Abstract: An assisting apparatus for using power from a rotating member to assist the operation of a bicycle transmission includes a mounting unit and an input transmission member coupled to the mounting unit, wherein the input transmission member moves to at least a first input position, a second input position and a third input position. An output transmission member is coupled to the mounting unit, wherein the output transmission member moves to at least a first output position, a second output position, and a third output position corresponding to the first input position, the second input position and the third input position of the input transmission member, respectively. A rotating member engaging member moves between a rotating member engaging position and a rotating member disengaging position, and a motion transmitting mechanism is provided for transmitting motion from the rotating member engaging member to the output transmission member.

Abstract: A sprocket includes a bore for receiving a bearing, and a pair of protecting casings engaged onto the sides of the sprocket for shielding and protecting the bearing, and for preventing dirty particles or the other particles from engaging into the bearing to damage the bearing, and for increasing the working life of the bearing and the sprocket. The bearing includes an inner sleeve having an orifice, the casings each includes a hub secured in the orifice of the inner sleeve. The casings each includes a peripheral fence having a chamber for receiving grease.

Abstract: A front derailleur includes a fixed member, a chain guide and a linkage assembly. The fixed member has a mounting portion and a pair of mounting flanges axially spaced from each other. The linkage assembly is coupled between the chain guide and the fixed member to transversely move the chain guide. The linkage assembly includes first, second and third links. The first link is pivotally coupled to the fixed member for rotation about a first axis. The second link is pivotally coupled to the mounting flanges for rotation about a second axis. The third link is coupled to the chain guide and movably coupled to the first and second links to form a four-bar linkage together with the fixed member. The mounting flanges preferably have different axial widths. The second link preferably has a longitudinal dimension of least about 45.0 millimeters.

Abstract: A sensor device for detecting for detecting the operating position of a gear-change system for bicycles comprises a shell positioned at any point along the flexible control cable of a bicycle derailleur, between the derailleur and the control device. The shell is in a fixed position while the flexible control cable, which transverses it, is movable. A reference member is movable, together with the cable, inside the shell. The device comprises a detector for detecting the position of the reference member with respect to the shell, which consist of a potentiometric sensor comprising a movable contact carried by the reference member and an electrically conductive channel carried inside the shell of the sensor, on which the movable contact is fitted in such a way that it can slide.

Abstract: A derailleur includes a base member, a movable member coupled for moving relative to the base member and supporting a chain guide, a first actuating unit for moving the movable member relative to the base member, and a second actuating unit for moving the first actuating unit. In one embodiment, the second actuating unit includes a wire winding surface, and a position adjuster is provided for adjusting a relative position between the first actuating unit and the second actuating unit. In another embodiment, the second actuating unit comprises a first actuating member movably coupled to a second actuating member, and a position adjuster is provided for adjusting a relative position between the first actuating unit and the second actuating unit. Alternatively, a position adjuster is provided for adjusting a relative position between the first actuating member and the second actuating member.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur gearshift position indicator includes a housing holding a gearshift position indication member, the gearshift position indication member having indication plates corresponding to the gearshift positions of the derailleur system of the bicycle and a view window through which the bicycle rider views the indication of the gearshift position indication member, and a cable take-up wheel suspended below the housing and rotated with the shifters of the derailleur system to move the indication plates of the gearshift position indication member.

Abstract: A motorized bicycle actuator assembly has a motorized actuator unit arranged to operate a bicycle component. The motorized actuator unit has a drive train coupled to a reversible motor, and a position switch device or an overcurrent detecting circuit coupled to the motor to stop rotation of a drive axle of the drive train at first and second stop positions. The bicycle component is coupled to the drive axle to move a movable member between a first and second preset component positions that correspond to the first and second stop positions of the drive axle, respectively. First and second shock absorbing elements are arranged to cushion the drive train when the drive axle moves past the first and second stop positions of the drive axle, respectively.

Abstract: A device related to the rear derailleur of a bicycle. It includes a fixed member which is fixed on the rear fork of the bicycle with a fixed screw, a shock absorbing member which is fixed on the fixed member to reduce the shock when rider changing the gear ratio, a outer linkage and a inner linkage, with parallel moving mechanism formed by a parallelogram set, to tug the movable member in order to fulfill the purpose of changing speed; a guiding pulley/chain member which comprises a upper guiding pulley, a lower guiding pulley and a guiding chain, while said upper guiding pulley is connected to the upper part of said guiding chain and said lower guiding pulley is connected to the lower part of said guiding chain. Furthermore, the said guiding pulley and chain member is connected to the movable member via a rotating set.

