Abstract: A motor unit comprises a torque limiter and a transmitting structure. The torque limiter includes a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member are movable relative to each other in a state where a torque applied to the torque limiter is equal to or higher than a torque threshold. The first member and the second member are movable together with each other in a state where the torque is lower than the torque threshold. The transmitting structure includes a first race, a second race, a first intermediate element at least partially provided between the first race and the second race, and a second intermediate element at least partially provided between the first race and the second race.

Abstract: A power assisted electric bicycle includes a body, a motor, a torque sensor, and a controller. The motor is operated in an operating period. The torque sensor is configured to output a plurality of torque signals corresponding to a pedal force. The controller is coupled to the motor and the torque sensor. The controller is configured to: receive the torque signals from the torque sensor; determine a peak and a valley, which is adjacent to the peak, among the torque signals; compute and determine a pedaling period between the peak and the valley, which is adjacent to the peak, among the torque signals; and generate an error signal associated with the torque sensor if it is determined that the pedaling period and the operating period fail to meet a default ratio.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur includes a base member mountable to a bicycle frame and a cage assembly moveably coupled to the base member. One or both of a motor and/or electrical generator system may be coupled to and moveable with the cage assembly. The motor is operable to move the cage assembly. The electrical generator system includes a generator and a generator drive system.

Abstract: A control device includes an electronic controller configured to control a transmission to shift a transmission ratio of a human-powered vehicle in accordance with a first shifting condition set based on a first reference value. The electronic controller is configured to control the transmission to restrict shifting of the transmission ratio of the human-powered vehicle regardless of the first shifting condition upon determining a second shifting condition set based on a second reference value is satisfied. The second reference value includes at least one of a reference value indicating an acceleration tendency of the human-powered vehicle and a reference value indicating a deceleration tendency of the human-powered vehicle.

Abstract: A control device wearable by a bicycle rider, the control device including at least one control sensor generating input signals when actuated. A control processor is connected to the at least one control sensor generating control signals responsive to the input signals. A wireless transmitter is in communication with the processor transmitting the control signals and a power source is connected to the shift control processor and the wireless transmitter. The control device may one or more of a control gear changer, one or more suspension component, and other electronically-controllable components or systems.

Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a main support body, a first operating member, a hydraulic brake operating unit, an additional operating unit and a second operating member. The main support body is configured to be attached to a handlebar. The first operating member is pivotally coupled to the main support body about a first pivot axis. The hydraulic brake operating unit is mounted to the main support body. The hydraulic brake operating unit has a piston operated in response to operation of the first operating member between a rest position to an operated position. The additional operating unit is mounted to the main support body. The second operating member is configured to actuate the additional operating unit.

Abstract: A bicycle chain device that includes a mounting bracket configured to be affixed to a bicycle. The bicycle has a solitary bicycle front sprocket. A cage is movably mounted to the mounting bracket so that the cage is positioned adjacent to the front sprocket. The cage has a chain-receiving slot, through which a bicycle chain passes. The cage is configured to move in accordance with a shifting operation of a bicycle rear derailleur to maintain alignment with a chain to prevent the chain from falling off the sprocket.

Abstract: A directional transmission mechanism, a directional sprocket apparatus using the directional transmission mechanism, and a pedal device using the directional sprocket apparatus are disclosed. The directional transmission mechanism includes a driving shaft, an output shaft, a co-rotating wheel, a reverse-rotating wheel, and a switching mechanism. The co-rotating wheel set drives the output shaft to rotate in a direction that is the same as that of the driving shaft. The reverse-rotating wheel set drives the output shaft to rotate in a direction opposite to that of the driving shaft. The switching mechanism switches the driving shaft to drive the co-rotating wheel set or drive the reverse-rotating wheel set to rotate, so as to enable the output shaft to rotate directionally. The co-rotating wheel set is connected with the driving shaft and the output shaft, and the reverse-rotating wheel set is connected with the driving shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A bicycle shifting apparatus comprises a shifting controller. The shifting controller is configured to control one of a front shifting device and a rear shifting device to change one of a front shift position and a rear shift position in response to a user input. The shifting controller is configured to control the other of the front shifting device and the rear shifting device to change the other of the front shift position and the rear shift position with a delay time period in conjunction with the one of the front shifting device and the rear shifting device in response to the user input. The shifting controller is configured to change the delay time period based on at least one of a gear ratio, the rear shift position, and a current rotational speed of a bicycle crank.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a bicycle gearshift with improved precision control, which comprises a kinematic mechanism in the form of a four-bar linkage with a base body and a mobile body connected together through a pair of connecting rods articulated to the base body and to the mobile body at four pin elements, each pair of opposite pin elements of the four pin elements defining a diagonal of the four-bar linkage-kinematic mechanism, the base body comprising a first attachment group to a bicycle frame and the mobile body being connected to a chain guide at a second attachment group, the four-bar linkage-kinematic mechanism being associated with gearshift actuation means suitable for deforming the four-bar linkage-kinematic mechanism so as to determine a displacement of the mobile body with respect to said base body and consequently a primary displacement of the chain guide in the axial direction with respect to the axis (A) of a cogset, at least one from the first attachment group and the second attachm

