Abstract: The invention provides a suspension system for a bicycle. The suspension system utilizes novel shock absorbers which contain elastomeric elements which are restricted against radial expansion by retention washers. A rear wheel suspension system has a chain stay and a seat stay joined at one end and free at the opposite end. The free end of the chain stay is pivotably attached to the mainframe at a location close to, and preferably above, the largest diameter sprocket of the crank assembly. The linear shock absorbers of the invention are positioned such that they displace along an axis aligned tangentially with a circle having its center at the pivot.

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly utilizing a hollow crank arm is disclosed. The crank arm is welded to a hub for mounting to an axle and reinforced using a doubler provided at a point of maximum stress to minimize the likelihood of breakage at the maximum stress point. The resulting bicycle crank assembly exhibits reduced weight without a substantial reduction of torsional or bending strength.