NL2020345B1 - Bicycle pedal - Google Patents

Abstract

Bicycle pedal (1), including a foot support body (2) that is rotatably connectable to a pedal axle (PX), wherein a foot supporting top side (TS) of the foot support body (2) includes at least two grip-sections (2A, 2B, 2C) having mutually different foot supporting characteristics. The invention also provides a bicycle pedal (1), including a foot support body (2) that is rotatably connectable to a pedal axle (PX), wherein the pedal has a substantially tapered shape, viewed in a side view, in particular having a top side (TS) that substantially extends along a first virtual plane that is in parallel with the pedal axle (PX) and having a bottom side (BS) that extends at certain angle with respect to pedal axle (PX). The invention also provides a bicycle pedal (1), including a foot support body (2) that is rotatably connectable to a pedal axle (PX), the pedal including a proximal mounting part for mounting to the bicycle and a distal side, faced away from the proximal mounting part, wherein the distal side of the pedal intersects a vertical plane W that is normal to the pedal rotation axle, at an angle À, in particular at an angle À of more than 5 degree, for example at an angle À in the range of 5 to 45 degrees.

Description

Patent center

Θ 2020345

(2?) Application number: 2020345 (22) Application submitted: January 30, 2018

Int. CL:

B62M 3/08 (2018.01)

0 Application registered: 0 Patent holder (s): August 5, 2019 Accell Nederland B.V. in Heerenveen. 0 Request published: - 0 Inventor (s): Marten Hinne Hiemstra in Heerenveen. 0 Patent granted: August 5, 2019 0 Authorized representative: 0 Patent issued: ir. C.M. Jansen et al. In The Hague. August 5, 2019

Bicycle pedal (57) Bicycle pedal (1), including a foot support body (2) that is rotatably connectable to a pedal axle (PX), a foot supporting top side (TS) or the foot support body (2) includes at least two grip sections (2A, 2B, 2C) having mutually different foot supporting characteristics.

The invention also provides a bicycle pedal (1), including a foot support body (2) that is rotatably connectable to a pedal axle (PX), the pedal has a substantial tapered shape, viewed in a side view, in particular having a top side (TS) that substantially extends along a first virtual plane that is in parallel with the pedal axle (PX) and having a bottom side (BS) that extends at a certain angle with respect to pedal axle (PX).

The invention also provides a bicycle pedal (1), including a foot support body (2) that is rotatably connectable to a pedal axle (PX), the pedal including a proximal mounting part for mounting on the bicycle and a distal side, facing away from the proximal mounting part, the distal side of the pedal intersects on a vertical plane W that is normal to the pedal rotation axle, at an angle λ, in particular at an angle λ or more than 5 degree, for example at an angle λ in the range of 5 to 45 degrees.

NL B1 2020345

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

P116838NL00

Title: Bicycle pedal

The invention relates to a bicycle pedal, including a foot support body that is rotatably connectable to a pedal axle.

Bicycle pedals are known in various configurations. The pedal is generally configured to receive and transmit foot pressure, exerted by a cycler (i.e. via the cycler's foot and -usually- a respective shoe), to a crank of the bicycle. Generally, bicycle pedals have substantially rectangular shapes and are normally mounted with respect to the respective pedal axle. Also, known pedals usually include grip enhancing structures on both pedal sides, enhancing user grip.

EP2366616 discloses an alternative configuration, the pedal is mounted at a certain angle with respect to the pedal axle. The pedal has a pedal body including a contact area, and a pedal axle holding the pedal body in a rotatable manner. The contact area has a recess extending over the entire pedal breadth, where a middle line of a deepest area of the recess is displaced opposite to the pedal axle. The recess is formed in a concave shape, and extends from a rear side of the contact area to a front side of the contact area. The pedal axle is arranged in a cylindrical hollow space in an inner side of the body, where a middle line of the pedal axle runs perpendicular to a treadle. According to EP'616, the respective pedal provides improved support / contact between the foot and the pedal without having to apply a special connection between a cycler's shoe and the pedal.

