BikeCAD 5.01 is now available.   New features that are common to BikeCAD and BikeCAD Pro include:

• The ability to change any colour on the bike including tires, rims, saddle, handlebars and stem
• Two new paint schemes to highlight lugs
• New XML file structure
• A notes section to record customer info and additional comments about the design
• Bullhorn handlebar option
• Aerobars can be used in combination with any handlebar
• Choose between traditional aerobars and S-bend style aerobars
• Control pedal dimensions
• Individually control the placement of dimensions on the screen.
• Improved dimension style (New arrows.  Text size is infinitely adjustable)
• Selectively read in elements from BCAD files.
• Decal display is no longer tied to paint schemes.  Decals can be displayed on any of the three main frame tubes through simple checkboxes.

New features that are available in BikeCAD Pro include:

• A new customization dialog box (the bikecad.properties file is now obsolete)
• The option to edit the library of standard forks and wheels
• New customization interface for the Fit advisor
• The Fit advisor can now recommend values for handlebar drop
• User defined dimensions
• Title block display
• Improved PDF export (Sample PDF with dimensions, Sample PDF with rider)

I’ve just returned from the North American Handmade Bicycle Show in San Jose, California.  It was great to finally meet so many BikeCAD users in person after having corresponded over e-mail or by phone for so many years.  The Bicycle Forest booth was set up right next to the legendary Bruce Gordon and just across the corner from Don Ferris and his display of Anvil jigs.

Bruce Gordon won Best in Show for this lugged road bike with custom titanium racks, brakes and seatpost.

I was pretty much stuck at my booth for the whole show.  Not that I minded.  I got a really encouraging response from the numerous people I spoke to about BikeCAD.  When I did manage to break away for a quick lap of the show, I snapped the following collection of photos.  There was some amazing stuff out there!