GB2583717A

GB2583717A - Bicycle wheel system

Info

Publication number: GB2583717A
Application number: GB1906088.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Cain Daniel
Original assignee: Streamline Cycling Ltd
Current assignee: Streamline Cycling Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-30
Filing date: 2019-04-30
Publication date: 2020-11-11
Also published as: GB2597175B; WO2020222012A1; GB202002802D0; GB201906088D0; GB202115790D0; GB2597175A

Abstract

A bicycle wheel system 101 comprises a bicycle wheel 102 and at least one wheel cover 104. The bicycle wheel 102 comprises attachment means (112, figure 2) for removably attaching the wheel cover 104 to the bicycle wheel 102. The wheel cover 104 is interchangeable with wheel covers of different dimensions (e.g. rim depths, profiles and/or widths) such that the wheel cover 104 fitted to the bicycle wheel 102 is suited to the riding conditions. The wheel cover 104 can be chosen to minimise the aerodynamic drag of the bicycle wheel 102 and/or how readily the bicycle wheel 102 might catch a cross-wind, which can be two competing considerations. The wheel cover 104 may be formed in two or more sections such that it can be interchanged with another wheel cover 104 (or simply removed) without removing the wheel 102 from the bicycle frame.

Description

1 Bicycle Wheel System 3 The present invention relates to bicycles. In particular, the present invention concerns 4 improvements to bicycle wheels which enable the aerodynamic profile of a bicycle wheel to be quickly and easily changed.

7 Background to the Invention

9 A single wheel can be responsible for 15 to 20% of the total aerodynamic drag experienced by a cyclist and his or her bicycle, and the spokes and internal geometry of 11 the wheel can be responsible for up to 40% of this drag. This drag is known to reduce, 12 significantly, as the depth of the rim of the wheel increases and/or conjunction with 13 adoption of a more aerodynamic shape. A similar effect can be achieved by covering (at 14 least partially) the spokes of the bicycle wheel with a smooth (or relatively smooth) surface. Some track wheels dispense with spokes entirely and instead comprise discs 16 (so-called disc wheels). Similar wheels may also be used in triathlon and road time trials.

18 However, employing deep rims and/or covering the spokes is not always desirable. In 19 riding conditions where there are cross-winds, a bicycle wheel with deep rims and/or covered spokes would more readily catch the cross-winds, affecting the lateral stability of 21 the bike. As such, different rim depths are best suited to suit different riding conditions, 22 with the actual selection of the best rim depth for particular riding conditions a matter of 23 skill and experience, taking into account a host of environmental conditions.

A competitive cyclist will typically need to purchase several different wheel sets each with 26 different rim depths to accommodate different riding conditions and/or cycling events. For 27 example, disc wheels may be appropriate for track events or certain road events such as 28 time trials and triathlons, whereas wheels with minimal rim depth may be more appropriate 29 if there is expected to be high cross-winds or a very hilly course. In addition to the inconvenience of transporting and storing multiple wheel sets, as well as the significant 31 cost of purchasing them, interchanging between different wheel sets is undesirable as this 32 can be time consuming, will require appropriate tools and the necessary knowledge and 33 experience.

1 For example, a cyclist must be sufficiently knowledgeable and proficient to ensure the 2 brakes are safely configured once the bicycle wheel has been replaced. In addition, if 3 replacing a rear bicycle wheel, a cyclist will need to release the wheel from the chain set 4 when removing the wheel and reengage the chain set when fitting a different wheel. It is unlikely that alignment will be perfectly preserved in the changeover, especially if the new 6 wheel has a different cassette from the removed wheel. Furthermore, once a particular 7 wheelset has been selected, there is little or no opportunity to change it during an event, 8 and as noted above any changeover will be very time consuming and it is unlikely that the 9 cyclist would in any case be carrying the replacement wheel.

