Bespoke bicycle design from the comfort of your PC

It’s the perfect web tool for aspiring bike fitters, but it’s just as well suited to daydreaming cyclists who want to design their perfect ride; BikeCAD is a parametric computer-aided design (CAD) tool for do-it-yourself bicycle frame design.

The Bicycle Forest website has several free-applet versions of the program with which to undertake recumbent, full-suspension and tandem design as well as wheel building.

The level of design detail achievable by even a novice is impressive – the program will take into account rider details ranging from ankle thickness to shoulder-to-jaw measurement.

You built it, now insure it

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old, third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover and if you suffer a mechanical breakdown, they will come out and recover you and your bike. Oh, and if it’s a bike you built yourself they can cover that, too.