Abstract: A speed change device for a bicycle comprising an upper fixed transverse support and a lower movable transverse support carrying a chain guide and movable with the lower support to derail a chain with respect to a set of pinions of graduated size on a free wheel to change the gear ratios. An articulated parallelogram linkage connects the upper and lower supports to permit transverse displacement of the lower support; a pivotal member is pivotably mounted on the upper support and is adjustably connected to the lower support and a control cable is attached to the pivotal member at a pair of locations on opposite sides of the pivot axis thereof to pivot the pivotal member under the control of the cyclist and produce transverse displacement of the lower support and the chain guide thereon. The pivotal member and the upper support carry a detent arrangement for establishing stop positions corresponding to the engagement of the chain with the respective pinions on the free wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for the control by a cable of a speed change device comprising an articulated parallelogram including a fixed upper support, a laterally movable lower support and two parallel levers pivotably connected to the supports. A chain guide is secured to the lower support and is laterally movable therewith for derailing a chain on pinions of a free wheel cluster. The parallelogram is subject to an elastic member which deforms the parallelogram in one direction, the cable acting on the parallelogram to deform it in the other direction against the action of the elastic member. The sheath of the cable is secured to the upper support of the parallelogram and the cable itself is secured to the lower support of the parallelogram such that application of external force to the cable produces deformation of the parallelogram.

Abstract: Cable guide apparatus for a bicycle or similar vehicle comprising a metallic tunnel member with an anti-friction cover member removably secured therein. The metallic tunnel member can be welded or brazed to the frame of the bicycle and the anti-friction cover member is engaged in the tunnel member after the welding or brazing. The anti-friction cover member has an opening for slidably receiving a control cable. The tunnel member is curved and internally receives the cover member along the length at which the cable bears. The cover member has a low coefficient of friction and preferably is a synthetic resin material. The tunnel member and the cover member have complementary locking elements for securing the cover member in the tunnel member in removable manner.

Abstract: A multi-functional control lever adapted for selectively operating on a front speed change device or a rear speed change device of a bicycle comprising a manually manipulable handle portion and a mounting portion rotatably mounted on a shaft. The lever has a housing for receiving a pin on the extremity of the cable and the cable is wound on one of two surfaces of the lever having different radii measured from the axis of rotation of the lever. The surfaces of different radii are brought into operative position by simple reversal of the lever on the shaft. The levers can be mounted at opposite sides of a common support block which supports the shaft and is attached to the frame of the bicycle.

Abstract: Control lever apparatus for speed change devices for bicycles comprising a pivotal lever for controlling speed change and a shaft rotatably supporting the lever. The shaft is fixed and the lever rotatable and a sound producing mechanism is mounted between the shaft and the lever for producing an audible sound as the lever undergoes rotation. The sound producing mechanism comprises a toothed wheel secured to the shaft and a shoe mounted in a recess in the lever for undergoing relative angular movement with respect to the wheel as the lever is rotated. The shoe is supported in the recess for undergoing limited radial and angular displacement relative to the wheel. The shoe has a plurality of teeth arranged along an annular sector for engagement with the teeth of the wheel. Elastic blades are formed on the shoe and bear against the lever at the recess to yieldably urge the teeth of the shoe and the wheel in engagement.