Abstract: A bicycle transmission control apparatus comprises a control unit that provides a first signal to operate a first derailleur a gear shift distance from a first origin sprocket to a first destination sprocket. The control unit receives a condition signal that indicates a condition resulting from at least one of the first derailleur and a second derailleur; and an adjustment controller moves the first derailleur an adjustment distance less than the gear shift distance in response to the condition signal.

Abstract: A bicycle gear assembly comprises first and second sets of cog wheels, each having at least three cog wheels of various sizes including a largest cog wheel and a smallest cog wheel. These two sets are oriented so that the largest cog wheel of the first set is aligned with the smallest cog wheel of the second set and vice versa, the first and the second sets of cog wheels define at least a first, second and third pair of substantially aligned cog wheels. Additionally, a chain is mounted about a first pair of the aligned cog wheels and a gear shift assembly is adapted to move the chain from the first pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels and from the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the third pair of substantially aligned cogwheels.

Abstract: A bicycle shifting control apparatus is provided with a gearshift operating part and an actuating unit. The gearshift operating part outputs a first chain moving operation and a second chain moving operation for moving a front derailleur via the actuating unit. The actuating unit includes a first actuating part and a second actuating part. The first actuating part performs a first action for moving the front derailleur from a first position corresponding to a small sprocket a second position corresponding to an adjacent larger sprocket in accordance with the first chain moving operation of the gearshift operating part. The second actuating part performs a second action for moving the front derailleur to a third position located past the second position corresponding to the larger sprocket in accordance with the second chain moving operation of the gearshift operating part.

Abstract: There is disclosed a chain transmission comprising a driving shaft provided with one or more sprockets and a driven shaft provided with complementary sprockets, which is coupled to the driving shaft via a chain. Preferably, two chain-moving elements are provided between the driving shaft and the driven shaft, near the sprockets, by means of which a desired transmission ratio can be set via axial movement of the chain. The chain-moving elements are movable over respective gear-shifting elements upon rotation of said elements, making it possible to shift from one sprocket combination to another with a reduced risk of malfunctions. The transmission is accommodated in a closed, self-supporting casing built up of interconnected casing members, in which the shafts in question are supported.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a stationary member, a base member, a linkage mechanism, a movable member, a chain guide and an inner cable fixing portion. The stationary member non-movably attached to a bicycle frame and includes an outer cable receiving portion configured to receive an outer sheath of a control cable assembly. The base member is pivotally coupled to the stationary member about an axis spaced apart from a hub axis of a rear wheel. A movable member at one end of the linkage mechanism is movable relative to the base member in response to an inner cable that is attached to a portion of the linkage mechanism. The base member can move in response to tension applied by the inner cable without moving the chain guide which is coupled to the movable member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic transmission for a bicycle, including: a front sprocket unit coupled to pedals; a rear sprocket unit mounted to a rear wheel; and a drive chain, extremities of which are wound around one sprocket of the front sprocket unit and around one sprocket of the rear sprocket unit, respectively, whereby the torque and speed of the bicycle can be changed in accordance with the combination of the diameters of the sprockets. The front sprocket unit receives a rotating force, and rotates in a direction that propels a bicycle body having pedals forward, but does not receive a rotating force in a direction opposite the rotating direction. The automatic transmission of the present invention can automatically perform a gear-shifting operation without forcing a rider to work the pedals while riding, yet changing the torque and speed of the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle gear assembly comprises first and second sets of cog wheels, each having at least three cog wheels of various sizes including a largest cog wheel and a smallest cog wheel. These two sets are oriented so that the largest cog wheel of the first set is aligned with the smallest cog wheel of the second set and vice versa, the first and the second sets of cog wheels define at least a first, second and third pair of substantially aligned cog wheels. Additionally, a chain is mounted about a first pair of the aligned cog wheels and a gear shift assembly is adapted to move the chain from the first pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels and from the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the third pair of substantially aligned cogwheels.

