luggage wheels on cobblestones

The four small wheel spinners are dominate in the market place. And, IMO, they do not work well on cobblestones. There are some two wheel carryon that are still available. So when comparing models, look at the size of the wheels - Bigger will always be better.

madeline,

From my observations, even the two wheeled models tend to bounce around on cobblestone streets and the owners usually end up just carrying them. This is one reason I prefer using a Backpack.

Our Briggs and Riley withstands it all. Spinners are great for scooting along train platforms and on cobblestones you just pull them on 2 wheels. The 2 wheels work great but you always have to pull them behind you. Briggs has a lifetime guarantee for repair/ replacement. They stand by it. They are expensive, but between how well- made they are and the free fix policy you never have an excuse to replace them
A downside if you like to replace your luggage for updated models. Of course, they also offer that option. Once a year you can trade in old pieces ( that they donate to charitable organizations) and get a hefty discount off your new luggage.

You probably wont be carrying them around too long on cobblestones: basically from the taxi to the hotel door or viceversa. Or from the train station to the taxi stand or viceversa. And in either case there is no guarantee you will be walking on cobblestones. Cobblestones are not in every street. The rest of the time you will be walking on cobblestones, your suitcases will stay in the hotel room.

You will want not just bigger wheels but robust wheels and axles for bouncing your rolling bag over cobbles and up/down stairs. My gear bag is an LL Bean Rolling Adventure Duffle (5,700 cu. in., 8 lb. 2 oz., 15"H x 30"W x 13"D) with robust roller skate like wheels and a tough enough bottom at the wheels to drag up stairs and toboggan over snow.

It has strap handles duffle bag style, and handles each end making for good grip if you need to lift the bag up into railroad cars. Also has cinch straps if you are packed less than full.

If you click on the "video" link icon to the left of the duffle bag image the video demonstrates quality testing including cobble stone pavements and up stairs:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63916?page=adventure-rolling-duffle-large

I have the RS rolling carryon, it's fine in cobblestones. I have never carried it like a suitcase.

Thanks to the OP for starting this thread. It is exactly what I need to know right now because my mom just got a Travel Pro spinner for herself. I don't know the dimensions, but it looks bigger than my 25-inch Delsey, which has two wheels. I warned her spinners are bad in Venice because the wheels break off (our cruise travel agent had that happen once), but she said two-wheelers are becoming rarer and consequently more expensive. Now I am worried about what will happen to her new suitcase because of what posters are saying about pulling spinners on cobblestones.

Because we are taking an Insight Vacations tour instead of traveling on our own, bag handling will not be an issue this time. However, next year we probably will return to Europe for a river cruise (that is what she wants to do, not my idea), and so far have only sailed on big ships in North America. I also know someday I will need a new suitcase anyway and thought, "Why not get it now?"

Should I put off getting a new suitcase that would most likely be a spinner or hurry up and get another two-wheeler while they last?

Thank you, everyone, for your excellent, helpful replies. I've taken a leap and ordered a spinner bag from ebags - the Kenneth Cole Reaction 20-inch Out of Bounds Molded Upright Spinner, which one reviewer said worked great on uneven streets in Florence. My daughter wants a hard sided bag to protect against bringing bedbugs home. Venice is the only place where we may run into cobblestones, getting from the boat to the apartment we're staying in. We got a great price with the 20% off for new customers. So - we'll see! The LL Bean bag looks great, but is too big to carry on.

Thanks for mentioning L.L. Bean. I am a big fan of their women's clothes and did not know they also sell luggage.