BikeCAD 5.3 is now available. New features that are common to BikeCAD and BikeCAD Pro include:

• New icon to minimize the display of the tabs at the bottom of BikeCAD.
• Show either Campagnolo or Shimano brake hoods.
• Full German, Italian and Portuguese translations.
• Type in mathematical expressions into dimension fields (18.5*25.4, etc.)
• Check box to make both front and rear wheels the same size.

New features in BikeCAD Pro include:

• Unlimited fit schemes in the Fit advisor.
• Fit advisor can now manage formula for determining effective top tube length, stem length and saddle setback.
• Move the sitting position back and forth on the saddle, or even stand off the saddle.
• Show block of text in the title block in any of the four corners of the drawing.
• Streamline your interface by removing menus, options and dimensions that you don’t need.
• Post your own version of BikeCAD on your own site using BikeCAD for the Web.
• Initiate custom bike sales by collecting contact info and body measurements from prospective customers using this free PHP script.

Today was the Santa Claus Parade. For the third year in a row, a collection of local environmental groups got together to enter a float as the Tree Huggers. This was my first chance to unveil a new four person bike I’m calling the Family Truckster. It made it though the parade with flying colours. Although I’m glad that it still isn’t painted as there are a few modifications I still want to make to the bike.

Here are some photos and a video from the day. The video features music by Ontario’s own Matthew Barber.