Abstract: Novel handlebars for a bicycle are disclosed which provide gripping positions below the handlebar crosspiece. These lower drop positions allow a rider to comfortably maintain a low frontal area without the need for forwardly extending handlebar elements. The lower drop gripping positions can be included in new handlebars or can be added to conventional handlebars by installing adapter kits. Additionally, a handlebar strut system is disclosed which can more efficiently transfer rider power to the bicycle. The strut system reduces upward handlebar flex while allowing downward flex. This can allow the rider to accelerate more quickly while retaining the shock absorbing benefits of downward handlebar flex.

Abstract: Handlebars for a bicycle include a central crosspiece connectable to a bicycle steering post and sidewardly extending portions which may include a pair of pads for supporting a rider's forearms. A generally vertical handgrip portion is located by an intermediate section to a forward central region to permit the rider's hands to overlap each other while grasping the vertical handgrip portion and define a rider position in which the rider's elbows are located near the central rear portion and the rider's arms extend forwardly when the rider's hands are grasping the vertical handgrip portion. In certain embodiments, the vertical handgrip may be T shaped with additional horizontal sections. In other embodiments, an adapter allows the generally vertical handgrip and intermediate section to be clamped to an original bicycle handlebar.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal system consisting of a flanged stud mountable to a bicycle rider's shoe, and a pedal, consisting of a shaft and a platform mounted thereto. The platform contains one or more slots for engaging the flanged stud, and a free zone which allows the rider to desengage the stud while still operating the pedal system. In another embodiment, a bicycle which contains the pedal system described above.

Abstract: Novel handlebars for a bicycle are disclosed. The handlebars include a crosspiece connected to a bicycle steering post with sideways portions extending therefrom. The handlebars of the invention have hand grip portions that are located relatively close together to encourage the rider to adopt a riding position in which the frontal area of the rider's silhouette is minimized, and in which the rider's elbows are located ahead of the rider's lungs. Turned handlebar portions extend from the sideways portions and extend generally forwardly and inwardly to define a pair of forward handle portions spaced apart a distance less than the width of the crosspiece. A front loop portion interconnects the forward handle portions so that all of the portions define a continuous loop forward of the steering post.A handlebar adapter is provided for a bicycle having an original handlebar.

Abstract: Novel handlebars for a bicycle are disclosed. The handlebars include a crosspiece connected to a bicycle steering post, and first handles are connected to the crosspiece. Novel second handles extend forwardly from the crosspiece; these second handles are located so that, when they are grasped by a rider, the rider's forearms are located to be supported by the handlebars at positions over the crosspiece. The second handles are located relatively close together to encourage the rider to adopt a riding position in which the frontal area of the rider's silhouette is minimized, and in which the rider's elbows are located ahead of the rider's lungs.