GB2475299A

GB2475299A - Bicycle Wind Guard

Info

Publication number: GB2475299A
Application number: GB0919908A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Garnett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-11-13
Filing date: 2009-11-13
Publication date: 2011-05-18
Anticipated expiration: 2029-11-13
Also published as: GB2475299B; WO2011058377A3; WO2011058377A2; GB0919908D0

Abstract

A bicycle wind guard comprising an outer shell 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16 wherein the first end 14 comprises a cut-out portion adapted to receive a section of a handlebar 20 therethrough and the second end 16 comprises a sectional area 22 adapted to engage with an outer profile of a handlebar 20. The sectional area 22 may also comprise slots 24 adapted to allow attachment of the guard to the handlebar using a strap. An alternative guard (310, figure 11) comprises a connecting arm 314 connecting the shell 312 to the handlebar 316 such that the shell 312 is spaced forward of the handlebar 316. Another alternative guard (510, figure 15) comprises an outer shell 512 with outer contours which are substantially conformable to the forefoot region of the human body.

Description

Bicycle Wind Guard The present invention relates to a bicycle wind guard and, in particular but not exclusively, to a bicycle wind guard adapted to reduce the effect of adverse weather conditions on certain areas of the body during cycling.

Whilst cycling in cold weather conditions, the extremities of a cyclist, and in particular the hands, are exposed to the harsh elements. This can be extremely painful and can lead to the inability to hold the handlebars.

Furthermore, this problem can make operating the brakes and gears of the bicycle difficult and can put the cyclist in danger.

Products currently available to address this problem include thick gloves or mittens however these are often ineffective as they become saturated or allow the ingress of water (regardless of how waterproof the manufacturers say they are), and once the gloves have become waterlogged the additional wind-chill factor exacerbates any cold weather effects. Additional products that are available include chemically activated hand warmers which only offer transient warmth and are often bulky and difficult to insert into gloves.

In the Northern Hemisphere, in order to train for competitive races cyclists must expose themselves to the harsh elements during the winter months.

There is therefore a need for an improved product which can reduce the exposure of the extremities of a cyclist to harsh elements.

US4141567 discloses a rigid protective covering for the hands when operating a handle bar controlled vehicle that is attached securely to the vehicle and allows convenient access for an operator. The protective covering is in the form of a rigid plastic cover which is adapted to encircle the front 180 degrees of the hand of the operator of a handlebar-controlled vehicle. The covering is mounted securely by fastening devices to a handlebar mounted lever clamp just inboard of the operator's hand, and to an expanding fastener that is plugged directly into the end of the handlebar just outboard of the operator's hand. However, such a device is designed for conventional straight handlebar devices and is unsuitable for use with different handlebar configurations such as curved handlebars as found on racing bicycles. In addition, by encircling the first 180 degrees of an operator's hand, access to components of a bicycle that are not within the covering is restricted.

FR2821819 discloses a device for protecting the hands of a cyclist adapted to be fitted onto a racing bicycle. The device consists of a substantially flat windshield fixed to that brake lever of a racing bicycle by a flat rigid rod. The windshield is held flat against the lever by an elastic connection. While the device can be fitted onto a racing bicycle it only offers protection for a user when his hands are positioned on the drop down section of the handlebar behind the brake lever.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a bicycle wind guard comprising an outer shell having a first end and a second end wherein the first end comprises a cut-out portion adapted to receive a section of a handlebar therethrough and the second end comprises a sectional area adapted to engage with an outer profile of a handlebar.

The first aspect of the present invention is particularly adapted for use with the handlebars of a racing bicycle. The cut-out portion in the outer shell allows it to be easily fitted onto a curve handlebar. In addition, as a section of the handlebar can be received through the cut-out portion, the positioning of the wind guard can be adjusted for different length handlebars and to ensure it shields a user's hand from the elements when it is placed on the handlebar in his preferred riding position.

The present invention is also adapted to keep a cyclist's hands warm during the cold, wet and rainy season. It is especially helpful for people who experience longer training rides, in excess of 2 hours, where they will be exposed to the elements for a long time.