11 Other problems include that if a disc wheel for example is subject to a foreign object strike 12 or is otherwise damaged, the whole wheel needs to be replaced at significant cost. Even 13 wheels without complete coverage but deep rims are more prone to damage than those 14 with shallower rims.

16 A cyclist may have a power meter fitted in the hub on the rear wheel of their bicycle.

17 These power meters are very expensive and as such it is unrealistic to have several 18 different wheelsets each with their own power meter. It is therefore usual to have to 19 completely rebuild the wheel with the hub on a different rim if they wanted to have power readings on a different wheel.

22 It is also noted that bicycle wheels known in the art commonly have valves which attach to 23 an inner tube within the tyre. These valves extend through the rim and project into the 24 interior space of the wheel and also contribute non-trivially to the total aerodynamic drag produced by the wheel.

27 As an alternative to deep rims, there exist covers which can cover the spokes of a bicycle 28 wheel to reduce the aerodynamic drag. These covers typically cover the full surface area 29 of the wheels, thereby effectively replicating disc wheels, and so are not suitable for all possible riding conditions or events.

32 It is therefore an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a bicycle wheel 33 system that obviates or at least mitigates one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages of 34 bicycle wheels known in the art.

1 Summary of the Invention

3 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bicycle wheel 4 system comprising, a bicycle wheel; and 6 at least one wheel cover, 7 wherein the bicycle wheel comprises first attachment means; and 8 wherein the at least one wheel cover is removably attachable to the bicycle wheel via the 9 first attachment means.

11 Optionally, the at least one wheel cover is removably attachable to the first attachment 12 means.

14 Preferably, the wheel cover comprises a first cover portion and a second cover portion.

16 Preferably, the at least one wheel cover is shaped or dimensioned to partially or fully cover 17 a plurality of spokes of the bicycle wheel. When attached the at least one wheel cover 18 reduces the aerodynamic drag of the bicycle wheel. Preferably, the at least one wheel 19 cover is circular or substantially circular. Alternatively, the at least one wheel cover is annular or substantially annular.

22 Most preferably, the first cover portion is dimensioned to partially or fully cover a first 23 surface or side of the bicycle wheel. Most preferably, the second cover portion is 24 dimensioned to partially or fully cover a second surface or side of the bicycle wheel.

26 Optionally, the first cover portion comprises two or more sub portions. Preferably, the 27 second cover portion comprises two or more sub portions. The sub portions combine to 28 make up the respective cover portions, and may permit attachment without requiring 29 removal of the bicycle wheel from a bicycle.

31 Preferably, the first attachment means is/are located on/in a rim of the bicycle wheel.

32 Alternatively, or additionally, the first attachment means is/are located on a central hub of 33 the bicycle wheel. Alternatively, or additionally, the first attachment means comprises 34 spokes of the bicycle wheel, or spokes of the bicycle wheel may comprise first attachment means. The first attachment means may permit direct attachment of the wheel cover to 1 the spokes. Alternatively the first attachment means may comprise clips or other fixings 2 on the spokes.

4 Preferably, the first attachment means comprises one or more apertures. Optionally, the one or more apertures are located in one or more projections, which may comprise plates 6 or pads. The one or more projections may be attached to the bicycle wheel, for example 7 by bolting, welding, riveting or other suitable connection. Alternatively, the one or more 8 projections may be integrally formed with the bicycle wheel, for example by extrusion or 9 other forming methods.

11 Most preferably, the at least one wheel cover comprises second attachment means 12 configured, adapted or arranged to cooperate with the first attachment means of the 13 bicycle wheel.

Optionally, the second attachment means comprises one or more pins or bosses.

17 Optionally, the one or more pins or bosses are dimensioned to form an interference fit with 18 one or more apertures of the first attachment means.

Alternatively, the second attachment means comprises one or more clips. The clips may 21 cooperate or otherwise attach to the first attachment means. Optionally, clips on the first 22 cover portion attach to clips on the second cover portion.

