A connecting system for a tensile element including a longitudinal tensile element and a connector. The connector has an external connector surface and an internal cavity with an internal surface with a pre-formed lateral connector surface extending generally laterally inwardly. The internal cavity sleevably overlaps at the tensile element in an overlap region. The connector is crimped to create a crimped joinder between the connector and tensile element where a portion of the external connector surface is pressed to plastically deform the connecting element and displace the internal surface laterally inwardly to deboss the external surface in the overlap region. The connector includes a laterally outwardly projecting overlie surface to provide an external overlie engagement for connection with a bracing element and to support tensile load.

A bicycle gear having a first coating layer obtained by a plasma electrolytic oxidation treatment and a second coating layer, overlapped on the first coating layer, that is a lubricating substance, preferably a fluoropolymer.

An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction appartus and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the stationary point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced. The drag reduction apparatus includes: a streamlined fairing or wind deflector positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe disposed on a vehicle whereby exhaust gases deflect headwinds to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces of an automotive wheel; an automotive spoked wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes; a wheel assembly with a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke; a wheel with a tapered spoke having a thin aerodynamic profile near the rim and tapering to a round profile toward the central hub; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern.

An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction appartus and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the stationary point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced. The drag reduction apparatus includes: a streamlined fairing or wind deflector positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe disposed on a vehicle whereby exhaust gases deflect headwinds to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces of an automotive wheel; an automotive spoked wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes; a wheel assembly with a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke; a wheel with a tapered spoke having a thin aerodynamic profile near the rim and tapering to a round profile toward the central hub; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern.

A bicycle component comprises a first structural member made of a conducting material, an electrical insulation layer provided to the first structural member, and a second structural member configured to be attached to the electrical insulation layer by adhesive.

The present invention relates to a folding bicycle comprising a plurality of folding elements which are grouped together into main elements, such as the frame (3), the handlebar (1), the front wheel (25), and the rear wheel (24), said main elements being combined to form one inseparable element.

The plurality of folding elements that are grouped together to form main elements allow the folding bicycle of the present invention to be carried in a so-called folded state or configuration in which it occupies a minimum volume. The folded configuration allows the bicycle to be easily transported or packed inside a standard backpack.

In the so-called unfolded or maximum-size configuration, the folding bicycle of the present invention can be cycled comfortably and safely like any standard size bicycle. The integrity of all of the components or elements of the folding bicycle of the present invention is maintained in both the folded and unfolded configurations, as well as when switching between the two configurations, meaning that there are no loose pieces and that all of the constituent elements are permanently attached to one another. The process for switching between the folded and unfolded configurations, or vice versa, is simple and does not require any external elements or additional tools, and can be carried out by the user alone following simple steps.

To provide a bicycle hub unit and a bicycle wheel assembly that allow a wheel unit to be appropriately coupled to a hub body, a bicycle hub unit is coupled to a rotary body to which a brake is applied by a brake device. The bicycle hub unit includes a hub body that rotates around a hub axle and a rotary body coupling portion that couples the rotary body to the hub body. The hub body includes a first joint portion and a second joint portion. The first joint portion includes an external thread coupled to an internal thread of the wheel unit. The second joint portion is coupled to a restriction member that restricts relative rotation of the first joint portion and the wheel unit.

A wheel frame (16a) includes a cylindrical hub (16c) into which an axle (11b) is rotatably inserted, a six-axis force sensor (16e) having an insertion hole (16e1) into which the hub (16c) is inserted, and an outer flange (16f) extending radially outward from an input section (16e2) of the six-axis force sensor (16e), wherein a hand rim (17) is attached to the outer flange (16f).

The invention is directed to a method for producing a rim (2) comprising at least one three-dimensionally shaped layer of reinforcing fibers (26). In a first step a forming tool (25) is provided which comprises a three-dimensionally shaped outer contour. In a subsequent step a band of reinforcing fibers (26) is wound onto the forming tool (25) such that the reinforcing fibers follow the outer contour of the forming tool (25) and are arranged in at least one of reinforcing fibers. A draping device (27) is provided by which the band of reinforcing fibers (26) is preformed before the band of reinforcing fibers (26) is wound onto the forming tool (25).

A tensile element connection, comprising first and second bracing elements and a tensile element having a first portion connected to the first bracing element and a second portion opposed to the first portion and connected to the second bracing element, and an applied tensile load along the tensile element. The tensile element includes a preformed rod that is comprised of reinforcement fibers in a matrix. At a temporarily elevated temperature greater than the service temperature, a localized region of the matrix is in a softened state of increased deformability such that a localized region of the rod is deformed under pressure to include a laterally outwardly projecting engagement surface. The tensile element is comprised of said rod with the engagement surface formed therein and is connected to one of the first and second bracing elements by means of an overlie engagement at the engagement surface to restrain the tension load.