BE1030206B1 - Variable stiffness bike stabilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

A shock absorber (4) for a variable stiffness bicycle stabilizer (2), the shock absorber (4) comprising a first end (20), configured to be attached to a bicycle frame, and a second end (22), configured to having a stabilizer wheel (8) mounted to rotate thereon. The shock absorber (4) comprises a first arm (24) having an arcuate profile and extending between the first end (20) and the second end (22) and a second arm (26) having an arcuate profile and extending from the first end (20). The first arm (24) and the second arm (26) interlock to allow, in use, limited movement with increased stiffness available from a distal end (27) of the second arm (26) relative to the first arm (24), such that the plane in which the bicycle frame lies is movable between a first angle (e.g. 92 degrees) and a second angle (77 degrees) relative to the axis (38) of the stabilizer wheel (8). In one embodiment, the first arm (24) includes at least one through hole (30-1, 30-2), and the first arm (24) and the second arm (26) interlock with at least one second end portion (29) (eg comprising two projections (28-1, 28-2) of the second arm (26) at its distal end (27) passes through and is movable, during said movement limited, relative to a through hole (30-1, 30-2) A shoulder (44) on a distal end (27) of the second arm (26) abuts, in use, against a first surface portion (42) on the first arm (24) when the second arm (26) is at a first limit of said movement corresponding to the second angle, and a second abutment member, in use, against a second surface portion when the distal end (27 ) of the second arm (26) is at a second limit of said limited movement, corresponding to the first angle and opposite to said first limit.

Description

Variable stiffness bike stabilizer

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention generally relates to bicycle accessories, and more particularly to a shock absorber and a variable-stiffness bicycle stabilizer, for example for use on a child's bicycle.

HISTORICAL

[0002] It is known to provide, in particular on or for children's bicycles, stabilizers in the form of a device fixed to each side of the frame of the bicycle, each consisting of a small additional wheel supported in the lateral position by relative to the plane of the bicycle frame, in order to provide additional stability and safety and to aid self-learning/driving by children.

Many stabilizer designs have been considered, from the simplest to the most complex.

[0004] US5707069A discloses a stabilizing drive wheel for a bicycle in which a side wheel attachment comprises a single structural rod which is bent into the desired shape, i.e. it forms a torsion spring helical. In the unbiased natural condition, the first and second ends of the spring rod generally extend perpendicular to each other. The first end of the spring is in the shape of an inverted U and engages tangentially by its web in the rear axle of the bicycle where it can be fixed after having adjusted its vertical position with respect to the bicycle. The second end of the spring rod is rotatably engaged by the auxiliary side wheel, thereby acting as its axle. The two ends can move angularly with respect to each other thanks to the coil spring. Therefore, in use, the two auxiliary side wheels (installed on either side of the rear wheel of the bicycle) and the rear wheel of the bicycle loaded by a cyclist, always keep contact with the ground in order to accomplish their respective tasks. A downside is that, other than spring strength, there is no limitation to the amount (angle) of lean that can be experienced, and with the coil torsion spring the sturdiness of the shock does not increase. is not optimized.

[0005] NZ513075A discloses a side wheel apparatus for a bicycle, which has an arm attached to a side wheel and selectively engaged with an engagement unit without having to remove the attachments from a rear axle or the frame of the bicycle. A bracket is held to the axle of the rear wheel of a bicycle when the wheel nut is tightened and the end of the curved drive wheel arm is slid into the sleeve formed in the bracket and secured to the supported by a pair of pins protruding under spring pressure through the holes in the end of the arm. By pressing the button, the pins can be pulled out of the holes, so that the training wheel can be easily attached or removed from the bike.

[0006] Document EP0127425A1 discloses an auxiliary wheel arrangement of a bicycle. The arrangement includes a support member consisting of a long bar or pipe bent in a "J" shape and arms extending laterally from the body of the bicycle to be vertically movable and a coil spring to communicate to the arms the torque required to lower the ends of these arms and the auxiliary wheels fixed to the ends of the arms. The arms are fixed, for example, to the rear wheel of the bicycle on both sides thereof. However, the arrangement involves many parts, including a shaft for arm rotation and the coil spring, which are exposed and may be subject to corrosion and reduced performance/operational life.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0007] One problem addressed by the present invention is how to provide a shock absorber and stabilizer which are robust in their construction, and preferably where at least the major part of the shock absorber is integrally formed. The subject matter claimed also addresses the issue of how to limit the amount of rotational or tilting motion of the bicycle, as well as providing variable torsional resistance within the limited range of motion. The claimed subject also addresses the question of how to avoid having moving parts protruding from an upper or exposed part of the shock absorber and stabilizer, so as to avoid the insertion of a child's fingers into a mechanism . The question of how to facilitate the mounting of the stabilizer on bicycles of different frame sizes and on different frame architectures is also addressed.

