Front bicycle derailleur with mounting structure and bicycle frame with mounting structure for the front bicycle derailleur

Abstract

Front bicycle derailleur (54), comprising a mounting component (92) configured to be mounted on a first frame component (104) of a bicycle frame (22), wherein the first frame component (104) is pivotally connected about a pivot axis (76) to a second frame component (108) of the bicycle frame (22); a chain guide (112) and a linkage assembly (116) which pivotally couples the mounting component (92) to the chain guide (112), wherein the mounting component (92) comprises a fastening section (124) through which a fastening screw (136) passes to fix the mounting component (92) to the first frame component (104), and a stop (140) which is intended to restrict the rotation of the mounting component (92) about the fastening screw (136) by striking the first frame component (104); the fastening section (124) is configured to be located on the front of the pivot axis (76) when the mounting component (92) is mounted on the first frame component (104); and wherein the mounting section (124) is an elongated opening (128) so that the vertical position of the front bicycle derailleur (54) can be adjusted

Description

[0001] The invention generally relates to a front bicycle derailleur and a bicycle frame specifically designed to be equipped with a rear suspension. More specifically, the present invention relates to a front bicycle derailleur that can be mounted on a pivoting frame member, called a swingarm, that includes a chainstay that is pivotable relative to another frame member, such as a seat tube.

[0002] Front bicycle derailleurs are typically mounted on a bicycle frame near the bottom bracket. However, in some modern bicycle frame configurations, this is a crowded location, and it can be difficult to avoid interference between a mounting component for the front bicycle derailleur and other components. For example, in a frame configuration where the chainstays pivot relative to the seat tube containing the bottom bracket, there may be interference between the mounting component of the front bicycle derailleur and a pivot joint in the chainstays.

[0003] Front bicycle derailleurs are known from the documents US 2003 / 0 083 163 A1, US 2007 / 0 293 359 A1 and DE 10 2014 200 871 A1.

[0004] Document US 2003 / 0 083 163 A1 discloses a front derailleur mounting assembly comprising a bottom bracket tube and a front derailleur mounting bracket having first and second complementary mounting structures. The first and second complementary mounting structures are configured to hold the front derailleur mounting bracket in a predetermined rotational orientation and a predetermined axial orientation at an axial end edge of the bottom bracket tube before a bottom bracket is screwed into the internally threaded passage of the bottom bracket tube. One of the first and second complementary mounting structures is formed as a slot, and the other of the first and second complementary mounting structures is formed as a protrusion that mates with the slot.

[0005] From document US 2007 / 0 293 359 A1, a front bicycle derailleur is known which comprises a fixed element, a chain guide, and a connecting assembly. The fixed element comprises a fastening body and a projection part fixedly connected thereto. The fastening body comprises a fastening portion having a seat tube reference plane that is aligned with a longitudinal center axis of a seat tube when connected thereto. The projection part has a projecting surface that is axially offset from the fastening body toward a smallest front chainring of a front bicycle crankset. The projecting surface has an overall vertical height that lies substantially in a single plane, measured in a direction parallel to the seat tube reference plane, which is greater than 10 millimeters in a range between the seat tube reference plane and 23 millimeters, measured perpendicularly and forwardly from the seat tube reference plane.

[0006] Document DE 10 2014 200 871 A1 discloses a bicycle comprising a bicycle frame, which in turn has a main frame and a rear frame connected to the main frame for rotational movement about a rotation axis, and a derailleur mount connected to the bicycle frame. The derailleur mount has a first mount portion concentric with the rotation axis and defining a plane, a second mount portion attached to the rear frame at a location laterally offset from the plane, and a support portion. A derailleur is attached to the support portion.

[0007] In view of the known state of the art, the invention is based on the object of simplifying the attachment of a front bicycle derailleur to the bicycle frame.

[0008] This object is achieved with a front bicycle derailleur according to claims 1 and 10 and a bicycle frame according to claims 11 and 13. Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, a front bicycle derailleur comprises a mounting member configured to be mounted to a first frame member of a bicycle frame. The first frame member is pivotally connected to a second frame member of the bicycle frame about a pivot axis. The derailleur further comprises a chain guide and a linkage assembly pivotally coupling the mounting member to the chain guide. The mounting member includes a fastening portion through which a fastening screw for fixing the mounting member to the first frame member passes, and a stopper configured to limit rotation of the mounting member about the fastening screw by abutting the first frame member. The fastening portion is configured to be located on the front side of the pivot axis when the mounting member is mounted to the first frame member.The mounting section is an elongated opening so that the vertical position of the front bicycle derailleur can be adjusted.