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 gear assembly comprises first and second sets of cog wheels, each having at least three cog wheels of various sizes including a largest cog wheel and a smallest cog wheel. These two sets are oriented so that the largest cog wheel of the first set is aligned with the smallest cog wheel of the second set and vice versa, the first and the second sets of cog wheels define at least a first, second and third pair of substantially aligned cog wheels. Additionally, a chain is mounted about a first pair of the aligned cog wheels and a gear shift assembly is adapted to move the chain from the first pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels and from the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the third pair of substantially aligned cogwheels.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member that supports a chain guide including a pulley that rotates around a pulley axis, and a linking member coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the chain guide moves laterally relative to the base member between a first lateral position and a second lateral position. Examples of features include the linking member being coupled to the base member through separate pivot pins, the linking member straddling the base member, and the base member having link coupling projections with different thicknesses.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide, wherein the movable member is coupled to the base member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member for moving a chain among a plurality of sprockets; an intermediate member that mounts the base member to a bicycle frame; a first adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the intermediate member relative to the bicycle frame; and a second adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the base member relative to the intermediate member.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket apparatus comprises a sprocket mounting member, a first sprocket, and a second sprocket. The sprocket mounting member includes a hub mounting portion and a sprocket mounting portion, wherein the hub mounting portion is structured to be mounted to a rotating hub that rotates around a rotational axis. The sprocket mounting portion includes a first sprocket mounting surface that faces in a first direction and a second sprocket mounting surface that faces in an opposite second direction. The first sprocket is disposed at the first sprocket mounting surface, and the second sprocket is disposed at the second sprocket mounting surface. A fastener fastens the first sprocket to the first sprocket mounting surface, and a chain supporting structure extends from the fastener in the first direction and projects in the first direction away from a side surface of the first sprocket that faces in the first direction.

Abstract: A tension device for a drive chain of a bicycle including a first pulley having a first rotational axis swingable around a swing center, and a second pulley having a second rotational axis movable along a movable direction to change a distance between the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis. The first pulley is arranged to be forced around the swing center to apply tension to the drive chain, and the second pulley is arranged to be forced along the moving direction to apply tension to the drive chain.

Abstract: There is disclosed a chain transmission comprising a driving shaft provided with one or more sprockets and a driven shaft provided with complementary sprockets, which is coupled to the driving shaft via a chain. Preferably, two chain-moving elements are provided between the driving shaft and the driven shaft, near the sprockets, by means of which a desired transmission ratio can be set via axial movement of the chain. The chain-moving elements are movable over respective gear-shifting elements upon rotation of said elements, making it possible to shift from one sprocket combination to another with a reduced risk of malfunctions. The transmission is accommodated in a closed, self-supporting casing built up of interconnected casing members, in which the shafts in question are supported.

Abstract: To achieve downsizing and weight reduction of a derailleur shaft and the mounting structure thereof and to improve the rigidity of the derailleur shaft without increasing the thickness thereof more than necessary. A transmission case is divided into left and right halves, and the left and right halves are provided with bosses therein having holes opposing each other. The bosses are brought into abutment with each other and united by fitting tightening bolts to the holes of the bosses and tightening the same. A sleeve-shaped derailleur shaft is fitted on the outer periphery of the bosses to support and mount the derailleur shaft. The derailleur shaft includes a hole at the shaft end thereof. A mounting position of the derailleur shaft is achieved by a pin inserted into the hole and a hole provided on one of the cases.

Abstract: A gear-shifting apparatus is provided which easily returns a derailed chain to engagement with a tension and/or guide pulley when the chain comes off the respective pulley due to a gear-shifting operation, and enables a gear-shifting operation to be performed when a gear-shifting is halted or is rotating backward. A derailer includes an arm which supports a tension pulley and a pulley support member which supports a guide pulley. The arm is provided with engagement recovery-guiding parts for causing respectively derailed parts of a chain, which are derailed from the orbital plane of the tension pulley, to engage with the tension pulley. The pulley support member is provided with a first extending part and a second extending part for the purpose of causing derailed parts of a chain, which has been derailed from the orbital plane of the guide pulley, to engage with the guide pulley.

Abstract: A top/bottom pull front derailleur includes a base member, inner and outer links, a chain guide and a top/low adjustment mechanism coupled to the base member. The links are pivotally coupled between the base member and the chain guide. The inner link has a wire fixing part that can be used in top and bottom pull arrangements. The chain guide is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base member. The adjustment mechanism includes top and low adjusting bolts with longitudinal bolt axes angled more than zero degrees relative to a plane of the bicycle frame. The adjustment mechanism is mounted rearwardly of single attachment portion of the outer link or between a pair of attachment portions of the outer link. The bolt axes are preferably angled about 45 degrees or about 90 degrees relative to the plane of the frame.

