One idea
Starting with a blank sheet of paper? No. Many companies revise their models every two years. New developments are often based on existing concepts, but still require development time. The big difficulty is to decide two years in advance what will be popular in the future. This applies to the concept, the bike category, wheel size, frame geometry, etc.
START - It's getting concrete
Month 3: The development team has roughly agreed on the suspension and geometry. The design engineer gets to work on the kinematics and the designers produce a 3D drawing. The frame is given a "face". Up to 30 versions are produced. Only one makes it to the next step.
Baptism
Month 4: The name must match the product range. Naming rights are patented. The costs vary depending on the scope. E.g. the name Scott Ransom is secured worldwide in the two-wheeler and automotive industry. Cost point per year: between 20000 and 30000 euros.
Off to Asia
Month 7: The designer travels to Asia with the CAD drawings. The first production mould for the carbon frame is now being built. The first prototype is created here. A kind of raw diamond. This is followed by the carbon layup, where the frame is tested. Where weak points are found, the material is reinforced.
First prototypes
Month 10: The first drivable prototypes are sent to Europe and handed over to team drivers. They give feedback to the designer. Geometry changes are no longer possible - instead, the focus is on the kinematics. Is the suspension too progressive or degressive?
Test laboratory
Month 10: Before wheels go into series production, they have to be tested in an independent test laboratory. The certificate is only issued and the next step can be taken once the values are favourable.
Attachments
Month 10: The add-on parts such as tyres, handlebars, cranks, gears, brakes, etc. must already be specified and ordered now. In fast-moving times like these, it is not easy to know so early on what will be in demand when the bike is launched. Cost regulation also plays an important role here. Currency fluctuations often cause problems - the currency is usually purchased in advance.
Design
Month 10: Design and colour are decided almost at the same time as the "test laboratory". Here, too, the challenge is to know now what will be popular in a good year's time. To do this, the designers look around the car and fashion industry. Decisions are made in the big round. The fork and rim decors are customised.
order
Month 12: The step that is probably associated with the highest risk: How many frames should be ordered? How many bikes will be in demand depends, for example, on magazine tests or the current buying behaviour of consumers. If you order too many, you'll be stuck with your bikes. The result: financial losses.
Series production
Month 14: Now the final production moulds are being determined in all sizes; S, M, L, XL Cost point: approx. 150000 euros. This usually takes up to three months - only then can final production begin.
Done!
Month 20: The frames arrive by container by ship. The add-on parts are then installed. The dealer usually orders six months before the launch. The product launch is handled by the marketing department. Magazine testers are invited to press camps and can ride the bikes for the first time. After that, it usually doesn't take long until the finished bike is in the shop.
You can find this article in BIKE 1/2019. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
Laurin Lehner
Editor
