Abstract: The invention relates to a drive unit for a muscle-powered vehicle having a crankshaft mounted in a crankcase or in a frame. At least one crank for transferring the muscle power of a driver to a drive wheel of the vehicle is fastened to the crankshaft. A gear unit is provided, which is arranged in the power train from the crankshaft to a driven gear of the gear unit coupled to the drive wheel of the vehicle. According to the invention, a substantially stationary part of the gear unit for determining a total torque of the crankshaft is supported on the crankcase or on the frame.

Abstract: A green bike comprises a frame, two wheels, a first internal-gear module and a second internal-gear module and a transmission element. The frame has a pedal, a front supporting unit, a rear supporting unit, and a seat unit. The two wheels are attached to the front supporting unit and the rear supporting unit, respectively. The transmission element is disposed in the frame or a tube shield linking to the frame. The first internal-gear module and the second internal-gear module are coupled with the pedal and at least one of the wheels. The transmission element links the first and the second internal-gear modules for delivering power to the at least one of the wheels.

Abstract: A pedalling method and device for a user in standing position. The device includes a drive shaft whereof the rotation about its axis is coupled with the rotation of two right and left pedals. The pedals are mutually assembled via a plurality of cranks, connecting rods, and pivots such that: the pedals can travel freely along a circular path, for a constant rotational speed of the shaft, the speeds of the pedals are recurrent at equal time intervals but out of phase, minimal at lower dead center, maximal at upper dead center, and when the pedals are simultaneously at a common height lower than that of the center of the trajectory, the speeds of the pedals are equal. The vertical oscillation of the center of gravity of a user in standing position is reduced compared to a conventional pedal assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur is provided with a base member, a movable member, a moving mechanism and an angular adjustment arrangement. The base member includes a first support portion and a first axle with the first support portion being pivotally mounted on the first axle. The movable member includes a second support portion, a chain guide and a second axle with the chain guide being pivotally mounted on the second support portion by the second axle. The moving mechanism is coupled between the first and second support portions. The angular adjustment arrangement is operatively coupled to either electrically pivot the first support portion relative to the first axle, or electrically pivot the chain guide relative to the second support portion when the moving mechanism is moved to move the second support portion of the movable member relative to the first support portion of the base member.

Abstract: A bicycle device with an internal drivetrain that eliminates any external mechanical drivetrain components. An internal drive gear is driven by user pedal input, which provides torque and rotation to a plurality of gear rods, connecting rods and disk gears. Gear ratio and speed choice is controlled by the drive gear and a first disk gear, which incorporate a variable gear pitch moving radially outward for which to mate with the gear rods. The drivetrain terminates at a hubless rear wheel, which rotates a tire tread around a stationary hub. Controls for the bicycle are provided in a handle bar stem device that manipulate the position of the gear rods and brake calipers. The front and rear wheel are separable from the central frame of the device for storage and transport. Overall, the present invention provides a sleek, modern upgrade to the traditional bicycle device, and incorporates several features that improve its design.

Abstract: An improved power transfer mechanism for use on a human-powered machine, adapted to be drivingly connected to a power take-off device of said machines, includes: a housing adapted in use, to be disposed within a frame of said human-powered machine; at least one crankshaft adapted to be disposed within said housing; respective left-side and right-side crank arms each adapted to be drivingly associated with an end of said at least one crankshaft; and drive transfer means adapted to co-operate with said at least one crankshaft and each associated crank arm, the arrangement being such that a first member of the group comprising and left-side and right-side crank arms and said power take-off device is adapted to be attached to said at least one crankshaft, such that each of the second and third of said members is adapted to be rotatable relative to said first of said members, and each other, only to a limited and controlled degree, whilst not be movable axially or in a longitudinal direction relative to said at le

Abstract: A logical third axle gear train for a bicycle, comprising a power gear operatively connected to at least one sprocket and adapted to be rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame. A drive gear is operatively connected to a hub assembly on which a drive wheel is mounted. A conversion gear adapted to be rotatably mounted on the bicycle frame is disposed between the power gear and drive gear to transmit torque from the power gear to drive gear. The drive wheel is removable from the bicycle frame without manipulation of a chain for driving the sprocket.

Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a main frame and a seat mounted on the main frame. A pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels are also mounted on the frame. A propulsion mechanism is provided for driving the rear wheels, the propulsion mechanism comprising an arm lever for forward and back movement and a gear train between the arm lever and the rear wheels.

Abstract: A straddle type all terrain vehicle is provided with a chain guide for covering an outer peripheral edge of at least an engaged portion of a driven sprocket with a drive chain from outside in a radial direction inside a chain cover. A rear axle housing is formed with upper and lower flange portions extending upward and downward at opposite end portions in the vehicle width direction of the rear axle housing. The rear axle housing is coupled to a rear end portion of the rear swing arm for swinging forward and rearward about mounted portions of the upper flange portion. The chain cover is mounted on the swing arm side and the chain guide is mounted on the rear axle housing side, respectively.

Abstract: A chainless bicycle includes a drive system having a speed change arrangement is provided. In a first mode of speed change a forward pulling of a forward cable clockwise pivots a front pivotal member to move the forward sleeve rearward so that a first toothed portion of the forward sleeve clears a second gearwheel to move into a first gearwheel to mesh with a toothed portion of the first gearwheel whereby rotating a shaft will rotate a drive gear, the first gearwheel, the second gearwheel, the forward sleeve, a drive shaft, a rear sleeve, a fourth gearwheel, second inner engaging members, second outer engaging members, a third gearwheel, and a rear axle co-rotating with a rear wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle shifting control apparatus is provided with a gear selection signal receiving section, a gearshift determination section and a gearshift output section. The gear selection signal receiving section selectively receives a first gear selection signal and a first/second gear selection signal. The gearshift determination section determines a first rider shift intention for first gear shifting when the first gear selection signal is received, which meets a first signal criteria, and determines a second rider shift intention for performing second gear shifting in addition to the first shifting when the first/second gear selection signal is received by, which meets a second (different) signal criteria. The gearshift output section outputs a first gearshift signal upon determining the first rider shift intention or the second rider shift intention exists and outputs a second gearshift signal upon determining that the second rider shift intention exists.

Abstract: A bicycle shifting control apparatus controls an electrical power supplied from a power supply to first and second gear shifting devices that are operated by first and second gear shift operating devices, respectively. The bicycle shifting control apparatus includes a first power supply sensor and a controller. The first power supply sensor detects a power level of the power supply. The controller receives a power level signal from the first power supply sensor. The controller performs a stopping operation of the first gear shifting device in response to the first power supply sensor detecting the power level of the power supply being below a first prescribed power level, but the controller transmits a second gear shift signal from the second gear shift operating device to the second gear shifting device to perform a second shifting operation of the second gear shifting device.

Abstract: A mounting device for a bicycle having a bottom bracket planetary gear system with a sun gear or ring gear, and a bottom bracket shell positioned at the convergence of a plurality of frame parts of a bicycle frame is disclosed herein. The mounting device preferably has a control plate, a drive side bearing flange, a control input and control pawl. The control pawl blocks the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier of the planetary system of the bicycle transmission thereby transferring the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier force to the control pawl then to the control plate and then to the bicycle frame.

Abstract: An electrical bicycle shift control device is provided that includes a handlebar mounting portion and an electrical shift control switch portion. The handlebar mounting portion is configured to be fixedly mounted in a free end of a handlebar. The electrical shift control switch portion is fixedly mounted to the handlebar mounting portion. The electrical shift control switch portion includes an operating member arranged and configured to be selectively moved relative to the handlebar mounting portion between a neutral position and a first actuating position.

Abstract: A durable, airless, chainless bicycle multiple riders of differing heights is disclosed. The bicycle is propelled by a drive shaft instead of a chain, making the drive assembly more dependable. The tires are made from a solid material and cannot go flat. The frame and other components of the bicycle are either inherently rust resistant or are coated to increase their rust resistance. The bicycle also has a front basket that is mounted such that the basket does not turn when the front wheel turns. Finally, the bicycle has a seat adjustment mechanism which allows the seat height to be adjusted without tools.

Abstract: A bicycle (1) with a bearing (126) including at least one plain bearing bush (126a). The at least one plain bearing bush (126a,) is provided to absorb the radially acting forces. At least one rolling element bearing is provided to absorb the axially acting forces.

