Bicycle trainer

Abstract

The invention relates to a bicycle trainer. A bicycle trainer includes a frame having a pair of laterally spaced axle supports configured to support a rear axle of a bicycle. The shaft support defines a laterally extending first axis. The drive wheel is rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to and radially spaced from the first axis. A resistance unit is supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel. A bicycle trainer system includes a bicycle having a rear axle removably supported by an axle support. A method of using the trainer is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to bicycle trainers, and in particular to wheel-on bicycle trainers. Background Art

[0002] Bicycle trainers are typically configured as wheel-off (direct drive) trainers or wheel-stand trainers. Wheel-off trainers require the user to remove the rear wheel and mount the bicycle on the trainer with the drive train engaged with the trainer. The trainer may be configured with a separate cassette, or the cassette on the rear wheel may be removed and mounted on the trainer before each riding session. Typically, the user will need to adjust the rear derailleur to accommodate the cassette on the trainer and / or position the bicycle on the trainer in order to provide smooth shifting and eliminate chain rubbing. In addition, if the trainer cassette and the wheel cassette are of different sizes, additional derailleur adjustments may be required.

[0003] While wheel stand trainers do not require removal of the rear wheel and the attendant derailleur adjustment, such trainers typically engage the rear tire tread to provide resistance to the rear wheel. The resistance may cause excessive wear on the tire, and the interface between the tire and the trainer may be adversely affected by the tire tread pattern, for example by generating excessive noise. Thus, trainer-specific tires may be required, which may adversely affect the convenience and usability of the trainer.

[0004] In both cases, mounting the bicycle on the trainer may require significant mechanical talent, time, and additional bicycle parts. In addition, various components may experience additional wear and tear with any type of trainer, whether in the drive train or on the rear tire. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect, an embodiment of a bicycle trainer includes a frame having a pair of laterally spaced axle supports configured to support a rear wheel axle of a bicycle. The axle supports define a first axis extending laterally. A drive wheel is rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and radially spaced from the first axis. A resistance unit is supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel.

[0006] In another aspect, one embodiment of a bicycle trainer system includes a frame having a pair of laterally spaced axle supports. The bicycle includes a rear wheel axle removably supported by the axle supports, wherein the rear wheel axle defines a laterally extending first axis. A drive wheel is rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and radially spaced from the first axis. A resistance unit is supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel.

[0007] In yet another aspect, an embodiment of a method of using a bicycle trainer system includes supporting a rear wheel axle of a bicycle on a frame, wherein the rear wheel axle defines a first axis extending laterally; disengaging a drive chain from a flywheel rotatably mounted to the rear wheel axle; engaging the drive chain with a gear rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the gear is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and radially spaced from the first axis; moving the drive chain and rotating the gear; rotating a drive wheel about the second axis with the gear, wherein the drive wheel is laterally spaced from the gear; moving a closed-loop component with the drive wheel; and driving a resistance unit supported by the frame with the closed-loop component.

[0008] Various embodiments of bicycle trainers, bicycle trainer systems, and methods of use and assembly thereof provide significant advantages over other bicycle trainers. For example, but not limited to, the bicycle trainer allows the user to leave the rear wheel on the bicycle, but does not rotate or engage the rear tire to obtain resistance. In addition, the flywheel mounted on the rear wheel is bypassed. In both cases, wear on the tire and flywheel can be greatly reduced. In addition, the bicycle can be quickly and easily installed on the trainer without removing or adjusting various components.

[0009] The preceding paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims set forth below. Various preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle coupled to one embodiment of a bicycle trainer.

[0012] Figure 2 is a right side perspective view of one embodiment of a bicycle trainer.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Right side view of bicycle trainer shown.

[0014] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 An enlarged partial view of the bicycle trainer taken along line 4 in FIG.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A top view of a bicycle trainer is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 An enlarged partial view of the bicycle trainer taken along line 6 in FIG.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A partial top view of the bicycle and trainer shown.

[0018] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the bicycle and trainer taken along line 8-8 in FIG.

[0019] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A top view of the bicycle and trainer shown.

[0020] Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the bicycle and trainer taken along line 10-10 in FIG.

[0021] Fig.11 It is along Fig.10 An enlarged partial view of the bicycle and trainer taken along line 11-11 in FIG.

