Exercise bike

Abstract

An exercise bike comprising a base, the base having a drive module and a steering module, the steering module configured to engage with a part of a removable bike frame in use, the drive module being translatably mounted to the base and configured to selectively engage with another part of the bike frame, in use, to retain the bike frame on the base.

Description

[0001] EXERCISE BIKE

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to an exercise bike and associated methods.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Static exercise bikes are well known, comprising a base, a frame and a drive module. The drive module typically includes a pedal arrangement which is operably connected to a source of resistance (such as a flywheel and adjustable brake). The drive module is mounted on the frame, and the frame is mounted to, or integrally formed with, the base. The bike comprises a saddle and handlebar. The position of the saddle and / or handlebar is adjustable by a user.

[0006] In conventional exercise bikes, the frame is rigidly attached to the base such that it remains substantially upright in use. Consequently, the conventional exercise bike does not emulate the true motion of a proper (non-static) bike, which may tilt / rock about a longitudinal axis as the user applies force through the pedals, turns, and / or shifts their weight from side to side. A conventional exercise bike also does not allow the user to rotate the handlebars.

[0007] Articulating exercise bikes have previously been proposed, including by the present applicant in GB2520677. Such exercise bikes provide a more realistic road feel to the user.

[0008] In W02023031611 , the applicant proposed an exercise bike comprising a base and a bike frame which is removably attachable to the base.

[0009] The present invention seeks to provide an improved exercise bike. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides an exercise bike comprising a base, the base having a drive module and a steering module, the steering module configured to engage with a part of a removable bike frame in use, the drive module being translatably mounted to the base and configured to selectively engage with another part of the bike frame, in use, to retain the bike frame on the base.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the steering module comprises a steering connector for engagement with a corresponding connector on the bike frame in use and the drive module comprises a drive connector for engagement with a corresponding connector on the bike frame in use.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the mating direction of the steering connector is nonparallel to the mating direction of the drive connector.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the steering connector comprises a female connector member, configured to receive therein and engage a male connector member of the bike frame in use.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the drive connector comprises a first connector shoe having at least one engagement member thereon, the at least one engagement member of the first connector shoe configured to engage with at least one engagement member of a second connector shoe of the bike frame in use.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the mating direction of the steering connector is nonperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the mating direction of the drive connector is substantially parallel to the direction of translation of the drive module on the base.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, at least one of the drive module and steering module comprises a catch and / or lock member to retain the bike frame on the base in use. In at least one embodiment, the translatably mounted drive module is selectively lockable with respect to the base.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, at least a part of the steering module is rotatable in use.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the exercise bike further comprises a bike frame, the steering module engaged with a part of the bike frame and the drive module selectively engaged with a different part of the bike frame, thereby retaining the bike on the base.

[0020] The present invention further provides a method of assembling an exercise bike, comprising: providing a base, the base having a drive module and a steering module, the drive module being translatably mounted to the base; providing a bike frame; engaging, using the steering module, a part of the removable bike frame; engaging, using the drive module, another part of the bike frame, to retain the bike frame on the base.

[0021] The present invention further provides a method of disassembling an exercise bike, comprising: providing a base and a bike frame, the base having a drive module engaged with a part of the bike frame, and a steering module, the drive module being translatably mounted to the base and engaged with another part of the bike frame; disengaging the drive module from the bike frame; disengaging the steering module from the bike frame; and removing the bike frame from the base.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, disengaging the drive module from the bike frame comprises translating the drive module relative to the base. The present invention further provides an exercise bike comprising a base and a drive module translatably mounted to the base.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the drive module is confined to translate relative to the base within a predetermined range.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, a carriage is provided between the drive module and the base, wherein the drive module is mounted to the carriage and the carriage is translatable relative to the base, or the carnage is mounted to the base and the drive module is translatable relative to the base.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, the drive module is freely translatable relative to the carriage, and the carriage is selectively translatable relative to the base.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of part of an exercise bike embodying the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates the exercise bike of Figure 1 , with the bike frame removed from the base;

[0030] Figure 3 illustrates the exercise bike of Figure 1 , during assembly / disassembly;

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section of a drive module connection arrangement of the exercise bike; Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the connection arrangement of the exercise bike; and

[0032] Figure 6 schematically illustrates the mounting of a drive module to a base.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates an exercise bike 1 embodying the present invention. Generally, the exercise bike 1 comprises a base 10 and a bike frame 40 removably attachable to the base 10.

