Abstract: A cycle crank assembly includes a crank spindle and a drivetrain connector configured to translate rotation of the crank spindle into rotation of a wheel. A crank arm includes a pedal interface configured to receive a pedal spindle of a cycle pedal. A slip connection is configured to allow the crank arm to rotate about the crank spindle. A resiliently deformable member is connected to the crank spindle and the crank arm proximate to the pedal interface. The resiliently deformable member translates rotation of the crank arm into rotation of the crank spindle. The resiliently deformable member deforms under load to store pedal energy provided by a rider to the cycle pedal and returns at least a portion of the pedal energy when not under load in a direction of the rotation.

Abstract: A cycle crank assembly includes a crank spindle and a drivetrain connector configured to translate rotation of the crank spindle into rotation of a wheel. A crank arm includes a pedal interface configured to receive a pedal spindle of a cycle pedal. A slip connection is configured to allow the crank arm to rotate about the crank spindle. A resiliently deformable member is connected to the crank spindle and the crank arm proximate to the pedal interface. The resiliently deformable member translates rotation of the crank arm into rotation of the crank spindle. The resiliently deformable member deforms under load to store pedal energy provided by a rider to the cycle pedal and returns at least a portion of the pedal energy when not under load in a direction of the rotation.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for a bicycle or a tricycle having a main frame which includes rear wheel chain stays. Two or more swing arms, one for each chain stay, are pivotally mounted to the chain stays, with the front of the swing arms extending into the interior of the chain stays. The rear wheel or wheels (in the case of a tricycle), are rigidly attached to the end of these swing arms. An elastic member is interposed between the front end of each swing arm and the interior of each chain stay. This elastic member is preferably urethane rubber or a similar material placed in compression by being positioned underneath the front of the swing arm. When the cycle encounters a bump or road irregularity, the rear of the swing arms move upward, causing the front of the swing arms to pivot downward, increasing the loading on the elastic member and at the same time absorbing the shock from the road irregularity before it is transferred to the bicycle frame and rider.