Abstract: A bicycle rim is provided that includes a tire attachment portion, a spoke attachment portion and a plurality of reinforcement members. The spoke attachment portion is fixedly coupled with the tire attachment portion. The spoke attachment portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced attachment openings. The reinforcement members are fixedly coupled to the spoke attachment portion at the attachment openings to effectively increase the thickness of the spoke attachment portion of the rim at the attachment openings. Each of the reinforcement members is bonded to the spoke attachment portion. The through openings are aligned with the attachment openings.

Abstract: A reinforced annular bicycle rim is provided that includes a tire attachment portion and a spoke attachment portion fixedly coupled with the tire attachment portion to form an annular hollow area. A plurality of separate reinforcement members are fixedly coupled to an exterior surface of the spoke attachment portion to effectively increase the thickness of the rim at circumferentially spaced locations. Each of the reinforcement members is located exteriorly of the hollow area. Openings extend through the reinforcement members and the spoke attachment portion to couple spokes to the rim. A method of making such a rim is also provided. Preferably, the reinforcement members are welded or brazed to the spoke attachment portion, and then the openings are formed in the spoke attachment portion and the reinforcement members.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel includes a rim with a plurality of holes defined therethrough and each hole receives an insertion section of a nut. The insertion section is enclosed by an inner periphery of the hole and an end surface of the insertion section is in flush with an inner periphery of the rim. A threaded hole is defined in the end surface of the insertion section. A plurality of spokes each have a threaded end at a first end thereof so as to be threadedly connected to the threaded hole of one of the nuts. A hooking end is connected at a second of each spoke so as to be connected to a hub.

Abstract: A wheel rim includes two annular sidewalls and a main connecting wall. The main connecting wall has two ends connected respectively and fixedly to radial inner ends of the sidewalls, and opposite radially inner and outer surfaces. The radially inner surface faces the hub, and has two axial surface portions and a middle surface portion that are preferably concaved toward the tire. The radially outer surface has two axial surface portions and a middle portion. The axial surface portions of the radially inner and outer surfaces define two force-bearing areas having a plurality of mounting holes. The middle surface portions of the radially inner and outer surfaces define a weight-reducing area having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the force-bearing areas. The force-bearing areas and the weight-reducing area are arched.

Abstract: A lightweight wheel rim includes a pair of annular side walls, an annular inner wall, and two annular angle elements. The angle elements are disposed respectively at two opposite sides of the inner wall. Each of the angle elements has two opposite sides that are formed respectively and integrally with the inner wall and a radial inner end of a corresponding one of the side walls, and a plurality of alternately arranged mounting portions and dented portions. Each of the mounting portions has a mounting hole for extension of a spoke unit therethrough.

Abstract: A wheel rim includes a rim body and a plurality of anchor members. The rim body includes annular left and right side walls, an annular connecting wall interconnecting the left and right side walls, and annular left and right confining ribs extending respectively from the radial inner ends of the left and right side walls toward each other to define a mounting space among the left and right side walls, the connecting wall, and the confining ribs. The confining ribs define an opening communicated with the mounting space. The anchor members are disposed fixedly within the mounting space. Each of the anchor members has a bottom wall abutting against the confining ribs and having a first mounting hole which is adapted to permit extension of a respective one of the spoke units therethrough.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel spoke termination assembly includes an outer rim with means for holding a tire, a central hub assembly and a plurality of spoke portions. The central hub assembly includes an axle assembly and a hub shell that is rotatable about the axle. The spokes are connected at their outer ends to the outer rim hoop and at their inner ends to the hub flange. A connecting element is blindly attached to at least one of the outer rim and the hub flange for a firm connection between the connecting element and the spoke.

Abstract: A wheel includes a wheel rim having a number of orifices defined by one or more flanges for threading with spokes. A number of latches are attached to the spokes, and each includes a base having a shape for engaging through the orifices of the wheel rim. Each of the latches includes a catch disposed on the base, and also engageable through the orifices of the wheel rim, and having one or more cut off portions to form one or more tongues in the base. The catches are engageable into the orifices of the wheel rim when rotated relative to the wheel rim, to engage the tongue of the base with the inner surface of the wheel rim, and thus to anchor the latch to the wheel rim.

Abstract: A bicycle rim includes a plurality of holes defined therethrough and each hole has a recess defined in an inner periphery of the rim. A diameter of the recess is larger than a diameter of the hole so that an end of a spoke is engaged with the recess. A screw extends through the hole in the rim and threadedly engaged with a threaded hole defined longitudinally in the end of the spoke.

