Of course, and it's those rapturous feelings that Trek Bicycle Corp., with the help of SolidWorks(R) 3D CAD software, is recreating with the launch of the Trek Lime. It's a new kind of bike for a different type of bicycle consumer - those who long ago abandoned cycling but just might want to ride again.
The Trek Lime is an "everybike" with a coaster brake, fully automatic shifting (like in your car), no cables, ultra-simple lines, a comfortable seat and - for the cool factor - swappable chain guards and handgrips in six different colors. You've heard of the mood ring? Call it a mood bike. And it's maintenance-free.
SolidWorks software was instrumental in the design of the breakthrough machine, which underwent myriad iterations based on research with an entirely different cohort from the company's usual target market of die-hard cyclists. As Trek industrial designers blazed through concept after concept, they were able to sketch directly on SolidWorks models by employing pressure-sensitive monitors that served as drawing tablets. These were powered by powerful Opteron(R) 64 processors provided by Trek partner AMD.
"The combination of SolidWorks software and the pressure-sensitive monitors enabled our industrial designers to try many different concepts quickly and easily," said Michael Sagan, Trek product development technology lead. "You completely preserve design intent when you combine sketching and CAD modeling together, then save the ideas as a SolidWorks file. Working this way allows our designers to be more creative and is a huge advantage for us."
Despite the high number of iterations, complete data compatibility across applications served to shorten time to market, according to senior industrial designer Hans Eckholm. "With SolidWorks software, we can use eDrawings(R) files for internal reviews, send STL files to vendors to create rapid prototypes, and work with our engineering team to resolve any fit or clearance issues," he said.
Although Trek is probably best known for the bikes Lance Armstrong rode to seven Tour de France victories, it's also the company that wants to get you out of your family van and back on two wheels.
"Lime brings back the joy of bikes for millions of soon-to-be born-again cyclists without the complicated gadgetry that captivates the competitive end of the bicycle market," said SolidWorks Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Rainer Gawlick. "Quite fittingly, Trek used SolidWorks software to reinvent the bicycle design process, enabling designers to work smarter and faster and design a better product."
Trek works with authorized SolidWorks reseller Graphics Systems Corporation for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
About Trek Bicycle Corporation
Headquartered in Waterloo, Wisc., Trek Bicycle Corporation is a global leader in bicycle design and manufacturing. From the original hand-built steel touring frames introduced in 1976 to the revolutionary OCLV carbon fiber first introduced in 1992, Trek's passion for innovation, quality, and performance leads the industry with next-generation technology and thinking. With a record seven consecutive Tour de France titles, six straight 24-hour World Solo Mountain Bike
SolidWorks helps Trek Bicycle invent the 'Lime' -
Championships, and countless other professional wins, Trek enjoys a rich tradition of victory in the world's premier cycling events. Today, with a broad range of bicycles and cycling products under the Trek, Gary Fisher, LeMond, Bontrager, and Klein brand names, Trek continues to pursue new ways to bring the joy of cycling to all people. For more information, visit www.trekbikes.com.
About Graphics Systems Corporation
Graphics Systems is the Midwest's leading provider of SolidWorks 3D CAD solutions with over 15 years in business, and over 125 years of combined engineering experience. Major product offerings through Graphics Systems include SolidWorks, COSMOSWorks(R) analysis tools, DriveWorks automated design software, PDMWorks(R) database management, DBWorks database management, Dimension 3D Printers and more. Graphics Systems is your source for CAD sales, training, service, and support with offices in Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, Wisc., and Chicago. For more information, call 1-800-454-CADD or visit www.gxsc.com.
About SolidWorks Corporation
SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).
SolidWorks, eDrawings, and PDMWorks are registered trademarks of SolidWorks Corporation. COSMOSWorks is a registered trademark of Structural Research & Analysis Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2007 SolidWorks Corporation.
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