kjay:

I just bought a hardcase, the one you mentioned - the Trico Ironcase. It is a bit bulky, but it has wheels and a handle, so it is actually fairly easy to maneuver around. I was able to get everything packed up in it. I did have to take off the wheels, my pedals and loosen the handlebars so they tilted forward, but that was it. I chose to ship my bike to my destination - we're on our way to Iowa for vacation (no stoplights or stop signs for MILES!) - so I sent it fedex which cost me (from AZ) about $50 and took 4 days. You can also take it on the plane with you - I believe the cost is about the same, but we were not going to have a car big enough to transport it, all our luggage and my dh and 2 kids, so that's why I chose to ship it.

I did my research here: http://www.adv-cycling.org/features/...gbikecases.cfm

This sight provides lots of good insight on the case Denise recommends, too, the one from bikeprousa.com. I thought about that one as well.

If you like the Ironcase, you can find it here: www.coloradocyclist.com for under what the retail value is ($249 vs. $310).