[0010] In an advantageous aspect, the stop is formed integrally with the mounting component.

[0011] In another advantageous aspect, the first frame component is a chainstay of the bicycle frame and the second frame component is a seat tube of the bicycle frame.

[0012] In another advantageous aspect, the stop is one of a projection and an elongated recess, the first frame member comprises the other of the projection and the elongated recess, the projection and the elongated recess are configured to engage with each other, and the elongated recess extends in the longitudinal direction of the second frame member when the mounting member is attached to the first frame member

[0013] In another advantageous aspect, the stop is configured to be located on the front side of the pivot axis when the mounting member is mounted to the first frame member.

[0014] In another advantageous aspect, the mounting component is configured to be mounted to a connecting portion of the first frame component.

[0015] In another advantageous aspect, the mounting component comprises a reinforcing portion located on the back side of the fastening portion.

[0016] In another advantageous aspect, the reinforcing section is formed without a section through which a fastening screw can pass for fixing the mounting component to the first frame component.

[0017] In another advantageous aspect, the attachment section runs under the chain guide.

[0018] In another aspect of the invention, a front bicycle derailleur comprises a mounting member configured to be mounted to a first frame member of a bicycle frame. The first frame member is pivotally connected to a second frame member of the bicycle frame about a pivot axis. The second frame member includes a bottom bracket hanger to which a bottom bracket is attached. The derailleur further includes a chain guide and a linkage assembly pivotally coupling the mounting member to the chain guide. The mounting member includes a first fastening portion through which a first fastening screw traverses for fixing the mounting member to the first frame member, and a second fastening portion through which a second fastening screw traverses for fixing the mounting member to the first frame member.Both the first and second fixing bolts are configured to be located on the front side of the pivot axis when the mounting member is mounted to the first frame member. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are formed by an elongated opening, allowing the vertical position of the front bicycle derailleur to be adjusted.

[0019] According to the invention, a bicycle frame comprises a first frame component and a second frame component configured to be pivotally connected to the first frame component about a pivot axis. The first frame component includes a threaded bore through which a fastening screw for fixing a mounting component of a front bicycle derailleur to the first frame component passes, and a stop portion configured to restrict rotation of the mounting component about the fastening screw by abutting the mounting component of the front bicycle derailleur. The threaded bore is located on the front side of the pivot axis. The stop portion is formed by an elongated recess so that the vertical position of the front bicycle derailleur can be adjusted.

[0020] In an advantageous aspect, the first frame component is a chainstay of the bicycle frame and the second frame component is a seat tube of the bicycle frame.

[0021] In another aspect of the invention, the bicycle frame comprises a second frame member and a first frame member configured to be pivotally connected to the second frame member about a pivot axis. The second frame member includes a bottom bracket mount to which a bottom bracket is attached. The first frame member includes a first threaded bore through which a first fastening screw for fixing a mounting component of a front bicycle derailleur to the first frame member passes, and a second threaded bore through which a second fastening screw for fixing a mounting component of a front bicycle derailleur to the first frame member passes.The mounting component includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, wherein the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are formed by a single elongated opening so that the vertical position of the front bicycle derailleur can be adjusted. The first and second threaded holes are located on the front side of the pivot axis. The first threaded hole and the second threaded hole are spaced apart.

[0022] In another advantageous aspect, the first frame component is a chainstay of the bicycle frame and the second frame component is a seat tube of the bicycle frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a side view of a bicycle to which the front derailleur of the present invention is mounted; Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective partial view of parts of the bicycle frame of the bicycle of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a front view of the front derailleur; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the front derailleur and parts of the bicycle frame to which it is attached; Fig. 5 is a partial rear view of a mounting component of the front derailleur; Fig. 6 is a schematic partial perspective view of parts of the bicycle frame to which the front derailleur of a second embodiment of the present invention is mounted; Fig. 7 is a front view of the front derailleur of the second embodiment; Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the front derailleur of the second embodiment and parts of the bicycle frame to which it is attached; and Fig. 9 is a partial rear view of a mounting component of the front derailleur; Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of a bicycle frame configured to support a front derailleur of a third embodiment; and Fig. 11 is a schematic side view of the front derailleur and parts of the bicycle frame to which it is attached in the third embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a bicycle 10 that includes a saddle 14, a handlebar 18, a frame 22, a seat tube 26, chainstays 30, a bottom bracket 32, pedals 34, a front wheel 38, a rear wheel 42, a chain 48, and a front derailleur 54. For reference purposes, the bicycle 10 includes a center plane 56 (see Fig. 3), which is perpendicular to the axis of the rear wheel 42, includes a central axis 58 of the seat tube 26 and runs in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle 10.

