Introduction
Radicalc is a program written
for and by bicyclists.
With the size-module you
can determine the correct framesize for your size and preferences. Radicalc
employs a large database with data for racing, touring and mountain bikes,
both for males and females!
The design module enables
you to design a diamond frame in seconds, and returns a listing of all
relevant measurements. The results from both modules can be stored and
retrieved, and modified and printed at will.
On top of this we have included
utilities which you can use to calculate spokelenghts, generate gearing
tables or analyze the steering geometry.
All the concepts and definitions
used in the program are explained with illustrations and a helpline. Measurements
are always metric in millimetres. The database contains bodymeasurements
of adults for framesizes of approx. 480-670 mm. The design module has very
few limitations, and it is left to the designer to decide whether a design
is feasible.
Radicalc runs under MS-Windows
and can be installed for several languages.
Size module
The size module is based
on our experience in building custom frames. It is a fast and objective
way to reach a good result. However, don't expect a computer to deliver
the last percent in your search for the perfect position.
 A
computer has to make do with far less input than your brains, so you will
have to experiment for those last millimetres. To run the size module you
have to fill in two forms: Customer and Bicycle. In the customer screen
you are asked to fill in the customer's name, sex and necessary body dimensions.
Radical will ask for inner leg lenght, upper body height, armlenght (in
millimetres) and shoesize. This is not as far reaching as some of the offerings
by the competition, but it is fast and offers a good starting point. And
in view of the large variety in saddles, posteriors, handlebar-shapes,
joint-stiffness and personal ideosyncracies, it remains questionable whether
more details will give a better result. With every
entry position an explanatory illustration is displayed.
In the second screen you
can choose between a racing bike, a tourer or an MTB. Other points are
the required steering characteristics (fast, neutral or stable), the seating
position (low, normal or upright), bracketheight, pedals used, and with
drop handlebars wheteher brakelever shifting is employed.
Activate the OK button and
a drawing to scale is generated with a list of the relevant dimensions.
The data can be printed or saved.
Design module
The design module can be
used in two ways. If you go from the size module to design, or if you have
retrieved an existing design with the Open function, you can modify
the suggested design. If you go to Design directly, you start from scratch.
The design is presented in the form of a CAD drawing, to scale, and with
the most important dimensions shown, and on the second screen as a list.
 You
can print the design, or make some changes and restart the calculations.
Note that within Design, you have full control. You take the decisions,
the program doesn't check. If you change the wheelsize, then the bracketheigth,
forklength or steering geometry remain unchanged. You can verify the steering
with an excursion to the steering utility.
Utilities
The Gearing module
The Gearing module enables the graphical and numerical analysis
of gearing set ups. If you choose a MTB gearing set-up, you already have
a 26" wheel, etc. You can have output for speed (at fixed crank revolutions),
or in development (meters) or gearinches. You can choose any wheeldiameter
The Steering Module
The Steering module calculates trail and the 'Jones' factor. If
you have a current design, you will find the parameters already filled
in, on activating the module. The values can be changed at will, and you
can enter head angles greater than 90 degrees!
The Spoke Module The
module starts with standard values for small flange cassette hubs and a
700C rim. Change the values with the mouse or by using the keyboard. The
program returns the spokelenghts for patterns ranging from radial to 5
cross.
Specs
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Conditions The software
described in this manual is sold under the condition that it will be used
only on a single machine at any time.
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Copyright (c) 1996 by
Gerritsen & Meijers, Ingenieurs; Groningen, Holland. All rights reserved.
Radicalc is a registered trademark. All other product names are the property
of their respective holders.
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Disclaimer We have taken
considerable effort to insure that Radicalc does what it is supposed to
do. However, as with all software, we assume no responsibility for any
flaws, defects or whatever, hidden or otherwise, nor for any damages associated
with or resulting from the use of this software-product or manual.
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Min. configuration 386
processor, 8 Mb memory, MS windows 3.0, 2 Mb diskspace
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Languages Dutch, German
and English, manual in English or Dutch
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Printout customized header
and three footer-lines
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Price € 125 incl.
salestax, (€ 105.04 ex for customers with a VAT number only),
incl P&P
Ordering Pay the
required amount into our Bankaccount No 2054401, BLZ 28550000, Sparkasse
Leer Weener (don't forget your adress) payable to Gerritsen &
Meijers, Ingenieurs, Dorpsstraat 132, 9605 PD, Kiel Windeweer, Netherlands.
Sorry, we no longer accept
creditcards, as new conditions with $5000 fines
all over the place make this a very risky proposition for me.
Contact us on how to order
and for shipping details (contact info on the left). EG USA export price
is $114 plus $7 shipping.
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