WO2021044340A1

WO2021044340A1 - Support device for a front wheel of bicycles

Info

Publication number: WO2021044340A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/058214
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicoletta Sartore
Original assignee: Elite Srl
Priority date: 2019-09-04
Filing date: 2020-09-03
Publication date: 2021-03-11
Also published as: IT201900015605A1

Abstract

A support device (100) for a front wheel (101) of a bicycle comprises a support base (1) a rotating structure (2) which comprises a receiving seat (20) which is configured so as to receive therein a portion of the front wheel (101) and which is rotatably supported on the support base (1) about a rotation axis (X) which, during use, is orientated in a substantially vertical manner. The rotation axis (X) extends in the region of an end zone (20A) of the receiving seat (20).

Description

SUPPORT DEVICE FOR A FRONT WHEEL OF BICYCLES

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a support device for a front wheel of a bicycle, of the type which can be used in conjunction with a roller type support for the rear wheel of bicycles, or another similar training device.

In the field of the cycling sector, the use of so-called rollers or trainers is widespread, that is to say, devices which are intended for training in closed environments and by means of which the bicycle can be supported on fixed supports and which are capable of producing an adjustable braking action on the pedalling.

In the field of such devices, there has been perceived the need for being able to recreate situations and conditions which are increasingly similar to those which effectively occur in the field of effective cycling activity on roads and in general in the open.

Within the scope of this requirement, there have been developed a number of solutions which are directed towards recreating conditions of resistance to advance and which reproduce in the most faithful manner possible the conditions which occur along real routes with predefined characteristics and which are capable of operating in an interactive manner with the activity of the cyclist.

From the perspective of such interactivity, there have also been developed supports for the front wheel which are capable of simulating the conditions which occur on the handlebars during practical cycling and where applicable which detect the movement thereof during the training. An example of this type of support is described in the Dutch patent NL2006702 which relates to a support for a front wheel which comprises an inclined support plane which is provided with a seat for the wheel and which rotates on a base about a non-vertical axis. One of the main disadvantages connected with this solution is connected with the fact of requiring the front support to be fixed with respect to the rear one because, otherwise, the forces resulting from the use of an inclined cradle would tend to urge the front support forwards.

There is further some difficulty in constructing the support in such a manner that the cradle is urged so as to produce an automatic return of the handlebars into the central position. Other support solutions for a front wheel are described in US 2009 283648, CN105498183 or CN105498184. These patent applications describe a support structure for the front wheel of a bicycle in which the support plane for the wheel is arranged to be horizontal and is rotatable with respect to a vertical axis.

However, these solutions have a disadvantage in terms of stability of the bicycle. The steering axis of a bicycle is typically angled and therefore the bicycle will tend to be inclined following the rotation of the handlebar.

Therefore, the problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a support device for front wheels of bicycles which is structurally and functionally configured to at least partially overcome one or more of the disadvantages set out with reference to the cited prior art.

Another object is to provide a support device for a front wheel which does not need to be secured with respect to the relevant support of the rear wheel in order to maintain the correct wheelbase associated with the bicycle used.

Another object is to provide a support device for a front wheel which does not cause situations of excessive instability during the movement of the handlebar.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a support device for a front wheel which has a geometry which is particularly suitable for urging the return of the handlebar of the bicycle on which it is used into a central position.

This problem is solved and these objects are achieved, at least partially, by the invention by means of a support device for a front wheel comprising a support base which is intended to be supported on a substantially planar support surface, a rotating structure which comprises a receiving seat which is configured so as to receive therein a portion of the front wheel.

Preferably, the receiving seat defines a support surface of the wheel and has a substantially elongate form.

Preferably, the rotating structure is rotatably supported on the support base about a rotation axis which, during use, is orientated in a substantially perpendicular manner to the support surface. Preferably, the rotation axis extends in the region of an end zone of the receiving seat.

Preferably, the end zone is positioned, during use, frontally. According to other aspects, the invention also relates to the use of a support device for a front wheel according to claim 22, to the training kit according to claim 25 and the kit according to claim 26.

In fact, it will be appreciated that, in the support device of the present invention, the rotation of the rotating structure provided with a seat for receiving the front wheel of the bicycle takes place about a rotation axis which, during use, is orientated substantially perpendicularly to the surface on which the device is supported. This axis is therefore typically vertical in the case of support on a planar surface.

The Applicant has observed that this orientation of the axis does not prejudice the stability of the bicycle if the rotation axis of the rotating structure extends in the region of an end zone which is positioned, during use, in front of the receiving seat of the wheel.

