Apparatus, system, and method for cycle improvements
A stationary exercise cycle. The stationary exercise cycle includes a frame, a crank rotatably connected to the frame, a driven wheel rotatably connected to the frame, and a frame stiffener. The frame includes a down tube and a fork. The crank and the driven wheel are in operative communication via a continuous flexible member. The frame stiffener is connected to the down tube and the fork and encircled by the continuous flexible member.
1. A stationary exercise cycle comprising:
a frame comprising a down tube and a fork;
a crank rotatably connected to the frame;
a driven wheel rotatably connected to the fork and in operative communication with the crank via a continuous, flexible member; and
a frame stiffener connected to the down tube at a first end on a first side of the continuous flexible member and the fork at a second end on a second side of the continuous flexible member, and where the frame stiffener passes through an opening defined by the continuous flexible member.
2. The stationary exercise cycle of claim 1 , wherein:
the down tube is disposed between the fork and the crank; and
the fork comprises a connection for the driven wheel.
3. The stationary exercise cycle of claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is a chain.
4. The stationary exercise cycle of claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is a belt.
5. The stationary exercise cycle of claim 1 , wherein the crank and the driven wheel are disposed along a line defined by a longitudinal length of frame stiffener.
6. The stationary exercise cycle of claim 1 , wherein the frame stiffener is removably attachable to the frame.
7. The stationary exercise cycle of claim 6 , wherein the frame stiffener is removably attachable to the frame using a bolt.
8. The stationary exercise cycle of claim 1 , wherein the frame stiffener is welded to the frame.
9. The stationary exercise cycle of claim 1 , wherein the frame stiffener further comprises a transit slot for slidably connecting a component to the frame stiffener.
10. The stationary exercise cycle of claim 1 , further comprising a tensioner connected to the frame stiffener, the tensioner comprising:
a tensioner bracket adjustably connected to the frame stiffener;
a pulley rotatably connected to the tensioner bracket, the pulley in contact with the continuous flexible member;
wherein the pulley biases the continuous flexible member to maintain a predetermined tension in the continuous flexible member.
11. The stationary exercise cycle of claim 10 , wherein the tensioner bracket is adjustably connected to the frame stiffener via a transit slot.
12. The stationary exercise cycle of claim 11 , wherein the transit slot is disposed in one of the tensioner bracket and the frame stiffener.
13. A method for manufacturing an exercise cycle comprising:
providing a frame comprising a down tube and a fork;
rotatably connecting a crank to the frame;
rotatably connecting a driven wheel to the fork;
placing the crank in operative communication with the driven wheel via a continuous flexible member;
connecting a frame stiffener to the down tube at a first end on a first side of the continuous flexible member and the fork at a second end on a second side of the continuous flexible member and passing through an opening defined by the continuous flexible member.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the continuous flexible member is a belt.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the continuous flexible member is a chain.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising:
adjustably connecting a tensioner bracket to the frame stiffener;
rotatably connecting a pulley to the tensioner bracket, the pulley in contact with the continuous flexible member; and
biasing the continuous flexible member with the pulley to maintain a predetermined tension in the continuous flexible member.
17. A stationary exercise cycle comprising:
a frame comprising a down tube and a fork;
a crank rotatably connected to the down tube;
a driven wheel rotatably connected to the fork and in operative communication with the rotatable crank via a belt;
wherein the fork comprises a connection for the driven wheel;
wherein the down tube is connected to the fork at or near an end of the fork opposite the connection for the driven wheel;
a frame stiffener removably connected to the down tube at a first end on a first side of the belt and the fork at a second end on a second side of the belt via a fastener;
wherein the frame stiffener passes through an opening defined by the belt;
wherein the crank, and the driven wheel are disposed along a line defined by a longitudinal length of the frame stiffener; and
a tensioner connected to the frame stiffener, the tensioner comprising:
a tensioner bracket adjustably connected to the frame stiffener; and
a pulley rotatably connected to the tensioner bracket, the pulley in contact with the belt;
wherein the pulley biases the belt to maintain a predetermined tension in the belt.