Abstract: A front variable speed drive device is configured and arranged to electrically operate driving of a front derailleur by a shift cable. The front variable speed drive device comprises a case member, a motor drive mechanism, and a cable linking portion. The case member is mounted on a hanger portion of a bicycle frame. The motor drive mechanism is mounted on the case member, and has a revolving shaft. The cable linking portion has a retaining portion configured and arranged to retain a first end of the shift cable. The cable linking portion is rotatably mounted on the revolving shaft, and has a hypothetical arm line extending in the direction perpendicular to the shift cable from the center of rotation with a length of the hypothetical arm line changing depending on the rotation phase. Thus, motor torque required for shifting gears is reduced with a simple structure.

Abstract: A transmission including an input cog assembly mounted to an input shaft and an output cog assembly mounted to an output shaft. The input and output cog assemblies include a plurality of varying diameter input and output cogs, respectively, arranged sequentially. A chain links a pair of input and output cogs for transmitting power from the input cog assembly to the output cog assembly. The chain, in operation, has a high-tension side and a low-tension side. A derailleur is engageable with the low-tension side of the chain to laterally urge the chain from a current output cog to a destination output cog.

Abstract: A gear-shifting apparatus is provided which does not require a position of a chain to be set with high precision, and which reduces a risk of the chain coming off an adjacent sprocket due to a quick gear shifting operation. The gear shifting system includes a derailer for changing the chain from one sprocket to another among a plurality of axially-arranged gear shifting sprockets, and a case for containing the gear shifting sprockets and the chain. The case is provided with a protruding part for preventing the chain from moving axially outwardly at an area too close to the case. The protruding part effectively prevents the chain from coming off from the adjacent sprocket by means of contact of the protruding part with the chain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission of a bicycle comprising 2 or more front and rear sprockets, a chain transmitting power between the front sprockets and the rear sprockets, front and rear gearing devices for moving the chain left and right, a centrifugal device rotating with the rear sprockets, and a control cable connecting between the rear gearing device and the centrifugal device.

Abstract: A bicycle gear assembly has first and second sets of cog wheels, each having at least three cog wheels of various sizes including a largest cog wheel and a smallest cog wheel. These two sets are oriented so that the largest cog wheel of the first set is aligned with the smallest cog wheel of the second set and the smallest cog wheel of the first set is aligned with the largest cog wheel of the second set, the first and the second sets of cog wheels define at least a first, second and third pair of substantially aligned cog wheels. Additionally, a chain is mounted about a first pair of the aligned cog wheels and a gear shift assembly is adapted to move the chain from the first pair of cogwheels to the second pair of cogwheels and from the second pair of cogwheels to the third pair of cogwheels.

Abstract: A shift control apparatus is provided for a bicycle having a plurality of front sprockets and a plurality of rear sprockets, wherein a front derailleur shifts a chain among the plurality of front sprockets and a rear derailleur shifts the chain among the plurality of rear sprockets. The apparatus comprises a shift unit that provides signals for shifting the front derailleur and the rear derailleur; and a prohibiting unit operatively coupled to the shift unit and providing signals so that the chain is prohibited from engaging at least one of i) a laterally innermost front sprocket in combination with a laterally outermost rear sprocket, and ii) a laterally outermost front sprocket in combination with a laterally innermost rear sprocket.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus is capable of retaining an endless transmission chain on a rotatable member, even where a small inter-axis distance remains between two rotatable shafts to which each of two rotatable members is drivingly connected. The transmission includes a drive sprocket member for connecting to a main drive shaft. The transmission also includes a driven sprocket member, connected to the output shaft in parallel with the main drive shaft and including a plurality of transmission sprockets. The transmission further includes a chain interconnecting both sprocket members, and a transmission shift mechanism for positioning the chain among the transmission sprockets. The drive sprocket member is supported at the main drive shaft in the rotary center line direction, in such a way that the chain is applied to both sprocket members in parallel with a plane crossing at a right angle with the rotary center line of the main drive shaft.

Abstract: A rear dérailleur device is provided, in particular for a bicycle equipped with a front dérailleur and a chain connecting a set of pinions with a set of disks. The rear dérailleur device includes a rotatable base provided with a return spring forcing the base in the anti-clockwise direction, guiding/dérailleur means fixedly connected with the base, and a movable tension plate fixedly connected with the guiding/dérailleur means.

Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur has a fixed member, a movable member, linkage assembly and cable attachment assembly. The cable attachment assembly has a cable fixing bolt, cable fixing washer and a first resilient member. The first resilient member is arranged to retain the cable fixing washer on the shaft portion of the cable fixing bolt is located. The fixed member includes a derailleur fixing bolt, a derailleur fixing washer, and a second resilient member. The second resilient member is arranged to retain the derailleur fixing washer on the shaft portion of the derailleur fixing bolt.