The present invention aims to solve these and other problems, and to provide an improved bicycle shock absorber and stabilizer, for example for use on a child's bicycle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a variable stiffness shock absorber for a bicycle stabilizer, the shock absorber comprising a first end, configured to be attached to a bicycle frame. The shock absorber further includes a second end, configured to have a stabilizer wheel mounted for rotation thereon. The damper further includes a first arm having an arcuate profile and extending between the first end and the second end. The shock absorber further includes a second arm having an arcuate profile and extending from the first end. The first arm and the second arm interlock to allow, in use, limited movement of a distal end of the second arm relative to the first arm, given the plane in which the bicycle frame lies is movable between a first angle and a second angle with respect to the axis of the stabilizer wheel.

[00010] Preferably, the movement of the plane is a movement substantially limited in rotation with a stiffness on the second arm n which intensifies as it tilts.

[00011] The first angle can be between 90 and 95 degrees, more preferably between 91 and 94 degrees, more preferably between 92 and 93 degrees, and more preferably between 92 degrees.

[00012] The second angle can be between 70 and 80 degrees, more preferably between 75 and 80 degrees, more preferably between 76 and 79 degrees, and more preferably between 77 degrees.

[00013] Preferably, the first arm includes at least one through hole, and the first arm and the second arm interlock, so that at least a second end portion of the second arm at its distal end passes through and is Movable, during said limited movement, relative to a through hole. Preferably, at least a second end portion of the second arm includes at least one projection, so that each projection passing therethrough is movable, in use, relative to a respective through-hole.

[00014] Preferably, the first arm comprises at or near the second end a first end part having a first surface part.

Preferably, the surface portion extends, in use, substantially parallel to the axis of the stabilizer wheel.

[00015] Preferably, the second arm comprises a first abutment element near the distal end of the second arm. Preferably, the first abutment member includes a shoulder at the distal end of the second arm from which the second end portion extends. Preferably, the first abutment member abuts, in use, against the first surface portion when the distal end of the second arm is at a first limit of said limited movement corresponding to the second angle.

[00016] Preferably, the first end part has a second surface part on a side thereof opposite the first surface part.

[00017] Preferably, the second arm comprises a second abutment element at the distal end of the second arm. Preferably, the second abutment member includes a T-section at the distal end of the second arm.

[00018] Preferably, the second abutment element comes into abutment, in use, against the second surface part when the distal end of the second arm is at a second limit of said limited movement, corresponding to the first angle and opposite to said first limit.

[00019] In one embodiment, the first arm and/or the second arm have a convex arcuate profile.

[00020] The first arm, the second arm, the first end and/or the second end can be formed as a single piece.

[00021] The first arm, the second arm, the first end and/or the second end can be formed from one of the following materials: (i) an elastic material, (ii) a metal, (iii) a metal alloy , (iv) steel, (v) aluminum, (vi) an aluminum alloy and (vii) magnesium.

[00022] Preferably, there are two projections. Preferably, the or each projection passes through a respective through hole near a respective outer edge of the first arm.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a bicycle stabilizer, for example for a baby's or child's bicycle, the bicycle stabilizer comprising a shock absorber as described above. The bicycle stabilizer further includes an attachment mechanism configured to fixedly attach the first end of the shock absorber to a frame of the bicycle. The bicycle stabilizer further includes a wheel configured to be mounted on the second end of the shock absorber.

[00024] Preferably, the first attachment mechanism comprises a first attachment member configured to be fixedly attached, in use, to the frame of the bicycle and extending in a first orientation. Preferably, the attachment mechanism includes a second attachment member configured to be fixedly attached, in use, to the shock absorber and extending in a second orientation, the second orientation being at a third angle to the first orientation. Preferably, the first attachment element comprises at least one engagement portion for engaging the second attachment element and/or the frame of the bicycle and thereby preventing rotation, in use, of the bicycle stabilizer around the axis of the bicycle. wheel. Preferably, at least one engagement portion includes, at a first end of the first attachment member, a slot for receiving a member of the bicycle frame. Preferably, the second fastener has a flattened U-shaped profile and the at least one engagement portion includes, at a second end of the first fastener, a flattened U-shaped channel for slidably receiving the second fastener in a form-fitting manner.