[0035] The base 10 comprises a drive module 11 and a steering module 12. Generally, the drive module 11 is configured to emulate the feel of propelling a bicycle; and the steering module 12 is configured to emulate the feeling of steering a bicycle.

[0036] The drive module 11 comprises a pedal arrangement 13. The pedal arrangement 13 comprises a pair of crank arms 14 and a pair of pedals 15, with a pedal 15 attached to the distal end of each crank arm 14. The pedals 15 may take any conventional form. The crank arms 14 may be mounted to a crank spindle (not shown), which has a rotational pedal axis 16. The length of the crank arms 14 and / or the distance between the pedals 15 and the pedal axis 16 may be adjustable. The pedal arrangement 13 may further comprise at least one chain ring (not shown) which is secured to the spindle such that rotation of the pedal arrangement 13 causes rotation of the chain ring about the pedal axis 16.

[0037] The drive module 11 further comprises a resistance arrangement 17. The resistance arrangement 17 may take a conventional form, such as a flywheel. The inertia of the flywheel may help to simulate the feel of riding a bicycle. A brake arrangement may be provided, to selectively provide resistance to the rotation of the flywheel. The extent of resistance may be controlled by a user and / or control system. Alternatively, the resistance arrangement 17 may comprise an electromechanical arrangement, such as a motor and associated control system. The resistance arrangement 17 may comprise some or all of the features of the arrangement disclosed in WO2016 / 170361 , by the applicant.

[0038] The resistance arrangement 17 may further comprise at least one chain ring, or a cassette of chain rings (not shown). A chain (not shown) may then operatively connect the chain ring in the pedal arrangement 13 with the chain ring(s) of the resistance arrangement 17, such that rotation of the pedal arrangement 13 causes corresponding rotation of the resistance arrangement 17. As is conventional, the ratio between the gears on the chain rings may differ, to provide a mechanical advantage. In embodiments where there are multiple chain rings in a cassette, a conventional derailleur can be provided to move the chain between chain rings to adjust the ratio. Each of the pedal arrangement 13 and resistance arrangement 17 may comprise more than one chain ring, with a corresponding derailleur provided.

[0039] In one embodiment, incorporating some or all of the features disclosed in WO201 6 / 170361 , the resistance arrangement may comprise a motor, with a feedback arrangement configured to detect the torque imposed by a user, and ether assist or resist the rotation by the user. In such an embodiment, gearing may be provided ‘virtually’, wherein the motor is controlled to resist the rotation by the user to an extent commensurate with a particular gear ratio (or a selected one of several gear ratios).

[0040] The drive module 11 further comprises a main housing 18. A cowling 19 may be provided over the resistance arrangement 17, to prevent injury to the user, to prevent foreign objects entering the drive module 11 and / or to provide aesthetic appeal. The cowling 19 may extend to surround the chain and any chain rings.

[0041] The base 10 comprises at least one elongate bar 20, and at least two support arms 21 . The support arms 21 extend away from the longitudinal axis of the support bar 20, so as to provide stability. Support feet 22 are provided at the ends of the support arms 21. In the embodiment shown, a pair of support arms 21 is attached to a support bracket 23, which is securable to the support bar 20 of the base 10. In at least one embodiment, the footprint defined by the four support feet 22 is substantially rectangular, having a length and width which is sufficient to provide stability to the exercise bike 1 in use.

[0042] The drive module 11 further comprises a bracket 24, which is securable to the support bar 20. The bracket is attached to the main housing 18.

[0043] In the embodiment shown, the drive module 11 is mounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the base 10. For example, the bracket 24 of the drive module 11 may be attached to the support bar 20 with a roller bearing arrangement. The longitudinal axis of the base 10 may be coaxial with or parallel to the support bar 20. Generally, the longitudinal axis travels along the length of the bike 1 and is generally horizontal. The bracket 24 may define or otherwise be connected to a sleeve which is mounted for rotation about the support bar 20. In at least one embodiment, the drive module 11 is biased into a predetermined angular position about the longitudinal axis of the base 10. In at least one embodiment, the drive module 11 may be biased into a substantially upright / vertical configuration. That is to say that the drive module 11 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the support feet 22, such that if the base 10 is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface, the drive module 11 will tend to extend substantially vertically upwards.