Abstract: A front derailleur mounting arrangement includes a bottom bracket tube and a front derailleur mounting bracket having first and second complementary mounting structures. The first and second complementary mounting structures are configured to retain the front derailleur mounting bracket in a predetermined rotational orientation and a predetermined axial orientation on an axial end edge of the bottom bracket tube prior to threading of a bottom bracket within the interior threaded passage of the bottom bracket tube. One of the first and second complementary mounting structures is formed as a slot and the other of the first and second complementary mounting structures is formed as a projection that mates with the slot.

Abstract: A chain shifting assembly for bicycles includes a fixed member fixed to the bicycle frame and an operation member is pivotally connected to the fixed member. The operation member includes three arms wherein a shifting member is connected to a fixed arm and a derailleur cable is fixed to a second arm. A shift frame is connected to the other end of the shifting member. An angle limitation member is pivotally connected to the fixed member and the shifting member respectively. A spring is connected between the fixed member and the angle limitation member. The operation member is rotated about a center thereof and the track of the shifting frame is a parabola so as to smoothly shift chain among the sprockets.

Abstract: A device and method of mechanically synchronizing the displacement requirements of a bicycle derailleur with the displacement created by an indexing gear shifter lever. The device includes a linkage element that is mounted to a bicycle between a gear shifter lever and a derailleur. The linkage element is mounted to the bicycle with a pivot hinge, wherein the linkage element is free to rotate about the pivot hinge. A cable from the gear shifter lever is attached to the linkage element at a first distance from the pivot hinge. A cable from the derailleur is attached to the linkage element at a second different distance from the pivot hinge. As the cable from the gear shifter is moved, the linkage element is rotated and that movement is transferred to the cable for the derailleur in a compensated manner.

Abstract: One embodiment of an assisting apparatus for using power from a rotating member to assist the operation of a bicycle transmission includes a mounting unit and an input transmission member coupled to the mounting unit, wherein the input transmission member moves to at least a first input position, a second input position and a third input position. An output transmission member is coupled to the mounting unit, wherein the output transmission member moves to at least a first output position, a second output position, and a third output position corresponding to the first input position, the second input position and the third input position of the input transmission member, respectively. A rotating member engaging member moves between a rotating member engaging position and a rotating member disengaging position, and a motion transmitting mechanism is provided for transmitting motion from the rotating member engaging member to the output transmission member.

Abstract: One embodiment of an assisting apparatus for using power from a rotating member to assist the operation of a bicycle transmission includes a mounting unit and an input transmission member coupled to the mounting unit, wherein the input transmission member moves to at least a first input position, a second input position and a third input position. An output transmission member is coupled to the mounting unit, wherein the output transmission member moves to at least a first output position, a second output position, and a third output position corresponding to the first input position, the second input position and the third input position of the input transmission member, respectively. A rotating member engaging member moves between a rotating member engaging position and a rotating member disengaging position, and a motion transmitting mechanism is provided for transmitting motion from the rotating member engaging member to the output transmission member.

Abstract: Front bicycle derailleur comprising an electrical motor controlling an actuating arm, consisting of an extension of an articulated arm of the derailleur, by means of a geared reduction transmission, comprising a worm screw and a sector gear, or a bevel pair.

Abstract: In a bicycle equipped with front derailleur and rear derailleur controlled each by a corresponding electrical actuator, there is provided an intermediate connecting unit, mounted underneath the crank case of the bicycle, having an input and two outputs connected to the two electrical actuators of the derailleurs. The connections can be permanent or detachable.

Abstract: An improved front gear-change device for bicycle, which features are: one side of a inner guide rod is set a cable guide for guiding speed-change cable, and the inner guide rod, the cable guide, a body and an outer guide rod are all made of plastic; there is a metal spacer on upper rim of inner guide rod for protection between a fine tuning screw, a fixing screw and inner guide rod, thus inner guide rod can avoid damage; the body is set plural tool holes for carry-on tools. The plastic part of the improved front gear-change device is made by direct inject molding, no additional machining.