[0024] Fig. 2 shows sections of the bicycle frame 22. In Fig. 2, the rear of the bicycle 10 is on the left and the front of the bicycle 10 is on the right. The generally vertical seat tube 26 includes a bottom bracket hanger 60 to which the bottom bracket 32 ​​is attached. The bottom bracket hanger 60 connects the seat tube 26 and the down tube 62. The bottom bracket 32 ​​rotates about the bottom bracket spindle 64. In this embodiment, a pivot 72 is rigidly connected directly to the seat tube 26. However, the pivot 72 may also be indirectly connected to the seat tube 26; for example, the pivot 72 may be located on a structure extending from the seat tube or the bottom bracket hanger 60. The connecting portions 80 of the chainstays 30 are located at the front ends of the chainstays 30 and surround a pivot pin 84 of the pivot joint 72. The pivot pin 84 is securely fixed to the second frame component 108 by welding or another fastening method.Thus, the pivot joint 72 pivotally mounts the chainstays 30 relative to the second frame component 108, which in this embodiment is the seat tube 26. The chainstays 30 are pivotable about the pivot axis 76 of the pivot pin 84.

[0025] A mounting bracket 88 is formed on one of the connecting portions 80. However, the mounting bracket 88 may also be formed on a portion of the chainstay 30 other than the connecting portions 80. The mounting bracket 88 may be formed integrally with the corresponding chainstay 30 or may be attached to the chainstay 30 with a fastener or by welding. The mounting bracket 88 is configured such that a mounting component 92 of the front derailleur 54 is attached to the mounting bracket 88, as described below.

[0026] In this embodiment, the mounting support 88 includes an elongated recess 96 and a threaded bore 100 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle 10. The mounting support 88 also includes an upper recess 102 that includes a first surface 110 and a second surface 114. In this embodiment, both the elongated recess 96 and the threaded bore 100 are located on the front side of the pivot axis 76 in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle 10. The elongated recess 96 forms a stop portion 98, which is described below. The description occasionally refers to a first frame component 104 and a second frame component 108. In this embodiment, the first frame component 104 is one of the chainstays 30 of the bicycle frame 22 and the second frame component 108 is the seat tube 26 of the bicycle frame 22. However, the second frame component 108 is not limited to the seat tube 26.The second frame component 108 may also be another frame component that is pivotally connected to the first frame component 104, which is one of the chainstays 30. Thus, the mounting component 92 is configured to be mounted to a connecting portion 80 of the first frame component 104.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the front derailleur 54 aligned with the mounting bracket 88. The front derailleur 54 includes a chain guide 112, the mounting member 92, and a linkage assembly 116 that pivotally couples the mounting member 92 to the chain guide 112. The details of the linkage assembly 116 are well known and therefore will not be described in detail. Basically, a pulling movement of a control cable 120 causes the linkage assembly 116 to move the chain guide 112 to an extended position (away from the center plane 56 in Fig. 3). Release of the control cable 120 allows the chain guide 112 to return to a retracted position (toward the center plane 56) under the force of a return spring (not shown). The mounting member 92 remains stationary relative to the first frame member 108 during movement of the chain guide 112 and serves as a fixed base for the front derailleur 54. A well-known shift control (not illustrated) for tightening and releasing the control cable 120 is located, for example, on the handlebar 18.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 3, the mounting member 92 is generally plate-shaped and includes a mounting portion 124 (see Fig. 4). The mounting portion 124 is an elongated opening 128. By lengthening the elongated opening 128, the vertical position of the derailleur 54 can be adjusted. As shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the attachment portion 124 extends under the chain guide 112. Further, the attachment portion 124 is located on the front side of the foremost end point of an outer plate of the chain guide 112 in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle 10. More preferably, the attachment portion 124 is located on the front side of a bearing (not shown in the drawings) and pivotally connects the connecting portion 80 and the second frame member in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle 10. In other words, the threaded hole 100 is located on the front side of the bearing. The shape of the attachment portion 124 is not limited to the elongated opening. Further, for example, more than two openings may be the attachment portion.

