Abstract: A bicycle frame that includes a mainframe portion is disclosed. The mainframe portion includes a first tube, a second tube, and a third tube arranged to define a space therebetween. In one embodiment, the first tube is a top tube, the second tube is a down tube, and the third tube is a vertical tube. The tubes reside generally along a single plane. Each tube has a cross-section perpendicular to the plane. The cross-section of each of the tubes has a first dimension being parallel to the plane, and a second dimension being perpendicular to the plane. At least one of the tubes has a ratio of the second to first dimensions of 1.35 to 3.0.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly including a down tube and a monolithic down tube support. The down tube support preferably defines a pocket configured to receive an end portion of the down tube such that the tube support overlaps at least a portion of a side surface of the end portion of the down tube. In one embodiment, a weld bead joins both of the tube support and the down tube. Preferably, the down tube support also defines an opening configured to receive and support a pedal crank assembly relative to the bicycle frame. Furthermore, preferably the down tube support also includes a pivot mount portion configured to rotatably support a sub-frame of the frame assembly or a rear shock absorber.

Abstract: A bicycle including a frame having a main frame portion and an articulating frame portion pivotally mounted to the main frame portion and carrying a rear wheel of the bicycle. A shock absorber preferably is operably connected between the main frame portion and the articulating frame portion. Preferably, the top tube and down tube of the main frame contact one another for a distance extending rearwardly from the head tube of the main frame. In one arrangement, the down tube has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a shock absorber to a bicycle frame. The system preferably includes at least one spacer having a first spacer member and a second spacer member. Each of the first and second spacer members include a curved contact surface configured to contact the respective surface of the other spacer member. A first one of the spacer members is located relative to the bicycle frame and the second one of the space members is located relative to the shock absorber. The shock absorber and the second one of the spacer members may be rotated relative to the first spacer member and the bicycle frame to achieve a desired alignment between the shock absorber and the bicycle frame to compensate for misalignment between the mounting structures on the bicycle frame for a respective first and second ends of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur guard assembly for use with a bicycle having a derailleur mounted to a frame of the bicycle by a derailleur mounting bolt. The derailleur guard assembly preferably includes a body supportable by an axle assembly of the bicycle. The body is configured to extend from an axis of the axle assembly to a space adjacent the mounting bolt of the derailleur and defines an inner surface facing the frame when the guard assembly is mounted to the bicycle. A support is configured to support the derailleur when the guard assembly is mounted to the bicycle and, in at least one arrangement, the body is positioned outwardly of the derailleur mounting bolt within the space adjacent the mounting bolt.

Abstract: A bicycle frame adapted to support a rear wheel that defines a central plane. The frame includes a first seat stay tube that defines a side surface and has a first portion disposed on a first side of the rear wheel and a second portion having a centerline disposed substantially on the central plane. A second seat stay tube has a third portion disposed on a second side of the rear wheel opposite the first side and a first end attached to the side surface of the first seat stay tube.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a bicycle having a front wheel and a rear wheel. The frame assembly preferably includes a main frame and a sub-frame, which is movable relative to the main frame and configured to carry the rear wheel. A shock absorber extends between and is connected to the main frame and the sub-frame. The main frame includes a down tube and a monolithic bottom bracket support. The monolithic bottom bracket support is connected to a rearward end of the down tube and preferably includes an opening configured to support a pedal crank assembly for rotation about a crank axis. Preferably, the shock absorber is connected to the main frame for rotation about a pivot axis positioned forward of the opening of the bottom bracket support. Desirably, the shock absorber pivot axis is positioned forward of a line passing through the crank axis and a center point of the down tube at the junction of the down tube and the head tube.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a bicycle having a front wheel and a rear wheel. The frame assembly preferably includes a main frame and a sub-frame, which is movable relative to the main frame and configured to carry the rear wheel. A shock absorber extends between and is connected to the main frame and the sub-frame. The main frame includes a down tube and a monolithic bottom bracket support. The monolithic bottom bracket support is connected to a rearward end of the down tube and preferably includes an opening configured to support a pedal crank assembly for rotation about a crank axis. Preferably, the shock absorber is connected to the main frame for rotation about a pivot axis positioned forward of the opening of the bottom bracket support. Desirably, the shock absorber pivot axis is positioned forward of a line passing through the crank axis and a center point of the down tube at the junction of the down tube and the head tube.