Abstract: A hydraulic shift gear mechanism for a bicycle having a positioning mechanism for controlling the motion of the piston of a master cylinder assembly is disclosed, wherein the master cylinder assembly is in communication with a slave cylinder for operation of a derailleur. The positioning mechanism preferably includes a pivot shaft spaced apart from the handlebar, a rotating member rotatable about the pivot shaft, a push mechanism for rotating the rotating member in a first direction and a return mechanism for rotating the rotating member in a second direction. The push mechanism preferably includes a first latch segment which engages a corresponding push pawl to rotate the rotating member. The return mechanism preferably comprises a second latch segment and a return pawl, the return pawl having a first claw and a second claw which alternately engage the second latch segment.

Abstract: A front speed changing device comprises a base, a first link rod, a second link rod, a chain guiding member, a driven member, and a linking member, which form together a six-link-rod linking mechanism. The driven member is fastened with a pull cord. When the pull cord is pulled, the driven member swivels to link each rod member to engage in the swiveling action, thereby driving the chain guiding member to guide a chain to displace horizontally to attain the speed change.

Abstract: A shift operating device for a bicycle is provided to change gears of the bicycle. The shift operating device is coupled to the front or rear derailleur via a shift cable. The shift operating device is also coupled to a gear indicator device via an indicator cable. The shift operating device has an attachment portion, a hand operating portion, and a take up member. The attachment portion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebar of the bicycle. The hand operating portion is coupled to the attachment portion to move between a plurality of shifting positions. The take up member is operatively coupled to the hand operating portion to move in response to movement of the hand operating portion. The take up member has a peripheral winding surface, a first cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point.

Abstract: A front derailleur including an annular chain guide for engagement and disengagement of a bicycle chain with multiple chain rings of a crankset. The annular chain guide may be positioned by linear guide rods. The annular chain guide may have an inner lifting surface and an outer pulling surface for engaging diametrically opposed corners of a chain when viewed in cross-section. The annular chain guide may have an opening defined by a polygon having at least five sides. The motion of the annular chain guide during a up-shift, i.e., displacement of the chain from a smaller chain ring to a next larger chain ring includes an upward, outward and rearward linear motion relative to a bicycle frame including upward force exerted by the annular chain guide against the chain. The motion of the annular chain guide during a down-shift is exactly opposite whereby the annular chain guide exerts a pulling down force against the chain.

Abstract: A derailleur apparatus for a bicycle component includes an actuating arm having a fastener opening and a fastener disposed in the fastener opening. The fastener includes a head and a shank including a locking portion disposed in the fastener opening and a threaded portion disposed between the head and the locking portion so that a space for receiving a cable therein is formed between the locking portion and the head. A locking member is disposed at the locking portion of the fastener for locking the fastener to the actuating arm.

Abstract: A front speed changing device comprises a base, a first link rod, a second link rod, a chain guiding member, a driven member, and a linking member, which form together a six-link-rod linking mechanism. The driven member is fastened with a pull cord. When the pull cord is pulled, the driven member swivels to link each rod member to engage in the swiveling action, thereby driving the chain guiding member to guide a chain to displace horizontally to attain the speed change.

Abstract: A cable connecting mechanism for a bicycle component includes a cable connecting unit having a fastener opening and a fastener disposed in the fastener opening. The fastener includes a head and a shank including a locking portion disposed in the fastener opening and a threaded portion disposed between the head and the locking portion so that a space for receiving a cable therein is formed between the locking portion and the head. A locking member is disposed at the locking portion of the fastener for locking the faster to the cable connecting unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a front derailleur for a bicycle to shift a chain via a chain guide between at least two sprockets which are attached on a frame of the bicycle. The front derailleur includes a wire extending through a stopper which is attached on the frame of the bicycle for transmitting a tension. An actuating link is connected to the wire in response to the tension for driving the chain guide to shift the chain between the sprockets. A wire guide is mounted on a seat tube of the frame and connected with the wire between the stopper and the actuating link for straightening the wire substantially parallel to the seat tube, thereby reducing a friction between the wire and the stopper.

Abstract: A front bicycle derailleur which utilizes a substantially annular chain guide for engagement and disengagement of the bicycle chain with multiple chain rings of a crankset. The annular chain guide provides an opening for the bicycle chain to pass through. The opening is sized only slightly larger than the cross section of the bicycle chain and is smooth and rounded along the inner surfaces that come in contact with the bicycle chain. The relatively small opening allows for precise and efficient positioning of the bicycle chain. The annular chain guide also serves to maintain the position of the bicycle chain to prevent derailment or unwanted shifting of the bicycle chain during pedaling.