The present invention aims to provide an improved bicycle pedal. In particular, the invention aims to provide a pedal that can provide optimum force transmission between the cycler and a bicycle drive train (in particular a crank). Also, the invention aims to provide a user friendly, durable and reliable pedal, and also - acceptance to an aspect - a pedal having an appealing look. Further, the invention aims to provide a pedal having a relatively strong construction and a relatively smart design.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a pedal that is defined by the features of claim 1.

Preferably, a bicycle pedal includes a foot support body that is rotatably connectable to a pedal axle, providing a foot supporting top side of the foot support body includes at least two grip sections having mutually different foot supporting characteristics.

In this way, grip between a cycler (e.g. shoe) and the pedal can be optimized and contact between the cycler (e.g. shoe) and the pedal can be made relatively comfortable. For example, the at least two grip sections can have mutually different foot supporting characteristics concerning friction (in particular contact friction in a direction in parallel with a top surface of the pedal), such that one of the grip sections is aimed at providing a relatively high friction whereas the other (a second one) or the grip section provides a lower (ie lower than said high) friction. Similarly, the least two grip sections can have mutually different foot supporting characteristics concerning foot pressure resilience (i.e. resiliency or elasticity, measured in a direction perpendicularly or -during operation- substantially downwardly to an upper surface of the pedal). As an example, the second one of the grip sections can be configured to provide a lower resiliency or elasticity (to the user, during operation) than the first one of the grip section. In this way, comfort can be increased. It is preferred that at least two grip sections of the pedal define a major part (e.g. at least 75%) or an upper surface of the pedal.

For example, the foot support body can include at least one first part that is made of a first material, defining a first grip section of the top side of the body, and a second part that is made of a second material, defining a second grip section or the top side of the body, the second material being different from the first material.

It is then preferred that the second material is a resilient material, the first material is a rigid material, i.e. being significantly less resilient than the second material. In this way, the above-mentioned advantages can be achieved.

According to a further embodiment, each first grip section or the top side of the foot supporting body has a friction enhancing relief or structure. Thus, the grip section can provide good grip to the user during cycling.

Preferably, the second grip section of the foot supporting body extends at least above the pedal axle, in particular during cycling (i.e. when the pedal is in operation).

For example, the second grip section can act as or be configured as a cushioning member, receiving / absorbing foot pressure directly above the usually rigid, hard axle or pedal (during cycling), providing increasing comfort to the user. Advantageously, the second grip section has an elongated shape, viewed in a top view, in a center line of the second grip section, intersects on a vertical plane V that includes a pedal rotation axle, at an angle, in particular at an angle or more than 1 degree, for example at an angle in the range of 5 to 25 degrees. For example, a point of intersection between said center line or the second grip section and said vertical plane V can be located at or near a lateral center of the pedal.

The second grip section can have various shapes. As an example, for providing an even grip distribution, the second grip section can have a substantially rectangular shape, viewed in a top view.

Also, in a preferred embodiment, the pedal includes two first grip sections, one extending on each or two opposite sides or a second grip section.

Thus, the first grip sections can provide respective grip characteristics at two sides of the second grip section, providing enhanced foot positioning on the pedal during use. Also, depending e.g. on the materials used, the two first grip sections and intermediate second grip section can provide enhanced grip and comfort to the user.

Further, it is preferred that a first grip section and neighboring second grip section are mutually spaced by an intermediate spacer section, in particular a rectangular or slightly tapered spacer section.

In this way the various grip sections can be separately defined, whereas this feature also allows for good manufacturability and durability or the respective pedal design. Besides, the spacer section (s) can optically lay emphasis on the location or e.g. the second grip section, which can assist a user in properly positioning his foot onto the pedal.

Also, in an aspect, the first grip section can have a tapered shape.

It is particularly advantageous in case a center of gravity or the pedal is arranged below a axle or rotation of the pedal, such that the pedal is self-leveling after mounting.

In this way, the pedal can have a substantial single orientation during cycling, while it has a top side that will always face upwardly for receiving foot pressure. Thus, the top side can be optimized for receiving the pressure and for providing grip and comfort to the user, in particular via the above-mentioned grip sections.