In embodiments of the invention, the cut-out portion may be in the form of an aperture in the first end of the outer shell.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the first end of the outer shell is shaped to define the cut-out portion. Preferably, the first end of the outer shell comprises an indentation or recess defining the cut-out portion.

The wind guard may further comprise means for attaching the wind guard to a handlebar in order to facilitate the attachment of the wind guard to the handlebar of a bicycle.

The means for attaching the wind guard to the handlebar may be any suitable means, preferably the means for attaching the wind guard to the handlebar comprises a securing strap.

In preferred embodiments of the invention the securing strap is a releasable strap. The provision of a releasable strap allows for the wind guard to be easily removed when required, for example during the warmer months when it is not required or when it needs to be cleaned or adjusted.

The releasable strap can be of any form known in the art. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the releasable strap is a VELCRO strap however, the releasable strap could alternatively be in the form of a cable tie.

Preferably the sectional area comprises a plurality of slots adapted to receive the securing strap.

In an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the outer shell is a first outer shell and the wind guard further comprises a second outer shell having a first end and a second end wherein the first end comprises an cut-out portion adapted to receive a section of a handlebar therethrough and the second end comprises a sectional area adapted to engage with an outer profile of a handlebar.

Preferably the wind guard further comprises a linking arm connecting the sectional area of the first outer shell to the sectional area of the second outer shell.

The outer shell may further comprise one or more slots on the other shell proximate the cut-out portion in order to facilitate the attachment of the wind guard to a handlebar.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a bicycle wind guard comprising an outer shell and a connecting arm for connecting the outer shell to a handlebar wherein the connecting arm is adapted to connect the outer shell to a handlebar such that the outer shell is spaced forward of the handlebar.

Due to the fact that the outer shell is spaced forward of the handlebar, access to components of a bicycle which are not within the outer shell are not restricted thus facilitating the quick release of a grip on the handlebar or easy adjustment of a hand position when required.

Preferably the connecting arm is adapted to space the outer shell between 1cm to 10cm forward of the handlebar In preferred embodiments of the invention the connecting arm is adapted to be connected to an end of a handlebar.

Preferably the connecting arm comprises an aperture adapted to receive a fastener for securing the connecting arm to the end of the handlebar.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention the aperture is adapted to receive an end cap. However the aperture may be adapted to receive an alternative fastener or arrangement.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a bicycle wind guard comprising an outer shell wherein the outer contours of the outer shell are substantially conformable to the contours of the forefoot region of a human body.

A wind guard according to the third aspect of the invention is specifically adapted to protect the foot region of a cyclist from adverse weather conditions and helps to prevent the problem of cold feet and toes when cycling in extreme weather conditions.

Preferably the wind guard further comprises a notch in the outer shell corresponding in location to a sole area of the forefoot region of a human body.

The wind guard can be used in conjunction with winter or summer cycling shoes and may be worn above or below a cycling over-shoe or over-sock.

Preferably the wind guard further comprises attachment means for securing the wind guard to an item of clothing or footwear.

Alternatively, the wind guard may comprise attachment means for securing the wind guard to a part of a bicycle, for example onto the pedal or pedal crank arm.

A wind guard according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention is made of a suitable material. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the outer shell comprises a plastics material. The outer shell may instead comprise a carbon fibre material.

The wind guard may include an inner thermal lining.

Preferably the outer shell comprises a reflective coating.

The wind guard may further comprise one or more LEDs or lights on an outer surface of the wind guard to aid visibility in low light conditions.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

