Abstract: A impact resistant rim is configured to soften or minimize an impact, thereby reducing the risk of pinching or otherwise flattening the tire and/or damaging the rim. This impact resistant rim further reduces the effects of an impact by maintaining the integrity of the rim during and following the impact. In this rim design, a shock absorbing cord is inlaid, molded, an/or otherwise embedded inside opposing leading edges of the rim. The shock absorbing cord is designed to elastically and/or plastically deform during an impact.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a composite rim used in spoked wheels, such as bicycle wheels, having molded-in spoke holes along with a method of fabricating the composite rim. Advantageously, the present invention dramatically improves the bearing and loading strength of prior art composite rims, which drill the spoke holes therein after fabrication of the rim hoop.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for one or more of: (1) airflow enhancement around a rim using cusps that create virtual surfaces of air with the bike in motion, which also encourage favorable air attachment around the rim; (2) wake reduction by streamlining the airfoil around the rim using trip edges at various points of rim surface transition, which cause a laminar flow to go turbulent for enhancing the streamline effect; (3) a double rim surface, which provides an air slot between the two rim surfaces at a distance that enhances flow attachment and adds energy of air flow around the rim by moving air between areas of high and low pressure; and (4) a tubeless tire rim kit capable of converting conventional rims into tubeless ones and also promoting the sealing of the tire to the rim with minimal air pressure necessary to create the seal.

Abstract: A hub for a bicycle wheel includes a hub shell that defines one or more spoke holes. The hub shell includes a fiber reinforced material. The fiber reinforced material has one or more reinforcement fibers bending around the spoke holes to remain continuous around the spoke holes. One or more flanges with the spoke holes extend from the hub shell at an outer radial direction. A clutch or freehub adapter is coupled to the hub shell. Depending on the type of clutch mechanism used in the freehub, different clutch apdapters can be incorporated into the hub.

Abstract: A bicycle seat post assembly includes a seat post that has a barrel, a cradle assembly, and a tilt mechanism. The cradle assembly is received in the barrel to secure a saddle to the seat post. The tilt mechanism is received in the barrel for setting saddle tilt. The tilt mechanism has at least one expander configured to at least expand. The expander is positioned in the barrel to exert a torque on the cradle assembly during expansion that causes the cradle assembly to rotate.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein improve airflow around bicycle wheels by providing for one or more of: (1) a optimum leading edge width of a rim for preventing early stall in cross winds, while still allowing for sufficient stability without undue drag, whilst not unnecessarily increasing the rotating wheel and drag on the frame; (2) a sidewall shape with a subtle camber angle at the leading, which defines a rate of radius change at the max width of the rim—which further defines the max width and placement along the chord length for optimizing the aerodynamic properties of the rim; (3) a continuous rate of change of curvature at a spoke face, which fundamentally improves the performance and stability by generating a side force at higher yaw angles; and (4) wheel sets with a wider front rim relative to a narrower rear wheel to assist in flow attachment in high crosswind areas.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein improve airflow around the bicycle wheels by providing for one or more of: (1) a optimum leading edge width of a rim for preventing early stall in cross winds, while still allowing for sufficient stability without undue drag, while not unnecessarily increasing the rotating wheel and drag on the frame; (2) a sidewall shape with a subtle camber angle at the leading, which defines a rate of radius change at the max width of the rim—which further defines the max width and placement along the chord length for optimizing the aerodynamic properties of the rim; (3) a continuous rate of change of curvature at a spoke face, which fundamentally improves the performance and stability by generating a side force at higher yaw angles; and (4) wheel sets with a wider front rim relative to a narrower rear wheel to assist in flow attachment in high crosswind areas.