In case of a self-leveling pedal, a bottom side of the pedal (i.e. a side that is always facing away from a user's foot, i.e. facing substantially downwardly) does not have to be optimized for providing grip and comfort to a user. For example the bottom side of a self-leveling pedal can have a certain aerodynamic shape or configuration (e.g. providing a low wind resistance). According to an aspect, a bottom side of the self-leveling pedal, which is facing away from said top side can have e.g. a relatively smooth surface.

In addition, a bottom side of the pedal, which is facing away from said top side, may e.g. extend in parallel with respect to the top side, but preferably, the bottom side has a convex shape. This can provide a more appealing look of the pedal, and can also be a lead to reduction of materials used for manufacturing the pedal, and for example improved pedal aerodynamics.

Also, according to an aspect, good results can be achieved in the pedal has a substantially tapered shape, viewed in a side view, in particular having a top side that is substantially extended along a first virtual plane that is in parallel with the pedal axle and having a bottom side that extends at a certain angle with respect to pedal axle.

In addition, according to an advantageous aspect, there is provided a bicycle pedal including a proximal mounting part for mounting on the bicycle and a distal side, facing away from the proximal mounting part, where the distal side of the pedal intersects a vertical plane W that is normal for the pedal rotation axle, at an angle λ, in particular at an angle λ or more than 5 degree, for example at an angle λ in the range of 5 to 45 degrees. In this way, above-mentioned advantages can be achieved.

Further, the present invention provides a bicycle, including a number of wheels, at least being powered by a foot pedal driven crank, the foot pedal being a pedal according to the invention. In this way the abovementioned advantages can be achieved.

The invention will now be elucidated with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show a non-limiting example.

Figure 1 shows a top view of part of a bicycle having two examples of pedals according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows schematically an example of a shoe contour and pressure profile of a cycler, in top view;

Figure 3 schematically shows a top view of a right pedal or the bicycle depicted in Figs. 1;

Figure 4 shows a left and right pedal, in top view;

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a left pedal of the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 4;

Figure 6 shows a top view of the left pedal, in more detail;

Figure 7 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figs. 6;

Figure 8 shows a vertical cross-section over line VIII-VIII or Fig. 6;

Figure 9 shows a vertical cross-section over line XI-XI or Fig. 6;

Figure 10 shows a horizontal cross-section over line X-X or Fig. 7; and

Figure 11 shows a vertical cross-section over line XI-XI or Fig. 7.

Similar or corresponding features are denoted by similar or corresponding reference signs in this application.

Figure 1 shows part of a bicycle B. As is generally known, the bicycle can include a number of wheels, at least being powered by a foot pedal driven crank K. The crank can be coupled to a bicycle wheel via a suitable transmission, or chain or the-like, for rotating the wheel upon pedal powered crank rotation ..

In the present example, the bicycle B has a left and right pedal 1, for receiving foot pressure from a cyclist. The pedals are shown in more detail in Figure 4, the right pedal being denoted 1R and the left pedal being denoted IL. As follows from the drawings, these pedals IR, IL can have a mutually mirror-symmetrical shape (with respect or a mirror plane extending normally with respect to respective pedal shafts / axles PX).

Each pedal 1 includes a proximal mounting part for mounting on the bicycle and a distal side, facing away from the proximal mounting part. As also follows from Figures 2-11, each pedal 1 includes a foot support body 2 that is rotatably connected to a respective pedal axle PX. The pedal axle PX is configured to be connected securely (in a rotation-fixed manner) to the bicycle crank K, via integral screw thread ST. Usually, the axle includes a nut-section BS to be engaged by a mounting tool, for assembling the pedal 1 to the crank K. Also, the pedal can include suitable bearing structures 50 (see Figures 5, 10, 11) for rotatably coupling the pedal body 2 to the axle PX.

The bicycle pedal 1 according to the present example has various new innovative characteristics, as will be explained in the following in more detail.

Firstly, in the present examples, a foot supporting top side TS or the foot support body 2 includes at least two grip sections 2A, 2B, 2C having mutually different foot supporting characteristics.

For example, the foot support body 2 can include two first grip parts that are made of a first material, defining first grip sections 2A, 2C or the top side of the body 2, and an intermediate second part that is made of a second material, defining a second grip section 2B or the top side of the body, the second material being different from the first material. The second material can e.g. be a resilient material, wherein the first material is a rigid material, i.e. being significantly less resilient than the second material.