[00025] Preferably, the second fixing element can be slidably positioned in each of a plurality of positions relative to the first fixing element and locked in this position using one or more locking elements, each position corresponding to a different size of bicycle frame. Preferably, the first fastener includes a first aperture and the second fastener includes a plurality of second apertures, each of the positions corresponding to the first aperture being aligned with a respective one of the second apertures. Preferably, the fasteners include a bolt configured to pass through the respective first aperture and second aperture, and a nut.

[00026] Preferably, the second attachment mechanism is configured to be fixedly attached, in use, to the frame of the bicycle and extending in one orientation. The second fixing mechanism includes a plurality of holes, in order to be adapted to the size of the bicycle. Preferably, the locking elements comprise a bolt configured to pass through the hole, and a nut.

[00027] The third angle can be a right angle and/or the first fixing element can extend horizontally and the second fixing element can extend vertically.

[00028] An advantage of the invention, at least in embodiments, is that the shock absorber and the stabilizer are of robust construction.

Another advantage is that the shock and stabilizer limit the amount of rotational or tilting movement of the bicycle, while providing variable torsional resistance within the limited range of movement.

Another advantage is that the shock absorber and the stabilizer avoid having moving parts protruding from an upper or exposed part of the shock absorber and the stabilizer, so as to avoid the insertion of the fingers of a child in a mechanism.

Another advantage is that the shock absorber and the stabilizer make it easier to mount the stabilizer on bicycles of different frame sizes.

Another advantage is that the shock absorber and the stabilizer facilitate the mounting of the stabilizer on bicycles of different frame architectures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will appear more clearly in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stabilizer according to one embodiment of the invention:

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stabilizer of Figure 1;

[00036] Figure 3 is a rear longitudinal view of a bicycle on which two stabilizers of Figure 1 have been mounted; And

Figures 4 and 5 are longitudinal views of the stabilizer of Figure 1 in use, schematically indicating the limits of rotation or inclination by the plane of the frame of the bicycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[00038] In the following and in the drawings, like numerals will be used to indicate like elements.

[00039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stabilizer 2 (generally designated) according to one embodiment of the invention. The stabilizer 2 comprises a shock absorber 4 with variable stiffness, a fixing mechanism 6 for fixedly attaching the shock absorber 4 to a frame (not shown) of the bicycle (not shown) and a wheel 8. In this embodiment, the attachment mechanism 6 includes a first attachment member 10 configured to be fixedly attached, in use, to the frame (not shown) of the bicycle (not shown) and extending in a horizontal direction. The attachment mechanism further includes a second attachment member 12 configured to be fixedly attached, in use, to the shock absorber 4 and extending, in this embodiment, in a vertical direction so that it can be easily mounted on bicycles with large and small wheels.

[00040] As will be seen in more detail below, the second fixing element 12 can be positioned in a sliding manner (by sliding as indicated by the arrows A) at each of a plurality of positions relative to the first fixing element. binding 10 and locked in this position using one or more locking elements, such as bolts 14, each position corresponding to a different size of bicycle frame.

In this embodiment, the shock absorber comprises a first end 20, configured to be attached to a bicycle frame (not shown) and a second end 22, configured to have a stabilizer wheel 8 mounted to rotate thereon. this. Further, in this embodiment, the shock absorber includes a first arm 24 having an arcuate profile and extending between the first end 20 and the second end 22, and a second arm 26 having an arcuate profile and extending from first end 20. First arm 24 and second arm 26 interlock to allow limited movement of a distal end 27 of second arm 26 relative to first arm 24, whereby during In use, a plane in which the bicycle frame (not shown) lies is movable between a first angle and a second angle relative to the stabilizer wheel axis, as will be discussed in more detail below.

