SolidWorks to power Bianchi designs

A top of the line Bianchi bike. Retail price: $9,799.99

Italian bicycle producer Bianchi has turned to a firm with offices in Concord to help improve its designs.

Looking to create new bikes that combine technology and innovation, Bianchi is working with SolidWorks, a company with offices in Concord and Milan that specializes in 3D computer-assisted design.

"A bicycle must very much account for consumers' tastes, which demand new materials and exquisite designs," Bianchi design-and-production chief Luca Minesso said in a statement. "To meet these goals, it is essential for us to use advanced engineering tools."

By using such products as SolidWorks Office Premium 3D computer-assisted design, Bianchi can shorten time to market and reduce materials usage by minimizing reliance on physical prototypes, Bianchi said.