SOLIDWORKS: Modeling a Bicycle

This project-based course teaches you the fundamentals of SOLIDWORKS by showing you how to model a parametric bicycle frame.

Introduction

• Introduction to modeling a bicycle frame
• What you should know and how to use the exercise files

1. Design the Theoretical Frame

• The scope of this design
• Why use CAD?
• Understand the anatomy of a bicycle
• Create the frame geometry

2. Building the Front Triangle

• Where to start? Create the bottom bracket shell
• Create an assembly with the frame layout
• Add the head tube
• Add the seat tube
• Add the top tube
• Add the down tube
• Experiment with geometry changes

3. Finishing the Frame with the Rear Triangle

• Plan out the rear triangle
• Add the seat stays
• Add chain stays
• Model the dropouts
• Add the dropouts and adjust the frame
• Mirror the rear triangle parts
• Create the chain and seat stay bridges

4. Frame Finishing Touches

• Add brake mounts
• Add extra frame details

5. Adding Components

• Develop the model by adding off-the-shelf parts
• Finish the model by adding the seat and front fork

Conclusion

• Create tube drawings
• Next steps