both often, this is a smart cover to buy. It’s the best bike cover for indoors because of the air vents and safety reflection stripes.

There is also a drawstring to adjust the cover’s tightness. And we also need to mention the durability of the 600D heat shield and 210D UV-protected fabric.

Pros

• Quality, ripstop waterproof material
• Effective in any weather conditions
• Secure and easy to use
• 600D heat shield material with strong UV protection

Cons

• Bottom closure could be improved

4. Bakcou Outdoor Bike Cover

A must-have for anyone seeking to protect their bike while traveling, thanks to its heavy-duty and waterproof design. The Bakcou Outdoor Bike Cover provides top-notch protection and durability. This is a good bike cover that could work on roof bike racks too.

This cover does a fantastic job of shielding our bikes from rain, sun, and dust, ensuring they stay clean and protected even during travel. Its camouflage design adds a unique touch while the high-quality nylon material easily withstands tough weather conditions.

This is undoubtedly a travel-ready solution that offers extreme outdoor performance and protection for various adventures. Although the design options are limited, and the price may be higher for some, we believe the quality and durability of this cover make it worth the investment.

What Sets This Cover Apart

The cover is especially suited for eBikes and bicycles, allowing us to achieve optimum protection when taking our rides off-road, in the mountains, or even when hunting. I’ve seen this cover in my local bike shop, so it’s easy to find too.

Despite its slightly bulkier size compared to other options, this cover is undoubtedly heavy-duty and built to last, ensuring our bikes stay in excellent condition during travel or storage.

Pros

• Excellent protection from weather elements
• Heavy-duty nylon construction
• Ideal for eBikes and bicycles
• Easily found at many bike shops
• High-grade design

Cons

• Only suitable for one bike at a time
• Not the best choice for a hitchrack

5. Formosa Bike Cover For Travel

This Formosa Covers Travel Bike Cover impressed us with its heavy-duty 600D woven polyester construction featuring reinforced PVC ends that effectively protect our bikes from the sun, rain, snow, and road debris.

With the cover being designed for a range of rear hitch-mounted bike racks, including those from popular brands like Yakima, Thule, and Saris, we found it quite versatile in terms of compatibility.

However, we noticed that this cover might not fit fat tire bikes and is not compatible with trunk mount bike racks. Additionally, depending on the vehicle, the cover may obstruct the rear view vision on some smaller vehicles.

Regardless of these minor limitations, the Formosa Covers Travel Bike Cover remains a durable, protective, and easy-to-install choice for travelers looking to transport their bikes on long journeys safely.

What Sets This Cover Apart

One aspect we particularly appreciated was the inclusion of night reflector piping on the cover, increasing our bikes' visibility at night and enhancing safety during transport. The heavy-duty 600D woven polyester is reliable too.

This is also the best choice for all Rear Hitch Mount Bike Racks. It can fit more than one bike, and there is reflective material and open spaces for the brake lights. Expect it to hold up well in rough weather too.

Pros

• Heavy-duty 600D woven polyester material with reinforced PVC ends
• Designed for various rear hitch-mounted bike racks
• Night reflector piping for added safety

Cons

• Not compatible with trunk mount bike racks

6. JOY-TECH Bike Cover

We recently used the JOY-TECH Bike Cover on our road trip and found that its waterproof polyester material with PU and UV coating effectively protected our bikes from rain, sun damage, and dirt.

Having a UV resistance of up to 50+ gives us confidence that our bikes are well shielded from harmful sun rays during our travels. The secure fit from the bottom double-stitched elastic hem and specially designed buckle kept the cover in place even during windy days.

We also liked the lock-hole design at the front wheel area, which allowed us to use a bike lock without removing the cover. While the cover was effective in protection, we did notice the material seemed quite thin, raising concerns about its long-term durability.

What Sets This Cover Apart

This cover is designed to hold and protect two bikes together. The open zipper and velcro installation make it one of the easiest options for beginners.