[0022] Fig.12 It is along Fig.10 An enlarged partial view of the bicycle and trainer taken along line 12-12 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] It should be understood that the term "plurality" as used herein refers to two or more. As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to or is related to a length direction or a longitudinal direction. As used herein, the term "lateral" refers to being located in the left-right direction, pointing to the left-right direction, or extending in the left-right direction. The term "coupled" refers to being connected to or joined directly or indirectly (e.g., using an intermediate member), and does not require the joining to be fixed or permanent, although it can be fixed or permanent. The terms "first", "second", etc. as used herein are not meant to be assigned to a specific component so designated, but simply refer to such components in the numerical order mentioned, which means that a component designated as "first" may later be a "second" such component, depending on the order in which it is referenced. It should also be understood that the designation of "first" and "second" does not necessarily mean that the two components or values ​​so designated are different, which means, for example, that the first direction may be the same as the second direction, where each is simply applicable to different components. The terms "upper", "lower", "back", "front", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "right", "left", "inside", "outside" and their variations or derivatives refer to Figure 1The illustrated exemplary bicycle 50 is oriented from the perspective of a user seated thereon, such that "inboard" components or features are closer to a vertical mid-plane of the bicycle extending in direction A. The term "lateral" means non-parallel. The terms "outboard" and "outwardly" refer to directions or features that diverge from a central location, such as the phrases "radially outward," "radial directions," and / or their derivatives refer to features that diverge from a central location, such as those indicated by the radially outward direction. Figure 5 The shaft 102 is shown to define the axis 4. In contrast, the terms "inwardly" and "inwardly" refer to directions facing toward a central or interior position. The term "subassembly" refers to an assembly of multiple components, wherein the subassembly is further assembled into other subassemblies and / or a final assembly, such as the bicycle trainer 100 or a bicycle trainer with the bicycle 50 mounted thereon.

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 8 An example of a human-powered vehicle is shown. In this example, the vehicle is a bicycle 50 of one possible type, such as a road bicycle. It should be understood that other types of bicycles can be used with the trainer, including but not limited to mountain bikes. The bicycle 50 has a frame 51, a handlebar 54 near the front end of the frame, and a seat or saddle 56 for supporting the rider on the top of the frame. The bicycle 50 also has a first wheel or front wheel 58 carried by a front fork subassembly 60 supporting the front end of the frame 51. The bicycle 50 also has a rear end 90 of the frame 51 supported by the rear wheel 52. The rear end 90 may include a pair of rear chain stays 92 and a pair of rear seat stays 94. The bicycle 50 includes a transmission 64 having a crank assembly 66, which is operably connected to a rear flywheel 70 or a driven sprocket assembly via a roller chain 68 when the bicycle is in a riding configuration. When the bicycle is in a training configuration, the chain 68 is disengaged from the rear flywheel 70, as further explained below. The rear wheel 52 and the rear flywheel 70 are rotatably mounted on an axle 102 defining an axis of rotation 4. In one embodiment, the axle 102 can be configured as a through axle mounted to a frame mounting flange 91, which is disposed at the junction of the seat stay and the chain stay. The axle 102 has opposite ends 170 or nubs, also referred to as drop-outs, extending laterally outward from the mounting flange 91. The crank assembly 66 includes at least one and typically two crank arms 75 and a pedal 76 and a front chain ring assembly 78 or a drive sprocket assembly. A crank spindle or crank axle 79 can connect the two crank arms 75. The crank axle 79 defines a central axis of rotation 83 of the chain ring assembly 78. The crank assembly 66 may also include other components.