There now follows a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of non-limiting example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a bicycle wind guard according to a first embodiment of a first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a frontal view of a bicycle handlebar having the wind guard of figure 1 attached to the left and right handlebar sections; Figure 3 is a view of the handlebar arrangement of figure 2 taken from above; Figure 4 is a side view of the handlebar arrangement of figure 2; Figure 5 is a frontal view of a bicycle handlebar having a wind guard according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention attached to the left and right handlebar sections; Figure 6 is a view of the handlebar arrangement of figure 5 taken from above; Figure 7 is a side view of the handlebar arrangement of figure 5; Figure 8 is a frontal view of a bicycle handlebar having a wind guard according to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention attached thereto; Figure 9 is a view of the handlebar arrangement of figure 8 taken from above; Figure 10 is a side view of the handlebar arrangement of figure 8; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a bicycle handlebar having a wind guard according to a first embodiment of the second aspect of the invention attached to opposite sides of the handlebar; Figure 12 is a view of the handlebar arrangement of figure 11 taken from above; Figure 13 is a side view of the handlebar arrangement of figure 11, Figure 14 is a frontal view of a bicycle handlebar having a wind guard according to a second embodiment of the second aspect of the invention attached to opposite sides of the handlebar; Figure 15 is a view of the handlebar arrangement of figure 14 taken from above; Figure 16 is a side view of the handlebar arrangement of figure 14; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a wind guard according to a third aspect of the invention; and Figure 18 is schematic view showing the positioning of the wind guard of figure 17 in relation to a pedal.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Further, although the invention will be described in terms of specific embodiments, it will be understood that various elements of the specific embodiments of the invention will be applicable to all embodiments disclosed herein.

In the drawings, similar features are denoted by the same reference signs throughout.

Referring to figures 1 to 4, a first embodiment of a bicycle wind guard 10 according to a first aspect of the invention is shown.

The bicycle wind guard will be referred to as a wind guard from hence forth.

The wind guard 10 comprises an outer shell 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16.

The outer shell 12 is a generally rounded shell having a dome shaped surface terminating at an open edge. The outer shell 12 comprises a substantially curved outer profile. With a substantially curved outer profile, the outer shell 12 may act as an aerodynamic device to reduce air drag over the cyclist hands and the handle bars, and subsequently increase power output, improve efficiency and increase speed, whilst reducing effort and energy expenditure.

The first end 14 comprises an cut-out portion 18 adapted to receive a section of a handlebar 20 therethrough (as best seen in figure 4) and the second end 16 comprises a sectional area 22 adapted to engage with an outer profile of the handlebar 20 (as best seen in figure 3).

The first end 14 of the outer shell 10 is shaped to define the cut-out portion 18 and comprises an indentation or recess 19 defining the cut-out portion 18.

The sectional area 22 is in the form of a projection extending away from the body of the outer shell 12, in the embodiment shown, the sectional area 22 is in the form of a flanged section.

The outer shell 12 formed from a plastics material or a carbon fibre material.

The wind guard further comprises means for attaching the wind guard to a handlebar (not shown) in the form of a securing strap. In embodiments of the invention the securing strap is realisable strap in the form of a VELCRO strap.

The sectional area 22 comprises a plurality of slots 24 adapted to receive the securing strap. An auxiliary slot 26 is provided on the first end 14 of the outer shell 12 proximate the cut-out portion 18 to facilitate the attachment of the wind guard 10 to the handlebar 20.

An inner lining may be provided on the interior of the outer shell 12 in order to provide warmth to the hands of a user when placed within the interior of the outer shell 12.

In order to protect both hands of a cyclist, a right hand side wind guard lOa and a left hand side wind guard lOb will need to be utilised. The wind guards 1 Oa, 1 Ob are positioned on the handlebar 20 such that their second ends face each other and the respective sectional areas 22 extend in a direction towards each other.

The outer shell 12 of the wind guard 10 is shaped such that when attached to a handlebar, an upper edge 13 of the outer shell 12 and a lower edge of the outer shell 12 are located downstream of a leading edge of a crossbar section of the handlebar 20. In the embodiment shown, the upper and lower edges 13, 15 of the outer shell are aligned substantially with each other when the wind guard 10 is attached to the handlebar 20.

Referring to figures 5 to 7, a second embodiment of a wind guard 110 according to the first aspect of the invention is shown.

The wind guard 110 is similar to that of the first embodiment and the same reference numerals have been used for the same features to that of the first embodiment for ease of reference. Reference numerals for similar features to that of the first embodiment have been increased by a factor of 100 for ease of reference, for example the outer shell which was referred to with reference numeral 12 in the first embodiment will have a reference numeral 112.