[0044] The biasing of the drive module 11 relative to the support bar 20 may be provided by an elastomeric member mounted at least partially within the support bar 20 / bracket 24. One end of the elastomeric member may be secured to the support bar 20, and the other end of the elastomeric member may be secured to the drive module 11 , such that rotation of the drive module 11 about the longitudinal axis of the support bar 20 imposes torsional forces on the elastomeric member. Consequently, the resiliency of the elastomeric member progressively opposes the torsional forces, so as to provide a reactionary biasing force.

[0045] The steering module 12 comprises a steering connector 31 , attached to the base 10. The bottom of the steering connector 31 may be attached to a bracket 34, for securing to the support bar 20. In the same or similar manner as for the drive module 11 , the steering module 12 may be mounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the base 10. The steering module 12 may be biased into a predetermined angular position about the longitudinal axis of the base 10. The biasing force may be provided by an elastomeric member, as described above in relation to the drive module 11 .

[0046] The steering connector 31 extends generally upwardly from the base 10. In the embodiment shown, the steering connector 31 does not extend perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of the support bar 20, but at an angle which is slanted backwards relative to the front of the exercise bike 1 . This is because, as is conventional, the steering axis 33 is angled with respect to the vertical.

[0047] The exercise bike 1 may further comprise a bike frame 40 which is removably attachable to the base 10. The bike frame 40, in the embodiment shown, comprises a top tube 41 and a down tube 43. A seat tube 42 extends between an end of the top tube 41 and an end of the down tube 43, in a substantially conventional manner. Furthermore, the bike frame 40 comprises a head tube 45, secured between the other ends of the top tube 41 and down tube 43. As is conventional, the top tube 41 , seat tube 42, down tube 43 and head tube 45 present a substantially triangular shape. As is conventional, the seat tube 42 may be non-vertical, but this is not essential. The head tube 45 is not essential and there may be no head tube. Instead, the down tube 43 and top tube 41 may intersect with one another. The bike frame 40 may take other forms. There may be no top tube 41 .

[0048] The bike frame 40 may further comprise a steering actuator (not shown). The steering actuator may be conventional and comprises a steering post with a handle bar arrangement attached thereto. The steering post and handle bar arrangement may be substantially conventional. Furthermore, at least one user input device (such as a gear shifter and / or brake lever) may be connected to the handle bar arrangement in a conventional way. The position of the handle bar arrangement relative to the steering post may be adjustable. In the embodiment shown, the steering arrangement comprises a steering stem extending from the steering post. The handle bar arrangement may be slidably mounted on the steering stem, such that its position may be adjusted by a user.

[0049] The steering post is rotatably received in the head tube 45, in a substantially conventional manner. In an embodiment without a separate head tube 45, the steering post may otherwise be rotatably held at the intersection of the top tube 41 and down tube 43.

[0050] As best shown in Figure 2, the frame further comprises a second connector 32 with which the steering connector 31 may engage in use. The second connector 32 may be secured to a steering post, such that rotation of the steering post causes rotation of the second connector 32.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, the steering module 12 further comprises a resilient member 37 which is arrangable between the steering connector 31 and the second connector 32, and is configured to resist rotation of the second connector 32 relative to the steering connector 31 away from a predetermined angular position. In the embodiment shown, a mounting arm 35 extends substantially perpendicularly from the main body of the second connector 32. Additionally, a lower mounting member 36 is provided on the base 10. The resilient member 37 is retained between the lower mounting member 36 and the mounting arm 35. The upper part of the resilient member 37 may be mounted to the arm 35 with a spherical bearing arrangement. In use, when the second connector 32 is rotated about the steering axis 33, the resilient member 37 is caused to deform, which in turn provides a resilient biasing force, resisting further rotation of the second connector 32 about the steering axis 33. The lower mounting member 36 may be rigidly attached to the support bar 20 or may be mounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the support bar 20 (and biased into a vertical position, as with the steering conenctor 31 and drive module 11). Generally, the overall function of the drive module 11 and steering module 12 may be similar to those disclosed in GB2520677.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the steering post is attached to the rotatable second connector 32 of the steering module 12, and the rotatable second connector 32 forms part of the frame 40.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2, the bottom of the second connector 32 is provided with a male connector boss 51 which is selectively receivable in a socket (not shown) of the steering connector 31 .