In this embodiment, the first arm 24 comprises two through holes 30-1, 30-2, and the first arm 24 and the second arm 26 engage by mutual locking, so that two projections 28-1 , 28-2 in a second end portion 29 of the second arm 26 at the distal end thereof pass through and are movable, during the limited movement, relative to a respective through hole 30-1, 30- 2. It will be appreciated that one or three or more projections/through holes may be used. Each projection 28-1, 28-1 preferably passes through a respective through hole 30-1, 30-2 near a respective outer edge of the first arm 24.

[00043] In a preferred embodiment, the first arm 24 and/or the second arm 26 have a convex arcuate profile. Furthermore, the first arm 24, the second arm 26, the first end 20 and/or the second end 22 are formed in one piece. In this embodiment, the first arm 24, the second arm 26, the first end 20 and/or the second end 22 are formed of an elastic material such as a plastic such as PE, PP, ABS etc, a plastic reinforced with fiberglass, metal, metal alloy, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy or magnesium.

[00044] In a preferred embodiment, the first arm 24, the second arm 26, are shaped to provide a stiffness which increases as the twist of the second arm 26 progresses, and those until the abutment on the first arm 24.

[00045] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stabilizer of Figure 1. As can be seen, the second end 22 of the damper 4 comprises a cylindrical recess 32, for example with an internal thread, to receive a second bolt 34 which fixes the wheel 8 to the second end 22 of the shock absorber 4 via washers 36, so as to mount the stabilizing wheel 8 so that it can rotate around an axis 38.

[00046] [In a preferred embodiment, first arm 24 includes at or near second end 22 a first end portion 40 having a first surface portion 42. First surface portion 42 extends , in use, substantially parallel to the axis 38 of the stabilizer wheel 8. The second arm 26 includes a shoulder 44 near the distal end 27 of the second arm 26 from which extends the second end portion 29 ( projections 28-1, 28-2). In use, the shoulder 44 abuts the first surface portion 42 when the distal end 27 of the second arm 26 is at a first limit of limited movement corresponding to the second angle, i.e. say when the plane of the bicycle frame has been allowed to rotate or lean in one direction to its maximum allowable extent.

In a preferred embodiment, first end portion 40 has a second surface portion (below in Figure 2; not shown) on a side thereof opposite first surface portion 42.

Further, second arm 26 includes an abutment member in the form of a T-section (not shown) at the distal end 27 of second end portion 29. In use, the T-section (not shown ) comes into abutment against the second surface portion (not shown) when the distal end 27 of the second arm 26 is at a second limit of the limited movement, corresponding to the first angle and opposite to said first limit, i.e. i.e. when the plane of the bicycle frame has been allowed to rotate or tilt in a direction opposite to its maximum allowable extent.

Figure 3 is a rear longitudinal view of a bicycle 46 on which two stabilizers 2 of Figure 1 have been mounted. The nature of the movement (essentially a rotational movement) permitted by the stabilizers 2 is indicated schematically by the arrows b.

Figures 4 and 5 are longitudinal views of the stabilizer 2 of Figure 1 in use, schematically indicating the limits of rotation or inclination by the plane of the frame of the bicycle.

[00050] As can be seen in Figure 4, for the stabilizer 2 on the right side of the bicycle, the maximum amount of counter-clockwise movement around the intersection 50 of the plane of the frame of the bicycle and the axis 38 of the wheel 8, that is to say the first angle, is preferably 92 degrees. However, the first angle can be between 90 and 95 degrees, more preferentially between 91 and 94 degrees, and even more preferentially between 92 and 93 degrees.

As seen in Figure 5, for the same stabilizer 2, the maximum amount of clockwise movement around the intersection 50 of the plane of the bicycle frame and the axle 38 of wheel 8, that is to say the second angle, is preferably 77 degrees. However, the second angle can be between 70 and 80 degrees, more preferentially between 75 and 80 degrees, and even more preferentially between 76 and 79 degrees.

[00052] It should be noted that the projections 28-1 and 28-2 may comprise a series of through holes into which a metal shaft or the like may be inserted if the movements of the plane must be limited to a narrower range, respectively if plane movements must be completely blocked at a certain angle. Depending on the abilities of the cyclist, the maximum movement can therefore be adapted easily by inserting a shaft into these through holes and thus limiting the angle of inclination of the bicycle frame.

[00053] Returning to Figure 2, a second bolt 54 and a second nut 56 cooperating are used to fix the shock absorber 4 to the second fixing element 12 and therefore to the fixing mechanism 6, the second bolt 54 passing through the opening fixing 58.