[0029] The mounting member 92 further includes an elongated projection 132 corresponding to the elongated recess 96. The projection 132 projects toward the center plane 56. The mounting member 92 forms the lower portion of the derailleur 54, and the mounting portion 124 is located below the chain guide 112. A threaded mounting screw 136 passes through the mounting portion 124 and engages the threads of the threaded bore 100, thereby securing the mounting member 92 to the mounting support 88 of the first frame member 104.

[0030] The elongated projection 132 provides a stop 140 that abuts the stop portion 98, which is part of the first frame member 104, when the derailleur 54 rotates about the mounting screw 136. In other words, the stop 140 prevents the mounting member 92 from rotating about the mounting screw 136. The stop 140 extends such that the vertical position of the derailleur 54 can be adjusted when the derailleur 54 is attached to the first frame member 104 of the bicycle 10. The stop 140 is configured to be located on the front side of the pivot axis 76 when the mounting member 92 is mounted to the first frame member 104. Preferably, the stop 140 is configured to be located on the front side of the forwardmost end point of the outer plate of the chain guide 112 in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle 10.Thus, in this embodiment, the stop 140 is located between the foremost end point of the outer plate of the chain guide 112 and the attachment portion 124 in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle 10. However, if necessary or desired, the stop 140 can also be located on the front side of the attachment portion 124. Furthermore, if necessary or desired, the stop 140 can also be located on the rear side of the pivot axis 76 in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle 10.

[0031] Even if the Fig. 3 - 5 show an elongated projection 132 on the mounting component 92 and Fig. 2 shows an elongated recess 96 on the mounting support 88, these parts can be reversed so that the elongated projection 132 on the mounting support 88 is formed toward the mounting component 92 and the elongated recess 96 on the mounting component 92 is formed toward the mounting support 88. Thus, the stop 140 can be provided by either the projection 132 or the elongated recess 96 formed on the mounting component 92, and the stop portion 98 of the first frame component 104 can be provided by either the elongated recess 96 or the projection 132 formed on the first frame component 104. Regardless of whether the stop 140 is an elongated projection 132 or an elongated recess 96, the stop 140 is integrally formed with the mounting component 92.In other words, the stop is either a projection 132 or an elongated recess 96, and the first frame member 104 includes the other of the projection 132 and the elongated recess 96. The projection 132 and the elongated recess 96 are configured to engage with each other when the mounting member 92 is attached to the first frame member 104.

[0032] Fig. 4 shows the front derailleur 54 mounted on the first frame component 104 by means of the mounting component 92. In Fig. 4, the front of the bicycle 10 is on the right side and the rear of the bicycle 10 is on the left side. The mounting member 92 includes a reinforcement portion 148 located on the rear side of the attachment portion 124. The reinforcement portion 148 reinforces the mounting member 92. The reinforcement portion 148 extends behind the attachment portion 124. Preferably, the reinforcement portion 148 extends under the chain guide 112. In the illustrated embodiments, at least a portion of the reinforcement portion 148 extends behind the pivot axis 76. The reinforcement portion 148 is formed without a portion through which a fastening screw for fixing the mounting member 92 to the first frame member 104 can traverse. In other words, the mounting member 92 is attached to the first frame member 104 only at the attachment portion 124, which is located in front of the pivot axis 76.

[0033] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 show an upper protrusion 152 formed on the mounting member 92. The upper protrusion 152 includes a third surface 156 and a fourth surface 160. The upper protrusion 152 cooperates with the upper recess 102 of the mounting bracket 88 when the derailleur 54 is mounted to the first frame member 104. The third surface 156 of the upper protrusion 152 faces the corresponding first surface 110 of the upper recess 102. The first surface 110 of the upper recess 102 serves to limit the downward movement of the front derailleur 54 relative to the first frame member 104. The fourth surface 160 of the upper protrusion 152 faces the corresponding second surface 114 of the upper recess 102. The fourth surface 160 of the upper projection 152 can abut the second surface of the upper recess, thus providing additional stability to the front derailleur 54.