[0054] The male connector boss 51 may be rotatably received in the socket. For example, a bearing arrangement may be provided between the socket and the steering connector 31 . Alternatively, a bearing arrangement may be provided between the male connector boss 51 and the second connector 32. The socket and / or male connector post 51 may comprise keying features (such as splines).

[0055] In this way, the steering post 47 (and by extension, the frame 40) is removably attachable to the steering connector 31 of the steering module 12 (and by extension, the base 10).

[0056] The bike frame 40 is removably attachable to the drive module 11 . One of the drive module 11 and bike frame 40 may be provided with a first connector which is configured to be removably secured to a corresponding second connector provided on the other of the bike frame 40 and drive module 11 .

[0057] With reference to Figure 2, the drive module 11 may comprise a first connector shoe 100 having at least one engagement member 101. The bike frame 40 may comprise a second connector shoe 110 having at least one corresponding engagement member 111.

[0058] The first connector shoe 100 is brought into engagement with the second connector shoe 110 in a mating direction 150 shown in Figure 3. As the shoes 100, 110 are brought into engagement, the engagement members 101 , 111 engage with one another, and substantially prevent relative movement in at least one direction. A locking member 120 may be provided to selectively lock the shoes 100, 110 together, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The first connector shoe 100 may comprise a through bore 121 , through which the locking member 120 (e.g. a screw) is received. The second connector shoe 110 comprises a threaded blind bore 122 into which the locking member 120 is screwed, to lock the first connector shoe 100 to the second connector shoe 110.

[0059] As illustrated in Figure 2, owing to the connectors, the bike frame 40 (with any attached saddle and handle bar arrangement) is removable from the base 10. The removability of the bike frame 40 from the base 10 may allow for easier storage and / or transportation of the exercise bike 1 , since a user may more easily carry each of the two parts (the base 10 and the bike frame 40) individually. Another advantage may be that a user can swap one bike frame 40 for another bike frame 40. For example, one bike frame 40 may be configured as a road bike, whereas another bike frame may be configured as a time trial bike. Various other bike frame disciplines are possible. Alternatively or additionally, the bike frame may be replaced with one of a different size, for example a child’s bike.

[0060] Where there are multiple users of the exercise bike 1 , each user may have a preferred style / colour / surface decoration and / or have a different set-up on the various components. Providing a bike frame which is removably attachable to the base 10 of the exercise bike 1 allows for a user to quickly and conveniently swap between bike frames, minimising additional set-up time.

[0061] In allowing a user to quickly and conveniently attach a frame to the base, the connection must also be secure.

[0062] An exercise bike according to the claimed invention allows for a secure connection between the steering module, drive module and the frame to be provided. According to the claimed invention, the drive module 11 is translatably mounted to the base 10. The drive module 11 may be translatably mounted on the bracket 24, or the bracket 24 may be translatably mounted on the base 10.

[0063] The steering module 12 is configured to engage with a part of the removable bike frame 40 in use, and the drive module 11 is translatably mounted to the base and configured to selectively engage with another part of the bike frame 40, in use, to retain the bike frame 40 on the base.

[0064] The mating direction 149 of the steering connector 31 is non-parallel to the mating direction 150 of the drive connector (e.g. the first connector shoe 100). This is best seen in Figures 2 and 3. The mating direction 149 of the steering connector 31 is parallel to the steering axis 33. The mating direction 149 may be nonperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base 10. The mating direction 150 of the drive connector may be substantially parallel to the direction of translation 151 of the drive module 11 relative to the base 10. Alternatively, the mating direction 150 of the drive connector may not be parallel to the direction of translation 151 of the drive module 11 , but at a slight angle. Consequently, as the drive module 11 is translated in the direction 151 and the first connector shoe 100 starts to engage with the second connector shoe 110, the respective engagement members 101 , 111 engage with one another, pulling the connector shoes 100, 110 together. This introduces some strain into the frame 40, which may work to ensure a sturdy connection between the first 100 and second 110 connector shoes.