Abstract: The wobble bearing axle assembly is used for engaging the upper body of a person for use in human powered vehicles and exercise equipment. The wobble bearing assembly converts linear input force derived by the operator into rotational force, which is directed toward the forward propulsion of a wheel. The wobble bearing axle assembly comprises a wobble bearing, a wobble axle, at least two engagement members a first arm and a second arm. The wobble bearing is disposed upon the oblique retainer of the wobble axle. The oblique retainer of the wobble axle is angled offset from the axis of the wobble axle Y. The engaging members are rotatably affixed with the first and second arms through pins which is longitudinally disposed through complementary orifices through the first and second arms and the engaging members respectively. In some preferred embodiments additional bearings are engaged with the pedals powered by the legs of the operator.

Abstract: A logical third axle gear train for a bicycle, comprising a power gear operatively connected to at least one sprocket and adapted to be rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame. A drive gear is operatively connected to a hub assembly on which a drive wheel is mounted. A conversion gear adapted to be rotatably mounted on the bicycle frame is disposed between the power gear and drive gear to transmit torque from the power gear to drive gear. The drive wheel is removable from the bicycle frame without manipulation of a chain for driving the sprocket.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission assembly that is mountable to a bottom bracket shell of a bicycle frame. The bicycle transmission assembly includes an input crank assembly, an output chainring, a planetary gear mechanism, a control system and a mounting system. The planetary gear mechanism is mounted coaxially about an axis of the bottom bracket shell and provides a plurality of transmission paths. The control system is operatively connected to the planetary gear mechanism for selecting one of the transmission paths. The mounting system mounts the planetary gear mechanism and the control system to the bottom bracket shell. The mounting system includes at least one attachment point disposed on at least one frame boss extending radially outwardly from the bottom bracket shell. The control system is mounted nonrotatably to the at least one attachment point.

Abstract: A bicycle derailer assembly that is mounted concentrically with an axle of a rear wheel assembly. The derailer is constructed to be mounted to the bicycle such that the derailer is pivotable about a common axis with the rear wheel and such that the rear wheel can be removed from the bicycle without interfering with the connection of the derailer to the bicycle. The derailer system provides a derailer that is robust and reduces interference of the derailer with the performance of bicycle maintenance.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission assembly that is mountable to a bottom bracket shell of a bicycle frame. The bicycle transmission generally includes an input crank assembly, an output chainring, a planetary gear mechanism, a control system and a mounting system. The output chainring engages a bicycle drive chain that includes a plurality of chain links. The planetary gear mechanism includes a ring gear and provides a plurality of transmission paths. The planetary gear mechanism is mounted coaxially about the shell axis. The control system is operatively connected to the planetary gear mechanism for selecting one of the plurality of transmission paths. The mounting system mounts the planetary gear mechanism and the control system to the bottom bracket shell. At least one chain link overlaps the ring gear as viewed along the shell axis. The at least one chain link engages the output chainring.

Abstract: A spring-based mechanism for saving labor of a bicycle rider is disclosed and in one embodiment includes an axle operatively connected to a chain wheel and a first set of bearings via a gear assembly; a housing for mounting a shaft therein wherein the first set of bearings is provided at one end of the shaft; a second set of bearings provided at the other end of the shaft; a spring in the housing and having one end attached to one end of the shaft and the other end attached to the other end of the housing; and a clutch provided externally of the other end of the housing, the clutch being operatively connected to the second set of bearings and including a lock lever. The mechanism can store elastic force by counterclockwise pedaling and release the stored energy by disengaging a clutch from the mechanism when riding uphill.