Abstract: An improved wheel rim, an improved spoke nipple and an improved wheel are disclosed. The rim has spoke openings and a threaded end of each spoke extends therethrough. An internal nipple with a threaded bore is connected to the threaded spoke end so that a first, ball-shaped, rounded end of the nipple is seated on the rim. A portion of the rim around each spoke opening is deformed or removed so as to define a portion of a socket with the same curvature as the first end of the nipple. This minimizes the required diameter of the spoke opening in the rim and maximizes the area of the rim socket surface. The invention also extends to an external nipple with a rounded collar in combination with a rim including a concave rounded rim surface formed in the rim itself.

Abstract: A stopper (10) is characterised by a bearing member (12) and a base member. The base member is projecting from a lower surface of the bearing member (12). The base member is proportioned to be received within a spoke access hole (30) of a wheel rim (34).

Abstract: A wheel includes a wheel rim having a number of orifices defined by one or more flanges for threading with spokes. A number of latches are attached to the spokes, and each includes a base having a shape for engaging through the orifices of the wheel rim. Each of the latches includes a catch disposed on the base, and also engageable through the orifices of the wheel rim, and having one or more cut off portions to form one or more tongues in the base. The catches are engageable into the orifices of the wheel rim when rotated relative to the wheel rim, to engage the tongue of the base with the inner surface of the wheel rim, and thus to anchor the latch to the wheel rim.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim has spaced-apart annular tire retaining walls, and a reinforced base wall interconnecting the tire retaining walls. The base wall includes left and right corner parts, and an intermediate part extending between the corner parts. The intermediate part has a vaulted portion, which is vaulted radially, and is formed with spoke mounting holes, which are distributed between the vaulted portion and the corner parts.

Abstract: A bicycle rim is provided that includes a tire attachment portion, a spoke attachment portion and a plurality of reinforcement members. The spoke attachment portion is fixedly coupled with the tire attachment portion. The spoke attachment portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced attachment openings. The reinforcement members are fixedly coupled to the spoke attachment portion at the attachment openings to effectively increase the thickness of the spoke attachment portion of the rim at the attachment openings. Each of the reinforcement members is bonded to the spoke attachment portion. The through openings are aligned with the attachment openings.

Abstract: A bicycle rim includes a tire attachment portion a spoke attachment portion and a plurality of reinforcement members fixedly coupled to the spoke attachment portion at attachment openings to effectively increase the thickness of the spoke attachment portion at the attachment openings. Each reinforcement member includes a rim facing surface that contacts the rim, an exterior facing surface facing and a through opening extending between the rim facing surface and the exterior facing surface that is aligned with one of the attachment openings. Each of the reinforcement members is preferably welded to the spoke attachment portion. Each of the reinforcement members preferably has a maximum overlapping dimension overlapping the spoke attachment portion as measured from an outer peripheral edge to a respective one of the attachment openings with the maximum overlapping dimension being at least half as large as a maximum transverse dimension of the attachment openings.

Abstract: A reinforced annular bicycle rim is provided that includes a tire attachment portion and a spoke attachment portion fixedly coupled with the tire attachment portion to form an annular hollow area. A plurality of separate reinforcement members are fixedly coupled to an exterior surface of the spoke attachment portion to effectively increase the thickness of the rim at circumferentially spaced locations. Each of the reinforcement members is located exteriorly of the hollow area. Openings extend through the reinforcement members and the spoke attachment portion to couple spokes to the rim. A method of making such a rim is also provided. Preferably, the reinforcement members are welded or brazed to the spoke attachment portion, and then the openings are formed in the spoke attachment portion and the reinforcement members.

Abstract: A wheel for cycles includes a wheel rim having a number of orifices each formed by a peripheral flange, a number of couplers engaged into the orifices of the wheel rim and each having a screw hole threaded with fasteners. A number of spokes each has one end engaged through the bore of the fasteners and engaged with lock members which may anchor the spokes to the fasteners, and to secure the spokes to the couplers. The ends of the spokes may thus be easily secured to the wheel rim without forming any threaded or screw holes in the wheel rim.

Abstract: A spoke fastener includes a shank extending along a shank axis and having an anchoring portion and an operating portion. The anchoring portion is formed with resilient arm segments that are angularly spaced apart from each other relative to the shank axis. Each of the resilient arm segments has a distal end formed with a radial outward anchor projection to form the anchoring portion with an initial cross-section. The anchor projections are forcible radially and inwardly toward the shank axis to form the anchoring portion with a restricted cross-section, there by permitting extension of the anchoring portion through a spoke fastening hole in a wheel rim and retention of the anchoring portion on the wheel rim. A through hole extends through the operating and anchoring portions, permits extension of a spoke into the shank, and has a threaded segment for threaded engagement with the spoke.