[0025] A rear gear changing device (e.g., a derailleur 37) is mounted on the rear end 90 of the frame to move the roller chain 68 through different sprockets of the cassette 70 when the bicycle is in the riding configuration. In one embodiment, a front gear changing device 87 (e.g., a derailleur) may be provided to move the chain 68 through multiple sprockets of the chain ring assembly 78. In the example shown, the saddle 56 is supported on a seat post 81 having an end received in the top of a frame seat tube 89 of the frame. A clamping ring 93 may be tightened to secure the upper seat post 81 to the lower frame seat tube 89.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the bicycle trainer 100 includes a frame 104, which may include feet or leveling supports that engage a floor 108 or other support surface and support the frame 104. In one embodiment, the frame 104 includes a base 120, which may have a rear portion 110 and a front portion 112. The front portion 112 is configured with a pair of arms 114, each arm having one end 116 coupled to the rear portion 110 and a spaced-apart opposite end 118, which may be connected to a laterally extending cross member 141. In one embodiment, the base 120 is Y-shaped, wherein the rear portion 110 has a central member, and the arms 114 of the front portion 112 diverge outwardly from the central member. The base 120 may be configured in any number of different shapes and components, including one or more plates, grid structures, and / or beams, and have a rectangular or other polygonal profile. The base 120 may be made of tubular members made of a metal such as steel or aluminum, which are secured, for example, by welding or with fasteners. The rear support 122 extends upward from the rear portion 110. The rear support 122 may include a frame, which may be a single plate or a grid structure. The rear support may be made of metal, such as steel or aluminum.

[0027] The resistance unit 130 is rotatably mounted to the rear support 122 on an axis 132 defining an axis of rotation 134. The resistance unit 130 may include or be configured with at least one of a fan, a magnetic flywheel, a fluid resistance chamber, a generator, and / or a centrifugal pressure plate, each having one or more components that rotate around the axis 134. In one embodiment, the resistance unit 130 is configured as a generator 136, which has a permanent magnet on the rotor that moves relative to the fixed electromagnet on the stator. The interaction between the moving permanent magnet on the rotor and the fixed electromagnet on the stator produces the resistance experienced by the rider via the transmission system. At a remote location including the handlebars, the user can control the energy provided to the electromagnet of the stator so as to control the resistance provided to the rider through the transmission system. In another embodiment, the resistance can be controlled by an electronic game system. In another embodiment, the resistance can be controlled by the bicycle trainer 100 or an external computer to achieve a training resistance plan. For example, trainer 100 or an external computer may be configured to control resistance in a pattern designed to achieve a prescribed power output for the cyclist by adjusting the resistance experienced by the cyclist at a selected cadence.

[0028] In one embodiment, hub 138 is rotatably mounted to or on shaft 132 and rotates about axis 134 to drive resistance unit 130. Axis 134 is spaced rearwardly from axis 4. Hub 138 can be configured as a freewheel with driven wheel 140 mounted thereon, for example, via a spline interface. In one embodiment, driven wheel 140 can be configured as a pulley, or as a gear 142 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth 144 arranged around its periphery.

[0029] The frame 104 includes a pair of laterally spaced risers 150 attached to the front of the base, wherein each riser has an axle support 152 disposed thereon. The axle supports 152 are spaced apart by a distance W2, such as Fig.11 As shown. The laterally spaced axle supports 152 are configured to support the rear wheel axle 102 of the bicycle, which has a width W1. W2 is greater than W1. The outer surface of the frame 51 or mounting flange 91 has a width W3, which must be accommodated in the gap G between the seat tubes 150. W3 can vary depending on the design of the bicycle frame, but the frame 104 is configured so that G is greater than W3. In one embodiment, the distance or gap G between the seat tubes 150 can be adjustable. The seat tubes 150 extend upward from the ends of the arms 114 and the cross member 141. The axle supports 152 define a laterally extending axis 154 that coincides with the axis 4 of the axle. The axis 154 is parallel to the axis 134 of the resistance unit. As shown Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the shaft support 152 can be configured as a channel 156 or slot, such as an upwardly opening channel having a vertically upwardly opening mouth 162. The channel 156 is open to the side so that the channel has an outer wall and side walls 158, wherein the channel is exposed and faces inwardly toward each other. Each channel 156 also includes a bottom recess 160 defining the axis 154. The side walls 158 of the channel can be inclined or formed at an angle α, such as Figure 2 As shown, the shaft end 170 or the lug is guided by the channel 156 into the bottom recess 160, where the end 170 is supported and prevented from moving sideways, forward, backward or downward. When the shaft 102 is supported by the shaft support 152, the rear wheel 52 is preferably spaced above the floor 108 and does not contact the frame or any other component. The rear wheel extends downward in the gap G between the risers 150. In this way, it should be understood that the risers 150 and the shaft support 152 are configured so that the axis 4 is a sufficient distance above the lower surface of the floor 108 or the frame to ensure that the rear wheel is suspended above the support surface. It should be understood that the stopper can engage with the tire to prevent unintentional rotation of the rear wheel, but does not provide riding resistance to the rear wheel 52. The riser 150 can be made highly adjustable to accommodate bicycles of different sizes and rear wheel diameters. The shaft support 152 may be defined by racks 174, 176 positioned on and coupled to the upper end of the riser 150. The shaft support 152 may also be integrally formed with the riser 150, such as on the inner side thereof.