24 Alternatively, the first cover portion comprises one or more male second attachment means and the second cover portion comprises one or more female second attachment 26 means adapted to receive the one or more male second attachment means.

28 Preferably, one or more male attachment means is lockable to one or more female 29 attachment means.

31 Optionally, the one or more male second attachment means is rotatable within and relative 32 to the one or more female second attachment means to lock the one or more male second 33 attachment means to the one or more female second attachment means. The male 34 attachment means may lock upon a quarter turn or half turn, for example.

1 Alternatively, the first cover portion may comprise a combination of one or more female 2 second attachment means and one or more male second attachment means. The second 3 cover portion may comprise a combination of one or more female second attachment 4 means and one or more male second attachment means.

6 Optionally, the one or more male second attachment means comprises a bayonet pin or 7 similar.

9 Alternatively, the first attachment means may comprise a tongue and the second attachment means may comprise a groove. Alternatively, or additionally, the first 11 attachment means may comprise a groove and the second attachment means may 12 comprise a tongue. The tongue and the slot may be continuous.

14 Alternatively, the bicycle wheel system comprises a third attachment means which cooperates with the first and second attachment means.

17 Preferably, the first and second attachment means each comprise one or more apertures.

18 Preferably, the third attachment means is configured to pass through corresponding 19 apertures of the first and second attachment means. The third attachment means may comprise one or more bolts or screws or bayonet fittings or the like.

22 Optionally, an inner edge of the first and second cover portions is shaped to cooperate 23 with the spokes of the wheel. Optionally, the shape of the inner edge of the first cover 24 portion corresponds with the shape of the inner edge of the second cover portion.

Optionally, the inner edge of the first cover portion comprises one or more clips to attach to 26 the inner edge of the second cover portion, and vice versa.

28 Most preferably, the bicycle wheel system comprises a plurality of covers. Preferably, the 29 plurality of covers are interchangeable.

31 Most preferably, the plurality of covers comprise covers of different sizes and/or shapes.

33 Optionally, the first, second and/or third attachment means comprise one or more of 34 screws, clips, magnets, or the like.

1 According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method 2 comprising: 3 providing a bicycle wheel with first attachment means; and 4 providing at least one wheel cover, removably attaching the at least one wheel cover to the bicycle wheel via the first 6 attachment means.

8 Most preferably, the bicycle wheel and the at least one wheel cover are comprised in the 9 bicycle wheel system according to the first aspect.

11 Most preferably, the at least one wheel cover comprises second attachment means, which 12 cooperates with the first attachment means of the bicycle wheel.

14 Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may comprise features to implement preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention or vice versa.

17 According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a bicycle wheel comprising 18 first attachment means.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a bicycle wheel cover which 21 is removably attachable to a bicycle wheel comprising first attachment means.

23 Embodiments of the third and fourth aspects of the invention may comprise features to 24 implement preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention or vice versa.

26 It is also foreseen that first and second cover portions of the first aspect may connect to 27 one another directly to attach the wheel cover to the bicycle wheel. Accordingly, in a fifth 28 aspect of the invention there is provided a bicycle wheel cover comprising a first cover 29 portion and a second cover portion, wherein the first and second cover portions each comprise corresponding attachment means such that the bicycle wheel cover is removably 31 attachable to a bicycle wheel by attaching the first cover portion to the second cover 32 portion.

34 Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding to preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention or vice versa. For 1 example, the attachment means may comprise one or more of screws, clips, magnets, 2 bayonet fittings, quarter turn fittings or the like.

