Abstract: A bicycle wheel includes a hub. The wheel also includes a fully asymmetric carbon fiber rim. The carbon fiber rim includes a curved sidewall and a straight sidewall, the straight sidewall being thicker than the curved sidewall. The wheel also includes a number of symmetric left and right spokes connecting the hub to the rim.

Abstract: A bicycle rim includes a rim body having an inner annular portion and an outer annular portion spaced radially outward from the inner annular portion. The inner annular portion has a circumference defined by a radially inward-most surface of the inner annular portion. A plurality of notches is spaced circumferentially along the circumference, the notches recessed within the inner annular portion to form a serrated edge along the circumference.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel includes a hub. The wheel also includes a fully asymmetric carbon fiber rim. The carbon fiber rim includes a curved sidewall and a straight sidewall, the straight sidewall being thicker than the curved sidewall. The wheel also includes a number of symmetric left and right spokes connecting the hub to the rim.

Abstract: A skate wheel having a replaceable tread mechanically attachable to and mechanically detachable from a wheel hub. The wheel hub includes a central hub and a tread receiving ring around the hub outer radial periphery. A thread projecting from the tread receiving ring spirals around the outer radial periphery of the tread receiving ring. The replaceable tread includes a tread attaching ring and a ground engaging tread disposed around the circumference of the tread attaching ring. A mating thread projecting from the inner radial periphery of the tread attaching ring spirals around the inner radial periphery of the tread attaching ring. The replaceable tread and wheel hub are connected by the threaded engagement of the threads of the tread receiving ring and tread attaching ring. The present invention also includes a process for forming a high strength, low weight composite hub for the skate wheel.

Abstract: A racing wheel for a vehicle such as a bicycle. The wheel includes a rotationally stationary inner component connectable to the bicycle, a rotatable outer hoop having a bearing engaging surface, a ground engaging tread disposed on the outer hoop, and bearings mounted on the inner component to be rotationally stationary therewith. The bearings each include a support surface contoured to operatively engage the outer hoop bearing engaging surface such that the outer hoop is axially and radially supported relative to the inner component to allow rotation therebetween. The bearings are positioned around the inner component at particularly selected locations to achieve high wheel performance.

Abstract: A hubless wheel for a vehicle which provides advantageous weight and aerodynamic properties. The wheel includes a rotationally stationary inner hoop, coupled to the vehicle, and a rotatable outer hoop, concentric with the inner hoop. The inner hoop and outer hoop are both fabricated with a woven fiber composite shell. A ground engaging tread is disposed on the radial periphery of the outer hoop. Bearings, preferably three rotating bearings spaced circumferentially around the inner hoop at approximately 120.degree. intervals, are mounted on the inner hoop to be rotationally stationary therewith and each include a support surface on their respective radial peripheries. The support surface is particularly contoured to operatively engage a bearing engaging surface located on the inner periphery of the outer hoop. The outer hoop is axially and radially supported relative to the inner hoop through this engagement to allow rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A wind drag reducing suit with integrated aerodynamic modules for use by speed sport athletes such as skaters and cyclists. The wind drag reducing suit is made from flexible fabric, and the aerodynamic modules of the suit are made integral therewith and fabricated as a flexible fabric composite. One form of the aerodynamic modules is as a rearwardly extending aerodynamic wedge-shaped module disposed on the portion of the suit sleeves which cover either the rear of the athlete's upper arm or lower leg. Another form of the aerodynamic modules is as a rear spoiler board, which is integral with the portion of the suit which covers the athlete's torso back, and which therefore is disposed on the back of the athlete when the suit is worn. Another form of the aerodynamic modules is as a vortex generator which projects from the exterior surface of the suit.

Abstract: Aerodynamic enhancements and modules for cycling and other speed sports such as skating and skiing include in one embodiment a wind drag reducer including two tapered arm/leg wedges. For cycling the the tapered wedges which are held in position by a stretch fabric sleeve, are worn on the upper arm area. For speedskating the tapered wedges are placed around the calf and a slightly modified wedge is attached to the heel of the speed skating boot. Another type of wind drag reducer includes a contoured rear spoiler board which is strapped to the back of a cyclist. An aerodynamic module to improve laminar air flow according to another embodiment includes a pod with a forwardly protruding nose-cone shaped front surface. The pod is held in position around the cyclist by a stretch fabric sleeve and strap arrangement.

Abstract: An integral front fork and handlebar unit for attachment to the head tube of a bicycle includes a unitary member which is arranged into a handlebar portion for use in steering the bicycle, a front fork portion attaching to the front wheel of the bicycle and a connecting portion for joining together the handlebar portion and the front fork portion. The entire unit has a forward protruding wedge shape and is continuous in nature without any openings or voids with the exception of the front fork which splits into two front wheel support arms disposed on opposite sides of the front bicycle wheel. As part of the unitary and integral construction, a generally cylindrical post is provided on the center line of the unit and this post is received by the head tube of the bicycle in order to provide the rotational pivot for transferring steering forces from the handlebar portion to the front fork portion.