[0034] Related to Fig. 2, the bicycle frame 22 includes a first frame member 104 and a second frame member 108 configured to be pivotally connected to the first frame member 104 about a pivot axis 76. The first frame member 104 includes a threaded bore 100 through which a mounting screw 136 passes for securing the mounting member 92 of the front bicycle derailleur 54 to the first frame member 104. The first frame member 104 includes a stop portion 98 configured to limit the rotation of the mounting member 92 about the mounting screw 136 by abutting the mounting member 92 of the front bicycle derailleur 54. The threaded hole 100 is located on the front side of the pivot axis 76. Preferably, the first frame component 104 is, for example, a chainstay 30 of the bicycle frame 22 and the second frame component 108 is the seat tube 26 of the bicycle frame 22.

[0035] The Fig. 3-6 show the front bicycle derailleur 54, which includes a mounting member 92 configured to be mounted to the first frame member 104 of the bicycle frame 22. The first frame member 104 is pivotally connected to the second frame member 108 of the bicycle frame 22 about the pivot axis 76. The derailleur 54 further includes the chain guide 112 and the linkage assembly 116 that pivotally couples the mounting member 92 to the chain guide 112. The mounting member 92 includes a mounting portion 124 through which a mounting screw 136 passes for securing the mounting member 92 to the first frame member 104. The mounting member 92 further includes a stop 140 configured to limit rotation of the mounting member 92 about the mounting screw 136 by abutting the first frame member 104.The mounting portion 124 is configured to be located on the front side of the pivot axis 76 when the mounting member 92 is mounted to the first frame member 104.

[0036] In a second embodiment of the front derailleur 54, as shown in the Fig. 7 - 9, a mounting member 200 of the front derailleur 54 has a mounting portion 204 having an elongated opening 206 like that of the embodiment of the Fig. 3 - 5. However, the mounting component 200 lacks the elongated projection 132 of the embodiment of the Fig. 3 - 5. In the description of the second embodiment, parts that are the same or substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are designated by the reference numerals of the corresponding parts of the first embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 6 is like Fig. 2, except that Fig. 6 shows sections of the bicycle frame 22 in a second embodiment of the bicycle frame 22. Fig. 6 shows a mounting support 208 formed on one of the connecting portions 80 of the first frame component 104. As in the first embodiment of the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 3-5, the mounting bracket 208 can be formed integrally with a connecting portion 80 of the first frame component 104 or can be attached separately with a fastener or by welding. The mounting bracket 208 is configured such that the mounting component 200 of the front derailleur 54 is attached to the mounting bracket 208.

[0038] The mounting support 208 of Fig. 6, to which the mounting component 200 of the second embodiment is attached, differs somewhat from the mounting support 88 of Fig. 2. The mounting support 208 includes a first threaded bore 212 and a second threaded bore 216 spaced apart from each other. The mounting support 208 also includes the upper recess 102, which is substantially the same as that of the embodiment of the Fig. 3-5. In the second embodiment, both the first threaded hole 212 and the second threaded hole 216 are located in front of the pivot axis 76. Preferably, both the first threaded hole 212 and the second threaded hole 216 are located on the front side of the bearing (not shown in the drawings) and pivotally connect the connecting portion 80 and the second frame component 108 in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle 10.

[0039] Fig. 7 shows the front derailleur 54 of the second embodiment aligned with the mounting support 208 of the first frame component 104. Fig. Figure 8 shows the front derailleur 54 mounted on the first frame member 104 by means of the mounting member 200 of the second embodiment. As shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the elongated opening 206 forms a first attachment portion 202 and a second attachment portion 204. In this embodiment, a first attachment screw 220 and a second attachment screw 224 traverse the first attachment portion 202 and the second attachment portion 204, respectively, and thus attach the front derailleur 54 to the first frame component 104. The first attachment screw 220 and the second attachment screw 224 have threads, and the threads of the first and second attachment screws 220, 224 engage the threads of the first and second threaded bores 212, 216, respectively, and thus secure the mounting component 200 to the first frame component 104. Although the first attachment portion 202 and the second attachment portion 204 in the embodiment of Fig. 7-9 are formed by a single elongated opening 206, the first and second mounting portions 202, 204 can also be formed by two separate elongated openings spaced apart from each other. The position of the elongated opening 206 relative to the first and second threaded bores 212, 216 is adjusted parallel to the central axis 58 when the mounting component 200 is mounted on the first frame component 104.