1 Brief Description of Drawings

3 There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the 4 invention with reference to the drawings, of which: 6 Figure 1 illustrates a bicycle wheel system in accordance with the present invention, 7 showing a bicycle wheel and a wheel cover; 9 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bicycle wheel system shown in Figure 1 with one cover portion attached; 12 Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bicycle wheel of the bicycle wheel system shown in 13 Figure 1 with both covers omitted; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cover of the bicycle wheel system shown in Figure 1 16 with the wheel omitted; 18 Figure 5 is a close-up perspective view of the wheel of the bicycle wheel system shown in 19 Figure 1 showing detail of the rim; 21 Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the bicycle wheel system shown in Figure 22 1, showing a close-up perspective view of the rim with one cover portion attached; 24 Figure 7 is a close-up view of the bicycle wheel system shown in Figure 6 showing detail of the attachment between cover portions and the rim; 27 Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of one cover portion of the wheel system 28 shown in Figure 1 in which the cover portion comprises two sub portions; Figure 9 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the bicycle wheel system shown in 31 Figure 1, showing a full wheel cover; 33 Figure 10 illustrates in perspective view the bicycle wheel system of Figure 9; 1 Figure 11 illustrates a close up view of an alternative embodiment of the bicycle wheel 2 system shown in Figures 6 and 7 showing detail of an alternative attachment between 3 cover portions and the rim; and Figure 12 illustrates a section of one cover portion of another alternative embodiment of 6 the wheel system shown in Figure 1, and specifically detail of the inner edge of the cover 7 portion.

1 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments 3 In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and 4 drawings (whether explicitly described or not) with like reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to 6 better illustrate details and features of embodiments of the invention.

8 An explanation of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 9 to 10.

11 Figures 1 and 2 depicts a bicycle wheel system 101 comprising a bicycle wheel 102, 12 having a rotational axis 103, and a wheel cover 104. The bicycle wheel 102 comprises a 13 central hub 105 located along the rotational axis 103, and a circular rim 106 connected to 14 the central hub 105 by a plurality of spokes 107, as can also be seen in Figure 3.

16 The bicycle wheel 102 further comprises a first surface or side 108 substantially opposing 17 a second surface or side 109. The first and second surfaces or sides 108, 109 are centred 18 about the rotational axis 103.

The wheel cover 104 is removably attached to the rim 106 and partially covers the spokes 21 on first and second surfaces or sides 108, 109 of the bicycle wheel 102. As can be seen 22 in Figure 4 the wheel cover 104 comprises a first cover portion 110, dimensioned to 23 partially cover the spokes 107 on first surface or side 108 of the bicycle wheel 102, and a 24 second cover portion 111, dimensioned to partially cover the spokes 107 on second surface or side 109 of the bicycle wheel 102. When attached, the wheel cover 104 thereby 26 reduces the aerodynamic drag of the bicycle wheel 102.

28 The first and second cover portions 110, 111 are substantially annular in shape. In this 29 embodiment the inner edge 150 of each cover portion, that is the edge closest to the central hub 105, is shaped to cooperate with the spokes 107; for example comprising 31 projecting portions 151 where the spokes 107 extends to the opposite surface or side 108, 32 109 of the bicycle wheel 102, and inset portions 152 where the spokes 107 extend to the 33 same surface or side 108, 109 of the bicycle wheel 102. Projecting portions 151 and inset 34 portions 152 on the first and second cover portions 110, 111, respectively, correspond such that complete coverage is achieved. There may be provided further attachment 1 means to attach respective inner edges 150 of the first and second cover portions 110, 2 111. This could be a simple click or interference fit (or just a guidance hole). Figure 12 3 illustrates a section of one such cover portion 510 of alternative embodiment in which a 4 projecting portion 551 of an inner edge 550 of the cover portion 510 is provided with a clip 553 which attaches to a corresponding inset portion of a cooperating cover portion (not 6 shown). It will be evident that the inset portions of the illustrated section (either side of the 7 projecting portion) can attach to clips provided on corresponding projecting portions on the 8 cooperating cover portion (not shown).

