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.

Embodiments described herein provide aerodynamic bicycle rims and wheels. Embodiments can include a bicycle rim that is wider than the width of the tire proximate to the outer edge of the rim and is shaped so that there is a tangent line tangent to the rim and the tire. The tangent line can be tangent to the rim on the sidewall or elsewhere on the rim. The widest part of the rim can be radially inward from the outer edge of the rim or elsewhere on the rim and the tangent line can be tangent at the widest part of the rim or elsewhere on the rim.

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 lightweight wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention, includes a rim and hub, and a plurality of lightweight, flexible and resilient spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The wheel includes a nipple within the rim that receives the high strength spoke and allows for flexibility in adapting the spoke to wheels having differing shapes and sizes.

The present invention discloses a carbon fiber spoke and a manufacturing method thereof. The carbon fiber spoke includes a spoke body made of carbon fiber, a screw bushing that is fit and connected with rim and a nut cap bushing that is fit and connected with the hub. Two end parts of the spoke body are provided with solid joints. The outside surface of the solid joint is provided with a first tapered section. The screw bushing and the nut cap bushing are provided with penetrable mounting holes. The hole wall surrounding the mounting hole is provided with a second tapered section. The mounting hole of the screw bushing and the mounting hole of the nut cap bushing are respectively fixed to the two solid joints; the second tapered section of the mounting hole and the first tapered section of the solid joint are fit and connected together.

A method of manufacturing a rim includes placing at least one braided sleeve on a core dimensioned to define a shape of an internal wall of the rim. The method includes inserting the braided sleeves placed on the core, inside a mold that is dimensioned to define a shape of an external wall shape of the rim. The method further includes injecting a resin inside the mold to contact the mold and impregnate the sleeves and other layers with resin. The method also includes curing the resin to form the internal and external walls of the rim and obtain a cured rim having the core connected thereto. The method further includes removing the cured rim and core from the mold and melting the core to get it out of the rim.

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.

A bicycle rim for carrying a tire. The rim includes a circumferential tire bed including first and second opposing edge regions a circumferential spoke face, and first and second side walls extending from the spoke face to the first and second edge regions, respectively. The first and second side walls include first and second side wall extensions radially extending from the first and second opposing side regions and terminating at first and second outer radial edges, respectively. Each of the first and second outer radial edges defining a maximum width that is at least 3.8 mm. The thickness of the first and second side wall extensions varies with respect to a central radial axis. The thickness of the first and second side wall extensions is greater at the first and second outer radial edges than at a location radially spaced from the first and second outer radial edges and adjacent to the first and second opposing end regions, respectively.