Abstract: A wheel securing adapter is provided in a bicycle fork to attach a skewer of a wheel securing axle thereto. The wheel securing adapter is disposed in an axle mounting opening of the fork. The wheel securing adapter has an internally threaded bore and an external surface configured and arranged to cooperate with the axle mounting opening to prevent at least one of relative axial movement and relative rotational movement of the wheel securing adapter within the axle mounting opening. The fork includes a pair of fork legs having upper ends coupled to the fork stem and lower ends with axle mounting openings. Preferably, a cutout surrounds one of the axle mounting openings on an inner side surface that faces the other fork leg to form the mounting opening for the wheel securing adapter.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure is basically provided with a bicycle fork, an adapter and a holding member. The adapter includes a first portion defining a maximum width of the adapter and a second portion extending axially from the first portion with the second portion being disposed in a hole in an axle support portion of the a bicycle fork. The second portion has an axial bore that is at least partially threaded. The holding member is attached to the axle support portion. The holding member is selectively movable between a retaining position to prevent rotation of the adapter with respect to the bicycle fork and a releasing position to permit rotation of the adapter with respect to the bicycle fork. The holding member remains attached to the axle support portion in both of the retaining and releasing positions.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure includes an adapter, an axial retaining arrangement and a holding member. The adapter is configured and arranged to be mounted in an axle mounting opening of a bicycle fork and has an axial bore that is at least partially threaded. The axial retaining arrangement is disposed between the adapter and the mounting opening to prevent axial removal of the adapter from the mounting opening. The holding member is attached to the bicycle fork. The holding member and the adapter are configured and arranged such that the holding member prevents rotation of the adapter when the adapter is mounted in the axle mounting opening of the bicycle fork and engaged with the holding member.

Abstract: A multiple gear transmission for a bicycle with an input shaft and an output shaft supported in a transmission housing, whereby the input shaft is embodied to receive pedal cranks and both ends of the input shaft protrude from the transmission housing. One of the ends of the output shaft protrudes from the transmission housing and the output shaft is embodied at this end to receive a drive sprocket. At least one intermediate shaft is supported in the transmission housing parallel between the input shaft and the output shaft. Respectively, at least two gear wheels are arranged on the input shaft, the at least one intermediate shaft and the output shaft. The gear wheels arranged on at least two of the shafts can be connected in a torque-proof manner to the respective shaft via clutch mechanism. All the gear wheels are permanently meshed with another gear wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure includes a shaft member, a head member, a lever member and a radial expansion structure. The shaft member has first and second end portions. The head member is coupled at the second end portion. The lever member is operatively mounted to move the shaft member in an axial direction relative to the head member in response to movement of the lever member. The radial expansion structure is disposed at the second end portion and includes an expansion member and the second end portion of the shaft member. The expansion member has a first inclined surface and the second end portion of the shaft member has a second inclined surface that cooperates with the first inclined surface to radially expand an outer diameter of the radial expansion structure in response to movement of the lever member from a release position to an attachment position.

Abstract: A powered, directionally steerable trailer jack that can be used to elevate and lower a trailer tongue and having a caster wheel assembly affixed to a lower end of the jack. The caster wheel assembly includes a shroud having the wheels' axle journaled for rotation at a lower end thereof along with a pair of shafts also journaled for rotation in the shroud and oriented parallel to the axle. A chain and sprocket arrangement provides a low-speed, high torque transmission between one of the shafts and the axle and a high-speed, low torque transmission between the other of the shafts and the axle. The trailer jack assembly can be tilted out of its vertical disposition to provide adequate clearance when the trailer is being pulled over uneven road surfaces. The power for driving the wheels may be provided manually by means of a crank for turning one or the other of the shafts or by an electric motor coupled one of the shafts.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket unit formed in one piece, a second sprocket unit formed in one piece and being hollow inside, and a third sprocket unit formed in one piece. The first sprocket unit includes at least one sprocket and a first protrusion. The second sprocket unit includes at least two sprockets with different outer diameter, a first recess formed in a side of the larger outer diameter sprocket and a second recess formed in a side of the smaller outer diameter sprocket. The third sprocket unit includes at least one sprocket and a second protrusion. In assembly, the first protrusion of the first sprocket unit engages with the first recess of the second sprocket unit and the second protrusion of the third sprocket unit engages with the second recess of the second sprocket unit.

Abstract: A method for electronically servo-assisting a bicycle gearshift, including the steps of: a) driving an actuator of a bicycle gearshift to displace a chain of the gearshift in an axial direction with respect to a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; b) receiving information on the desired alignment between the chain and a predetermined sprocket of the gearshift group; and c) setting a biunique correspondence between the physical position of the actuator at step b) and a logic value associated with the gear ratio relative to the predetermined sprocket.