This feature in fact allows the steering axis of the bicycle and the rotation axis of the device to be made to converge towards a common location which is substantially arranged on the support surface of the wheel on the rotating structure of the device of the invention. Consequently, as a result of this condition, the inclination of the bicycle is minimized during the rotation of the handlebar, therefore making the bicycle more stable during the training.

Furthermore, the rolling movement of the wheel on the support surface of the rotating support is reduced, still to the benefit of the stability and thereby preventing the need for provision of a relative movement between the wheel and the support surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, the seat for receiving the wheel and the rotation axis of the rotating structure are configured in such a manner that, when the front wheel of the bicycle is supported on the support device, the steering axis of the front wheel intersects with the support surface of the wheel at a point which is substantially coincident with the intersection point between the rotation axis and the support surface. In fact, the Applicant has observed that the optimum positioning of the rotation axis of the rotating structure can be determined in accordance with the characteristics of the bicycle, once the front wheel is received in the relevant seat.

To this end, it must be noted that the variability of the geometry of the steering system in the bicycles used during the practice of sport is quite limited and, therefore, this feature allows with a good approximation the device of the present invention to be made suitable for the majority of bicycles.

Preferably, in the context of this feature, the intersection point between the rotation axis and the support surface has a spacing d from the intersection point between the steering axis and the support surface, when measured along the support surface, not greater than 10% of the diameter of the wheel. In fact, the Applicant has observed that the stability of the bicycle during training according to what has been set out above is not compromised within this range.

In some embodiments, the support surface of the receiving seat of the wheel extends, along the seat itself, in accordance with a circumferential arc profile and, during use, preferably has a symmetrical shape with respect to a plane perpendicular to the support surface. As a result of this feature, the weight of the bicycle acts in a vertical direction, therefore preventing the production of components of the force which tend to move the support device on the support surface on which it is supported. In this manner, it is not necessary to secure the support device for the front wheel of the bicycle to the structure of the roller used for the rear wheel.

According to another aspect, the receiving seat of the front wheel narrows in the region of the opposite longitudinal ends. As a result of this feature, a specific mobility is allowed for the rear wheel in the region of the central zone of the seat, in any case maintaining a specific stability at the ends.

Another advantage of the present invention involves making the return of the rotating structure into a central rest position simpler with respect to solutions in which the rotation centre is arranged in a central position.

This feature can advantageously be used in some embodiments by providing the support device with a resilient element which is configured so as to oppose the rotation of the rotating structure with respect to the rest position.

In some embodiments, the receiving seat has a concave shape. This allows the ability to receive the wheel in a suitable manner, preventing or in any case limiting the rolling thereof. This is particularly advantageous as a result of the arrangement of the rotation axis of the rotating structure. The positioning thereof is in fact such that, when the handlebar of the bicycle is steered, a movement is not imparted in the longitudinal direction, not even a minimum movement, to the wheel with respect to the support surface of the rotating structure.

According to yet another aspect, the support device may comprise detecting means which are capable of detecting mechanical parameters of position, kinematics or dynamics in relation to the rotating structure.

Preferably, these parameters comprise one or more of the following parameters: a rotation angle of the rotating structure with respect to the base about the rotation axis, a rotational speed value of the rotating structure about the rotation axis, an acceleration value of the rotating structure about the rotation axis, a torque value in the direction of the rotation axis applied to the rotating structure.

In some embodiments, the support device also comprises communication means, preferably of the wireless type, which are capable of transmitting information items detected by the above- mentioned detecting means to an external unit for processing this information.

Other preferred features of the invention are more generally defined by the dependent claims. These features and advantages associated therewith will also be appreciated more clearly from the detailed description of a number of preferred embodiments of the invention which will be illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the support device according to the present invention; Figures 2, 3 and 4 are a side view, front view and plan view of the support device of Figure 1, respectively,

Figures 5 and 5A are a side view which is partially sectioned and a relevant detail of the support device, in which the positioning of the front wheel of a bicycle during use of the device is depicted; and

Figure 6 is a perspective, exploded view of the support device of Figure 1; and

Figure 7 is a perspective view, from the rear, of a kit for cycle training comprising the support device according to the present invention.

Initially with reference to Figure 1, a support device for a front wheel of a bicycle is generally designated 100.

The support device 100 of the present invention can advantageously be used in conjunction with a training device 300, by means of which the bicycle can be supported in the region of the rear wheel axis thereof. The training device 300 is configured so as to allow pedalling to be simulated. To this end, the device 300 is advantageously provided with a brake, such as a magnetic brake, fan type brake, hydraulic brake or electromechanical brake, in order to oppose the pedalling of the user which is transmitted, either by means of one or more toothed pinions, with which the chain engages, or by means of a roller which is actuated by friction from the tyre of the rear wheel. In other words, the device of the present invention may form a training kit together with a device 300 or other similar system. The support device 100 comprises a support base 1 which is intended to be supported on a support surface S which is substantially planar, as schematically indicated in Figure 2.

