Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer tube which is mounted via brackets to the steering tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner tube that telescopes within the outer tube. A shock absorbing system, preferably in the form of a cartridge is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube each have a plurality of axially arranged opposing longitudinal flat sections, such as four on each tube. A plurality of needle bearings are disposed between the tubes on these flat sections. This arrangement, with the needle bearings arranged on the flat sections between the inner and outer tubes, allows the two tubes to freely telescope in and out with respect to one another without any significant static friction, and also serves to maintain torsional rigidity between the outer tube to the inner tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a motorcycle or off-road use with an improved engine, air inlet, exhaust and engine control management. The engine is an improved four-stroke engine with a monocoque cylinder and crank case. The air inlet has been moved to the head tube of the motorcycle frame. The engine is reverse flow with the exhaust coming out the rear side and being shortened to less than about 50 inches. The engine control management has been modified to include an ignition interrupt, gear based ignition timing and after market tuning capabilities.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer tube which is mounted via brackets to the steering tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner tube that telescopes within the outer tube. A shock absorbing system, preferably in the form of a cartridge is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube each have a plurality of axially arranged opposing longitudinal flat sections, such as four on each tube. A plurality of needle bearings are disposed between the tubes on these flat sections. This arrangement, with the needle bearings arranged on the flat sections between the inner and outer tubes, allows the two tubes to freely telescope in and out with respect to one another without any significant static friction, and also serves to maintain torsional rigidity between the outer tube to the inner tube.

Abstract: A crank assembly for a bicycle uses a plurality of auxiliary sprockets and chains to achieve high ratios of wheel speed to pedal-rotation speed. The compact crank assembly is especially well suited for use on full-suspension bicycles, as high gear ratios are attained without altering the normal size and layout of the main sprocket and drive chain of the bicycle. The auxiliary sprockets may be coupled by a simple axle or, alternatively, may be coupled by a rider-adjustable transmission to provide greater control over the gear ratio of the crank assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle comprising: a frame comprising a down tube with a crank assembly coupled thereto; a front wheel; a front fork assembly for coupling the front wheel to the frame; a rear wheel; and a suspension assembly for coupling the rear wheel to the frame. The suspension assembly is comprised of a swing arm having a first end coupled to the rear wheel and a second end having a first connection point and an intermediate point between the first and second ends having a second connection point. The suspension assembly is further comprised of a first link coupled to the first connection point and to the frame and a second link coupled to the second connection point and to the frame, wherein the frame, the swing arm and the first and second links form an effective pivot point of the suspension assembly that is above the crank assembly and that moves in a forward direction when the rear wheel moves in an upward direction.

Abstract: An improved form of bicycle frame comprising a down tube attached to a seat tube at their lower ends and a back top tube affixed between the down tube and seat tube to form a first large triangle similar to a conventional bicycle frame. The upper end of the down tube is connected to a head tube, as is an upper end of a front top tube. A lower end of the front top tube is connected intermediate the ends of the back top tube thereby forming a small triangle between a portion of the down tube, a portion of the back top tube, and the front top tube. This smaller triangle functions as a gusset to provide a new frame configuration and to increase the strength thereof as well as increase the crotch clearance of the frame.

Abstract: A headset assembly attached to a bicycle for journaling a steering tube or a fork assembly within a head tube of the frame of the bicycle. The headset comprises upper and lower headset cups which are press fit within respective ends of the head tube. Each of the headset cups has a bore for receiving a respective cartridge bearing. Each of the headset cups has a rim with a radial slot and is designed such that the rim may clamp about a periphery of the respective cartridge bearings.