In order to form a largely oval circulatory path, in particular a pedal (1a), a crank drive (1) is described which periodically changes the effective lever length of a crank (2). In this case, gear levers (4 or 7) are mounted on a crank (2) at both ends (2 a, 2b) which rotate in opposite directions with respect to one another and thus form two further movement axes within the pedal path and are thus adapted to the natural human leg movement in a force-saving and ergonomic manner.

A bicycle control apparatus is basically provided for controlling a bicycle having a drive assistance electric motor. The bicycle control apparatus includes a manual drive force detector, a shift state detector and a controller. The manual drive force detector detects a manual drive force. The shift state detector detects a shift state of the bicycle. The controller issues a command for controlling a drive assistance force to be outputted by the drive assistance electric motor in accordance with the manual drive force detected by the manual drive force detector. The controller controls the drive assistance force to delay a reduction in the drive assistance force in relation to a reduction in the manual drive force upon determining the manual drive force is reduced, and controls the delay in the reduction of the drive assistance force in accordance with the shift state of the bicycle.

A gear (10) for a bicycle transmission (20) is described, having an external contour (11) with teeth (12a, 12b) formed thereon, wherein the external contour (11) is defined by a maximum pitch diameter (.sub.max) and a minimum pitch diameter (.sub.min), does not have any axes of symmetry and is formed exclusively with point symmetry with respect to its centre of symmetry (M). The invention was therefore based on the problem of developing a gear (10) which improves the pedaling feel of a bicycle transmission (20). The problem is solved in that the external contour (11) exhibits a change in its curvature at every point.

A cycle crankset, comprising independent cranks articulated around a crank axis and each having a pedal axis, a cam pivotably mounted about the crank axis, and a chainring assembly pivotably mounted about the cam about an axis parallel to the crank axis, the cranks being connected to the chainring assembly via connecting rods, the articulation point between each of the cranks and one of the connecting rods being located on the portion of the crank opposite the pedal axis relative to the crank axis.

The present invention includes two rotatable sleeves, two springs, two pins, two plastic sleeves and a Z-shaped crank. The two springs are respectively disposed in the two rotatable sleeves. The two rotatable sleeves are respectively accommodated around corresponding left end and right end of the crank. One end of each of the two springs is abuttingly connected on an inner wall of one of the two rotatable sleeves and one other end abuttingly connected on an end wall of the crank. The two pins are respectively penetrated through the two rotatable sleeves and are insertingly connected on the crank. The two plastic sleeves are respectively accommodated around left and right ends of the crank to closely cover the two pins. Thus, the present invention not only provides a smooth and pleasant appearance, but also allows a pedal to a position parallel to a bicycle without affecting a boxing effect.

The present invention includes two rotatable sleeves, two springs, two pins, two plastic sleeves and a Z-shaped crank. The two springs are respectively disposed in the two rotatable sleeves. The two rotatable sleeves are respectively accommodated around corresponding left end and right end of the crank. One end of each of the two springs is abuttingly connected on an inner wall of one of the two rotatable sleeves and one other end abuttingly connected on an end wall of the crank. The two pins are respectively penetrated through the two rotatable sleeves and are insertingly connected on the crank. The two plastic sleeves are respectively accommodated around left and right ends of the crank to closely cover the two pins. Thus, the present invention not only provides a smooth and pleasant appearance, but also allows a pedal to a position parallel to a bicycle without affecting a boxing effect.

A pedal-assisted bicycle includes a suspension system of the rear wheel in relation to the frame which allows a predetermined relative displacement between them. The crankset includes: a freewheel device operatively interposed between the drive and muscle shafts; a compensating device operatively interposed between the drive shaft and the gear wheel, The compensating device generates between the two an angular forward compensation stroke between a rest position, and a compensation position, where the forward compensation stroke is limited to a predetermined angle and is opposite to the free stroke of the freewheel device.

A bicycle control apparatus is basically provided for controlling a bicycle having a drive assistance electric motor. The bicycle control apparatus includes a manual drive force detector, a shift state detector and a controller. The manual drive force detector detects a manual drive force. The shift state detector detects a shift state of the bicycle. The controller issues a command for controlling a drive assistance force to be outputted by the drive assistance electric motor in accordance with the manual drive force detected by the manual drive force detector. The controller controls the drive assistance force to delay a reduction in the drive assistance force in relation to a reduction in the manual drive force upon determining the manual drive force is reduced, and controls the delay in the reduction of the drive assistance force in accordance with the shift state of the bicycle.

A bicycle control apparatus is basically provided for controlling a bicycle having a drive assistance electric motor. The bicycle control apparatus includes a manual drive force detector, a rotational state detector and a controller. The manual drive force detector detects a manual drive force. The rotational state detector detects a rotational state of the crank. The controller issues a command for controlling a drive assistance force to be outputted by the drive assistance electric motor in accordance with the manual drive force detected by the manual drive force detector. The controller controls the drive assistance force to delay a reduction in the drive assistance force in relation to a reduction in the manual drive force upon determining the manual drive force is reduced, and controls the delay in the reduction of the drive assistance force in accordance with the rotational state of the crank.

The function of this invention is to provide exercisers with a safe and easy way to convert a legs-only exercising device, such as a stationary trainer or bicycle, with the capacity to exercise their upper and lower body muscle groups simultaneously or separately. This invention is portable and can be moved easily from one legs-only exercising device to another. Once they are mounted onto the handlebar or attachment bar of the legs-only device, it is now a full-body trainer. Exercisers mount the trainer, place their feet on the cycling pedals, place their elbows onto the elbow holders, grasp the hand grips, and now start their full body exercising activity. The degree of difficulty of their exercise trek is easily accommodated by allowing the rider to adjust the resistance for moving the forearm bars up and down for an upright bike, or back and forth for a recumbent trainer.