Chain of Production for a bicycle?

Question

hi, for my business studies coursework I have to draw a chain of production for an electric bicycle (i know, stupid) but I can't find anything. If somebody could just talk me through the chain of production for a regular bike I'd be really grateful, I can add the electric stuff in later.

thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Why is it so stupid? I've been making my living on that "stupid" stuff for longer than you've been alive... and I probably make more money  than you could ever hope to.

Anyway,

1) Concept is developed. Target use and price are discussed.

2) Frame is developed using experience and finite element analysis.

3) As frame is developed, components are selected to equip the bike within the subject price.

4) Initial quotations are received from factories, frame samples produced and tested.

5) Frame is tested. Artwork and colorways developed.

6) Prototypes ordered and tested. Based on this information, component/price/margin is modified.

7) Product approved for production.

8) Frame goes into production. Components ordered and gathered at assembly factory. Packaging ordered.

9) After frame is received at assembly factory, painting/finishing is commenced. Simultaneously, wheels are placed into loop for asembly.

10) First piece is assembled by hand for final pre-production inspection.

11) Frame finish inspected for flaws, reworked if necessary. Frame covered with specified packaging.

12) Headset and fork installed.

13) Crank installed.

14) Parts box packaged. Handlebars/stem/levers/grips/cables  subassembly. Saddle/seatpost subassembly.

15) Brakes and cables (if not already completed) installed. If handlebars are prewired, they are placed on hanging fixture onto bike.

16) Cassette/freewheel installed on rear wheel. Tires and tubes installed. Final true and dish check (on high end models).

17) Rear wheel installed.

18) Derailleurs installed, cables attached, initial adjustment completed.

19) Remaining packaging placed on bike- handlebars/front wheel, etc are wrapped to frame.

20) Parts box placed in shipping box.

21) Bicycle placed in shipping box.

22) Saddle/seat post placed in shipping box.

23) Checked for proper weight and contents.

24) Shipping box sealed.

25) Boxes placed on pallet for shipping.

26) Assembly company bills customer.

27) Customer pays assembly company.

28) Bikes shipped to customer.

By the way- the assembly process for an electric bike is COMPLETELY different since the motor, throttle. battery, and rear wheel are often integral to it's assembly.