In preferred embodiments, the support base 1 is provided with feet 4, where applicable comprising an anti-slip surface. In fact, as set out above, the device 100 according to the present invention can advantageously be used without any need for fixing the rear wheel to the support, and the presence of feet with anti-slip surfaces may be sufficient for stable positioning of the device 100.

Again with reference to Figure 1, there is rotatably supported on the support base 1 a rotating structure 2 which is intended to receive a portion of the front wheel 101 of the bicycle. To this end, the rotating structure 2 comprises a receiving seat 20 which is configured so as to be able to retain therein a portion of the wheel 101.

Preferably, the seat 20 has a concave shape so as to confer a specific stability on the wheel 100.

According to another aspect, the seat has an elongate form and defines a support surface 21, on which the wheel 101 is supported during the use of the device 100.

In some embodiments, the support surface 21 extends along the seat 20 in accordance with a circumferential arc profile so as to follow the development of a tyre of the wheel 101. Preferably, the circumferential arc extends over an arc having a magnitude of from 25° to 75° and even more preferably extends over an arc having a magnitude from 50° to 60°.

It is evident that there may also be provided different forms for the seat 20 and the relevant support surface 21 as long as they are capable of receiving and partially retaining a wheel portion. Generally, at least two contact points between the support surface 21 and the wheel 101 received therein will be identified in any case. It will be appreciated that the position of the two contact points allows the unique identification of the position of the axis of the hub A of the wheel 101, the diameter thereof being known, when it is supported on the device. By way of example, the support surface 21 may extend along a circumferential arc with a radius approximately equal to or slightly greater than 700 mm, that is to say, corresponding to the common 28" wheels typically used for racing bicycles. Alternatively, there may be provision for using a slightly greater circumference so as to also allow 29" wheels to be received, the use of which is becoming widespread in mountain bikes.

As may also be observed in the embodiment described in Figure 4, the seat 20 may have a symmetrical form with respect to a vertical plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seat 20 itself. In this manner, the axis A of the wheel 101 may advantageously be vertically aligned with the centre location of the seat 20, contributing to the supply of stability in the wheel, as schematically indicated in Figure 5.

Still with reference to Figure 5, the rotation axis X of the rotating structure 2 with respect to the base 1 is orientated vertically when the device is supported on a planar surface. More generally, this rotation axis X is, during use, orientated substantially perpendicularly to the support surface S. As may be observed in the embodiment of Figure 1, in preferred embodiments the rotation axis X extends in the region of an end zone 20A of the receiving seat 20. This zone 20A corresponds to the zone which is intended to be positioned frontally during the use of the device 100. It is evident that, in the context of the present invention, the forward direction is uniquely defined by the bicycle, the front wheel of which is supported by the device 100.

In other words, it will be appreciated that, in the receiving seat 20, it is possible to define a first end 201 which is directed towards the front portion of the bicycle when the front wheel 101 thereof is received therein, and a second end 202, which is opposite the first end and which is directed towards the rear portion of the bicycle 101. On the basis of correct use of the device according to the present invention, the front wheel of the bicycle 101 is preferably received in the receiving seat 20 in such a manner that the end zone 20A is adjacent to the first end 201, that is to say, the end directed towards the front portion of the bicycle. In case, the device 100 may be combined with instructions for use or illustrations capable of explaining the correct orientation of the bicycle. According to another aspect of the invention, a more precise positioning of the rotation axis X can be established on the basis of geometric considerations of the bicycle.

To this end, it must be noted that there is present quite a limited variability in terms of the geometries of the forks of the bicycles and the relevant characteristics of the steering, therefore allowing identification of a position for the rotation axis X which is substantially suitable for all the racing bicycles and mountain bikes for adults, that is to say, for those bicycles for which roller type training systems are commonly used, or the like.

In fact, the Applicant has observed that the optimum condition in positioning the rotation axis X is obtained when the intersection point P' thereof with the support surface 21 is substantially coincident with the projection location of the steering axis Z on the support surface 21. This condition is schematically illustrated in Figure 5 and, in greater detail, in Figure 5A.

For the considerations given above, the optimum positioning of the axis can be determined in a substantially unique manner for each type of bicycle in accordance with the shape of the seat 20 which determines the positioning of the wheel 101 which is supported by the device 100 of the present invention.

The shape of the seat in fact determines the positioning of the axis of the hub A of the front wheel 101. The factors which in fact determine the projection of the steering axis Z with respect to the axis of the wheel A are constituted by the diameter of the wheel, the steering angle b and the so-called rake r, that is to say, the spacing between the steering axis Z and the axis of the hub of the front wheel. As illustrated above, the device according to the present invention is typically intended for racing bicycles or mountain bikes in which these factors have a variability which is generally modest.

