Abstract: The clipless pedal system for mountain bikes or other bicycles comprises a generally circular pedal body, at least one side of which has a mushroom or T-shaped extension which is created by extending tabs over a small diameter neck. The cleat consists of a mounting plate which can be attached to the sole of mountain biking shoe, and has a generally open interior of sufficient dimensions to permit insertion of the head therein. Engaging means extend inwardly at a spacing corresponding to the head of the extension. The engaging means can be inserted into the neck of the extension to catch just below the head of the extension. An eccentric stop prevents forward motion of the cleat relative to the pedal beyond a predetermined point. A spring tab is used to releasably lock the cleat and pedal extension together once the head is in position with respect to the engaging means and in contact with the eccentric stop.

Abstract: The clipless pedal system for mountain bikes or other bicycles comprises a generally circular pedal body, at least one side of which has a mushroom or T-shaped extension which is created by either forming a larger diameter head over a small diameter neck or by forming grooves or slots in the extension slightly below its top, with the grooves being the equivalent of the neck. The cleat consists of a mounting plate which can be attached to the sole of mountain biking shoe, and has a generally open interior of sufficient dimensions to permit insertion of the head therein. Engaging means extend inwardly at a spacing corresponding to the head of the extension. The engaging means can be inserted into the neck of the extension to catch just below the head of the extension. One or more spring tabs may be used to releasably lock the cleat and pedal extension together once the head is in position with respect to the engaging means.

Abstract: The aerodynamic bicycle comprises a bar or beam which connects at the rear to the rear wheel hub and at the front to a exoskeletal handlebar and downward extension which attaches to the front wheel. Just forward of the rear wheel, a vertical tube is attached to the bar so that it has limited pivoting capability. At the top of the vertical tube, a second tube inserts slidably within the vertical tube and is supported therein by a shock-absorbing device or material. The bottom of the second tube provides the attachment means for the pedal crank and chain rings. Hand-holds and arm rests are integrated into the exoskeletal handlebar so the exoskeletal handlebar itself is used for steering. To permit a complete tuck for racing, a pair of mirrors is provided so the rider can keep his or her head down and rest his or her helmet on the exoskeletal handlebar but still see forward.

Abstract: The cleat comprises laminated plates which attach to the shoe and retain a pair of springs which interact with the pedal to hold the pedal within a cavity in the cleat until release. In a first embodiment which is LOOK.TM.-compatible, four plates are used, the first of which levels out the mounting surface and the second which provides fore-and-aft adjustability. The third and fourth layers are the same as the two layers of the second embodiment, which is TIME.RTM.-compatible. The third layer provides a cavity for receiving the upper portion of the pedal and channels wherein the retaining springs are located. Slots are provided in the third and fourth plates to permit side-to-side adjustment. The fourth plate caps off the cleat to protect the springs, and is made of a hard, durable material to prolong the life of the cleat. A third embodiment of the LOOK.TM.-compatible cleat combines the first and second layers into one layer.

Abstract: The racing speed training method uses a support device attached to a belt, harness or seat which encircles or supports some portion of the runner's body. The support device can be freestanding or can be attached to a propulsion means for road or track training. The supports are adjustable and are releasably attached by clips or the like to a belt or harness around the runner's body. The runner will be partially suspended from the device such that when his or her feet hit the ground, less of the runner's weight will impact upon the ground. The amount of lift can be varied by shortening or lengthening the supports, by adjusting the tension of the support, or raising or lowering the frame so that a runner can start training at an artificially-induced lighter impact weight, find his or her optimum form at an increased speed, and then gradually apply the improved speed and form to carry the runner's full weight.

Abstract: A clipless bicycle pedal system incorporating a pedal and cleat, the pedal being a block with a generally convex symmetrical curved top and bottom surface and being circular in the lateral plane. Grooves are formed in the circumferential edge of the block, with at least one groove each in the leading and trailing edges of the block. The cleat is a plate which is to be fixed to the sole of a rider's shoe and has a concave recess therein which corresponds to the convex surface of the pedal block. Within the recess is a spring-loaded tongue which is adapted to be removably seated in the grooves of the pedal block.