Abstract:
A saddle adjustment assembly comprising an adjustable height saddle post, the adjustable height saddle post comprising a first support and a second support, the second support configured to slidably move relative to the first support between at least a raised position and a lowered position, the first support configured to attach to a bicycle frame; a saddle angle adjustment mechanism coupled to the second support, the saddle angle adjustment mechanism comprising a rotatably coupled saddle support configured to couple to a bicycle saddle; wherein the saddle angle adjustment mechanism is configured to enable rotation of the saddle support relative to the second support as a result of the first support moving relative to the second support.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a bicycle comprising a wheel, a frame including a wheel support supported by the wheel, a motor mounted to the frame, and a speed sensor mounted to the wheel support. Preferably, the wheel is a rear wheel and the wheel support is a rear wheel support. The speed sensor is positioned to sense rotation of the rear wheel. In one embodiment, the frame can also include a chainstay and a seatstay, and the rear wheel support couples the chainstay to the seatstay. Preferably, the rear wheel support includes an inner face, and the speed sensor is secured to the inner face. For example, the rear wheel support can be a left rear wheel support and the entirety of the speed sensor is not visible from a left side of the bicycle.
Abstract:
A bicycle can include a suspension system with a shock absorber. The shock absorber can have a sag position which can be adjustable. Sag refers to the amount of movement experienced by the suspension under a static load, such as that of the weight of a rider. Methods and systems to set sag can include at least one valve in fluid communication with a gas chamber of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the at least one valve can be used to automatically set the sag position based on an individual's weight and riding position.
Abstract:
A bicycle assembly can include a main frame having a bottom bracket area to receive a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket area can be made of carbon fiber with one or more embedded seat blanks to serve as bearing surfaces within the bottom bracket area. The disks may be machined to a high tolerance to receive a bottom bracket.
Abstract:
A liquid-dispensing container comprises a housing and a valve member. The housing is adapted to hold a liquid and includes an opening defined by a wall having an inner edge and an outer edge. The valve member has a ledge engaging the outer edge and a cleat engaging the inner edge. The valve member can further include an integral gasket positioned between the ledge and the cleat and deformed in engagement with the wall. The cleat preferably includes a beveled surface. The valve member can be inserted from the outside of the housing and without the need for additional retention members. Specifically, the valve member is secured to the housing by contacting the cleat with the outer edge of the wall, moving the valve member toward the housing such that the cleat passes through the opening, and engaging the cleat with the inner edge of the wall.
Abstract:
A method of making a portion of a bicycle frame including positioning a low-friction mandrel adjacent a flexible mandrel with a first fibrous material in between. The mandrels are wrapped with second fibrous material, and the mandrels are inserted into a mold. The second fibrous material is cured to produce a cured assembly, the cured assembly is withdrawn from the mold, and the low-friction mandrel is removed from the cured assembly to produce an internal passageway. The flexible mandrel can includes a recess, and the step of positioning can include inserting the low-friction mandrel into the recess of the flexible mandrel. Preferably, the low-friction mandrel has a cross sectional shape that substantially matches a cross-sectional shape of the recess. The invention is also embodied in a portion of a bicycle frame, such as a portion of the frame during the manufacturing process, and having similar features as recited above.
Abstract:
A bicycle assembly comprises a saddle adjustment assembly, the saddle adjustment assembly comprising an adjustable height saddle post, the adjustable height saddle post comprising first and second slidably coupled supports; a saddle post locking mechanism that selectively restricts sliding of the second support relative to the first support; and a saddle angle adjustment mechanism configured to couple to a bicycle saddle to enable rotation of the bicycle saddle between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position, wherein, when the saddle post locking mechanism is in an unlocked configuration, the saddle angle adjustment mechanism enables rotation of the bicycle saddle between the first and second predetermined positions, and wherein, when the saddle post locking mechanism is in a locked configuration, the saddle angle adjustment mechanism maintains the bicycle saddle in one of the first and second predetermined positions.
Abstract:
A bicycle and light assembly has wheels, a frame support by the wheels, a bike light supported by the frame, and a mounting system coupling the bike light to the frame. The mounting system includes a socket secured to one of the frame and the bike light, a post secured to the other of the frame and the bike light, and a releasable securing mechanism that secures the post in the socket. The mounting system can further include a mounting bracket coupling the post to the frame, wherein the mounting bracket facilitates rotational adjustment of the post about the post axis. The releasable securing mechanism can include a detent member positioned in a side opening of the socket and in engagement with a recess in the socket to secure the rotational orientation of the post in the socket.