[0040] Like the mounting member 92 of the first embodiment, the mounting member 200 of the second embodiment includes the upper projection 152 that cooperates with the upper recess 102 in the manner described in connection with the first embodiment.

[0041] This shows Fig. 6 shows a bicycle frame comprising a second frame member 108 and a first frame member 104 configured to be pivotally connected to the second frame member 108 about a pivot axis 76. The second frame member 108 includes a bottom bracket hanger 60 to which a bottom bracket 32 ​​is attached. The first frame member 104 includes a first threaded bore 212 through which a first fastening screw 220 traverses for fixing a mounting member 200 of a front bicycle derailleur 54 to the first frame member 104, and a second threaded bore 216 through which a second fastening screw 224 traverses for fixing the mounting member 200 of the front bicycle derailleur 54 to the first frame member 104. The first and second threaded holes 212, 216 are located on the front side of the pivot axis 76.Preferably, the first frame component 104 is, for example, the chainstay 30 of the bicycle frame 22 and the second frame component 108 is the seat tube 26 of the bicycle frame 22.

[0042] The Fig. 7-9 show a front bicycle derailleur including a mounting member 200 configured to be mounted to the first frame member 104 of the bicycle frame 22. The first frame member 104 is pivotally connected to the second frame member 108 of the bicycle frame 22 about a pivot axis 76. The second frame member 108 includes a bottom bracket hanger 60 to which a bottom bracket 32 ​​is attached, and a chain guide 112. The front derailleur 54 further includes a linkage assembly 116 pivotally coupling the mounting member 200 to the chain guide 112. The mounting component 200 comprises a first fastening section 202 through which a first fastening screw 220 passes for fixing the mounting component 200 to the first frame component 104, and a second fastening section 204 through which a second fastening screw 224 passes for fixing the mounting component 200 to the first frame component 104.The first and second mounting screws 220, 224 are configured to be located on the front side of the pivot axis 76 when the mounting member 200 is mounted to the first frame member 104.

[0043] The Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show a third embodiment of the front derailleur 54. In the description of the third embodiment, parts that are the same or substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are designated by the reference numerals of the corresponding parts of the first embodiment.

[0044] The third embodiment of the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 is similar to the first embodiment of the Fig. 2-5, except that a frame 226 includes a support member 228 extending above and behind the bottom bracket suspension 60. The pivot 72 is located, for example, at the end of the support member 228. The pivot pin 84 is securely attached to the support member 228 by welding or another fastening method. The third embodiment illustrates that the pivot 72 is not necessarily directly attached to the second frame member 108, but may also be indirectly attached to the second frame member 108. The angle and position of the support member 228 may be different from those shown in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 can be varied according to the desired frame configuration.

