Abstract: A skewer for fixing a wheel to a cycle-type vehicle, comprising a rod extending along a longitudinal axis, a first end that includes structural elements that cooperate with the vehicle frame, and a second end that includes structural elements configured to cooperate with a device exerting a tightening torque, in which the rod includes a groove extending along the longitudinal axis over a first length, an element having a variable diameter and a second length, the second length being less than the first length, is received in the groove so as to be translationally movable along the longitudinal axis, and an elastic biaser longitudinally constrains the variable diameter element towards the second end. The variable diameter element is a split tubular ring whose diameter in the free state is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the rod; it is longitudinally constrained by a spiral spring, and a distribution ring is interposed between the spring and the variable diameter element.

Abstract: Skewer for tightening a cycle wheel to the cycle frame, such skewer including a first end having a threaded portion cooperable with a female thread of a first frame portion, and a second end having axial abutment mechanisms for contacting a second frame portion, as well as drive mechanisms to enable a user to alternately exert a tightening torque or a loosening torque. A torque limiting mechanism operational in the tightening direction is positioned between the drive mechanisms and the rod. The skewer further includes a braking device to increase the torque required to initiate the rotation of the drive mechanisms in the loosening direction. The braking device includes two mutually contacting friction surfaces when the axial abutment mechanisms are in contact with the second frame portion. When the torque limiting mechanism is operational, the braking device becomes non-operational because the friction surfaces are no longer in mutual contact.

Abstract: Skewer for tightening a cycle wheel to the cycle frame, such skewer including a first end having a threaded portion cooperable with a female thread of a first frame portion, and a second end having axial abutment mechanisms for contacting a second frame portion, as well as drive mechanisms to enable a user to alternately exert a tightening torque or a loosening torque. A torque limiting mechanism operational in the tightening direction is positioned between the drive mechanisms and the rod. The skewer further includes a braking device to increase the torque required to initiate the rotation of the drive mechanisms in the loosening direction. The braking device includes two mutually contacting friction surfaces when the axial abutment mechanisms are in contact with the second frame portion. When the torque limiting mechanism is operational, the braking device becomes non-operational because the friction surfaces are no longer in mutual contact.

Abstract: A cycle wheel having a rim adapted to receive a tire. The wheel is equipped with a fairing attached on the rim. The fairing is at least partially made from a material having a density less than 120 kg/m3 and a compression set at 25% compression of less than 14%. The material can be an expanded polypropylene foam, for example.

Abstract: A hub for measuring the driving torque of a cycle wheel, the hub including a central shaft defining an axis of rotation of the wheel, and a hub body mounted to rotate freely about the shaft, the hub body including a central portion bordered on both sides by respective flanges, the flanges fastening at least one connecting element to connect the hub body to a rim of the wheel. The hub includes a system for measuring the driving torque of the wheel including strain gauges fixed on the hub body.

Abstract: A spoke including a metallic core covered, at least in its central portion, with a sheath of composite material comprised of an assembly of fibers embedded in a matrix, the core including an end portion adapted to be attached to the rim or the hub of a wheel, and a main body whose cross-sectional surface area is between 30% and 50% or, in a particular embodiment, between 35% and 45%, of the cross-sectional surface area of the aforementioned end portion. Furthermore, in the area of the main body, the sheath has a cross section between 150% and 500% or, in a particular embodiment, between 150% and 350%, of the cross section of the metallic core in the same area. The metal core includes two mechanical anchoring zones, positioned in the vicinity of its ends, on both sides of the main body.

Abstract: A skewer for fixing a wheel to a cycle-type vehicle, comprising a rod extending along a longitudinal axis, a first end that includes structural elements that cooperate with the vehicle frame, and a second end that includes structural elements configured to cooperate with a device exerting a tightening torque, in which the rod includes a groove extending along the longitudinal axis over a first length, an element having a variable diameter and a second length, the second length being less than the first length, is received in the groove so as to be translationally movable along the longitudinal axis, and an elastic biaser longitudinally constrains the variable diameter element towards the second end. The variable diameter element is a split tubular ring whose diameter in the free state is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the rod; it is longitudinally constrained by a spiral spring, and a distribution ring is interposed between the spring and the variable diameter element.

Abstract: The invention includes a rim for a cycle wheel, having a U-shaped radial cross section, with two lateral sidewalls and a bridge connecting the sidewalls and located so as to be opposite an axis rotation of the wheel. The sidewalls each define a planar braking surface, adapted to cooperate with a brake pad. The height of at least one braking surface, measured radially, is not constant over the circumference of the rim and has at least one variation in height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for winding and locking a lace comprising a fixed support, a rotatable spool, a user-operable knob for driving the spool, and elements for blocking the spool. The blocking elements comprise at least one pawl having a retaining portion engaging at least one complementary projection of the support in the absence of a rotational force exerted by the user on the knob, a base rotationally driven when the knob rotates during loosening, a first bar carrying the retaining portion and being elastically deformable, an actuating portion carried by a second bar and away from the retaining portion, the pawl being configured so that, during loosening, the knob, via the actuating portion, disengages the retaining portion.