[0030] In an embodiment, the connection interface may include a latch, quick connect, or similar mechanism that contacts and / or engages the shaft when a portion of the mechanism is inserted into the channel 156 / 158 and securely captures the shaft from movement.

[0031] refer to Figures 2 to 5 , frame 104 also includes a drive support 180, shown as a cantilevered arm 182, extending rearwardly and upwardly from one of the seat tubes 150, and the seat tube 150 is particularly positioned on the drive side of the bicycle. Drive support 180 can be formed as part of one of the brackets 174. Drive support 180 supports shaft 184, which defines axis 186, which is parallel to and radially spaced from axis 154, and is also parallel to and radially spaced from axis 134 of the resistance unit. Axis 186 can be vertically spaced a distance D2 above axis 154, horizontally spaced a distance D1 rearwardly from axis 154, and radially spaced a distance D3 from axis 154. In one embodiment, D3 is greater than the diameter of the smallest gear or the smallest gear of the flywheel, and D2 is greater than 1 / 2 of the smallest gear of the flywheel.

[0032] The drive wheel 190 is supported by the frame 104, and in particular by the drive support 180 on the shaft 184. The drive wheel 190 is rotatable about the axis 186. The resistance unit 130 is positioned behind the drive wheel 190. In one embodiment, the axis 134 of the driven wheel 140 is positioned rearward and downward from the axis 186 of the drive wheel 190. The drive wheel 190 is operably coupled to the resistance unit 130. For example, the drive wheel 190 can be operably coupled to the resistance unit 130, and in particular to the driven wheel 140 using a closed loop member 194, which is movably engaged with the drive wheel 190 and the driven wheel 140. In one embodiment, the drive wheel 190 is configured as a cog 192 having circumferentially spaced teeth arranged around the periphery of the drive wheel 190. The driven wheel 140 can also be configured as a cog 142 having circumferentially spaced teeth. In other embodiments, the drive wheel 190 and the driven wheel 140 can be configured as pulleys. The closed loop member 194 can be configured as a roller chain engaging the gears 142, 192, or as a belt with or without teeth.

[0033] refer to Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 8 , gear 200 is rotatably supported by the frame about axis 186. Gear 200 is rotatably mounted on shaft 184 and is laterally spaced apart from drive wheel 190, such as drive wheel 190 is laterally spaced apart from gear 200 by a distance D4. Gear 200 is positioned and configured to be coupled to bicycle drive chain 68 and to be movably engaged by chain 68. Gear 200 and drive wheel 190 are rotatably coupled to each other, meaning that rotation of gear 200 causes drive wheel 190 to rotate with the gear. Gear 200 and drive wheel 190 can be non-rotatably fixed relative to each other, meaning that rotation of gear 200 and drive wheel 190 are synchronized at a 1:1 ratio. In other embodiments, rotation of gear 200 can cause drive wheel 190 to rotate, but at other ratios greater than or less than 1:1. Gear 200 is positioned so that the outer periphery configured with teeth is elevated or spaced apart by a distance D4 from the outer periphery of alignment gear 204 on the flywheel. c ,like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the chain 68 is generally not engaged with the gear 204 and the cassette 70 and is spaced apart from the gear 204 and the cassette 70 when engaged with the gear 200. At the same time, the chain line from the derailleur 37 to the gear 200 is also spaced apart from the gear 204 and the cassette 70, so that the gear 204 and the cassette are not engaged by the chain 68. The spacing Dc, and the spacing between the chain lines between the derailleur and the gear 204, can be achieved by changing the diameter of the gear 200 and / or by adjusting the distances D1, D2, and / or D3 between the axes 4, 186.

