In this on-line course we offer a comprehensive overview of bicycle design and frame-building (either for custom or production series) exploring the most relevant areas of the process: from customer relationship, the selection of frame materials and bike components, the different building techniques, to the use of bicycle design software and main workshop tools.

This online seminar has a duration of 4-5 hours and will suit all bicycle enthusiasts, professional mechanics, bike shop assistants, industrial engineers and, by extension, any person interested to acquire a better understanding about the bicycle in general. It is not necessary to have any previous knowledge on the subject.

This on-line seminar is structured around the design of a bespoke bike on the software BikeCad Pro. As we advance in the design of the frame, we will proceed to explain all the different areas related to the process –  geometry, biomechanics, selection of materials and joining techniques- paying particular attention to the most relevant aspects of frame-building.

The aim of this seminar is to provide the basic principles of bike design and frame-building and offer a solid starting point for any student interested in advancing on this field. This seminar can be described as an expanded version of the first theoretical session of the Bike Design and Frame-Building Course (DCB-I and DCB-II)

When taking this course we offer students some additional benefits like a 10% discount on any of the courses and modules imparted at the Escuela, a 40% discount on the licence for BikeCad PRO software and access to the on-line forum of the ETB.

• Introduction: Design and Production types: Custom, Semi-Custom and Serial Bikes

Customer relationship. The original idea. Bicycle function and form. Customer preferences, dimensions and fitness. 

• Ergonomy and Position according to use. The three contact points of the cyclist. Bike Fitting.

Different types of bicycles. How the type of use defines the geometry and the cyclist position on the bike.

• BikeCad Pro. A working and learning tool. Bicycle design and basic parameters. Data gathering and design execution on BikeCad. 

• Bicycle Manoeuvrability: The most relevant parameters defining bike handling. Different types of use and geometries.

• Bike Frame Materials: steel, aluminium and carbon fibers. Mechanical properties and the pros and cons of each of these frame materials.

• The Bicycle Frame as a Dynamic Structure: Most relevant structural properties of bicycle frame.

• Frame-Building Techniques: lugs, fillet-brazing, TIG welding and carbon fibers.

• Safety: ISO test for bicycle frames, impact and material fatigue testing.

• Workshop Basics and Layout: Different types of workshops. Machine vs Hand based frame-construction.

Recommendations for all on-line participants via Skype: 

• Connection to the course via your PC or Mac computer only. 

• Don’t use SkypeWeb. We ask you to open a free account and download the official Skype desktop app here.

• If possible we strongly advise you to use headphones with in-built microphone. Speaking directly to your desktop mic often results in delayed signal which impairs the fluency of the conversation. 

• All participants should send an email with their Skype user name and a multi-call will be established 10 minutes before the start time to detect and sort out any potential connection issues. 

•  We advise you to have a pen and note-book at hand. 

• While you can take screenshots for future reference, the recording of individual sections or the complete seminar is not allowed at any time.

➝ For more information you can contact us here.

This on-line course is part of the scheduled teaching activities of the ETB. If you want to know when next course is taken place, you can drop us a line or subscribe to our mailing list.