Like the first embodiment, the wind guard 110 comprises an outer shell 112 having a first end 14 and a second end 16. The first end 14 comprises an cut-out portion adapted to receive a section of a handlebar therethrough (as best seen in figure 7) and the second end 16 comprises a sectional area 122 adapted to engage with an outer profile of the handlebar 20 (as best seen in figure 6). The first end 14 is shaped to define the cut-out portion and comprises an indentation 119 defining the cut-out portion.

The outer shell 112 is formed of a similar material to that of the first embodiment and also comprises a substantially curved outer profile.

A plurality of slots 24 adapted to receive a securing strap are provided on the sectional area 122 and an auxiliary slot 26 is provided on the first end 14 of the outer shell 112 proximate the cut-out portion to facilitate the attachment of the wind guard 110 to the handlebar 20.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the sectional area 122 in the second embodiment is more elongated than the sectional area 22 of the first embodiment.

In addition, the sectional area 122 projects at an angle from the body of outer shell 112 such that when the sectional area is engaged with an outer profile of the handlebar 20, a portion of the outer shell 112 is at an angle to the crossbar section of the handlebar 20 (as best seen in figure 6).

The outer shell 112 of the wind guard 110 is shaped such that when attached to a handlebar, an upper edge 113 of the outer shell 112 is located upstream of a leading edge of a crossbar section of the handlebar and a lower edge 115 of the outer shell 112 is located downstream of the leading edge of the crossbar section of the handlebar 20 (as best seen in figure 7).

Like in the first embodiment, in order to protect both hands of a cyclist, a right hand side wind guard llOa and a left hand side wind guard IlOb will need to be utilised. The wind guards 110a, hUb are positioned on the handlebar 20 such that their respective sectional areas 122 extend in a direction towards each other.

Referring to figures 8 to 10, a third embodiment of a wind guard 210 according to the first aspect of the invention is shown.

The same reference numerals have been used for the same features to that of the first and second embodiment for ease of reference. Reference numerals for similar features to that of the first embodiment have been increased by a factor of 200 for ease of reference, for example the indentation which was referred to with reference numeral 19 in the first embodiment will have a reference numeral 219.

The wind guard 210 comprises a first outer shell 212a and a second outer shell 212b. The first and second outer shells 212a, 212b each have a first end 14 and a second end 16. The first end 14 of each outer shell 212a, 21 2b comprises an cut-out portion adapted to receive a section of a handlebar 20 therethrough (as best seen in figure 10) and the second end 16 of each outer shell 212a, 212b comprises a sectional area 222a, 222b adapted to engage with an outer profile of the handlebar 20 (as best seen in figure 9). In each outer shell 212a, 212b, the first end 14 is shaped to define the cut-out portion and comprises an indentation 219 defining the cut-out portion.

Like in the second embodiment, the sectional areas 222a, 222b in the third embodiment are more elongated than the sectional area 22 of the first embodiment. The wind guard 210 further comprises a linking arm 228 connecting the sectional area 222a associated with the first outer shell 212a to the sectional area 222b associated with the second outer shell 212b. In the embodiment shown, the linking arm 228 is integrally formed with the sectional areas 222a, 222b.

The outer shell 212 is formed of a similar material to that of the first and second embodiments and also comprises a substantially curved outer profile.

A plurality of slots 224 adapted to receive a securing strap 230 are provided on a central area of the wind guard 210. While not shown in the figures, an auxiliary slot may be provided on the first end 14 of each of the outer shells 21 2a, 21 2b proximate the cut-out portion to facilitate the attachment of the wind guard 210 to the handlebar 20.

Like in the second embodiment, the sectional areas 222a, 222b each extends at an angle from the body of the respective outer shell 21 2a, 21 2b such that when the sectional area 222a, 222b is engaged with an outer circumferential profile of the handlebar 20, a portion of the outer shell 21 2a, 21 2b is at an angle to the crossbar section of the handlebar 20 (as best seen in figure 9).