[0034] In operation, the bicycle 50 is positioned in / on the trainer 100 with the end 170 or the tab of the through-shaft 102 inserted into the channel 156, such as by sliding the tab along the side wall 158 until the tab is securely nested and supported in the recess 160. If desired, a longer through-shaft 102 may be installed on the bicycle first. Alternatively or in combination, a longer through-shaft extension 300 (e.g., a bolt having an end defining the tab 170) may be coaxially mounted on the through-shaft 102, such as by threading the extension into one or both ends of the through-shaft 102, such as Fig.12 As shown. The bicycle 50 is placed and secured to the trainer 100 by supporting the rear wheel axle 102 of the bicycle on the frame 104, in particular on the axle support 152. Then, the chain 68 is disengaged from the flywheel 70, for example by lifting the chain 68 from the flywheel 70. The chain 68 is moved and engaged with the gear 200 rotatably supported by the trainer 100. After the chain 68 is repositioned, the bicycle 50 is in a training configuration in which the chain 68 is no longer engaged with any portion of the flywheel 70. In the training configuration, the user can actuate the drive train without causing the flywheel 70 and / or the rear wheel 52 to rotate. Instead, the rear wheel 52 remains in a stationary position. The rear wheel 52 and the flywheel remain stationary during any subsequent training or riding. The front wheel 58 can be supported by the block 304 to maintain a proper riding position and uniform height of the front and rear wheels. When in the training configuration, only the bicycle crank assembly 66 and the chain 68 are used to drive the resistance unit 130, thereby eliminating wear on the flywheel 70 and the rear wheel tire. In addition, the lateral position of the gear 200 can be set to ensure that the chain line between the chain ring assembly 78 and the gear 200 is optimized to reduce wear on the chain 68 and the chain ring assembly 78. The gear 200 is rotatably coupled to the drive wheel 190, which is positioned laterally outboard of the gear 200. In one embodiment, the gear 200 is directly (i.e., non-rotatably) fixed relative to the drive wheel 190, which means that the gear 200 and the drive wheel 190 rotate together at a 1:1 ratio. Since the gear 200 is suspended inwardly from the seat tube 150 and the drive support 180 (the shaft 184 has an inner free end 185), the chain 68 can easily slide around the gear 200 and engage with the gear 200.

[0035] In use, the rider engages the drive train 64, for example, by engaging the pedals 76 and rotating the crank arm 75, the chain ring assembly 78, and the drive chain 68. The chain 68 movably engages and rotates the gear 200, which in turn rotates the drive wheel 190. The drive wheel 190 drives (e.g., rotates) the resistance unit 130 (e.g., brake) using a closed loop component 194, which is configured as a chain, a belt, or configured as other transmission methods. It should be understood that the transmission between the gear 200 and the resistance unit 130 is not limited to the disclosed drive wheel 190, the driven wheel 140, and the closed loop component 194, but may include other systems and combinations of pulleys and gear trains. The resistance unit 130 has a free wheel hub or similar clutch to allow gliding on the trainer. Resistance can be provided by any number of systems and methods, including but not limited to adjustable friction pads, eddy currents, generators, fluid resistance, etc.

[0036] At the end of the training session, the user can simply move the chain 68 from the internal gear 200 back into engagement with the cassette 70, such as by moving the chain 68 about the free end 185. Thereafter, the bicycle 50 can be removed from the trainer 100, such as by lifting the bicycle 500 so that the axle 102 is disengaged from the axle support 152. No additional adjustments or replacement of parts are required to prepare the bicycle 50 for use in the riding configuration.

[0037] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structures of various embodiments. These illustrations are not intended to be used as a complete description of all elements and features of the equipment and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. When reading this disclosure, many other embodiments may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from this disclosure so that structural and logical replacements and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the illustrations are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions in the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Therefore, this disclosure and the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0038] Although this specification contains many details, these details should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present invention or the content that can be claimed, but as descriptions of features specific to a particular embodiment of the present invention. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, in some cases, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may involve a sub-combination or a variation of the sub-combination.

[0039] Similarly, although operations and / or actions are depicted in the accompanying drawings and described herein in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or that all of the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. In addition, the separation of the various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that any described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0040] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to herein individually and / or collectively by the term "invention", which is merely for convenience and is not intended to actively limit the scope of the present application to any particular invention or inventive concept. In addition, although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangements designed to achieve the same or similar purposes may replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent modifications or variations of the various embodiments. By reading the specification, the combination of the above-mentioned embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0041] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that the appended claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be understood to be limited to the described order or elements unless otherwise stated. Therefore, all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents are claimed to be protected as inventions.

