The Bicycle Frame Design and Analysis applet above
allows you to thoroughly investigate the loading of bicycle
frames. With this applet, you are the designer. You can design your
own frame, apply forces, and test it out. Try different shapes and see
the results immediately. You will soon appreciate how factors such as
the frame geometry and the rider's weight distribution affect the
loads the tubes have to carry.
Keep in mind that the applet performs the analysis based on the model
of the bicycle frame as a truss. That means that the results, while
indicative of the actual physical loading, are limited by the
assumptions that go into the model. In detail, the method of joints is
used for the truss analysis. If you would like more information about
this methodology, see the Method of Joints concept page.
Point | x-coordinate |
y-coordinate |
Handlebars |
213 |
-15 |
Seat |
88 |
-17 |
Pedals |
119 |
-112 |
Rear Axle |
12 |
-107 |