[0065] The first connector shoe 100 may further comprise one of a male and female electrical / data connector (not shown), and the second connector shoe 110 may further comprise the other of female and male electrical / data connector (not shown), such that data and / or power may be transferred between the base 10 and the frame 40. The mating direction of the male and female electrical / data connectors may be substantially parallel to the mating direction 150 of the first 100 and second 110 connector shoes.

[0066] A method of assembling an exercise bike will now be described. First, the base 10, steering module 13 and drive module 11 are provided.

[0067] The frame 40 is then arranged above the base 10, and the male connector boss 51 arranged to be received in the socket of the steering connector 31 . As it is received, and the frame 40 is lowered onto the base 10, the top of the resilient member 37 may be received in the mounting arm 35.

[0068] Either before or after the connection of the steering module 12 to the frame 40, the drive module 11 may be translated out of the way, along the base 10 (in the opposite direction to the arrow 151 shown in figure 3). When the steering module 11 is engaged with the frame, the drive module 11 may then be translated into place (in direction 151 ) such that the drive module connector selectively engages with the frame 40. Specifically, as the drive module 11 is translated, the first connector shoe 100 on the drive module 11 comes into engagement with the second connector on the frame 40, and the engagement members 101 , 111 , interlock. The first connector shoe 100 may then be secured to the second connector shoe 110. The drive module 11 may then be secured relative to the base 10 to prevent further translation. This is not essential. Since the connector shoes 100, 110 are secured to one another by the locking member 120, the drive module 11 may be allowed to translate relative to the base 10 as the frame 40 flexes in use.

[0069] To disassemble the exercise bike 1 , the locking member 120 is first removed. The drive module 11 may then be translated away (in a direction opposite to the arrow 151 ) from the frame 40 such that the shoes 100, 110 disengage from one another. The frame 40 may then be lifted generally upwards, in a direction parallel to the steering axis 33, such that the male connector boss 51 is released from the socket of the steering connector 31 .

[0070] A benefit of the mating directions 149, 150 being non-parallel is that there is effectively an interlock provided. When both the steering connector and the drive connector are engaged with the frame 40, each connector substantially prevents the other connector from being inadvertently released.

[0071] A benefit of an exercise bike according to the claimed invention is that different sized frames 40 can be used, owing to the drive module 11 being translatable relative to the base 10.

[0072] When the frame 40 is secured to the drive module 11 , the drive module 11 may be secured relative to the base. However, as noted above, this is not essential, and the drive module 11 may continue to be translatable relative to the base.

[0073] Any translation of the drive module 11 may be constrained by the fact that the steering module is engaged with the frame. As the frame 40 flexes in use, and the distance between the two points of engagement with the frame (at the steering module and the drive module) differs, the drive module 11 may translate back and forth. There may also be some play between various components of the exercise bike 1. For example, some play may be experienced between the second member 32 and head tube 45 as a user applies force to the pedals and / or saddle.

[0074] The translatable drive module 11 not only mitigates undue strain in the frame 40 and / or compensates for play, but may give the user a more realistic experience which is more reflective of riding a non-static bike. That is because, in use, the axes of the two wheels of a non-static bike may move relative to another as forces are applied to the non-static bike and the frame 40 flexes. If the steering system and drive module of a static bike are otherwise rigidly held in place relative to a base, the user would not experience the same real-word flexing. Providing a drive module which is translatably mounted to a base provides this real-world feel.

[0075] The translation on the drive module relative to the base may be confined within a predetermined range. The limits of the predetermined range may be set by mechanical stops, and or an elastic element(s) which prevents or opposed relative translation of the drive module beyond a predetermined point in each direction. A carriage 124 may be provided between the drive module 11 and the base 10. The drive module 11 may be mounted to the carriage 124 and the carriage 124 may be translatable relative to the base 10. Alternatively, the carriage 124 is mounted to the base 10 and the drive module 11 is translatable relative to the base 20.