Abstract: A field serviceable device in conjunction with a pivoting means and a stationary means, such as a bicycle derailleur and a derailleur hanger, respectively. The device comprises a head, a barrel, a flange, and a pin. The barrel comprises a barrel-flange connector and barrel-pin connector on a first end, and a barrel-head connector on a second end. The head, flange, and pin are independently connected to the barrel. The pin has a pin-tool opening extending through the pin, and the barrel has a barrel-tool opening of sufficient dimension extending through the barrel such that a pin tool can extend into the barrel-tool opening without interference. The pin further defines a pin fracture notch that is designed to fracture before the pivoting means or stationary means is damaged due to a force applied to the pivoting means or stationary means by debris impacting the pivoting or stationary means or becoming wedged between, for example, the bicycle frame and the derailleur.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur gearshift position indicator includes a housing holding a gearshift position indication member, the gearshift position indication member having indication plates corresponding to the gearshift positions of the derailleur system of the bicycle and a view window through which the bicycle rider views the indication of the gearshift position indication member, and a cable take-up wheel suspended below the housing and rotated with the shifters of the derailleur system to move the indication plates of the gearshift position indication member.

Abstract: A derailleur cable router is provided for changing the direction of a derailleur cable having a cable housing surrounding at least a portion of the derailleur cable. The derailleur cable router includes a base member, a pulley mounted on the base member for rotation around a pulley axis, and a housing support movably supported on the base member. The housing support pivots relative to the pulley around a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first axis is different from the second axis.

Abstract: A combination includes a derailleur having a chain cage engaging a bicycle chain, a clamping head clamping the derailleur to a bicycle frame and including an opening therethrough, a controller actuating the chain cage and including link arms pivotally connected at one end to the clamping head, with the cable extending through the opening in the clamping head and to the upper link arm, and a cage securing member connected with the chain cage, with opposite ends of the link arms pivotally connected to the cage securing member; and a one-piece protective cover including an endless sleeve of a rubber material, having a hollow interior, a first open end, having a first axis, in communication with the hollow interior and of sufficient size to permit the first open end to be pulled over the clamping head and the controller, the first open end being secured to the cage securing member, a second opposite open end, having a second central axis perpendicular to the first central axis, and in communication with the hollo

Abstract: A cable saver mechanism is provided in a cable of a cable operated component, such as a rear derailleur, to protect the cable operated component or a part of the bicycle when the bicycle falls over and the cable operated component, e.g., the rear derailleur, hits the ground. The cable saver mechanism has a first housing portion, a second housing portion and a biasing member disposed between the first and second housing portions to urge them apart from each other. The first housing portion has a first tubular section with a first end wall and first open end spaced from the first end wall. The first end wall includes a first cable bore with an internal section becoming wider towards the first open end. The second housing portion has a second tubular section with a second end wall and second open end spaced from the second end wall. The second end wall includes a second cable bore. The first and second open ends of the first and second housing portions are movably coupled together.

Abstract: Rocker arm assembly for the rear derailleur of a bicycle, comprising an outer plate (12) carrying a pivot pin (32), an inner plate (10) and a pair of idle transmission wheels (14) arranged between the outer plate (12) and the inner plate (10). The inner plate is made of metallic material and the outer plate is made of a structural fibre fabric incorporated in a thermoplastic material matrix.

Abstract: A rear derailleur for bicycle gear changes, comprising a top body or hanger bracket (12) and a bottom body or pulley-cage bracket (14) connected together by means of an articulated-parallelogram mechanism (16) which comprises a pair of links (26, 28) articulated to the hanger bracket (12) and to the pulley-cage bracket (14) by means of pins (30, 32) defining the axes of articulation of the articulated-parallelogram mechanism. Each of the aforesaid pins (30, 32) engages aligned holes (48, 50) of one of the brackets (12, 14) and one of the links (26, 28) and is constrained against sliding out in the direction of its own axis. The axial constraint of each pin (30, 32) is obtained by means of at least one washer (34) having snap-action engagement portions (40) which co-operate with an annular groove (36) of the pin (30, 32).