The wheel cover 104 is removeable and interchangeable such that, for example, a wheel 11 cover 104 dimensioned to cover 30% of the spokes 107 on the first and second surfaces 12 or sides 108, 109 of the bicycle wheel 102 can be replaced with a wheel cover 13 dimensioned to cover 80% or even 100% (such as illustrated in and described below in 14 relation to Figures 9 and 10). The dimensions of the wheel cover 104 chosen to be fitted to the bicycle wheel 102 are dependent on the riding conditions. More specifically, it is a 16 balance between minimising the aerodynamic drag of bicycle wheel 102 and how readily 17 the bicycle wheel 102 might catch a cross-wind, and may take into account other factors 18 such as the nature of the event and/or the skill of the rider.

The bicycle wheel 102 comprises first attachment means for attaching the wheel cover 104 21 to the bicycle wheel 102. As particularly shown in Figures 3 and 5, the first attachment 22 means takes the form of a plurality of apertures 112 (in this case five on each side) each 23 provided in a protrusion 113 (which may be a plate or pad for example). Each protrusion 24 113 is integral to the rim 106 of the bicycle wheel 102 and projects or extends from the rim 106 towards the central hub 105 of the bicycle wheel 102. Figure 5 depicts a set of 26 corresponding protrusions 114 comprising a first protrusion 113a on the first surface or 27 side 108 of the bicycle wheel 102 and a second protrusion 113b on the second surface or 28 side 109 of the bicycle wheel 102. The first and second protrusions 113a, 113b are 29 circumferentially aligned; in other words, at the same circumferential location about the wheel 102 such that the apertures 112 in the respective protrusions 113a, 113b are also 31 aligned. As noted above, the bicycle wheel 102 comprises five sets of corresponding 32 protrusions 114 distributed equally about the circumference of the bicycle wheel 102.

34 The wheel cover 104 comprises second attachment means for attaching the wheel cover 104 to the rim of the bicycle wheel 102. As can be seen in Figure 4, the second 1 attachment means takes the form of a plurality of pins or bosses 115. The pins or bosses 2 115 are dimensioned to form an interference fit with a corresponding aperture 112 in the 3 bicycle wheel 102. In this embodiment, the first 110 and second 111 cover portions each 4 comprise five pins or bosses 115 distributed equally about the circumference of the cover portions 110, 111 where the pins or bosses 115 are orientated to engage and form an 6 interference fit with the apertures 112 in the respective five sets of protrusions 114 on the 7 bicycle wheel 102.

9 As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the bicycle wheel 102 could comprise more or fewer than five sets of protrusions 114. Furthermore, instead of one or more sets 11 of protrusions 114, there may be more or fewer protrusions 113 upon the first surface or 12 side 108 than the second surface or side 109. Also, the protrusions 113 upon the first 13 surface 108 may not be circumferentially aligned with the protrusions on the second 14 surface 109. The number, location and arrangement of the pins 115 of the wheel cover 104 may be varied in order to correspond to the apertures 112 of the bicycle wheel 102. It 16 is foreseen that a single protrusions (e.g. plates or pads) may be provided, perhaps 17 centrally in the rim, instead of pairs of protrusions on both surfaces or sides.

19 It is also foreseen that the apertures may be provided in the rim itself, i.e. without the need to form, attach or otherwise provide protrusions in which the apertures are provided (as 21 described above). This may have the advantage that when wheel covers are not fitted the 22 aerodynamic drag is not increased undesirably.

24 In an alternative, preferred embodiment, the second attachment means takes the form of one or more bayonet fittings 216. More specifically, the first cover portion 210 comprises a 26 plurality of female bayonet pins 217 and the second cover portion 211 comprises a 27 corresponding plurality of male bayonet pins 218. The female 217 and male 218 bayonet 28 pins are dimensioned to pass through the apertures 212 on the first 208 and second 209 29 surfaces of the bicycle wheel 202 respectively. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the female 217 and male 218 bayonet pins meet between a set of plates 214. The female bayonet 31 pin 217 is dimensioned to receive the male bayonet pin 218 which can be rotated to lock 32 the male bayonet pin 218 to the female bayonet pin 217, or vice versa, securing the wheel 33 cover 204 to the bicycle wheel 202.