For example, the foot support body 2 can include a top body part 12 that includes the two first grip parts 12A, 12C, the top body part being made of the first (rigid material). In the present example, a resilient element 12B has been fixed to the top body part 12, extending between the first grip parts 12A, 12C, to provide the second grip part. For example, the resilient element 12B can be embedded in an aperture or notch 14 of the top body part 12, the resilient element 12B eg protruding upwardly out of the aperture 14 such that a top side of the resilient element 12B (slightly) extends above a horizontal level or a top side of the two first grip parts 12A, 12C during operation (see Fig. 11). The resilient element 12B is compressible during operation. In particular, when a user has positioned a user foot / shoe onto the top side of the pedal 1, he will contact the first grip sections 2A, 2C as well as the intermediate second grip section 2B, the second grip section preferably being compressed ( slightly) by the user. This provides comfort to the user as well as increased (horizontal) grip

Preferably, each first grip section 2A, 2C or the top side of the foot supporting body 2 has a friction enhancing relief or structure (as in the present drawings). A top side of the intermediate resilient element 12B preferably does not include such a friction enhancing relief, e.g., the top side can be a smooth side of the element 12B. This provides increased durability or the respective part of the pedal.

Thus, the pedal can have two first grip sections 2A, 2C, one extending on each or two opposite sides or a second grip section 2B. In this example, each first grip section 2A; 2C and the neighboring second grip section 2B are mutually spaced by an intermediate spacer section 2D, in particular a rectangular or slightly tapered spacer section 2D. As follows in particular from Figs. 11, these intermediate spacer sections 2D can have substantially smooth upper surfaces. In this example (see Fig. 11), the upper surfaces of the spacer sections 2D extend below horizontal upper levels or both the first and second grip sections 2A, 2B, 2C (in particular when the resilient element 12B providing the second grip section 2B is in an uncompressed, initial condition). Besides, in this case, the upper surfaces of the spacer sections 2D extend above the (in the drawings horizontal) level of a bottom of the aperture 14 that holds the resilient element 12B.

The second grip section 2B of the foot supporting body extends at least above the pedal axle PX, but at a different angle compared to a center line of the axle. Referring to Figures 3, 6, the second grip section 2B has an elongated shape, viewed in a top view, a center line of the second grip section 2B intersects a vertical plane V that includes the center line of the pedal rotation axle PX, at a first angle Θ, in particular at an angle of more than 1 degree, for example at an angle Θ in the range of 5 to 25 degrees. A point of intersection between said center line or the second grip section 2B and said vertical plane For example, be located at or near a lateral center of the pedal (viewed in top view). Referring to Figures 2, 3, in this way, the elongated second (resilient) grip section 2B can extend substantially below a foot section of a user that experiences / provides relatively high pressure during cycling (a respective rather elongated high pressure region being denoted by HP in Fig. 2), providing additional comfort to the user, as well as grip improvement and improved force transmission onto the crank K.

The various grip sections 2A, 2B, 2C or the pedal can have various shapes, particularly viewed in top view. In this example, the second grip section 2B has a substantially rectangular or frusco-conical / tapered shape, viewed in a top view. In particular, each first grip section 2A, 2C can have a tapered shape. Also, as in this example, a front first grip section 2A (facing a bicycle's front after assembly) can be less tapered (or even rectangularly shaped) than the back first grip section 2C (that faces a bicycle's back after assembly). Also, in this example, the front first grip section 2A, middle (resilient) grip section 2B and back first grip section 2C all cover about the same amount or top surface area (+/- 20%) or the pedal 2, viewed in a top view.

In is preferred that a center or gravity of the pedal 1 is arranged below an axis or rotation of the pedal (i.e. below a center line of the axle PX), such that the pedal is self-leveling after mounting. To this aim, the pedal can include a number of weight increasing masses M (for example metal or steel elements) located at or near a bottom of the pedal 1. Thus, during operation, only the top side of the pedal 1 will be available to a user for foot (ie shoe) positioning.

A bottom side BS of the pedal can have various configurations and does not have to be specifically constructed for receiving foot pressures during operation. For example, the bottom side BS or the pedal (i.e. the side that is facing away from said top side TS), can have a relatively smooth surface.

