Exercise apparatus with video effects synchronized to exercise parameters

An apparatus for synchronizing the movement of a stationary bicycle with video effects produced on a video display associated with a computer, wherein said bicycle has a rear wheel, handlebars, and a pair of front wheel forks operatively engaged with said handlebars, said apparatus comprising:

• (a) a motion sensor configured to produce a rear wheel rotation signal which corresponds to the rotation of said rear wheel;
• (b) a handlebar rotation sensor assembly configured to engage said pair of front wheel forks and to produce a handlebar rotation signal which corresponds to the rotation of said handlebars about an axis, wherein said handlebar rotation sensor assembly comprises:
• (1) a plate having a first face, a second face, a first portion, a second portion and an axis;
• (2) a base support assembly connected to said plate;
• (3) a rotation member having a first end and a second end, wherein said rotation member is positioned adjacent said first face of said plate and configured to rotate about said axis of said plate;
• (4) a support assembly attached to said rotation member and configured to support said pair of front wheel forks;
• and
• (5) a rotation-measuring assembly attached to said rotation member and configured to measure the rotation of said rotation member about said axis,
• wherein when said pair of front wheel forks is rotated, said rotation-measuring assembly produces a signal representing said rotation;
• and
• (c) a digital signal processor configured to receive said rear wheel rotation signal and said handlebar rotation signal and to transmit output signals to said computer so that a user of said bicycle may interact with said video effects by rotating said rear wheel and said handlebars.