Each outer shell 21 2a, 21 2b of the wind guard 210 is shaped in a similar manner to that of the second embodiment i.e. such that when attached to a handlebar, an upper edge 213 of the outer shell 21 2a, 21 2b is located upstream of a leading edge of a crossbar section of the handlebar 20 and a lower edge 215 of the outer shell 212a, 212b is located downstream of the leading edge of the crossbar section of the handlebar 20 (as best seen in figure 10).

Unlike in the first or second embodiment, only a single wind guard is required in order to protect both hands of a cyclist.

Referring to figures 11 to 13, a first embodiment of a wind guard 310 according to a second aspect of the invention is shown. Unlike the first aspect of the invention, the second aspect of the invention not suitable for use with curved handlebars.

The wind guard 310 comprises an outer shell 312 and a connecting arm 314 for connecting the outer shell to a handlebar 316. The connecting arm 314 is adapted to connect the outer shell 312 to a handlebar 316 such that the outer shell 312 is spaced forward of the handlebar 316 (as best seen in figure 12).

The outer shell 312 is substantially convex in shape when viewed from the front of the outer shell 312.

The connecting arm 314 is adapted to space the outer shell 312 approximately 10cm forward of the handlebar.

The connecting arm 314 is adapted to be connected to an end of a handlebar 316 and comprises an aperture (not shown) adapted to receive a fastener 318 for securing the connecting arm to the end of the handlebar. In the embodiment shown, the fastener is in the form of an end cap 318.

The wind guard 310 is formed from a plastics material or a carbon fibre material, and the outer shell 312 is integrally formed with the connecting arm 314.

The outer shell 312 in use acts like a barrier against on coming wind and will help to deflect debris such as small stones thrown up by the wheels from hitting the hand of a user.

In order to protect both hands of a cyclist, a right hand side wind guard 310a and a left hand side wind guard 310b will need to be utilised.

Referring to figures 14 to 16, a second embodiment of a wind guard 410 according to the second aspect of the invention is shown.

The wind guard 410 is similar to that of the first embodiment of the second aspect of the invention and the same reference numerals have been used for the same features to that of the first embodiment for ease of reference.

Reference numerals for similar features to that of the first embodiment have been increased by a factor of 100 for ease of reference, for example the outer shell which was referred to with reference numeral 312 in the first embodiment will have a reference numeral 412.

Like in the first embodiment, the wind guard 410 comprises an outer shell 412 and a connecting arm 414 for connecting the outer shell to a handlebar 316. The connecting arm 414 is adapted to connect the outer shell 412 to an end of a handlebar 316 such that the outer shell 412 is spaced forward of the handlebar 316 (as best seen in figure 15).

The connecting arm 414 is adapted to be connected to an end of a handlebar 316 and comprises an aperture (not shown) adapted to receive a fastener 318, in the form of an end cap, for securing the connecting arm to the end of the handlebar.

The wind guard 410 is formed of the same material as the first embodiment, and similar to the first embodiment, the outer shell 412 is integrally formed with the connecting arm 414.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the outer shell 412 of the second embodiment is more pronounced than the outer shell 412 of the first embodiment and encloses a greater volume than that of the first embodiment.

The connecting arm 414 is adapted to space the outer shell 412 approximately 15cm forward of the handlebar.

Like in the first embodiment, in order to protect both hands of a cyclist, a right hand side wind guard 410a and a left hand side wind guard 410b will need to be utilised.

Referring to figures 17 and 18, a wind guard 510 according to a third aspect of the invention is shown. The wind guard 510 comprises an outer shell 512 and a notch 514 in the outer shell.

The contours of the outer shell 512 are substantially conformable to the contours of the forefoot region of a human body and the notch 514 corresponds in location to a sole area of the forefoot region of a human body.

The notch 514 facilitates fitment of the outer shell 512 over the pedal of a bicycle, as shown in figure 18, or a cleat/attachment mechanism on a cycling shoe.

