Abstract: A derailleur mounting assembly for a bicycle having a rear wheel suspension includes a chain stay having a first end connected to a bicycle crank in a manner so as to pivot about the crank axis, and a derailleur mounted on the chain stay. The chain stay is operable to pivot about the crank axis when the rear wheel suspension allows a rear wheel to move. This allows the derailleur to be maintained in a stationary position with respect to a bike chain extended between the bicycle crank and a sprocket attached to a rear wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle frame with improved rigidity and strength is disclosed. The frame has a truss portion and upper and lower stays for connecting a rear wheel to the truss portion of the frame. One or both of the stays comprise a U-shaped tubular member having a curved portion and two leg portions, the leg portions positioned to straddle the rear wheel, and a second tubular member extending between the truss portion of the frame and the curved portion of the U-shaped tubular member. The second tubular member is shaped at one end so as to terminate in gussets that at least partially surround the curved portion of the U-shaped member. In preferred embodiments, the second tubular member is flattened at the end connecting to the U-shaped tubular member to have an elliptical cross-section with an inside minor axis dimension substantially equal to the outside diameter of the U-shaped tubular member, and the gussets terminate at about the centerline of the U-shaped tubular member.

Abstract: A quick release latch has a pair of jaws pivotally mounted for holding a d. An abutting toggle link mechanism having a master and a slave link controls movement of the jaws. The master link is pivotally connected to one of the jaws, and the slave link is pivotally connected at one of its ends to one of the jaws, and at its other end to the master link. The master link has a stop pin thereon which contacts the slave link when the linkage mechanism is moved forward past a center line position, permanently restraining the jaws in their closed position. Cantilever springs help to hold the jaws in their closed position. Pulling the toggle links aft thru the center line allows the force of the load and cantilever springs to rapidly open the jaws.