[00054] Returning to Figure 2, the cooperating second bolt 54 and second nut 56 are used to fixedly attach the shock absorber 4 to the second fixing element 12 and therefore to the fixing mechanism 6, the second bolt 54 passing to through the attachment opening 58. The first attachment element 10 includes at least one engagement portion for engaging the second attachment element 12 and/or the frame (not shown) of the bicycle (not shown) and thereby prevent the rotation, in use, of the bicycle stabilizer about the axis 38 of the wheel 8. More particularly, a first engagement part comprises, at a first end of the first fixing element 10, a slot 60 intended to receiving an element (not shown) of the frame of the bicycle (not shown).

As can be seen in Figure 2, the second fixing element 12 has a flattened U-shaped profile and the first fixing element 10 comprises, at a second end thereof, a second part of engagement in the form of a flattened U-shaped channel 62 to slidably receive the second fixing element 12 by shape complementarity. The second fastener 12 can be slidably positioned in each of a plurality of positions relative to the first fastener 10 and locked in that position using one or more locking members, each position corresponding to a different size bicycle frame. In this embodiment, the first fastener 10 includes a first opening 64 and the second fastener 12 includes a plurality of second openings 66, and each of the different positions corresponds to the first opening 64 being aligned with a respective opening of the second apertures 66. The locking elements suitably include a third bolt 14 configured to pass through the respective first aperture 64 and second aperture 66, and a nut 68.

[00056] In this embodiment, the third angle (of the first fixing element 10 with respect to the second fixing element 12) is a right angle.

More particularly, in one embodiment, the first attachment element 10 extends horizontally and the second attachment element 12 extends vertically.

[00057] Although embodiments have been described with reference to embodiments of a shock absorber and a stabilizer having various components in their respective positions, it is possible to obtain different results depending on the position of the shock absorber and the stabilizer.

[00058] Within these implementations, it will be appreciated that other embodiments use other combinations and permutations of these and other components.

[00059] In the description provided herein, many specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of the present description.

Thus, although what are believed to be preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other modifications may be made without departing the scope of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

2 stabilizer 4 shock 6 attachment mechanism 8 wheel first attachment 12 second attachment 14 bolt 20 first end 10 22 second end 24 first arm 26 second arm 27 distal end 28-1 protrusion 28-2 protrusion 29 second part of end 30-1 passage hole 30-2 through hole 32 cylindrical recess 34 second bolt 36 washer 38 axle 40 first end part 42 first surface part 44 shoulder 46 bicycle 50 intersection 54 second bolt 56 second nut 58 fixing opening 60 slot 62 U channel 64 first opening 66 second opening 68 nut

Claims (30)