In addition, contrary to the top side TS, the bottom side BS or the pedal 1 can have a convex, e.g. curved shape.

In this way, the pedal can provide a sleek appearance, and may also provide improved (narrower) wind resistance.

Referring to Figure 7-9, it is in particular preferred that the pedal has a substantially tapered shape, viewed in a side view, in particular having a top side TS that substantially extends along a first virtual plane that is in parallel with the pedal axle PX and having a bottom side BS that extends at a certain angle β, γ with respect to pedal axle PX (viewed in a vertical cross-section). As follows from Figure 8, for example, a main central part of the bottom side can include a second angle 6 with a center line of the axle PX. In addition, optionally, a distal part of the bottom side BS (extending towards a distal edge DE) can include another, third angle γ with a center line of the axle PX, the second angle for example being larger than the first angle 6.

It is further preferred that (viewed in a top view, see Fig. 6) the distal side / edge THE of the pedal extends intersects on a vertical plane W that is normal to the pedal rotation axle, at a fourth angle λΐ, in particular at an angle λΐ or more than 5 degrees, for example at an angle Already in the range of 5 to 45 degrees. Moreover, as follows from Figures 1, 4, 6, a front edge FE or the distal side of the pedal 1 is axially further removed from the proximal mounting part ST than a leading edge LE or that side. This can further assist a user in foot positioning, and can provide increased ergonomics as well as economic use of material.

Further referring to Figure 6, a proximal side / edge PEI, PE2 or the pedal can also include various angles X2. X3 with respect to a vertical plane W "that is normal to the pedal rotation axle (axis). In this case, a front part PE 1 or that proximal side PE includes a fifth angle X2 with that vertical plane W ', and a back part PE2 or that proximal side includes a fifth angle λ3 with that vertical plane W', each of the fourth and fifth angle A2, X3 can be in the range of about 5 to 45 degrees.

Also, in this example, the front part PEI or the proximal side PE or the pedal extends substantially in parallel with the distal edge DE, seen in top view (see Fig. 6).

Moreover, as follows from Figure 6, see in top view the back part PE2 or the proximal side PE or the pedal and the distal edge THE can extend along virtual lines that include a sixth angle λ2, eg an angle in the range of about 5 -90 degrees.

Referring to Figure 5, the present pedal can be constructed eg from two main components 12, 13, namely the top body part 12 and a bottom body part 13, that can eg be interconnected using suitable connection means, eg screws or bolts 15, clamping means, an adhesive or the-like. Optionally, the connection between the two parts 12, 13 is releasable, e.g., in case access to integrated / interior masses.

In this case, the top body part 12 (which is preferably made of a rigid, sturdy material, e.g. a durable plastic, a fiber reinforced material, or the-like) includes a shaft receiving aperture 12x for receiving the axle PX. As follows from FIG. 11, the top body part 12 can have a substantial Tshaped cross-section, receiving the shaft receiving aperture 12a is a part of a central section of the body part 12 whereas the first grip parts 12A, 12C are made in one piece with the top sections / wings of the body part.

The bottom body part 13 can be configured to hold pedal balancing masses M (eg in a removable manner), and may snuggly fit onto the top part 12 to from the pedal 1. The pedal can include other components, eg elongated reflector elements / strips RF mounted at front and back sides of the pedal 1, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. In this example, the reflector elements RF are received in respective apertures that have been provided in the bottom body part 13. More in particular, the reflector elements RF are embedded within the pedal 1, in recessed positions, the bottom part 13 having opening O providing ambient light access to the reflectors.

The present pedal has a mainly asymmetrical shape and can provide very good grip, force transmission and comfort to the cyclist. Also, it can provide improved support to the cycler's foot / shoe. Besides, the pedal can be manufactured in an economical manner.

It is self-evident that the invention is not limited to the example described above. Various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims, as will be clear to the skilled person.

