A bicycle roller training system of the type having three rollers for supporting a freestanding bicycle uses rollers of a novel design. The rollers comprise a cylindrical middle portion of a uniform first diameter, two end portions of a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and two transitional portions between the middle portion and the end portions. The length of the middle portion is greater than the tread width of a tire of a bicycle with which the apparatus is used. The transitional portions increase in diameter from the cylindrical middle portion toward the ends of the roller. The transitional portions preferably have a curvilinear profile, and the preferred profile of the transitional portions is a parabolic curve. Thus the transitional portions preferably comprise paraboloids of revolution. The rollers also have disk-shaped weights mounted at one or more ends for increased angular momentum. Axles of the rollers are rotatably mounted to a frame. One or more steps may be provided on the frame for convenience in mounting the bicycle.
A bicycle trainer (100) for supporting a bicycle (200) while a rider rides the bicycle. The bicycle trainer includes a stationary frame (106) adapted to rest upon a support surface (202) and a rotating frame assembly (108). The rotating frame assembly is coupled to the stationary frame, the rotating frame assembly adapted to be coupled to the bicycle and rotate relative to the stationary frame to permit a frame (204) of the bicycle to turn through a predetermined angular displacement (180) relative to the stationary frame.
A bicycle trainer adapted to support a conventional bicycle with the front wheel removed. The bicycle is attached to a pivot frame at the front forks and the rear axle. The pivot frame is pivotably attached to the base frame and supported in a substantially upright position by springs. Both the bicycle and pivot frame pivot about an imaginary tire contact-line, which simulates real bicycle riding conditions associated with bicycle sprinting and hill climbing.
A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. The apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. The crank system may include crank rollers. In certain embodiments, arm links may be coupled to the frame. The apparatus may include foot members that travel in multiple paths. The foot members may be coupled to the arm links. The foot members may be coupled to the crank system through cam devices. The crank rollers may be located below the foot members such that at least a portion of a user's foot passes above the crank roller during use of the apparatus. A user of the apparatus, by varying the user's stride, may selectively vary a path of the foot members. The foot members may be cross coupled so that the left foot member moves in opposition to the right foot member.
