The present invention provides a means for powered, programmable transformation of a bicycle to fit a given cyclist for a given condition while riding. It comprises a computer/app and actuators to perform all adjustments while riding, that is programmable to recall fit information and/or to follow a fit algorithm that will transform a bicycle to match a particular rider's best fit for a particular condition such as climbing, descending, sprinting, etc. It also may adjust fit in response to on-the-fly rider commands, sensor inputs, and/or data from other devices.

The present invention provides a means for powered, programmable transformation of a bicycle to fit a given cyclist for a given condition while riding. It comprises a computer/app and actuators to perform all adjustments while riding, that is programmable to recall fit information and/or to follow a fit algorithm that will transform a bicycle to match a particular rider's best fit for a particular condition such as climbing, descending, sprinting, etc. It also may adjust fit in response to on-the-fly rider commands, sensor inputs, and/or data from other devices.

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.

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 crank arm for a bicycle chainset is provided. The arm comprises means for varying crank length during rotation, whereby to gain mechanical advantage.

A crank arm for a bicycle chainset is provided. The arm comprises means for varying crank length during rotation, whereby to gain mechanical advantage.

The transmission is for transmitting a reciprocating pedal movement into a rotational movement and comprises a pair of pedals suspended for reciprocating movement, two rotating cam members (29) rotating around respective cam axes (33), each rotating cam member (29) having a peripheral cam surface (31), the rotating cam members (29) being coupled to a rotating member (35) through a respective one-way clutch. Flexible tension members (63) are connecting either pedal to a respective one of the rotating cam members (29), which are eccentric to provide for a gearing ratio between angular movement of the rotating cam member (29) and translational movement of the respective pedal to vary, such that the gearing ratio has a minimum value when the pedal is in an intermediate position between its extended position and its retracted position, and major values when the pedal is in its retracted or extended position.

A crank apparatus equipped with a labor-saving mechanism and a bicycle crank assembly are disclosed. The crank apparatus includes a crank mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a supporting module and a rotating arm module. The crank mechanism includes a crank, an axle-end gear and a pedal-end gear. The transmission mechanism includes a rotating axle having a circular groove. The supporting module is adapted to sheathe the rotating axle and includes an outer ring and rollers received inside the circular grooves and clamped between the rotating axle and the outer ring. The rotating arm module includes a first rotating arm and a second rotating arm. One end of the second rotating arm is connected to the first rotating arm, and another end of the second rotating arm is connected to the pedal-end gear. Accordingly, the transmission stability and useful lifetime of the crank apparatus and bicycle crank assembly are increased.

A crank apparatus equipped with a labor-saving mechanism and a bicycle crank assembly are disclosed. The crank apparatus includes a crank mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a supporting module and a rotating arm module. The crank mechanism includes a crank, an axle-end gear and a pedal-end gear. The transmission mechanism includes a rotating axle having a circular groove. The supporting module is adapted to sheathe the rotating axle and includes an outer ring and rollers received inside the circular grooves and clamped between the rotating axle and the outer ring. The rotating arm module includes a first rotating arm and a second rotating arm. One end of the second rotating arm is connected to the first rotating arm, and another end of the second rotating arm is connected to the pedal-end gear. Accordingly, the transmission stability and useful lifetime of the crank apparatus and bicycle crank assembly are increased.

A crank apparatus equipped with a labor-saving mechanism and a bicycle crank assembly are disclosed. The crank apparatus includes a crank mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a supporting module and a rotating arm module. The crank mechanism includes a crank, an axle-end gear and a pedal-end gear. The transmission mechanism includes a rotating axle having a circular groove. The supporting module is adapted to sheathe the rotating axle and includes an outer ring and rollers received inside the circular grooves and clamped between the rotating axle and the outer ring. The rotating arm module includes a first rotating arm and a second rotating arm. One end of the second rotating arm is connected to the first rotating arm, and another end of the second rotating arm is connected to the pedal-end gear. Accordingly, the transmission stability and useful lifetime of the crank apparatus and bicycle crank assembly are increased.