Abstract: A bicycle drive assembly may include an axle, a hub shell rotatably mounted on the axle by a first bearing, a free hub rotatably mounted on the axle by a second bearing, and a ratchet mechanism releasably coupling the free hub to the hub shell to transmit torque from the free hub to the hub. The ratchet mechanism may include a first ratchet ring having an inner surface joined to the hub shell for rotation with the hub shell and a second ratchet ring having an inner surface joined to the free hub for rotation with the free hub. The first ratchet ring and the second ratchet ring encircle and radially overlap the first bearing and the second bearing, respectively. At least one spring resiliently biases the first ratchet face and the second ratchet face into engagement to transmit torque from the free hub to the hub shell.

Abstract: A bicycle drive assembly may include an axle, a hub shell rotatably mounted on the axle by a first bearing, a free hub rotatably mounted on the axle by a second bearing, and a ratchet mechanism releasably coupling the free hub to the hub shell to transmit torque from the free hub to the hub. The ratchet mechanism may include a first ratchet ring having an inner surface joined to the hub shell for rotation with the hub shell and a second ratchet ring having an inner surface joined to the free hub for rotation with the free hub. The first ratchet ring and the second ratchet ring encircle and radially overlap the first bearing and the second bearing, respectively. At least one spring resiliently biases the first ratchet face and the second ratchet face into engagement to transmit torque from the free hub to the hub shell.

Abstract: An assist device for a bicycle includes a motor, a step-down gear, a free wheel, and a shaft which rotates as one with a right crank and a left crank. The motor transmits an assist torque to the shaft by m the free wheel. The device is designed to be received inside a pedal assembly casing. The shaft is rotatably mounted relative to the casing by two ball bearings. The free wheel includes a plurality of pieces which are placed between the motor and the shaft. The device also includes a torque transmission ring which allows one of the pieces of the free wheel to be secured to the shaft or to one of the cranks. The transmission ring is at least partially placed under one of the two ball bearings.