1 As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the first cover portion 210 could 2 comprise a combination of female 217 and male 218 bayonet pins and the second cover 3 portion 211 would comprise the opposing combination of male 218 and female 217 4 bayonet pins. It will also be appreciated that the bayonet pins 216 may additionally form an interference fit with the apertures 212 as well as the locking functionality. This would 6 prevent unwanted rattling for example, which in addition to an audible annoyance may 7 cause the attachment to loosen over time.

9 In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, there is shown a full wheel cover 404. Although described as an alternative embodiment, wheel cover 404 could 11 also/instead be comprised in a bicycle wheel system comprising a wheel 102/402 and 12 wheel cover 104, providing a rider with three different wheel configurations; no cover, 13 partial cover and full cover. The full cover comprises a first cover portion 410 and a 14 second cover portion 411; the second cover portion 411 is not as deep as the first cover portion 410 in order to accommodate the cassette and chainset (not shown) as the wheel 16 402 is a rear wheel. As shown in Figure 10 in particular, when attached to the wheel 402 17 the cover 404 completely covers the spokes 407 of the wheel 402.

19 In this embodiment, further detail of which is shown in Figure 11, the male pin 418 comprises two projections which are aligned with and received in corresponding slots in 21 the female pin 417. The end of the male pin 418 is thus inserted in the end of the female 22 pin 417, whereupon a turn of the male pin 418 (in this case a quarter turn) locks the male 23 pin 418 to the female pin 417. There may be provided a cam surface within the female pin 24 which engages the protrusions such that the male pin 418 and female pin 417 are drawn together as the male pin 418 is rotated. There may also be provided a latching feature, 26 such as a leaf, which prevents or restricts rotation of the male pin 418 in the opposite 27 direction once locked.

29 In a further alternative embodiment (not shown), the first and second attachment means may take the form of a tongue and groove. The tongue may be provided on the rim and 31 the groove on the wheel cover (or portions of the wheel cover) or vice versa, and the 32 tongue and groove may be continuous around the rim of the bicycle wheel and the wheel 33 cover, or may be discontinuous.

1 It is envisaged that any attachment means suitable for connecting the first cover portion to 2 the second cover portion and/or to the bicycle wheel may be employed. By way of (non- 3 limiting) example it is foreseen that one or more of screws, clips, magnets or the like may 4 be used.

6 As an additional alternative, like the first attachment means in embodiments described 7 above, the second attachment means could also take the form of a plurality of apertures 8 (in the cover portions). In such an embodiment, the bicycle wheel system may comprise a 9 third attachment means which takes the form of a bolt or screw or other through-connector which passes through the aperture or apertures of the bicycle wheel and the 11 corresponding apertures of the cover portions, thereby securing the wheel cover to the 12 bicycle wheel. Alternatively, instead of a bolt or screw, an fixing comprising an attachment 13 or locking arrangement such as shown in Figure 6 or Figure 11 could be used to attach the 14 cover portions to one another.

16 In a further alternative embodiment, Figure 8 shows a first cover portion 310 comprising 17 two sub portions 319; this arrangement enables the first cover portion 310 to be attached 18 to a bicycle wheel (not shown) without removing it from the bicycle frame (and associated 19 chainset -also not shown). Of course, both the first 310 and 311 second cover portions may comprise two or more such sub portions 319 such that the bicycle wheel 302 does not 21 have to be disconnected from the bicycle frame to fit the first 310 and 311 second cover 22 portions. The wheel covers of any of the embodiments described above may be provided 23 with sub portions in this way to enable attachment to the bicycle wheel without removal 24 from the bicycle frame.