[0076] Alternatively, the drive module 11 is freely translatable relative to the carriage 124, and the carriage 124 is selectively translatable relative to the base 20. This arrangement allows for the carriage 124 to be translated relative to the base 20 when engaging the frame 40, so that the drive connector (e.g shoe 100) can be brought into engagement with the frame (e.g shoe 110). Thereafter, further movement of the carriage 124 relative to the base 20 may be prevented by a locking member. In use, as the frame 40 flexes, the drive module 11 is able to translate freely relative to the carriage 124. The extent of translation of the drive module 11 relative to the carriage 124 may be constrained. A biasing element(s) may be provided to bias the drive module 11 towards a predetermined position relative to the carriage 124.

[0077] The exercise bike 1 may comprise at least one sensor, to detect movement and / or position. For example, there may be at least one sensor associated with the drive module and / or steering module to detect the angular motion of the drive / steering module relative to the base. There may be other sensors associated with the resistance module.

[0078] There may be at least one sensor associated with the steering module and / or the steering actuator, to detect movement and / or position of the second member 32 relative to the steering connector 31 . This sensed angle may be used as an input to the controller. For example, if a user is using the exercise bike 1 to navigate through an interactive virtual world, the user’s movement of the steering module may be used to control a direction to be taken on a route in the virtual world.

[0079] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0080] The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

[0081] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0082] Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An exercise bike comprising a base, the base having a drive module and a steering module, the steering module configured to engage with a part of a removable bike frame in use, the drive module being translatably mounted to the base and configured to selectively engage with another part of the bike frame, in use, to retain the bike frame on the base.

2. An exercise bike according to claim 1 , wherein the steering module comprises a steering connector for engagement with a corresponding connector on the bike frame in use and the drive module comprises a drive connector for engagement with a corresponding connector on the bike frame in use.

3. An exercise bike according to any preceding claim, wherein the mating direction of the steering connector is non-parallel to the mating direction of the drive connector.

4. An exercise bike according to any preceding claim, wherein the steering connector comprises a female connector member, configured to receive therein and engage a male connector member of the bike frame in use.

5. An exercise bike according to any preceding claim, wherein the drive connector comprises a first connector shoe having at least one engagement member thereon, the at least one engagement member of the first connector shoe configured to engage with at least one engagement member of a second connector shoe of the bike frame in use.

6. An exercise bike according to claim 2, wherein the mating direction of the steering connector is non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base.

7. An exercise bike according to any of claims 2 and 6, wherein the mating direction of the drive connector is substantially parallel to the direction of translation of the drive module on the base.

8. An exercise bike according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the drive module and steering module comprises a catch and / or lock member to retain the bike frame on the base in use.

9. An exercise bike according to any preceding claim, wherein the translatably mounted drive module is selectively lockable with respect to the base.

10. An exercise bike according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a part of the steering module is rotatable in use.

11. An exercise bike according to any preceding claim, further comprising a bike frame, the steering module engaged with a part of the bike frame and the drive module selectively engaged with a different part of the bike frame, thereby retaining the bike on the base.

12. A method of assembling an exercise bike, comprising: providing a base, the base having a drive module and a steering module, the drive module being translatably mounted to the base; providing a bike frame; engaging, using the steering module, a part of the removable bike frame; engaging, using the drive module, another part of the bike frame, to retain the bike frame on the base.

13. A method of disassembling an exercise bike, comprising: providing a base and a bike frame, the base having a drive module engaged with a part of the bike frame, and a steering module, the drive module being translatably mounted to the base and engaged with another part of the bike frame; disengaging the drive module from the bike frame;disengaging the steering module from the bike frame; and removing the bike frame from the base.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein disengaging the drive module from the bike frame comprises translating the drive module relative to the base.

15. An exercise bike comprising a base and a drive module translatably mounted to the base.

16. An exercise bike according to claim 15, wherein the drive module is confined to translate relative to the base within a predetermined range.

17. An exercise bike according to any of claims 15 and 16, wherein a carriage is provided between the drive module and the base, wherein the drive module is mounted to the carriage and the carriage is translatable relative to the base, or the carriage is mounted to the base and the drive module is translatable relative to the base.

18. An exercise bike according to claim 17, wherein the drive module is freely translatable relative to the carriage, and the carriage is selectively translatable relative to the base.

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