Compared to all the covers we’ve tested, the installation is by far the best. You can get this hooked up to the back of your vehicle to hold a full bike or even multiple e-bikes in just a few minutes.

Pros

• Waterproof and UV-resistant material
• Secure fit with elastic hem and buckle
• Lock-hole design for added security

Cons

• Thin material may impact durability

7. M COMNOVA OUTDOORS Bike Cover

We recently tried out the M COMNOVA OUTDOORS Bike Cover and found that it provided excellent protection for our bicycles during travel.

The use of 600D Oxford cloth and PU coating gave us peace of mind as it shielded our bikes from rain, snow, and sunlight. The cover's design also allowed us to secure our bikes with cable, chain, or U-locks, which is a great feature for added security.

When using this cover on a vehicle rack, we noticed that it might partially block the tail lights, so it's essential to be cautious and use additional reflective materials if needed. While the cover generally stays in place, adding extra straps can help prevent flapping during travel.

What Sets This Cover Apart

One aspect that stood out with this bike cover was its user-friendly design. The elastic cord and buckle system made installing and securing the cover on our bicycles easy. The provided storage bag also came in handy when transporting the cover.

You can also find this cover available as a travel option and as a stationary storage option. This is useful if you prefer to have multiple covers for different needs.

Pros

• Durable 600D Oxford cloth with PU coating for weather protection
• Compatible with various locking mechanisms for security
• Easy to use with elastic cord and buckle design

Cons

• Cover needs extra straps for stability during travel

Buying Guide For Finding The Best Bicycle Cover For Travel

Choosing the best bicycle cover for travel can be a bit daunting. That's why we've put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Material and Durability

First and foremost, the material of the cover plays a vital role in determining its durability. Look for high-quality fabrics such as polyester, nylon, or a mix of both.

These materials are strong and durable and provide adequate protection against harsh weather conditions.

Size and Fit

Measure your bicycle and pick a cover that is suitable for its dimensions. A cover that is too tight might be difficult to put on and take off, while one that is too loose might not offer proper protection.

Weather Resistance

A good bicycle cover should be able to protect your bike from rain, snow, dust, and UV rays. Make sure the cover you choose has a weather-resistant coating that effectively shields your bike from these elements.

Portability and Convenience

If you're traveling with your bicycle, a lightweight and easily foldable cover is essential. This will ensure you can effortlessly pack it in your bag and carry it around without any hassle.

Ventilation

A cover should have proper ventilation to prevent condensation and mold growth. Look for covers with strategically placed air vents that allow proper airflow and keep moisture away from your bike.

How Do I Cover My Bike While Traveling?

First, let's make sure we choose the right cover for our bike. Various options are available, all with different features to suit our travel needs.

We can find waterproof, dustproof, and UV-resistant covers, as well as those specifically designed for transport. Consider the material type, size, bike rack compatibility, etc.

Now installing the cover is the easy part. Follow these steps.

1. Clean our bicycle before covering it. This will prevent any dirt or debris from causing damage while it's being transported.
2. Fold the cover according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This may involve folding it in half, rolling it up, or using a specific folding method.
3. Place the cover over our bike, starting from the front wheel and working our way towards the rear. Ensure that all parts of the bike are fully covered, including the wheels, frame, and handlebars.
4. Secure the cover using any straps, buckles, or drawstrings provided. This will help to keep it in place during transit and protect our bike from the elements.

Do You Need To Cover a Bike While Traveling?

As avid cyclists, we often get asked whether it's necessary to cover a bike during travel. While it's not mandatory, we believe investing in a good bike cover is an excellent idea. Trust us. It's worth it.

Using a bike cover has multiple benefits. Firstly, it protects your bike from weather elements, such as rain, dirt, and UV rays. This keeps it in peak condition without any rust or damage.

Secondly, it ensures security. Having a cover will make your bike less visible to potential thieves, substantially reducing the risk of it getting stolen. It also prevents any scratches or dents while in transit.

So eliminate the risk of damage when traveling and cover your bike. It’s easy to find the right bike cover online to do the job compatible with your bike rack.