26 It is also envisaged that instead of the various first attachment means described above 27 being located on or in the rim of the bicycle wheel, first attachment means could 28 alternatively (or additionally) be located at, on or in the central hub of the bicycle wheel.

29 For example, if the wheel cover is dimensioned to cover 100% of the spokes on the first and second surfaces or sides, the central hub may comprise one or more plates or pads 31 with corresponding apertures or simply apertures within the hub itself. If employed in 32 addition to first attachment means provided on or in the rim this arrangement provides 33 additional means for securing the wheel cover to the bicycle wheel. First attachment 34 means could further alternatively (or additionally) be located on one or more of the bicycle spokes, or indeed comprise the bicycle spokes themselves. The spokes may be provided 1 with clips and/or the wheel cover may be provided with clips with attach to those clips or to 2 the spokes themselves as appropriate.

4 A key advantage of the bicycle wheel system of the present invention (and described herein in various exemplary embodiments) is that a cyclist would only need to purchase 6 one bicycle wheel to which different dimensioned wheel covers could be interchangeably 7 fitted. Another key advantage is that the first and second attachment means provide a 8 quick and simple means to secure one or more wheel covers to the bicycle wheel. A 9 wheel cover where the first and second cover portions comprise sub portions has the advantage that the bicycle wheel does not have to be detached from a bicycle frame to fit 11 the wheel cover. This reduces the time, effort, skills and tools required to secure the 12 wheel cover.

14 An experienced cyclist might even purchase covers of the same depth but different aerodynamic sections (for example one for crosswinds when it's a windy day and one for 16 low yaw angles when it's a calm day). These will be much cheaper than buying multiple 17 wheelsets as the cyclist won't need to purchase additional spokes/hubs for each setup.

19 Furthermore, if there is a foreign object strike on the aerodynamic cover section of the wheel, the cover can be replaced without having to replace the whole wheel.

22 Power meters are sometimes provided in the hub on the rear wheel of a bicycle.

23 Commonly, and because power meters are expensive pieces of kit, cyclists would need to 24 completely rebuild the wheel with the hub on a different rim if they wanted to have power readings on separate wheels. The present invention means that a cyclist can have power 26 readings at all times with different covers fitting over the same spokes/hubs/base rim.

28 It is also noted that the aerodynamic drag caused by protruding valves (which attach to the 29 inner tube within the tyre) can be eliminated by selecting a cover which fits over the valve and covers it.

32 Although in the foregoing embodiments the wheel cover is attached to the bicycle wheel 33 via or using first attachment means provided on the wheel itself, it is foreseen that first and 34 second cover portions of the wheel cover may instead connect to one another directly to attach the wheel cover to the bicycle wheel. In such an embodiment the first and second 1 cover portions may each comprise corresponding attachment means such that the bicycle 2 wheel cover is removably attached to a bicycle wheel simply by attaching the first cover 3 portion to the second cover portion. The attachment means may comprise one or more of 4 screws, clips, magnets, bayonet fittings, quarter turn fittings or the like. Alternatively, the cover portions may comprise apertures through which fittings may be inserted to attach 6 and/or lock the cover portions together.

8 A bicycle wheel system is disclosed. The bicycle wheel system comprises a bicycle wheel 9 and at least one wheel cover. The bicycle wheel comprises attachment means for removably attaching the wheel cover to the bicycle wheel. The wheel cover is 11 interchangeable with wheel covers of different dimensions such that the wheel cover fitted 12 to the bicycle wheel is suited to the riding conditions. The wheel cover can be chosen to 13 minimise the aerodynamic drag of the bicycle wheel and/or how readily the bicycle wheel 14 might catch a cross-wind, which can be two competing considerations. The wheel cover is quick and simple to secure to the wheel and, in an embodiment of the present invention, 16 can be interchanged with another wheel cover (or simply removed) without removing the 17 bicycle wheel from the bicycle frame.

