Abstract: A multiple-speed transmission wheel hub for imparting torque to a drive wheel includes a hub shell formed around a wheel axis and a clutch wheel formed around the wheel axis and axially movable between at least first and second speed positions. First gearing couples the clutch wheel to the hub shell when the clutch wheel is in the first position producing a first transmission speed. Second gearing couples the clutch wheel in the second speed position with the hub shell producing a second transmission speed. A speed-shifting cam is disposed on the axis and axially rotatable between at least first and second speed positions, with helical segments formed on a surface of the clutch wheel facing the cam, the helical segments coupling to the cam to translate rotation of the cam into axial displacement of the clutch wheel both from the second speed position to the first speed position and from the first speed position to the second speed position.

Abstract: A cable preload system and device for providing an axial force to the control cable and sealing the control cable against contamination. The pre-load apparatus includes a braze-on, a cable connector, a resilient tubular member and a frame connector. The cable connector attaches one end of the tubular member to the control cable to form a static seal about the control cable. The frame connector attaches the other end of the tubular member to the frame. The tubular member is adapted to stretch between a first configuration and a second configuration to pre-load the control cable.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur gear shifting system having a rotatable handgrip actuator coupled with a derailleur shifting mechanism through a control cable system so as to control the derailleur. The derailleur (50) includes an arcuate cable entraining surface (78) which substantially reduces the variation and magnitude of the actuation ratio between control cable linear displacement and movement of the derailleur p-knuckle (88). A b-knuckle flange (160) militates against the derailment of the drive chain from the upper guide wheel while permitting maximum lateral flexing of the drive chain (48) during shifting between sprockets (46) on the freewheel. A rigid arcuate surface (174) may be provided as an extension of the b-knuckle (170) in replacement of a segment of a Bowden cable housing (38) to obviate the accumulation of water and foreign matter.

Abstract: A rear derailleur (50) is provided with an arcuate cable entraining surface (78) which substantially reduces the variation and magnitude of the actuation ratio between control cable linear displacement and movement of the derailleur p-knuckle (88). A b-knuckle flange (160) militates against the derailment of the drive chain from the upper guide wheel while permitting maximum lateral flexing of the drive chain (48) during shifting between sprockets (46) on the freewheel. A rigid arcuate surface (174) may be provided as an extension of the b-knuckle (170) in replacement of a segment of a Bowden cable housing (38) to obviate the accumulation of water and foreign matter.

Abstract: A bicycle gear shifting system having rotatable front and rear handgrip shift actuators operatively associated with control cables for shifting respective front and rear derailleur mechanisms. In some forms of the invention the control cable is directly actuated by the handgrip rotator, while in other forms the shifter rotator drives a separate "jack spool" which in turn actuates the control cable. A cam on either the handgrip rotator or the jack spool is configured so as to substantially compensate for increasing force of the derailleur return spring during down-shifting. Compensation is provided in the shift actuators of the invention for various lost motions in the derailleur shifting mechanisms and control cable systems.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur gear shifting system having a rotatable handgrip actuator cam which is coupled with the derailleur shifting mechanism through a control cable system so as to control the derailleur mechanism. Separate actuator cams are associated with the front and rear derailleurs. For the down-shifting direction, at least the rear derailleur cam is configured so as to substantially compensate for increasing force of the derailleur return spring; so as to substantially compensate for numerous cumulative lost motions in the derailleur shifting mechanism and cable system; and so as to overshift the chain a sufficient amount beyond the destination freewheel sprocket so that the chain will approach the destination sprocket in the same direction as it would in the up-shift direction, but not sufficient to cause a double shift, or derailling from the #1 sprocket. A front derailleur cam is configured to provide fine-tuning for "cross-over" riding.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur gear shifting system having a rotatable handgrip actuator cam which is coupled with the derailleur shifting mechanism through a control cable system so as to control the derailleur mechanism. Separate actuator cams are associated with the front and rear derailleurs. For the down-shifting direction, at least the rear derailleur cam is configured so as to substantially compensate for increasing force of the derailleur return spring; so as to substantially compensate for numerous cumulative lost motions in the derailleur shifting mechanism and cable system, and for chain gap variations; and so as to overshift the chain a sufficient amount beyond the destination freewheel sprocket so that the chain will approach the destination sprocket in the same direction as it would in the up-shift direction, but not sufficient to cause a double shift, or derailling from the #1 sprocket. A front derailleur cam is configured to provide fine-tuning for "cross-over" riding.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur gear shifting system having a rotatable handgrip actuator cam which is coupled with the derailleur shifting mechanism through a control cable system so as to control the derailleur mechanism. Separate actuator cams are associated with the front and rear derailleurs. For the down-shifting direction, at least the rear derailleur cam is configured so as to substantially compensate for increasing force of the derailleur return spring; so as to substantially compensate for numerous cumulative lost motions in the derailleur shifting mechanism and cable system, and for chain gap variations; and so as to overshift the chain a sufficient amount beyond the destination freewheel sprocket so that the chain will approach the destination sprocket in the same direction as it would in the up-shift direction, but not sufficient to cause a double shift, or derailling from the #1 sprocket. A front derailleur cam is configured to provide fine-tuning for "cross-over" riding.