Abstract: A cycle wheel having a U-shaped radial cross section, with two lateral sidewalls located on opposite sides of a median plane of the rim and each demarcated by an outer surface facing away from the median plane, on the one hand, and a bridge connecting the sidewalls and including an outer surface facing toward the axis of rotation of the wheel, on the other hand. At least one median zone of the outer surface of the bridge, which has a transverse width measured perpendicular to the median plane and greater than 4 mm, is machined over the entire circumference of the rim.

Abstract: A cycle wheel rim adapted to receive an open tire. The rim has a U-shaped radial cross section, with two sidewalls located on opposite sides of a median plane of the rim, and a lower bridge connecting the sidewalls. An upper bridge connects the sidewalls to form a closed contour. The upper bridge includes a median zone extending on opposite sides of the median plane. In the median zone and on a circumferential portion of the rim greater than or equal to 50% of its circumference, a reduced thickness of the upper bridge is less than 0.75 mm, or in an alternative embodiment, less than 0.65 mm.

Abstract: A shoe designed to cooperate with an apparatus through a pedaling action, the shoe including a base extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and depthwise between a surface for cooperating with the apparatus and an inner surface, the base having, from the rear end to the front end, a rear zone, a central zone, a metatarsal zone, and a front zone, the shoe including a lateral wall and a medial wall. The lateral wall and the medial wall are affixed directly to the base, and the base, the lateral wall, and the medial wall are rigid subdivisions of the shoe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for winding and locking a lace comprising a fixed support, a rotatable spool, a user-operable knob for driving the spool, and elements for blocking the spool. The blocking elements comprise at least one pawl having a retaining portion engaging at least one complementary projection of the support in the absence of a rotational force exerted by the user on the knob, a base rotationally driven when the knob rotates during loosening, a first bar carrying the retaining portion and being elastically deformable, an actuating portion carried by a second bar and away from the retaining portion, the pawl being configured so that, during loosening, the knob, via the actuating portion, disengages the retaining portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cycle wheel rim having, in radial cross section, two lateral sidewalls and a bridge, the rim having an outer surface facing outward of the rim and defined by the bridge and by at least a portion of the sidewalls. The manufacturing method includes extruding a section; bending the section; assembling the ends of the hoop formed from the section by joining one to the another; drilling holes in the bridge for fastening the spokes; machining the entire outer surface in a radial plane and on at least a portion of the circumference of the rim.

Abstract: A wheel rim having an axis of rotation, the rim including a first element in the form of a section of a solid of revolution about the axis, made in a single unitary piece from composite material and including a first end and a second end distinct from one another. The first element is made by pultrusion and constitutes, between the first end and the second end, a section of a solid of revolution having an angular arc greater than 350°, the composite material of the first element includes fibers embedded in a thermosetting matrix, the fibers constituting at least 50% of the weight of the first element.

Abstract: Quick-release skewer including a longitudinal rod with first and second clamping abutments at first and second ends of the rod, a lever pivotally mounted on the first end of the rod, the lever having a cam, a movable support member between the periphery of the cam and a first outer abutment surface, the movable support member including a locking surface capable of coming into contact with the cam and separated from the first outer abutment surface by a distance D1, the movable support member including an unlocking surface capable of coming into contact with the cam and separated from the first outer abutment surface by a distance D2 that is less than D1. The difference between D1 and D2 is between 2.0 and 4.0 mm. When the support member is in a locking position, the cam contacts the locking surface; in the unlocking position, the cam contacts the unlocking surface.

Abstract: A cycle wheel having a rim adapted to receive a tire. The wheel is equipped with a fairing attached on the rim. The fairing is at least partially made from a material having a density less than 120 kg/m3 and a compression set at 25% compression of less than 14%. The material can be an expanded polypropylene foam, for example.

Abstract: A hub for measuring the driving torque of a cycle wheel, the hub including a central shaft defining an axis of rotation of the wheel, and a hub body mounted to rotate freely about the shaft, the hub body including a central portion bordered on both sides by respective flanges, the flanges fastening at least one connecting element to connect the hub body to a rim of the wheel. The hub includes a system for measuring the driving torque of the wheel including strain gauges fixed on the hub body.

Abstract: A hub for measuring the driving power of a cycle wheel including a central shaft defining an axis of rotation of the wheel, a hub body mounted to rotate freely about the shaft, a flange mounted to rotate freely about the hub body and axially aligned with the hub body, as well as a torque sensor including a test body which supports at least one strain gauge. The torque sensor is housed in a two-part housing which includes a cutout, arranged in an outer radial surface of the hub body, and a notch, arranged in an outer radial surface of the flange.

Abstract: A spoke including a metallic core covered, at least in its central portion, with a sheath of composite material comprised of an assembly of fibers embedded in a matrix, the core including an end portion adapted to be attached to the rim or the hub of a wheel, and a main body whose cross-sectional surface area is between 30% and 50% or, in a particular embodiment, between 35% and 45%, of the cross-sectional surface area of the aforementioned end portion. Furthermore, in the area of the main body, the sheath has a cross section between 150% and 500% or, in a particular embodiment, between 150% and 350%, of the cross section of the metallic core in the same area. The metal core includes two mechanical anchoring zones, positioned in the vicinity of its ends, on both sides of the main body.