Abstract: A bicycle rim includes a plurality of elongate slots each of which is composed of a first diameter portion and a second diameter portion which is smaller than the first diameter portion. A tube having threaded outer periphery is inserted in each elongate slot and a core piece is inserted through a passage in the tube. The tube has a flange engaged with an inside of the rim and a cover member covering each elongate slot has a threaded hole for being threadedly connected to the threaded outer periphery of the tube. A protrusion extends from a side of the cover member so as to be engaged with the first diameter portion while the tube is shifted to the second diameter portion. A spoke is inserted in the core piece and threadedly connected to a threaded inner periphery of the core piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rim for cycles, more particular for bicycles. The invention is also aimed at a tubeless mounted assembly consisting of the said rim and of a tire having in particular two flexible bead wires. According to the invention, the rim consists of two flanges, attached to two seats, intended to receive the beads of a tire, separated from each other by a mounting groove, and, according to the profile of the rim in a radial plane, the bead seats have a generatrix, the axially outer end of which is on a circle of smaller diameter than the diameter of the circle on which the axially inner end is situated, the said generatrix forming an angle with the axis of rotation of the tire of between 15 and 45 degrees.

Abstract: An improved connecting system for tensile elements, including a longitudinal tensile element having an end portion and a cross-section thereof, a deformable connecting element; a bracing element, and a tensile axis of applied tensile load along said longitudinal tensile element. The deformable connecting element surrounds the cross section of the longitudinal tensile element and the deformable connecting element is joined to the longitudinal tensile element by means of plastic deformation of said deformable connecting element. The deformable connecting element is connected to the bracing element.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim includes a plurality of connectors each having a spoke engaging hole for connecting with a spoke, and two protrusions extend from two ends of each connector. A plurality of holes are defined through each protrusion and a plurality of loops extend through the holes of the connectors which are arranged as a circle. Each protrusion has a recess defined in an inside thereof so as to be engaged with a tire. The loops and the connectors are made by carbon fiber or compound material.

Abstract: A wheel for cycles includes a wheel rim having a number of orifices each formed by a peripheral flange, a number of couplers engaged into the orifices of the wheel rim and each having a screw hole threaded with fasteners. A number of spokes each has one end engaged through the bore of the fasteners and engaged with lock members which may anchor the spokes to the fasteners, and to secure the spokes to the couplers. The ends of the spokes may thus be easily secured to the wheel rim without forming any threaded or screw holes in the wheel rim.

Abstract: A spoked wheel for a bicycle including a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes tensed between the rim and the hub, each provided with a spoke attachment element for attachment to the rim, a plurality of seats, such seats being openings formed in the rim, each for housing one of said spoke attachment elements. The shape and size of the spoke attachment elements and of the seats of the rim are such that: the spoke attachment element is suitable for taking up a first configuration in which its insertion through the seat is possible; and the spoke attachment element once inserted in the seat assumes a second configuration in which it is not possible to remove the spoke attachment element through the seat.

Abstract: A rim base to be used with the rim of a wheel, particularly the rim of a so-called box section bicycle rim, as well as a rim equipped with such a rim base, and a wheel having such rim and rim base. The rim base is formed by a continuous annular strip having, in cross section, a median depression, forming a U-shaped radial groove provided to be positioned within in the central well of the rim, two lateral extensions provided to be supported upon on the interior edges of the rim that border of the well, and two lateral walls provided to extend along the flanges of the rim. The walls of the rim base are extended by a pair of lips that project toward the inside relative to the walls of the rim base, the lips being adapted to be positioned adjacent the lips of the rim.

Abstract: A hollow bicycle rim a plurality of tubular reinforcement members coupled to the inner and outer openings. Each of the reinforcement members has an internal abutment surface within an internal passageway designed to engage an enlarged head of a spoke to couple spokes to the rim. The inner and outer ends of the reinforcement members are secured to the inner and outer openings to prevent inner and outward movement of the reinforcement members, respectively. Each reinforcement member preferably has a pre-formed retaining surface and one or more deformed retaining surface to prevent inner and outer movement. Optionally, each reinforcement member can include a threaded connection instead of one or more the deformed retaining surfaces. Seal members are optionally mounted in the reinforcement members so that a tubeless tire can be used.