[0042] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0043] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 506,755 filed on June 7, 2023 and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 672,793 filed on May 23, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A bicycle training device, comprising: a frame including a pair of laterally spaced axle supports configured to support a rear wheel axle of a bicycle, wherein the axle supports define a laterally extending first axis; a drive wheel rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to and radially spaced from the first axis; and A resistance unit is supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel.

2. The bicycle trainer according to claim 1, wherein: The resistance unit is positioned rearward of the axle support, and wherein the second axis is positioned rearward of the first axis.

3. The bicycle trainer of claim 1 , further comprising a gear rotatably supported by the frame about the second axis, wherein: The gear is laterally spaced from the drive wheel, and wherein the gear is positioned and configured to be coupled to a bicycle drive chain.

4. The bicycle trainer according to claim 3, wherein: The drive wheel is spaced laterally outward from the gear.

5. The bicycle trainer according to claim 3, wherein: The drive wheel is operably coupled to the resistance unit via a closed loop component.

6. The bicycle trainer according to claim 5, wherein: The resistance unit includes a hub rotatable about a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, and the bicycle trainer further includes a driven wheel mounted on the hub, wherein the closed loop member is movably engaged with the drive wheel and the driven wheel.

7. A bicycle trainer according to claim 6, wherein: The gears include a first gear, and wherein the drive wheel includes a second gear, and the driven wheel includes a third gear, wherein the closed loop member includes a chain movably engaged with the second gear and the third gear.

8. The bicycle trainer according to claim 6, wherein: The resistance unit includes at least one of a fan, a magnetic inertia wheel, a fluid resistance chamber, a generator and / or a centrifugal pressure plate.

9. The bicycle trainer according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the shaft supports includes an upwardly opening passage.

10. The bicycle trainer according to claim 9, wherein: The channel includes a bottom recess shaped to receive an end of the shaft, wherein the bottom recess defines the first axis.

11. A bicycle trainer system, comprising: a frame including a pair of laterally spaced axle supports; a bicycle including a rear axle removably supported by the axle support, wherein the rear axle defines a laterally extending first axis; a drive wheel rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to and radially spaced from the first axis; and A resistance unit is supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel.

12. The bicycle trainer system according to claim 11, wherein: The resistance unit is positioned rearward of the axle support, and wherein the second axis is positioned rearward of the first axis.

13. The bicycle trainer system of claim 11 further comprising a gear rotatably supported by the frame about the second axis, wherein The gear is laterally spaced from the drive wheel, and wherein the bicycle includes a drive chain engageable with the gear.

14. A bicycle trainer system according to claim 13, wherein: The bicycle comprises a flywheel rotatable about the first axis, wherein the drive chain is movable between a riding configuration in which the drive chain is engaged with the flywheel and a training configuration in which the drive chain is engaged with the gear, wherein when the drive chain is in the training configuration, the drive chain is disengaged from the flywheel.

15. The bicycle trainer system of claim 13, wherein: The drive wheel is spaced laterally outward from the gear.

16. The bicycle trainer system of claim 13, wherein: The drive wheel is operably coupled to the resistance unit via a closed loop component.

17. A bicycle trainer system according to claim 16, wherein: The resistance unit includes a hub rotatable about a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, and the bicycle trainer further includes a driven wheel mounted on the hub, wherein the closed loop member is movably engaged with the drive wheel and the driven wheel.

18. A bicycle trainer system according to claim 17, wherein: The gears include a first gear, and wherein the drive wheel includes a second gear, and the driven wheel includes a third gear, wherein the closed loop member includes a chain movably engaged with the second gear and the third gear.

19. The bicycle trainer system of claim 17, wherein: The resistance unit includes at least one of a fan, a magnetic inertia wheel, a fluid resistance chamber, a generator, and / or a centrifugal pressure plate coupled to the hub.

20. The bicycle trainer system of claim 11, wherein: At least one of the axle supports includes an upwardly open channel, and wherein the rear wheel axle includes an end portion disposed in the channel.

Images