[0045] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art, after gaining an understanding of the specific embodiments, can readily devise modifications, variations, and equivalents to those embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Front bicycle derailleur (54), comprising a mounting component (92) configured to be mounted to a first frame component (104) of a bicycle frame (22), the first frame component (104) being pivotally connected about a pivot axis (76) to a second frame component (108) of the bicycle frame (22); a chain guide (112) and a linkage assembly (116) pivotally coupling the mounting member (92) to the chain guide (112), wherein the mounting component (92) comprises a fastening section (124) through which a fastening screw (136) for fixing the mounting component (92) to the first frame component (104) passes, and comprises a stop (140) intended to limit the rotation of the mounting component (92) about the fastening screw (136) by striking the first frame component (104); the mounting portion (124) is configured to be located on the front side of the pivot axis (76) when the mounting member (92) is mounted on the first frame member (104); and wherein the attachment portion (124) is an elongated opening (128) so that the vertical position of the front bicycle derailleur (54) can be adjusted [2] A front bicycle derailleur (54) according to claim 1, wherein the stopper (140) is formed integrally with the mounting member (92). [3] A front bicycle derailleur (54) according to claim 1, wherein the first frame component (104) is a chain stay (30) of the bicycle frame (22) and the second frame component (108) is a seat tube (26) of the bicycle frame (22). [4] A front bicycle derailleur (54) according to claim 1, wherein the stopper (140) is one of a projection (132) and an elongated recess (96), the first frame member (104) includes the other of the projection (132) and the elongated recess (96), the projection (132) and the elongated recess (96) are configured to engage with each other, and the elongated recess extends in the longitudinal direction of the second frame member (108) when the mounting member (92) is attached to the first frame member (104). [5] The front bicycle derailleur (54) of claim 1, wherein the stop (140) is configured to be located on the front side of the pivot axis (76) when the mounting member (92) is mounted to the first frame member (104). [6] A front bicycle derailleur (54) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting member (92) is configured to be mounted to a connecting portion (80) of the first frame member (104). [7] A front bicycle derailleur (54) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting member (92) includes a reinforcing portion (148) located on the rear side of the mounting portion (124). [8] A front bicycle derailleur (54) according to claim 7, wherein the reinforcing portion (148) is formed without a portion through which a fastening screw (136) can pass for fixing the mounting member (92) to the first frame member (104). [9] A front bicycle derailleur (54) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion (124) extends under the chain guide (112). [10] Front bicycle derailleur (54), comprising: a mounting component (200) configured to be mounted to a first frame component (104) of a bicycle frame (22), the first frame component (104) being pivotally connected about a pivot axis (76) to a second frame component (108) of the bicycle frame (22), the second frame component (108) including a bottom bracket suspension (60) to which a bottom bracket (32) is attached; a chain guide (112) and a linkage assembly (116) pivotally coupling the mounting member (200) to the chain guide (112), wherein the mounting component (200) comprises a first fastening section (202) through which a first fastening screw (220) for fixing the mounting component (200) to the first frame component (104) passes, and a second fastening section (204) through which a second fastening screw (224) for fixing the mounting component (200) to the first frame component (104) passes, and both the first (220) and the second fastening screw (224) are configured to be located on the front side of the pivot axis (76) when the mounting component (200) is mounted on the first frame component (104); and wherein the first fastening section (202) and the second fastening section (204) are formed by an elongated opening (206) so that the vertical position of the front bicycle derailleur (54) can be adjusted [11] Bicycle frame (22), comprising: a first frame component (104) and a second frame component (108) configured to be pivotally connected to the first frame component (104) about a pivot axis (76), wherein the first frame component (104) includes a threaded bore (100) through which a fastening screw (136) for fixing a mounting component (92) of a front bicycle derailleur (54) to the first frame component (104) passes, and a stop portion (98) configured to restrict rotation of the mounting component (92) about the fastening screw (136) by abutting the mounting component (92) of the front bicycle derailleur (54), and the threaded hole (100) is located on the front side of the pivot axis (76); and wherein the stop portion (98) is formed by an elongated recess (96) so that the vertical position of the front bicycle derailleur (54) can be adjusted. [12] Bicycle frame (22) according to claim 11, wherein the first frame component (104) is a chainstay (30) of the bicycle frame (22) and the second frame component (108) is a seat tube (26) of the bicycle frame (22). [13] Bicycle frame (22), comprising: a second frame component (108) and a first frame component (104) configured to be pivotally connected to the second frame component (108) about a pivot axis (76), the second frame component (108) including a bottom bracket suspension (60) to which a bottom bracket (32) is attached, the first frame component (104) comprises a first threaded bore (212) through which a first fastening screw (220) for fixing a mounting component (200) of a front bicycle derailleur (54) to the first frame component (104) passes, and a second threaded bore (216) through which a second fastening screw (224) for fixing the mounting component (200) of the front bicycle derailleur (54) to the first frame component (104) passes, wherein the mounting component (200) comprises a first fastening portion (202) and a second fastening portion (204), wherein the first fastening portion (202) and the second fastening portion (204) are formed by a single elongated opening (206) so that the vertical position of the front bicycle derailleur (54) can be adjusted, and the first and second threaded bores (212, 216) are located on the front side of the pivot axis (76); and wherein the first and second threaded bores (212, 216) are spaced apart from each other. [14] Bicycle frame (22) according to claim 13, wherein the first frame component (104) is a chainstay (30) of the bicycle frame (22) and the second frame component (108) is a seat tube (26) of the bicycle frame (22).

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