Abstract: An improved tensioned spoke bicycle wheel. The wheel comprises a hub, a rim, spokes and spoke nipples. A spoke that is connected to the left side of the hub is paired, at the rim, with a spoke that is connected to the right side of the hub. For each pair of spokes, there is provided a spoke plate that is positioned between the rim floor and the nipples. Each of the spokes in a pair extends through adjacent spoke bores in the rim, through spoke bores in the spoke plate and into the spoke nipples. The spoke plates distribute the forces associated with the tensioned spokes over a substantial portion of the rim floor. The spoke plate may have a flat surface where it supports the nipples or a socket shaped surface. In the latter case, the nipples have a ball shaped lower end that seat in the socket.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel basically has a hub, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the hub and an annular rim coupled to the outer ends of the spokes for supporting a tire. The annular rim has a spoke attachment portion with a plurality of spoke openings for receiving the outer ends of the spokes therein. The spoke openings of the annular rim have reinforcement members located between the spokes and annular rim. The outer ends of the spokes have bent sections located within the spoke holes of the reinforcement members or washers and head section that engage the inner surface of the reinforcement members. The rim is free of access apertures or holes in the outer annular portion adjacent a majority of the spoke holes. The reinforcement member has a transverse dimension allowing the outer end of the spoke and the reinforcement member to pass through the openings in a first orientation and be retained in the openings in a second orientation.

Abstract: A wheel, a rim, a rim eyelet and a spoke nipple, particularly for a bicycle, wherein the rim eyelet has a throughbore to receive a spoke nipple. The spoke nipple includes a nipple body and a nipple thread to work in concert with a spoke. At least one contact layer made from a material which effects a reduction in friction at the area of contact is provided between the spoke and the rim eyelet of the wheel's rim.

Abstract: A spoked rim assembly includes an annular rim and a plurality of spokes. Each of the spokes is provided with a seal structure so that a tubeless tire can be used with the rim. The rim preferably has an annular recess with a plurality of spoke attachment openings. Each of the spokes has an outer end portion coupled to one of the spoke attachment openings. Each of the outer end portions of the spokes includes a support member and a resilient seal member that form the seal structure for the spoke. The support members and the seal members are arranged and configured such that the support members selectively contact the spoke attachment portion to prevent full compression of the seal members when a radial force is applied to the support members. The support members can be separate or integrally formed with the spokes.

Abstract: A paired spoke bicycle wheel has optimized circumferentially offset spoke spacing which minimizes high stress imposed by overly close spacing and reduces long felt difficulties resulting from out of balance loads of unpaired spokes, the rear wheel additionally having similar spoke angles in a lateral plane while displacing brake surfaces to a centered location when allowing for clearance for a drive cogset.

Abstract: The spoked wheel apparatus is symmetrical, is reversible, employs spokes that are threaded on both ends, and is capable of supporting a tubeless tire, without air leaking from the tire. A hub assembly for the wheel apparatus includes two sides, and each side includes a plurality of alternately crossing spokes that are connected between the hub assembly and a wheel rim portion. Each hub side includes an interchangeable and reversible drive dowel assembly capable of receiving a drive sprocket or disc brake. For a hub side, some spokes are connected between outer portions of the hub side to the wheel rim portion, and some spokes are connected between inner portions of the hub side to the wheel rim portion. Alternating pairs of inner and outer spokes come into interference contact midway between the hub assembly and the wheel rim portion, whereby strengthening and stabilizing effects are provided between the interfering spokes.

Abstract: A tubeless rim includes elongate apertures defined through an inner part thereof and each spoke has an elongate head which is inserted through the aperture and rotated 90 degrees so as to fix the head in a groove in a back of the inner part of the rim.

Abstract: A rim structure for a bicycle wheel that includes, at its periphery, an annular channel designed to receive a tire, such channel being demarcated by an upper bridge devoid of openings with the exception of the valve opening, and two lateral flanges, such flanges having end butts for gripping the tire. The upper bridge has a narrow and recessed central rim well demarcated by a base and two lateral walls, the rim well being bordered by two bead seats that are oblique from the rim well towards the flanges. The invention is also related to a wheel having such a rim and a wheel equipped with a tire mounted without an air tube and having such a rim.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered universal, multi-functional, common conductive shield structure with conductive pathways for energy and EMI conditioning and protection that also possesses a commonly shared and centrally positioned conductive pathway or electrode of the structure that can simultaneously shield and allow smooth energy interaction between grouped and energized conductive pathway electrodes. The invention, when energized, will allow the contained conductive pathways or electrodes to operate with respect to one another harmoniously, yet in an oppositely phased or charged manner, respectively. The invention will also provide EMI filtering and surge protection while maintaining apparent even or balanced voltage supply between a source and an energy utilizing-load when placed into a circuit and energized.