In use, the wind guard 510 is fitted over the cycling shoes to allow attachment to strapless pedals. The thickness of the outer shell 512 is such that it can be worn comfortably above or below a cycling over-shoe or over-sock.

An inner lining may be provided on the interior of the outer shell 512 in order to provide warmth to the feet of a user when placed within the interior of the outer shell 512.

In an embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the wind guard 510 further comprises attachment means (not shown) for securing the wind guard 510 to an item of clothing or footwear such as a cycling shoe.

In an alternative embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the wind guard 510 further comprises attachment means for securing the wind guard to a part of a bicycle such as the crank arm 518 of a pedal 516 to allow for cantilevering of the wind guard 510 in front of the toes.

The embodiments of the invention described above may be adapted to increase their visibility when in use. For example, the outer shell comprises a reflective coating or high visibility material attached thereto.

In addition or alternatively, one or more LEDs or lights may be positioned on an outer surtace of the wind guard.

The present invention provides wind guards which are designed to help keep a cyclist warm in extreme weather conditions, for example cold, wet, windy, snow conditions or during winter seasons. The present invention addresses the problem of cold hands as well as cold feet and toes.

Claims

Claims 1. A bicycle wind guard comprising an outer shell having a first end and a second end wherein the first end comprises a cut-out portion adapted to receive a section of a handlebar therethrough and the second end comprises a sectional area adapted to engage with an outer profile of a handlebar.
2. A wind guard according to claim 1 wherein the cut-out portion is in the form of an aperture in the first end of the outer shell.
3. A wind guard according to claim 1 wherein the first end of the outer shell is shaped to define the cut-out portion.
4. A wind guard according to claim 3 wherein the first end of the outer shell comprises an indentation defining the cut-out portion.
5. A wind guard according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising means for attaching the wind guard to a handlebar.
6. A wind guard according to claim 5 wherein the means for attaching the wind guard to the handlebar comprises a securing strap.
7. A wind guard according to claim 6 wherein the securing strap is a realisable strap.
8. A wind guard according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the sectional area comprises a plurality of slots adapted to receive the securing strap.
9. A wind guard according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer shell is a first outer shell and the wind guard further comprises a second outer shell having a first end and a second end wherein the first end comprises an cut-out portion adapted to receive a section of a handlebar therethrough and the second end comprises a sectional area adapted to engage with an outer profile of a handlebar.
10. A wind guard according to claim 9 further comprising a linking arm connecting the sectional area of the first outer shell to the sectional area of the second outer shell.
11. A wind guard according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each outer shell further comprises one or more slots on the other shell proximate the cut-out portion.
12. A bicycle wind guard comprising an outer shell and a connecting arm for connecting the outer shell to a handlebar wherein the connecting arm is adapted to connect the outer shell to a handlebar such that the outer shell is spaced forward of the handlebar.
13. A wind guard according to claim 12 wherein the connecting arm is adapted to space the outer shell between 1cm to 15cm forward of the handlebar.
14. A wind guard according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the connecting arm is adapted to be connected to an end of a handlebar.
15. A wind guard according to claim 14 wherein the connecting arm comprises an aperture adapted to receive a fastener for securing the connecting arm to the end of the handlebar.
16. A wind guard according to claim 15 wherein the aperture is adapted to receive an end cap.
17. A bicycle wind guard comprising an outer shell wherein the outer contours of the outer shell are substantially conformable to the contours of the forefoot region of a human body.
18. A wind guard according to claim 17 further comprising a notch in the outer shell corresponding in location to a sole area of the forefoot region of a human body.
19. A wind guard according to claim 18 further comprising attachment means for securing the wind guard to an item of clothing or footwear.
20. A wind guard according to claim 18 further comprising attachment means for securing the wind guard to a part of a bicycle.
21. A wind guard according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer shell comprises a plastics material.
22. A wind guard according to any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein the outer shell comprises a carbon fibre material.
23. A wind guard according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an inner lining.
24. A wind guard according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer shell comprises a reflective coating.
25. A wind guard according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wind guard further comprises one or more LEDs on an outer surface of the wind guard.
26. A bicycle wind guard generally as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.