Steering linkage for bicycles
AssigneeCLEV Design, LTD.
InventorRobb Henry Jankura
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A steering linkage assembly that allows an offset between a steering axis and a headtube axis of a bicycle. In turn, rider cockpit dimensions are divorced from vehicle performance aspects such that vehicle performance aspects may be tailored regardless of rider size. The steering linkage assembly generally includes linkage members on an opposite side of a linkage chassis than handlebars of the bicycle to improve performance by increasing steering angle range allowed by the linkage. In addition, different linkage members and linkage chasses may be provided to accommodate different offsets between the steering axis and the headtube axis.
Claims18
A steering linkage assembly for a bicycle, comprising:
- a linkage chassis comprising a steering tube that defines a steering tube axis, wherein the steering tube axis is offset from a headtube axis of a headtube of the bicycle, wherein the steering tube axis is offset a greater distance from a seat of the bicycle than the headtube axis;
- a fork steerer configured for co-rotation with a fork of the bicycle, wherein the fork steerer is engaged with a fork tube that is positioned in the headtube;
- a handlebar steerer configured for co-rotation with handlebars, wherein the handlebar steerer is engaged with a steering spindle that is positioned in the steering tube;
- one or more linkage member extending between the fork steerer and the handlebar steerer to impart co-rotational movement between the handlebar steerer and the fork steerer, the linkage member being disposed on a side of the linkage chassis opposite that on which the handlebars are attached to the steering spindle for uninterrupted movement of the linkage members by the headtube of the bicycle or the linkage chassis;
- a headtube reference surface of the headtube on a side of the headtube opposite the fork;
- and
- a steering tube reference surface on a side of the steering tube adjacent to an attachment location of the handlebars, the steering tube reference surface being offset from the headtube reference surface in a direction toward the fork of the bicycle.
A bicycle, comprising:
- a bicycle frame including at least a headtube having a headtube axis;
- a linkage chassis comprising a steering tube that defines a steering tube axis, wherein the steering tube axis is offset from the headtube axis of the headtube of the bicycle in a direction away from a seat of the bicycle;
- a fork steerer configured for co-rotation with a fork of the bicycle, wherein the fork steerer is engaged with a fork tube that is positioned in the headtube;
- a handlebar steerer configured for co-rotation with handlebars, wherein the handlebar steerer is engaged with a steering spindle that is positioned in the steering tube;
- one or more linkage member extending between the fork steerer and the handlebar steerer to impart co-rotational movement between the handlebar steerer and the fork steerer, the linkage member being disposed on a side of the linkage chassis opposite that on which the handlebars are attached to the handlebar steerer for uninterrupted movement of the linkage member by the headtube of the bicycle or the linkage chassis;
- and
- a headtube reference surface of the headtube on a side of the headtube opposite the fork;
- and
- a steering tube reference surface on a side of the steering tube adjacent to an attachment location of the handlebars, the steering tube reference surface being offset from the headtube reference surface in a direction toward the fork of the bicycle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.