Abstract: A bicycle rim includes side portions with an outer portion extending between the side portions to form a pair of outer corners, and a spoke attachment portion. The outer portion includes a pair of ridges spaced from the outer corners. The ridges preferably divide a pair of inclined surfaces. The side portions preferably include a pair of ground braking surfaces with a pair of sloping surfaces extending from the braking surfaces to a pair of outer side surfaces.

Abstract: A bicycle rim includes side portions with an outer portion extending between the side portions to form a pair of outer corners, and a spoke attachment portion. The outer portion includes a pair of ridges spaced from the outer corners. The ridges preferably divide a pair of inclined surfaces. The side portions preferably include a pair of ground braking surfaces with a pair of sloping surfaces extending from the braking surfaces to a pair of outer side surfaces. A tubeless bicycle tire is mounted on the rim and includes a tread portion, a pair of sidewalls and a pair of beads. Each bead has an inner foot surface supported on one of the ridges. Preferably, each bead has a reinforcement member with a center axis. Each ridge is preferably located between one of the center axes and an inner edge of one of the inner foot surfaces.

Abstract: A hollow bicycle rim includes a pair of side portions, an outer portion and a spoke attachment portion with a plurality of spoke openings. The side portions have ribs to form opposing tire supporting surfaces. The outer portion extends between the side portions. The outer portion includes a pair of annular inclined surfaces extending radially inwardly from the side portions with a curved connecting surface extending therebetween. The spoke attachment portion is rigidly coupled with the side portions and the outer portion. The inclined surfaces are preferably angled between three degrees and seventeen degrees. The outer annular portion preferably has at least one aperture, but fewer than half of the number of spoke openings. The side portions preferably have a pair of inner bent sections. A pair of spoke attachment sections with the plurality of circumferentially arranged spoke openings preferably have radial lengths larger than the spoke openings.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel basically has a hub, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the hub and an annular rim coupled to the outer ends of the spokes for supporting a tire. The annular rim has a spoke attachment portion with a plurality of spoke openings for receiving the outer ends of the spokes therein. The spoke openings of the annular rim have reinforcement members located between the spokes and annular rim. The outer ends of the spokes have bent sections located within the spoke holes of the reinforcement members or washers and head section that engage the inner surface of the reinforcement members. The rim is free of access apertures or holes in the outer annular portion adjacent a majority of the spoke holes. The reinforcement member has a transverse dimension allowing the outer end of the spoke and the reinforcement member to pass through the openings in a first orientation and be retained in the openings in a second orientation.

Abstract: An improved tensioned spoke bicycle wheel. The wheel comprises a hub, a rim, spokes and spoke nipples. A spoke that is connected to the left side of the hub is paired, at the rim, with a spoke that is connected to the right side of the hub. For each pair of spokes, there is provided a spoke plate that is positioned between the rim floor and the nipples. Each of the spokes in a pair extends through adjacent spoke bores in the rim, through spoke bores in the spoke plate and into the spoke nipples. The spoke plates distribute the forces associated with the tensioned spokes over a substantial portion of the rim floor. The spoke plate may have a flat surface where it supports the nipples or a socket shaped surface. In the latter case, the nipples have a ball shaped lower end that seat in the socket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spoke nipple for bicycle wheels and similar contrivances comprising a body having a longitudinal axis in which a drill hole is disposed essentially concentrically to said longitudinal axis. A screw thread is provided extending at least over one longitudinal section of said drill hole which is provided for receiving a spoke having a corresponding thread. A quantity of glue is disposed on the spoke nipple and so structured that the glue is activated to function as an agent to secure the thread upon screwing said spoke nipple onto a spoke.