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism is provided for a bicycle derailleur, which can adjust a position of a chain guide in an axial direction. The derailleur basically has a base member, a movable member with a chain guide and a linkage assembly. The adjustment mechanism is operatively coupled between the movable member and the chain guide. In one embodiment, the movable member has the adjusting mechanism that movably supports the movable member in an axial direction on a second axle. The adjusting mechanism basically has a first tubular guide portion extending from the movable member to pivotally engage the second axle. A second tubular guide portion extends from the chain guide and is arranged around the first tubular guide portion. A biasing member is positioned between the first and second tubular guide portion to urge the movable member relative to chain guide in a rotational direction about the second axle.

Abstract: Electrically operated actuating apparatus for a bicycle derailleur, comprising an output shaft (16) rotationally connected to a driven shaft (29) by means of a coupling (34), allowing a limited misalignment between the axis (33, 32) of said output shaft (16) and said driven shaft (30).The coupling is preferably an Oldham coupling.

Abstract: A shift operating device for a bicycle is provided to change gears of the bicycle. The shift operating device is coupled to the front or rear derailleur via a shift cable. The shift operating device is also coupled to a gear indicator device via an indicator cable. The shift operating device has an attachment portion, a hand operating portion, and a take up member. The attachment portion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebar of the bicycle. The hand operating portion is coupled to the attachment portion to move between a plurality of shifting positions. The take up member is operatively coupled to the hand operating portion to move in response to movement of the hand operating portion. The take up member has a peripheral winding surface, a first cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point.

Abstract: A derailleur utilizes a 4-bar linkage, including a housing which acts as one bar of the 4-bar linkage. A hydraulic assembly located within the housing moves the housing relative to the mounting shaft in response to hydraulic pressure to define a chain guide operating path. The derailleur device may include a detent mechanism formed on one of the three other bars. In one embodiment, the 4-bar linkage includes an input shaft rotatably attached to the housing at a one end, and an output shaft rotatably attached to the housing at the other end, and the housing rotates around the first shaft in response to the actuation force. The hydraulic assembly may include a piston which moves within a cylindrical bore, with one of the three other bars of the 4-bar linkage being attached to the piston. The resulting hydraulic derailleur design is comparable to mechanical (cable-pull type) derailleurs in size and weight.

Abstract: Fork (4) of a bicycle front derailleur comprising an outer plate (6) and an inner plate (5), which are two separate elements made of different materials, the inner plate (5) being stiffer and made of a harder material and the outer plate (6) being made of a lighter material.

Abstract: A rear derailleur of a bicycle comprises a first body mounted rotatable on a first articulating pin intended to be fixed to the bicycle frame and a second body connected to the first body by an articulated parallelogram system and carrying a second articulating pin on which a rocking arm for transmission of the bicycle chain is mounted so that it can rotate. The two articulating pins are associated with first and second elastic elements tending to bring back the first body and the rocking arm respectively to a stop position. A device is provided for adjusting the tension of the second elastic element, by acting on the end of the said second elastic element connected to the rocking arm, which make it possible to alter the equilibrium of forces to which the derailleur is subjected and in consequence also cause a rotation of the first body about the first articulating pin.

Abstract: A cable connecting mechanism for a bicycle component includes a cable connecting unit having a fastener opening and a fastener disposed in the fastener opening. The fastener includes a head and a shank including a locking portion disposed in the fastener opening and a threaded portion disposed between the head and the locking portion so that a space for receiving a cable therein is formed between the locking portion and the head. A locking member is disposed at the locking portion of the fastener for locking the faster to the cable connecting unit.

Abstract: An axle shift device for transmitting control movements from a remote control to a multi-speed hub in a cycle includes a housing and a pivoted lever arranged in the housing. The axle shift device is arranged on a hub axle of the multi-speed hub. This pivoted lever is in form-locking effective connection with a force transmission element which has a head and is preferably actuated in tension against a return spring. A slide arranged in the housing can move the pivoted lever out of form-locking engagement with the head of the force transmission element, thereby allowing the axle shift device to be removed from the hub axle in a simple manner without the aid of tools.

Abstract: A variable ratio drive system including at least one variable diameter sprocket is described herein. The variable diameter sprocket includes a support and at least three radially movable sprocket portions mounted to the support. A diameter changing mechanism is provided to selectively move the sprocket portions.