Abstract: An integrated shifting and suspension system for a bicycle coordinates suspension settings with gear selections. A mechanical cable linkage between a derailleur and an adjustable shock absorber couples the shifting and suspension settings of a bicycle. This coupling automatically adjusts the suspension to a firm setting when a rider selects a low gear and a soft setting when a rider selects a high gear. Movement of the derailleur corresponding to a gear selection moves the cable, thus actuating a firmness control mechanism on the shock absorber. Various interconnections, including those linking front or rear derailleurs to front or rear suspensions are possible with the integrated systems described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a position of a bicycle control device comprises a memory that stores a plurality of operating position values corresponding to a plurality of operating positions, a manually operated adjustment value providing unit that provides an adjustment value, and an updating unit. The updating unit provides a first updated operating position value from a first operating position value from the plurality of operating position values based on the adjustment value, and the updating unit provides a second updated operating position value from a different second operating position value from the plurality of operating position values based on the adjustment value.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for converting a substantially linear driving force to a rotary propulsive force, the apparatus including a pedal assembly for accepting a substantially linear drive force and fixed structure assembly for converting the substantially linear drive force to a rotary propulsive force.

Abstract: A system for moving a large object is provided that includes one or more wheels in contact with a ground surface and two pedals coupled to at least one wheel such that a downward force on at least one of the pedals by an operator seated on the system causes the wheels to move in a forward direction. The system further includes a gearing element that includes a gearbox that translates the downward force to the wheels. The system also includes a loading element that receives at least a portion of the large object such that it can be transported when the wheels move in the forward direction, where the large object weighs at least 300 pounds. In more specific embodiments, the system includes a steering component that includes one of the wheels, where the steering component allows a direction of the system to be guided by the operator.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle drive unit that moves forward and backward and idles upon clockwise and counterclockwise pedaling, comprising: a drive shaft having one end located in an inner bearings of an internal bearing housing integrally formed with a rotary plate and the other end fixed to a clockwise one-way clutch and the inner wheel of a counterclockwise one-way clutch by means of a sunk key; a counterclockwise one-way clutch having a central gear press-fitted on its outer wheel; a ring gear engaged with the turnabout gear; a gear flange connected to a ring gear by means of a locking screw; a bearing housing of a dual structure consisting of an outer bearing housing having outer bearings; a brace attached to the outer circumference of the outer bearing housing by means of the locking screw; a detent pin unit for curving the internal bearing housing and the rotary plate; and a bicycle backward movement control unit having a hand lever and a detent latch.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission assembly that is mountable to a bottom bracket shell of a bicycle frame. The bicycle transmission assembly includes an input crank assembly, an output chainring, a planetary gear mechanism, a control system and a mounting system. The planetary gear mechanism is mounted coaxially about an axis of the bottom bracket shell and provides a plurality of transmission paths. The control system is operatively connected to the planetary gear mechanism for selecting one of the transmission paths. The mounting system mounts the planetary gear mechanism and the control system to the bottom bracket shell. The mounting system includes at least one attachment point disposed on at least one frame boss extending radially outwardly from the bottom bracket shell. The control system is mounted nonrotatably to the at least one attachment point.

Abstract: A bicycle drive system includes a front gear face, a rear gear face, a front guide assembly, a rear guide assembly, and a drive shaft coupled to a rear-suspension frame via a rear hub and a crank spindle. The bicycle drive system operates independently of the frame. Shifting from one gear to another is controlled by a shift controller. Each shift of the shift controller shifts both the front and rear guide assemblies at the same time. The shift controller is preferably coupled to the front and rear guide assemblies via a cable system.

Abstract: A bicycle multi-gear cassette mountable to a wheel hub driver mechanism that includes truncated conical shell having a first opening proximate a small shell base and a second opening proximate a large shell base. The openings are coaxial with an axis of the shell. A plurality of toothed sprockets having different numbers of teeth are disposed on the shell and extend radially of the central axis. A torque load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate one of the small and large shell bases. A radial load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate one of the small and large shell bases. The shell, sprockets, and the load transmitting profiles embody a single piece.