Abstract: A head tube for a bicycle frame that accommodates oversized frame tubing and the use of a standard sized head set. Preferably, the head tube includes a body defining a pair of lateral extensions that cooperate with the body to define an outer surface configured to receive at least a portion of a frame tube. In addition, preferably, the head tube defines a wall thickness that is thicker at the bottom of the head tube than the thickness at the top of the head tube. In addition, preferably, the wall thickness is greater at both of the top and the bottom of the head tube than the wall thickness of the middle of the head tube. Preferably, in at least a portion of the head tube, the wall thickness is thicker in a forward side than the thickness in a rearward side.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur guard assembly for use with a bicycle having a derailleur mounted to a frame of the bicycle by a derailleur mounting bolt. The derailleur guard assembly preferably includes a body supportable by an axle assembly of the bicycle. The body is configured to extend from an axis of the axle assembly to a space adjacent the mounting bolt of the derailleur and defines an inner surface facing the frame when the guard assembly is mounted to the bicycle. A support is configured to support the derailleur when the guard assembly is mounted to the bicycle and, in at least one arrangement, the body is positioned outwardly of the derailleur mounting bolt within the space adjacent the mounting bolt.

Abstract: A bicycle including a frame having a main frame portion and an articulating frame portion pivotally mounted to the main frame portion and carrying a rear wheel of the bicycle. A shock absorber preferably is operably connected between the main frame portion and the articulating frame portion. Preferably, the top tube and down tube of the main frame contact one another for a distance extending rearwardly from the head tube of the main frame. In one arrangement, the down tube has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly having a main frame and an articulating frame supported for movement relative to the main frame. The articulating frame is configured to carry a rear wheel for rotation about a hub axis. A shock absorber is operably connected between the main frame and the articulating frame to provide resistance to articulating motion of the articulating frame. The articulating frame includes a chain stay member and a shock support member fixed for angular displacement with the chain stay member.

Abstract: A bicycle including a frame having a main frame portion and an articulating frame portion pivotally mounted to the main frame portion and carrying a rear wheel of the bicycle at a hub axis. A shock absorber is operably connected between the main frame portion and the articulating frame portion to provide resistance to articulating motion of the articulating frame portion. A rearward end of the shock absorber preferably is pivotally mounted to the articulating frame portion at a location near the hub axis. The shock absorber preferably is positioned within a perimeter defined in a vertical plane generally by the articulating frame portion.

Abstract: A head tube for a bicycle frame that accommodates oversized frame tubing and the use of a standard sized head set. Preferably, the head tube includes a body defining a pair of lateral extensions that cooperate with the body to define an outer surface configured to receive at least a portion of a frame tube. In addition, preferably, the head tube defines a wall thickness that is thicker at the bottom of the head tube than the thickness at the top of the head tube. In addition, preferably, the wall thickness is greater at both of the top and the bottom of the head tube than the wall thickness of the middle of the head tube. Preferably, in at least a portion of the head tube, the wall thickness is thicker in a forward side than the thickness in a rearward side.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur guard assembly for use with a bicycle having a derailleur mounted to a frame of the bicycle by a derailleur mounting bolt. The derailleur guard assembly preferably includes a body supportable by an axle assembly of the bicycle. The body is configured to extend from an axis of the axle assembly to a space adjacent the mounting bolt of the derailleur and defines an inner surface facing the frame when the guard assembly is mounted to the bicycle. A support is configured to support the derailleur when the guard assembly is mounted to the bicycle and, in at least one arrangement, the body is positioned outwardly of the derailleur mounting bolt within the space adjacent the mounting bolt.

Abstract: A bicycle including a frame having a main frame portion and an articulating frame portion pivotally mounted to the main frame portion and carrying a rear wheel of the bicycle at a hub axis. A shock absorber is operably connected between the main frame portion and the articulating frame portion to provide resistance to articulating motion of the articulating frame portion. A rearward end of the shock absorber preferably is pivotally mounted to the articulating frame portion at a location near the hub axis. The shock absorber preferably is positioned within a perimeter defined in a vertical plane generally by the articulating frame portion.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly having a main frame and an articulating frame supported for movement relative to the main frame. The articulating frame is configured to carry a rear wheel for rotation about a hub axis. A shock absorber is operably connected between the main frame and the articulating frame to provide resistance to articulating motion of the articulating frame. The articulating frame includes a chain stay member and a shock support member fixed for angular displacement with the chain stay member.

Abstract: A bicycle including a frame having a main frame portion and an articulating frame portion pivotally mounted to the main frame portion and carrying a rear wheel of the bicycle at a hub axis. A shock absorber is operably connected between the main frame portion and the articulating frame portion to provide resistance to articulating motion of the articulating frame portion. A rearward end of the shock absorber preferably is pivotally mounted to the articulating frame portion at a location near the hub axis. The shock absorber preferably is positioned within a perimeter defined in a vertical plane generally by the articulating frame portion.

Abstract: A bicycle including a frame having a main frame portion and an articulating frame portion pivotally mounted to the main frame portion and carrying a rear wheel of the bicycle at a hub axis. A shock absorber is operably connected between the main frame portion and the articulating frame portion to provide resistance to articulating motion of the articulating frame portion. A rearward end of the shock absorber preferably is pivotally mounted to the articulating frame portion at a location near the hub axis. The shock absorber preferably is positioned within a perimeter defined in a vertical plane generally by the articulating frame portion.