Abstract: An electrical control device for a motor-driven derailleur for bicycles, comprising:

Abstract: A family of new bicycle shifting systems incorporate improved derailleur designs that are controlled by sealed hydraulic actuators. The shifting systems (i) a hydraulically-actuated, manually-powered front and rear derailleur shifting system, (ii) a hydraulically-actuated, power-assisted front and rear derailleur shifting system with manual control, and (iii) a hydraulically-actuated, power-assisted front and rear derailleur shifting system in which the shifting sequence for the rear derailleur is controlled automatically by pedal speed. Each of these shifting systems utilize a totally sealed, inclined linear shifting path. Environmental contaminants are prevented from entering any of the critical derailleur or control elements. The linear, inclined shifting path provides precise chain shifting, more uniform chain wrap on the rear bicycle drive sprockets, and lower chain and sprocket wear. Several different shifting control units are disclosed. An integrated shifting and braking module is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is provided with a parallelogram link that is sufficiently rigid axially to maintain the distance between the link pivot axes during derailleur actuation but substantially flexible in torsion and shear to permit simple alignment of the pivot holes and control of the link width during formation and assembly of the link, thereby ensuring smooth operation of the derailleur during gear shifts.

Abstract: A motor drive apparatus for a bicycle transmission includes a support; an interface member for coupling to a transmission actuating member that exerts a first force having a first force component in a first direction, wherein the interface member is mounted to the support for rotation around a rotational axis; a motor for coupling to the interface member; and a biasing mechanism for exerting a second force on the interface member having a second force component in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An operating device is provided for operating a vehicle component assembly. More specifically, the operating device moves a movable member between at least two positions. The operating device especially relates to bicycle components that are actuated by a cable or other mechanical linkage. Basically, the vehicle component assembly has a base member, a movable member, a piston member and an actuating device. The movable member is movably coupled to the base member between at least a first position and a second position. The piston member is operatively coupled to the movable member and fluidly coupled to a supply of pressurized fluid to move the movable member from the first position to the second position. The actuating device has an operating component operatively coupled to a valve mechanism and a mechanical coupling assembly. The valve mechanism is arranged to release pressure in the piston member.

Abstract: Derailleurs are provided on bicycles to move or shift a chain between two or more sprockets for changing gears. Most multi-geared bicycles have front and rear derailleurs. The front and rear derailleurs are connected to shift operating devices via shift cables to shift gears. Each derailleurs has a fixed member adapted to be coupled to a portion of the bicycle, a chain guiding member for shifting the chain of the bicycle and a linkage assembly coupled between the fixed member and the chain guiding member. Link or pivot pins are used to couple the links of the linkage assembly to the fixed member and the chain guiding member. These link or pivot pins are removably and non-rotatably coupled to the fixed member and/or the chain guiding member. Preferably, the link or pivot pins have a head portion with an abutment surface and a shaft portion with a conically tapered free end and an annular groove for receiving a retaining clip.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur assembly includes a base member, an intermediate member, and a movable member supporting a chain guide. The intermediate member is coupled to the base member for pivoting relative to the base member around a pivot area defining a pivot axis, and the movable member is coupled for movement relative to the intermediate member. A cable guide roller having a cable guide surface is provided to the derailleur assembly, wherein the cable guide surface intersects the pivot area when viewed in a direction of the pivot axis.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for a shifting control device includes a clamping unit and a housing attached to the clamping unit. The clamping unit includes a clamp member structured to mount to a handlebar around a first axis coaxial with the handlebar, a clamp arm member coupled to the clamp member and extending in a radial direction from the clamping member, and a housing mounting member disposed on the clamp arm member and spaced apart from the clamp member. The housing includes a base member structured to mount to the handlebar around the first axis, a housing arm member coupled to the base member and extending in the direction of the clamp arm member, and a pulley coupling member disposed on the housing arm member and spaced apart from the base member, wherein the pulley coupling member is fixed to the housing mounting member. A pulley is coupled to the pulley coupling member for rotation around a second axis that usually is oriented differently from the first axis.

Abstract: A protective plate for attachment to a bicycle frame for guiding a chain includes a support body having a first side for facing laterally toward the bicycle frame, a second side for facing laterally away from the bicycle frame, a lower portion, and an upper portion. The lower portion of the first side of the support body is structured to align with a bottom bracket of the bicycle, and a frame attachment member is disposed on the upper portion of the support body for clamping the upper portion of the support body to the bicycle frame. A chain guiding abutment may be formed on the upper portion of the second side of the support body for guiding the chain as the chain shifts from a larger chainring to a smaller chainring.