Abstract: An improved wheel rim, an improved spoke nipple and an improved wheel are disclosed. The rim has spoke openings and a threaded end of each spoke extends therethrough. An internal nipple with a threaded bore is connected to the threaded spoke end so that a first, ball-shaped, rounded end of the nipple is seated on the rim. A portion of the rim around each spoke opening is deformed or removed so as to define a portion of a socket with the same curvature as the first end of the nipple. This minimizes the required diameter of the spoke opening in the rim and maximizes the area of the rim socket surface. The invention also extends to an external nipple with a rounded collar in combination with a rim including a concave rounded rim surface formed in the rim itself.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel basically has a hub, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the hub and an annular rim coupled to the outer ends of the spokes for supporting a tire. The annular rim has a spoke attachment portion with a plurality of spoke openings for receiving the outer ends of the spokes therein. The spoke openings of the annular rim have reinforcement members located between the spokes and annular rim. The outer ends of the spokes have bent sections located within the spoke holes of the reinforcement members or washers and head section that engage the inner surface of the reinforcement members. The rim is free of access apertures or holes in the outer annular portion adjacent a majority of the spoke holes. The reinforcement member has a transverse dimension allowing the outer end of the spoke and the reinforcement member to pass through the openings in a first orientation and be retained in the openings in a second orientation.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim includes an annular connecting wall interconnecting left and right tire retaining walls. The connecting wall has left and right wall parts, each having an outer terminating edge adjacent to a respective tire retaining wall, and an inner terminating edge, and an intermediate wall part extending between the inner terminating edges and indented radially and inwardly to define an annular receiving groove. Each of the left and right wall parts has a radial outer surface formed with an annular rib such that the radial outer surface is defined with an outer section between the rib and the outer terminating edge, and a flat inner section between the rib and the inner terminating edge. The rib has first and second stop surfaces connected respectively to the inner and outer sections.

Abstract: Described is a bicycle wheel (10) wherein the metal rim (12) is formed by a hollow-chambered rim (22) with an external flange (28) and an internal flange (26), by which a peripherally extending hollow rim chamber (35) is defined. The external flange (28) is provided with holes (34). The distal ends (38) of the spokes are integrally connected through the holes (34) in the external flange (28) to a spoke anchoring body (45) which extends peripherally in the hollow rim chamber (35) and which comprises the injection molding material of the spoke body (16).

Abstract: A method for building a bicycle wheel and the wheel. Inserting a threaded end (106) of a spoke (100) through a hole (126) in the rim (102), through a spacer (118), and engaging the threaded end (106) with an internally threaded connector (104). The rim (102) and the connector (104) cooperate to maintain the axis of the threaded end (106) of each spoke (100) in a given spoke hole (126) so that it is skewed relative to the axis of a first portion of each spoke (100) extending from the hub to the rim (102). While the connector (104) is turned to tension the spoke (100), the spoke (100) permanently bends at a point (128) remote from the spoke's thread end (106).

Abstract: A spoked bicycle wheel includes a rim, a hub having first and second axially spaced apart anchoring portions and a plurality of spokes connected between the rim and the anchoring portions. A first set of spokes is anchored to the first anchoring portions and a second set of spokes is anchored to the second anchoring portions. The spokes of the first set are greater in number than the spokes of the second set.

Abstract: A bicycle rim includes side portions with an outer portion extending between the side portions to form a pair of outer corners, and a spoke attachment portion. The outer portion includes a pair of ridges spaced from the outer corners. The ridges preferably divide a pair of inclined surfaces. The side portions preferably include a pair of ground braking surfaces with a pair of sloping surfaces extending from the braking surfaces to a pair of outer side surfaces. A tubeless bicycle tire is mounted on the rim and includes a tread portion, a pair of sidewalls and a pair of beads. Each bead has an inner foot surface supported on one of the ridges. Preferably, each bead has a reinforcement member with a center axis. Each ridge is preferably located between one of the center axes and an inner edge of one of the inner foot surfaces.

Abstract: A rim for a spoked bicycle wheel having a tubeless tire comprises a continuous outer circumferential wall without any holes or openings, and a plurality of supports for nipples for tightening the spokes, the said supports supporting the nipples outside the section making up the rim.

Abstract: Nipples, for example, useful in joining a spoke to the rim of a bicycle wheel, are provided. Such nipples include an enlarged head, and an elongated shank joined to and extending from the enlarged head and having an outer peripheral surface; and a passageway including an inlet defined by the elongated shank. The passageway is at least partially defined by an interior surface of the elongated shank and by a threaded surface. The outer peripheral surface of the elongated shank includes at least one spline, preferably a plurality of splines, each of which extends generally longitudinally. The inclusion of such spline or splines has been found to allow the nipple to be turned so as to effectively tighten the spoke to the rim with a reduced risk of damaging the nipple. Apparatus useful for turning such nipples and spoked wheels including such nipples are also within the scope of the present invention.