1. A shock absorber (4) for a bicycle stabilizer (2), the shock absorber (4) comprising: a first end (20), configured to be attached to a bicycle frame: a second end (22), configured to having a stabilizer wheel (8) mounted for rotation thereon; a first arm (24) having an arcuate profile and extending between the first end (20) and the second end (22); a second arm (26) having an arcuate profile and extending from the first end (20); wherein the first arm (24) and the second arm (26) interlock to allow, in use, limited movement of a distal end (27) of the second arm (26) relative to the first arm (24), whereby the plane in which the bicycle frame rests is movable between a first angle and a second angle relative to the axis (38) of the stabilizer wheel (8). 2. Shock absorber (4) according to claim 1, in which the movement of the plane is a movement substantially limited in rotation. 3. Shock absorber (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first angle is between 90 and 95 degrees. 4. A damper (4) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second angle is in the range of 70 to 80 degrees, more preferably 75 to 80 degrees. 5. The damper (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first arm (24) has at least one through hole (30-1, 30-2); and the first arm (24) and the second arm (26) interlock so that at least a second end portion (29) of the second arm (26) at its distal end (27) passes through and is movable, during said limited movement, relative to a through hole (30-1, 30-2). 6. Shock absorber (4) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one second end part (29) of the second arm (26) comprises at least one projection (28-1, 28-2), whereby the each projection (28-1, 28-2) passes through and is movable, in use, relative to a respective through hole (30-1, 30-2). 7. A shock absorber (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first arm (24) comprises at or near the second end (22) a first end portion (40) having a first area (42). 8. A shock absorber (4) according to claim 7, wherein the first surface portion (42) extends, in use, substantially parallel to the axis (38) of the stabilizer wheel (8). 9. The shock absorber (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second arm (26) comprises a first abutment element near the distal end (27) of the second arm (26). 10. Shock absorber (4) according to claim 9, in which the first abutment element comprises a shoulder (44) at the distal end (27) of the second arm (26) from which the second end part extends. (29). 11. A damper (4) according to claim 9 or 10, when dependent on claim 7, wherein the first abutment member abuts, in use, the first surface portion (42) when the distal end (27 ) of the second arm (26) is at a first limit of said limited movement corresponding to the second angle. 12. A damper (4) according to claim 7, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the first end portion (40) has a second surface portion on a side thereof opposite the first surface portion (42). ). 13. The damper (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second arm (26) comprises a second abutment member at the distal end (27) of the second arm (26). 14. A damper (4) according to claim 13, wherein the second abutment member comprises a T-section at the distal end (27) of the second end portion (29). 15. A damper (4) according to claim 13 or 14, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the second abutment member abuts, in use, the second surface portion when the distal end (27) of the second arm (26) is at a second limit of said limited movement, corresponding to the first angle and opposite to said first limit. 16. The shock absorber (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first arm (24) and/or the second arm (26) have a convex arcuate profile. 17. The shutter (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm (24), the second arm (26), the first end (20) and / or the second end (22) are formed of in one piece. 18. Shock absorber (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first arm (24), the second arm (26), the first end (20) and/or the second end (22) are formed of the one of (i) an elastic material, (ii) a metal, (iii) a metal alloy, (iv) steel, (v) aluminum, (vi) an aluminum alloy and (vii) magnesium. 19. The damper (4) of claim 6, or any claim dependent thereon, in which there are two projections (28-1, 28-2). 20. The damper (4) of claim 19, wherein the or each projection (28-1, 28-2) passes through a respective through hole (30-1, 30-2) near an outer edge respective first arm (24). 21. A bicycle stabilizer (2) for a baby or child's bicycle, the bicycle stabilizer comprising: a shock absorber (4) according to any preceding claim; a fastening mechanism (6) configured to fixedly attach the first end (20) of the shock absorber (4) to a bicycle frame (46); a wheel (8) configured to be mounted on the second end (22) of the shock absorber (4). 22. The bicycle stabilizer (2) of claim 21, wherein the attachment mechanism (6) comprises a first attachment member (10) configured to be fixedly attached, in use, to the bicycle frame (46). and extending in a first orientation. 23. A bicycle stabilizer (2) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the attachment mechanism (6) comprises a second attachment member (12) configured to be fixedly attached, in use, to the shock absorber (4). ) and extending in a second orientation, the second orientation being at a third angle to the first orientation. 24. A bicycle stabilizer (2) according to claim 23, wherein the first fixing element (10) comprises at least one engagement part for engaging the second fixing element (12) and/or the frame of the bicycle ( 46) and thereby prevent rotation, in use, of the bicycle stabilizer (2) about the axle (38) of the wheel (8). 25. The bicycle stabilizer (2) of claim 24, wherein the at least one engagement portion comprises, at a first end of the first attachment member (10), a slot (60) for receiving a frame member. the bicycle. 26. The bicycle stabilizer (2) of claim or claim 24, or claim 25 when dependent on claim 24, wherein the second securing member (12) has a flattened U-shaped profile and the at least one engagement portion includes, at a second end of the first fastener (10), a flattened U-shaped channel (62) for slidably receiving the second fastener (12) in a manner adapted to the form. 27. A bicycle stabilizer (2) according to claim 23, when dependent on claim 22, wherein the second securing member (12) is slidably positionable at each of a plurality of positions relative to the first. fixing element (10) and locked in this position using one or more locking elements, each position corresponding to a different size of bicycle frame. 28. The bicycle stabilizer (2) of claim 27, wherein the first attachment member (10) includes a first aperture (64) and the second attachment member (12) includes a plurality of second apertures (66), each positions corresponding to the first aperture (64) being aligned with a respective one of the second apertures (66). 29. The bicycle stabilizer (2) of claim 28, wherein the locking elements comprise a bolt (14) configured to pass through the respective first aperture (64) and second aperture (66), and a nut (68). ). 30. The bicycle stabilizer (2) of claim 23, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein (i) the third angle is a right angle and/or (ii) the first attachment member (10) extends horizontally and the second fixing element (12) extends vertically.