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 the chain guide and a linkage assembly. The adjustment mechanism is preferably operatively coupled between the movable member and the chain guide, or between the base member and the frame. The adjusting mechanism includes a first tubular portion, a second tubular portion, a biasing member and an adjustment member. The second tubular portion is arranged around the first tubular portion to move axially relative to the first tubular portion via the adjustment member. The biasing member is arranged to apply an urging force on the tubular portions. One of the tubular portions has a rigid non-compressible support projection arranged to selectively contact the other tubular portion when the tubular portions move relative to each.

Abstract: A structure of an automatic speed change device for bicycle gearbox is disclosed in this present invention. The above-mentioned design can be applied to a bicycle with a rear wheel speed change device. According to this invention, the automatic speed change device is able to control the allotting device of the rear wheel speed change device to transfer the chain into suitable gear by the treading rat of the user. This design can simplify the manual gear shifting process in the prior art for controlling the rear wheel speed change device. Therefore, this invention can make riding bicycle more easily and widely for all age.

Abstract: A process for controlling the transmission of a cycle having one or more gear sprockets is provided. The gear sprockets include one or more angular positions in which shifting of the gears is facilitated. A sensor is provided to detect the one or more angular positions of the gear sprocket in which gear shifting is facilitated. The sensor is selectively activated according to a command request to initiate a shift.

Abstract: A drive train for a bicycle includes a housing mounted in a bicycle frame with a pedal assembly attached to a drive shaft fixably mounting a plurality of different diameter drive elements, the drive shaft is journalled in and between the housing cover plates. A driven shaft is also journalled in and between the housing cover plates. The driven shaft mounts a plurality of rotatably unfixed different diameter driven elements, with the driven shaft rotationally coupled to a bicycle rear wheel. A plurality of connection elements rotationally couples the plurality of different diameter drive elements to the different diameter driven elements, wherein a single connection element rotatably couples a single drive element to a single driven element being in alignment. Also, a structural assembly for rotatably engaging a selected single driven element to the driven shaft to establish a selected rotational ratio between the drive shaft and the driven shaft.

Abstract: A forked member for a bicycle front derailleur is provided on the inside face of its outer plate with an extra plate, preferably made of a plastic with a low coefficient of friction, that locally reduces the gap between the two plates of the forked member, in order to ensure the correct shifting of the chain from a smaller-diameter chainring to a larger-diameter chainring.

Abstract: A system for controlling gear shifting in a transmission of a cycle, includes at least one gear wheel or sprocket on which a transmission element is engaged to perform transmission of motion as a result of movement in a predetermined direction. The gear shifting is carried out by changing the position of engagement of the transmission member with respect to the at least one gear wheel or sprocket. The system further includes at least one sensor for detecting the movement in corresponding direction of movement of the motion transmitting element for generating a signal and a control unit for controlling the change of the position of the element for transmitting motion with respect to the at least one gear wheel or sprocket when the signal indicates that the element for transmitting motion is moving in the given direction.

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: 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: 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: 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: A pressurized air supply system for providing pressurized air to an air powered derailleur of a bicycle having a bicycle frame. The system comprises an air pumping mechanism attached to the bicycle frame and adapted to supply pressurized air when actuated. Fluidly connected to the pumping mechanism and to the derailleur is a pressure reservoir of the system. The pumping mechanism is attached to the bicycle frame such that the passage of the bicycle over uneven terrain facilitates the actuation of the pumping mechanism and resultant charging of the pressure reservoir with pressurized air.

Abstract: A motor driven derailleur includes a base member; a movable member; and a linkage mechanism including a link member coupled to the base member and to the movable member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member, wherein the link member is pivotably coupled to one of the base member and the movable member through a first link coupling member. A motor is provided for rotating the first link coupling member, wherein the movable member moves relative to the base member in response to rotation of the first link coupling member.

Abstract: A shift control apparatus is provided for a bicycle having a plurality of front sprockets and a plurality of rear sprockets, wherein a front derailleur shifts a chain among the plurality of front sprockets and a rear derailleur shifts the chain among the plurality of rear sprockets. The apparatus comprises a shift unit that provides signals for shifting the front derailleur and the rear derailleur; and a prohibiting unit operatively coupled to the shift unit and providing signals so that the chain is prohibited from engaging at least one of i) a laterally innermost front sprocket in combination with a laterally outermost rear sprocket, and ii) a laterally outermost front sprocket in combination with a laterally innermost rear sprocket.