19 Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms "comprise" or "include", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", "includes" or "including" will 21 be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the 22 exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, unless the context clearly 23 demands otherwise, the term "or" will be interpreted as being inclusive not exclusive.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration 26 and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise 27 form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best 28 explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others 29 skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further 31 modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of 32 the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 Claims 3 1.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bicycle wheel 4 system comprising, a bicycle wheel; and 6 at least one wheel cover, 7 wherein the bicycle wheel comprises first attachment means; and 8 wherein the at least one wheel cover is removably attachable to the bicycle wheel via 9 the first attachment means.11 2.

The bicycle wheel system of claim 1, wherein the at least one wheel cover is 12 removably attachable to the first attachment means.14 3.

The bicycle wheel system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one wheel cover is shaped or dimensioned to partially or fully cover a plurality of spokes of the bicycle 16 wheel.18 4.

The bicycle wheel system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one wheel 19 cover is circular or substantially circular.21 5.

The bicycle wheel system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one wheel 22 cover is annular or substantially annular.24 6.

The bicycle wheel system of any preceding claim, wherein the wheel cover comprises a first cover portion and a second cover portion.27 The bicycle wheel system of claim 6, wherein the first cover portion is dimensioned 28 to partially or fully cover a first surface or side of the bicycle wheel.

8. The bicycle wheel system of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the second cover portion is 31 dimensioned to partially or fully cover a second surface or side of the bicycle wheel.33

9. The bicycle wheel system of any preceding claim, wherein the first cover portion 34 and/or the second cover portion comprises two or more sub portions.1

10. The bicycle wheel system of any preceding claim, wherein the first attachment 2 means is/are located on/in a rim of the bicycle wheel.4

11. The bicycle wheel system of any preceding claim, wherein the first attachment means is/are located on a central hub of the bicycle wheel.7

12. The bicycle wheel system of any preceding claim, wherein the first attachment 8 means comprises spokes of the bicycle wheel, or wherein spokes of the bicycle 9 wheel comprise the first attachment means.11

13. The bicycle wheel system of any preceding claim, wherein the first attachment 12 means comprises one or more apertures.14

14. The bicycle wheel system of claim 13, wherein the one or more apertures are located in one or more projections.17

15. The bicycle wheel system of claim 14, wherein the one or more projections are 18 attached to the bicycle wheel, or integrally formed with the bicycle wheel.

16. The bicycle wheel system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one wheel 21 cover comprises second attachment means configured, adapted or arranged to 22 cooperate with the first attachment means of the bicycle wheel.24

17. The bicycle wheel system of claim 16, wherein the second attachment means comprises one or more pins or bosses.27

18. The bicycle wheel system of claim 17, wherein the one or more pins or bosses are 28 dimensioned to form an interference fit with one or more apertures of the first 29 attachment means.31

19. The bicycle wheel system of claim 16, wherein the second attachment means 32 comprises one or more clips, and wherein optionally clips on the first cover portion 33 attach to clips on the second cover portion.

20. The bicycle wheel system of claim 16, wherein the first cover portion comprises one 36 or more male second attachment means and the second cover portion comprises 1 one or more female second attachment means adapted to receive the one or more 2 male second attachment means.4

21. The bicycle wheel system of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more male second attachment means is lockable to the one or more female second attachment 6 means.8

22. The bicycle wheel system of claim 16, wherein the bicycle wheel system comprises a 9 third attachment means which cooperates with the first and second attachment means.12

23. The bicycle wheel system of claim 22, wherein the first and second attachment 13 means each comprise one or more apertures and the third attachment means is 14 configured to pass through corresponding apertures of the first and second attachment means.17

24. The bicycle wheel system of any preceding claim, wherein the bicycle wheel system 18 comprises a plurality of wheel covers of different sizes and/or shapes.

25. The bicycle wheel system of any preceding claim, wherein first, second and/or third 21 attachment means comprise one or more of screws, clips, magnets, bayonet fittings 22 or the like.