From Software to Steel: How CAPO RadTech is Revolutionizing the Tradition of Frame Building

The Renaissance of a Frame Building Legend

In an era where digitalization permeates every area, two successful software developers chose the opposite path: Michael Boyer and Riccardo Salzer left their screens to create something tangible with their hands. Their goal: to bring the over 90-year tradition of the Austrian bicycle brand CAPO into the modern world.

From Code to Steel: An Unusual Transformation

Michael Boyer and Riccardo Salzer were successful software developers with over 15 years of experience in various fields – from software development to aircraft design to lightweight construction. But they shared a passion: cycling. As enthusiastic cyclists, they recognized the limitations of the available technology in the bike fitting area.

"We wanted to do more than just develop software," explains Boyer. "After years in front of the screen, we longed to create something with our hands – something physical that directly touches and moves people." This yearning for tangible work led them to a fateful encounter with DI Harald Cap, born in 1944, the master of Austrian frame building.

DI Harald Cap: The Master and His Heirs

Harald Cap is a living legend of frame building. Since 1980, he has perfected the art of custom frame building and developed revolutionary techniques: wind tunnel optimized silver soldering, TIG welding technology, the CAPO STEEF algorithm for optimal fork trail values, and finally working with carbon fiber and titanium through vacuum welding.

Boyer and Salzer became students of the master. "Harald taught us not only the techniques but the philosophy behind them," says Salzer. "Every frame is unique, tailored to the individual biomechanics of the rider. We wanted to transfer this precision into the digital world."

Innovation Meets Tradition: The AIRO Revolution

With their software expertise, the two developed the AIRO system – a revolutionary bike fitting solution that requires less than one square meter of space without electronic components. The system automatically calculates the individual "sitting triangle" and allows for precise transfer of the optimal position to any bicycle.

"We combine Harald's decades of experience with state-of-the-art measurement technologies," explains Boyer. "The result is a system that merges the precision of a master with the efficiency of digitalization." The new CAPO RadTech GmbH makes professional bike fitting accessible for workshops of all sizes.

More than a Business: A Mission

The two founders see their company as more than just a technology business. "We want to make the ease of sporty cycling tangible for everyone," is their vision. By democratizing professional bike fitting technology, they create access to an experience that was previously reserved for professional athletes.

Their approach is deeply sustainable: instead of selling new bicycles, they optimize existing ones. "We help people get the most out of their existing bike," explains Boyer. "This is not only more efficient but also more environmentally friendly."

The Future: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

CAPO RadTech GmbH is just getting started. In addition to the AIRO software, Boyer and Salzer plan to develop frames and components themselves again – but with the most modern technologies available. "Harald showed us how to achieve perfection," says Salzer. "Now we show how to scale it."

Lessons for Founders: From Vision to Reality

The story of CAPO RadTech teaches important lessons for founders: the courage to leave established career paths. The wisdom to learn from masters. The vision to combine tradition and innovation. And above all: the conviction that technology should serve humanity – not the other way around.

Michael Boyer and Riccardo Salzer prove that the future does not always have to be digital – sometimes it lies in combining the best of both worlds. With CAPO RadTech GmbH, they are not only bringing a storied brand into the 21st century but also creating a new paradigm where craftsmanship and high-tech go hand in hand.