Abstract: A method for electronically servo-assisting a bicycle gearshift, including the steps of: a) driving an actuator of a bicycle gearshift to displace a chain of the gearshift in an axial direction with respect to a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; b) receiving information on the desired alignment between the chain and a predetermined sprocket of the gearshift group; and c) setting a biunique correspondence between the physical position of the actuator at step b) and a logic value associated with the gear ratio relative to the predetermined sprocket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle drive unit of multiple pedaling modes, comprising a drive shaft on one side having a counterclockwise one-way clutch and a clockwise one-way clutch coupled thereto by means of sunk keys and the drive shaft is engaged with a ring gear having an outer circumference attached to a chain sprocket; a plurality of hollow turnabout gears engaged with the central gear of the drive shaft; a drive shaft on the other side having one side rotatably inserted into an inner bearing housing that is integrally formed with the rotary plate and the other side coupled to the inner wheels of the clockwise one-way clutch and the counterclockwise one-way clutch by means of the sunk keys and a plurality of turnabout gears, a two-way turnabout gear and a hollow turnabout gear.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a head strut, a seat strut, and first and second bracing struts pivotally mounted to one another about four pivot axes such that lifting of a pivot joint of the first and second bracing struts towards the head strut results in turning of the first and second bracing struts to bring the bicycle into a folded position, where front and rear wheels are closer to each other and are held in tandem. A locking member is disposed to releasably lock the second bracing strut from turning relative to the first bracing strut when the bicycle is in a position of use.

Abstract: To improve the operability by a speed-change cable and to reduce the cable by selecting an adequate arrangement structure of the speed-change cable from a transmission case to an operating element of a handle on the front portion of a vehicle body. An arrangement structure of a speed-change cable is such that the speed-change cable is attached at one end to an arm portion of a derailleur and the speed-change cable is guided from the mounting portion through an outer cable mounting hole of a derailleur shaft to a through-hole opening at the upper front portion of a transmission case, and extends from the through-hole outside the case and along the front frame of the vehicle body substantially straight. The extended end is attached to a cable operation mechanism at the handle on the front portion of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A crank apparatus includes a driven member rotatably mounted to a machine, and a crank arm attached at an inner end thereof to the driven member at a rotational axis of the driven member such that the driven member and crank arm rotate together. An axle is slidably mounted to the crank arm such that the axle is maintained substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the driven member as it slides from an inner point on the crank arm, to an outer point on the crank arm, and a bias element is arranged to exert a force on the axle toward the rotational axis of the driven member.

Abstract: A bicycle frame with a seat tube (1), a headset tube (3), a pedal-bearing housing (5), and a gear housing (6) is characterized by the fact that the pedal-bearing housing (5) and the gear housing (6) are directly connected to each other.

Abstract: A bicycle drive unit is disclosed that includes a case frame, crank shaft, front sprocket, rear hub shaft and rear sprocket. The crank shaft includes first and second support portions that are spaced apart from one another and are supported on opposite lateral sides of a forward portion of the case frame. The first and second support portions are engaged with bearings supported on opposite sides of the interior of the case frame. The front sprocket is installed on the crank shaft within the case frame and between the first and second support portions. The rear hub shaft includes a third and fourth supporting portions that are spaced apart from one another with the rear sprocket installed on the rear hub shaft therebetween.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: A crankset including a first crank and a second crank and a spindle. Each of the first crank and the second crank includes an end adapted to engage a pedal. The spindle includes a first end coupled to the first crank and a second end coupled to the second crank. The first end has an elongated portion secured to the first crank to define an elongated attachment between the first end and the first crank.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an electrically operated bicycle transmission comprises a power supply sensor and a control unit operatively coupled to the power supply sensor. The power supply sensor senses a power characteristic of a power supply, and the control unit provides a signal to operate the bicycle transmission when the power characteristic falls below a predetermined value. Alternatively, the control apparatus comprises a running condition time sensor and a control unit operatively coupled to the running condition time sensor. The running condition time sensor senses a time interval of a running condition of a bicycle, and the control unit provides a signal to operate the bicycle transmission to a predetermined gear ratio when the time interval of the running condition passes a selected value.

Abstract: A cycle that has two fixed frame arms extending down on each side of the head tube axis, and a steering arm rotatably mounted in the head tube extends down between the frame arms and has a laterally off-set lower portion. A mounting member is fixed to the lower end of the steering arm and has a hollow cylindrical wheel support section which carries the inner portion of a bearing or bearings for the front wheel, allowing this wheel to rotate while being steerable by the steering arm. A fixed pedal axle extends freely through the hollow wheel support section and is rotatably supported by lower ends of the frame arms, this axle being connected by drive means to one of the cycle's front or rear wheels. Parts of the mounting member have an enlarged interior space relative to that in the wheel support section to accommodate steering movement of the mounting means relative to the pedal axle.