We’re always excited to show off the ways our customers use the PTC design suite to do incredible stuff. This time around, we’re doing a profile on Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. (or just “Specialized” to you cycling enthusiasts).

Specialized released the first mass-produced mountain bike on the market in the early 1980s. Since then, their business has expanded to include models for cross-country, trail, fixed gear, and road riding.

A WINNING COMBINATION

When it comes to designing their bikes, Specialized relies on PTC software and NxRev expertise.

Specialized’s design process relies on Creo design features like surface design and advanced assembly to allow for the rapid iteration of designs based on rider feedback.   And, for nine years, Specialized has relied on NxRev to help maximize their investment in PTC tools through training, tips, and courses.

Let’s take a closer look at how Specialized designed the 2013 Specialized Ruby. It’s a very cool bike with a very cool story.

The 2013 Specialized Ruby

With a decade of experience in designing women’s bicycles, Specialized was able to outdo itself this year with the Ruby. Its design is optimized for long-distance riding, ensuring that its riders enjoy the best of both comfort and durability.

A Revolutionary Seat Post

The Ruby incorporates some exceptional design elements that make it a world-class bike. Engineer extraordinaire Robb Jankura used PTC Creo to design the COBL GOBL-R seat post, as well as the carbon leaf spring used to support the seat. Using PTC Creo saved the Specialized team valuable time and ensured the high quality of the final products.

“We fully built, tested, and optimized these new components within PTC Creo, saving us weeks and months compared to traditional physical prototyping techniques.” – Robb Jankura, Design Engineer

A Frame Unlike Any Other

The Ruby’s frame is also a marvel of engineering. Using FACT Triple Monocoque construction, the unique one-piece carbon frame reduces frame stress significantly and reduces the frame’s overall weight while increasing stiffness.

Jankura and the rest of Specialized’s team used PTC Creo to simulate and test these features. The result is a bike frame that blows its competition away.

“With PTC Creo, we could confidently try out and include all these features because we can so easily simulate real-world conditions on the frame, and balance weight and stiffness, to ensure optimal performance and comfort.” – Robb Jankura, Design Engineer

The PTC Creo Edge… Sharpened by NxRev

In design, just like races, there are always clear frontrunners. Using PTC Creo, Specialized is able to design innovative bikes like the Ruby with ease of use and certainty of success. The 2013 Specialized Ruby is just one great example of the advantages PTC offers.

PTC Creo helped the Specialized design team:

  • Design and introduce the Ruby 20-30% faster than traditional use cases
  • Enhance the bike’s frame design to be both lighter and higher-performing
  • Increase comfort levels with new vibration dampening designs

Specialized turns to NxRev because they know we have the answers to all of their questions. We’re their go-to for design and training stuff, like:

  • Consulting and mentoring on a variety of different topics, including ISDX, Mechanism, Simulation, Model Check.
  • Update training during their shift from Windfire 5.0 to Creo.
  • Managing the various licenses they have for the PTC design suite.

To find out more about how PTC Creo brings great products to life, visit ptc.com/product/creo.

To see more about Specialized’s innovative bike designs, visit specialized.com.