BikeCAD Pro the way to go?

[fpavao]

Couldn't find a recent post about bikecad, so creating a new one here.

I've been building frames for a while now using mainly Rattlecad and the free version of Bikecad, wich is really buggy and annoys me a lot when I use it on my 2004 notebook. I really like Rattlecad and the whole opensource thing going on, but it's limiting when it comes to curved tubes.

My questions are:

-the Pro version of Bikecad is as buggy/laggy as the web browser version? Or maybe is it just my old notebook that is the problem?

-can I install it on two or more machines? I'd like to have one on the shop notebook and one at home. Couldn't find a direct answer about this on the Bikecad website, only some posts mentioning about being able to install it on 2 or 3 different pcs.

Thanks!

[edoz]

BikeCad is great. It does what it is supposed to do and Brent is continuously releasing improvements. I have never regretted the money that I spent on it.
You can install it on more than one machine, although that may be contrary to the licensing rules. You'd have to read the small print.

[rellis]

BikeCAD Pro is a great product. There have been bugs, but Brent is always updating the software with new features. I have it installed on multiple computers (shop and home) without issue.
It is a Java application and needs the latest Java update.

[Jonathan]

As far as tools go it's well made and supported.

[Clockwork]

Second everything above.

[Andrew R Stewart]

Thirds to all the above. I have gone through a couple of new computers in the last year. Brent walked me through the download and install process both times (I'm no computer wiz...) He made sure my old files were saved too. It's one of those tools that I wish I had a need to use more often then I do. Andy.

[timto]

I rank this product right up there with important tools that help make framebuilding more enjoyable. The people I've built for like to see the outputs too - (easy mock up of bottles, paniers, racks, toe clip overlap etc etc). I don't machine mitre and use the templates in combo with my flat plate and fixtures.

Over the years it has proven great value.

[MagicCycles]

IMHO… BikeCad it the only game in town! Brent is always there for questions and or comments. Worth every penny!

[hampco]

+1 on everything that's been said here but it really will work best on a newer computer.

There may be kludges and workarounds but on my 5 year-old Mac I can see that I need a new desktop unit.

Still, BC has completely changed how I do my business and it makes life so much easier.

[Dave Anderson]

Not much more to be said on this, but, Man....BikeCAD PRO is the best and most used tool in my shop. I've had it since it first came out and have never had a problem with it. The current version works great on my 2008 HP 6730b windows laptop. I've never used it on a Mac, though, so can't comment on that. It can be installed on more than one machine....as Eric noted, though, I also am not sure if there are any license issues with that.

Dave

[fpavao]

Thank you all for the recommendations.

About the license for two or more installations, after reading this: BikeCAD Pro | www.bikecad.ca, it seems like Brent doesn't care much about how we use it, as long as it is used (:

[sam]

I almost feel like if somone is using some other cad program, free, open source otherwise. They are almost waisting there time, for software pricing you might as well call bikecad free, help support it, just buy, I know a few builders need something more ,but not many

[G-reg]

From a newbie/hack perspective, it's been worth every cent. It really allows you to punch above your weight if you don't have a pro fitting setup / jig / metering / decades of experience.

It's the DSLR of hobby framebuilding.

[Will Neide]

Something else to add to my Christmas list.

[ParagonMachineWorks]

Just as a heads up, we are working with Brent at BikeCAD to get our dropouts into the next update! He's already done a great job implementing our Wright dropouts and currently has a big batch of sliding dropouts in the works as well.

Hopefully this makes the implementation of dropouts into your frame design a little easier, and more importantly, a little more accurate! If you have specific dropouts you would like to see implemented into BikeCad let me know and I'll work on getting those to him first.

Thanks again for the hard work Brent!

[EnginCycles]

For the record anyone can add any drop out with a simple print of the dimensions. I have all my drop outs in there and it really is cool to see the correct angle in the seat stay joint since it has all the correct dimensions.

[Eric Siepmann]

Just as a heads up, we are working with Brent at BikeCAD to get our dropouts into the next update! He's already done a great job implementing our Wright dropouts and currently has a big batch of sliding dropouts in the works as well.

Hopefully this makes the implementation of dropouts into your frame design a little easier, and more importantly, a little more accurate! If you have specific dropouts you would like to see implemented into BikeCad let me know and I'll work on getting those to him first.

Thanks again for the hard work Brent!

Sam,

Would you be able to get BK2018 into BikeCAD?

Thanks,

EwS

[shand]

Hey Sam,

PD100 and any of the 135x10 inserts would be great. (Polydrops)

Cheers

Steven

[ParagonMachineWorks]

Sam,

Would you be able to get BK2018 into BikeCAD?

Thanks,

EwS

Eric,

The brake mounts might eventually make their way into BikeCad, but for now we're just doing dropouts. With the next batch (which is going to be the Polydrops!) I send to Brent I'll ask him about peripheral components and see what his plans are.

[Eric Siepmann]

Eric,

The brake mounts might eventually make their way into BikeCad, but for now we're just doing dropouts. With the next batch (which is going to be the Polydrops!) I send to Brent I'll ask him about peripheral components and see what his plans are.

That would be great. Thanks again!

EwS