Abstract: A detent spring for use in a rotatable grip actuating system for a Bowden tube motion translation system used to actuate a derailleur gear shifting system on a bicycle. The detent spring, which is formed of spring type metal has a U-shape, with one leg positioned in an elongated arcuate slot in a first member which rotates within a second member having notches on an inner surface which are engaged by a detent formed on the second leg of the spring.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur gear shifting system having a rotatable handgrip actuator coupled with a derailleur shifting mechanism through a control cable system so as to control the derailleur. The derailleur (50) includes an arcuate cable entraining surface (78) which substantially reduces the variation and magnitude of the actuation ratio between control cable linear displacement and movement of the derailleur p-knuckle (88). A b-knuckle flange (160) militates against the derailment of the drive chain from the upper guide wheel while permitting maximum lateral flexing of the drive chain (48) during shifting between sprockets (46) on the freewheel. A rigid arcuate surface (174) may be provided as an extension of the b-knuckle (170) in replacement of a segment of a Bowden cable housing (38) to obviate the accumulation of water and foreign matter.

Abstract: A rotatable gripping surface for a derailleur-type bicycle gear shifting system is formed of a resilient material with axially extending alternating ribs and grooves. The ribs and grooves are spaced such that they fit naturally into the crooks of the rider's thumb and finger or fingers and the portion of the palm therebetween. The ribs provide an increased diameter to aid in the transmission of torque and to protrude above any mud which may have collected thereon. To further enhance the torque transmitting capabilities of the grip and the ability to remain effective in the presence of mud and other debris, the surfaces of the ribs are provided with a pattern of nubs. The hubs are engaged and deflected slightly by an operator's thumb and finger and the portion of the palm therebetween to transmit torque to the rotational grip.

Abstract: Nubbed grips for hand-rotatable bicycle gear shifters have longitudinally elongated groups of nubs (50, 96, 142) that are angularly spaced apart by valley regions (44, 98, 156). Preferably, the elastomeric nubs are formed both on a cylindrical portion and an adjacent flanged portion of the grip. In an alternative embodiment, shark tooth nubs (142) offer leading faces (158) against which a hand of a rider may abut in either rotational direction for maximum torque transmission.

Abstract: A rear derailleur (50) is provided with an arcuate cable entraining surface (78) which substantially reduces the variation and magnitude of the actuation ratio between control cable linear displacement and movement of the derailleur p-knuckle (88). A b-knuckle flange (160) militates against the derailment of the drive chain from the upper guide wheel while permitting maximum lateral flexing of the drive chain (48) during shifting between sprockets (46) on the freewheel. A rigid arcuate surface (174) may be provided as an extension of the b-knuckle (170) in replacement of a segment of a Bowden cable housing (38) to obviate the accumulation of water and foreign matter.

Abstract: A detent spring for use in a rotatable grip actuating system for a Bowden tube motion translation system used to actuate a derailleur gear shifting system on a bicycle. The detent spring, which is formed of spring type metal has a U-shape, with one leg positioned in an elongated arcuate slot in a first member which rotates within a second member having notches on an inner surface which are engaged by a detent formed on the second leg of the spring.

Abstract: A twist grip cable system having a mandrel received over the handlebar of a bicycle and a pulling spool providing increased mechanical advantage which may be used for the full range of rotation or In the case of a variable mechanical advantage system, that is one with a variable radius spool, for only part of the range. To provide even greater mechanical advantage, with the spool complete dropped away, a groove or slot is provided in the mandrel into which the cable may fall.