For example, according to a first aspect of the invention a foot supporting top side TS of the foot support body 2 includes at least two grip sections 2A, 2B, 2C having mutually different foot supporting characteristics. Independently, the following aspects of the invention can be provided per se, and also lead to good results:

- the pedal has a substantially tapered shape, viewed in a side view, in particular having a top side TS that substantially extends along a first virtual plane that is in parallel with the pedal axle PX and having a bottom side BS that extends at a certain angle 6, γ with respect to pedal axle PX; and / or

-the pedal includes a proximal mounting part for mounting the bicycle and a distal side / edge, facing away from the proximal mounting part, the distal side of the pedal intersects a vertical plane W that is normal to the pedal rotation axle, at an angle λ, in particular at an angle λ or more than 5 degrees, for example at an angle λ in the range of 5 to 45 degrees;

Claims (19)

Conclusions A bicycle pedal (1) comprising a footrest body (2) rotatably connected to a pedal shaft (PX), wherein a footrest upper side (TS) of the footrest body (2) comprises at least two grip sections (2A, 2B, 2C) with mutually different foot-supporting properties. A bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein the footrest light frame comprises at least a first part (2A, 2C) made of a first material, defining a first grip section of the upper side of the body, and a second part (2B) that is of a second material is made, defining a second grip section from the top of the body, the second material being different from the first material. The bicycle pedal of claim 2, wherein the second material is a resilient material, the first material being a rigid material, i.e., being significantly less resilient than the second material. A bicycle pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first grip section (2A, 2C) of the upper side of the foot-supporting body has a friction-increasing relief or structure. 5. Bicycle pedal according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second grip section (2B) of the foot-supporting body extends at least above the pedal axis. A bicycle pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second grip section (2B) has an elongated shape, viewed in top view, wherein a center line of the second grip section (2B) intersects a vertical plane V comprising a pedal rotation axis, at an angle Θ, in particular at an angle of more than 1 degree, for example at an angle θ in the range of 5-25 degrees. The bicycle pedal of claim 6, wherein a point of intersection between said center line of the second grip section (2B) and said vertical plane V is located at or near a lateral center of the pedal. A bicycle pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second grip section (2B) has a substantially rectangular shape, viewed in top view. A bicycle pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two first grip sections (2A, 2B), with one extending on each of two opposite sides of a second grip section (2B). A bicycle pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first grip section (2A; 2C) and adjacent second grip section (2B) are spaced apart by an intermediate spacer section (2D), in particular a rectangular or tapered spacer section ( 2D). A bicycle pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first grip section (2A, 2C) has a tapered shape. A bicycle pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a center of gravity of the pedal is arranged under an axis of rotation of the pedal, such that the pedal is self-leveling after mounting. A bicycle pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a bottom side (BS) of the pedal facing away from said top side (TS) has a relatively smooth surface. A bicycle pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a bottom side (BS) of the pedal facing away from said top side (TS) has a convex shape. A bicycle pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pedal has a substantially tapered shape, seen in side view, in particular with an upper side (TS) extending substantially along a first virtual plane extending parallel to the pedal axis (PX) and with a bottom side (BS) that extends at a certain angle with respect to the pedal axis (PX). A bicycle pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a proximal mounting part for mounting on the bicycle and a distal side facing away from the proximal mounting part, wherein the distal side of the pedal intersects a vertical plane W which is normal with respect to the pedal rotation axis, at an angle λ, in particular at an angle λ of more than 5 degrees, for example at an angle λ in the range of 5-45 degrees. A bicycle pedal (1), for example a pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a footrest body (2) rotatably connected to a pedal shaft (PX), the pedal having a substantially tapered shape, seen in side view, in particular with an upper side (TS) extending substantially along a first virtual plane extending parallel to the pedal axis (PX) and with a lower side (BS) extending at a certain angle relative to the pedal axis (PX) . A bicycle pedal (1), for example a pedal according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a footrest body (2) rotatably connected to a pedal shaft (PX), the pedal comprising a proximal mounting part for mounting on the bicycle and a distal side, which is remote from the proximal mounting portion, the distal side of the pedal intersecting a vertical plane W normal to the pedal rotation axis, at an angle λ, in particular at an angle λ of more than 5 degrees, for example at an angle λ in the range of 5-45 degrees. A bicycle, comprising a number of wheels, driven at least by a foot pedal-driven crankshaft, wherein the foot pedal is a pedal according to any one of the preceding claims. 1/8