By way of example, the diameter of the wheel may be between the typical diameters of 28" or 29" wheels, the steering angle b may be between 65° and 73° and the rake r may be between 4.5 and 6 cm.

However, the Applicant has observed that a preferred solution which is capable of being adapted to the majority of if not all bicycles in common use can be obtained by considering a mean value of the values set out above.

In a preferred embodiment, therefore, there may be considered this arrangement of the vertical rotation axis X, the one determined by the position of an intersection point P between the steering axis Z and the support surface 21 which is obtained by considering a 28" wheel (that is to say, a diameter of the wheel of 700 mm), a rake of 5.25 cm and a steering angle b of 69°.

This position is indicated in the embodiment of Figure 5A. As set out above, because the seat 20 defines at least two contact points of the wheel 101, the position of the wheel 101 in the seat 20 can be uniquely determined for each form of the support surface 21. Consequently, with simple geometric calculations it is possible to determine the optimum mean position of the point P on the support surface 21 using the above- mentioned values.

In any case, the Applicant has observed that the operation of the device is also not prejudiced in the case of non-excessive deviations of the intersection point P' between the rotation axis X and the support surface 21 with respect to the optimum point p which is geometrically determined.

In some embodiments, so that the operation of the device is not prejudiced, the spacing d between the point P and the point P' measured along the support surface 12 may be less than or equal to 10% of the diameter of the wheel.

According to another aspect, the spacing d between the point P and the point P' measured along the support surface 21 may be less than or equal to 7 cm.

These aspects are depicted in an exemplary embodiment in Figures 4 and 5A. The same concepts can also be applied to different types of bicycles when this type can be distinguished by geometric parameters which are virtually constant. For example, the same calculations could be carried out for children's bicycles. Consequently, the production of different versions of the device according to the present invention could be conceivable, each one intended for a type of bicycle (for example, a version for adults and one for children). For each version, the positioning of the rotation axis X may be determined by considering the respective geometric values which are characteristic of the type of bicycle, using the same concepts set out above.

Now with reference to Figures 1 and 4, in preferred embodiments in order to make the steering action of the wheel 101 easier, the seat 20 may have a narrowed form in the region of the two opposite ends, narrowing with respect to the central portion thereof. Therefore, this allows a specific movability of the wheel 101 inside the seat during the rotation of the structure 2. Now with reference instead to Figure 6, in some embodiments the support device 100 may also comprise a resilient element 3 which is configured so as to oppose the rotation of the rotating structure 2 with respect to a rest position. This resilient element may, for example, be formed by a torsion spring.

According to another aspect, the support base 1 may comprise abutment surfaces 11 which are capable of limiting the rotation of the rotating structure 2 about the axis X. In other words, these surfaces produce travel limit stops which prevent an excessive rotation of the wheel 101 of the bicycle. By way of example, these abutment surfaces 11 are configured so as to allow a maximum rotation of ±40°, preferably ±34°, with respect to a central rest position.

In order to improve the movement of the rotating structure 2 with respect to the base 1, some embodiments provide for the use of bearings. The rotating structure 2 may advantageously be supported on the base by means of bearings 5, by means of which the structure 2 is supported on a respective sliding surface 12, 13 of the base 1.

Preferably, the bearings 5 have a rotation axis which is orientated in accordance with a radial or substantially radial direction with respect to the rotation axis X. During the rotation of the structure 2, the external surface of the bearing therefore rolls on the respective sliding surface 12, 13.

In some embodiments, there may be present respective bearings at the two longitudinal ends of the structure 2.

According to another aspect, the sliding surface 12 has at the end of the structure 2 opposite the axis X a thickening which extends, in the manner of a ring sector, in accordance with a circumferential arc concentric with the axis X. This thickening is associated with a notch 22 which is formed in the structure 2 and which has a substantially complementary shape. This form-fitting connection allows additional support, both in terms of rotation and in a radial direction, of the structure 2 on the base 1, including as a result of the possible presence of the bearings. Alternatively, the notch may be formed in the sliding surface, for example, in the form of a depression, and the thickening may be formed on the rotating structure 2.

In other words, in some embodiments the sliding surface 12 may have, at the end of the structure 2 opposite the rotation axis X, a notch which extends, preferably in the manner of a ring sector, in accordance with a circumferential arc concentric with the axis X. However, a thickening which is associated with the notch is formed on the rotating structure 2. It will further be appreciated that the device of the present invention is readily suitable for being used in training systems of interactive types.

To this end, the device 100 may comprise detecting means which are configured so as to detect mechanical parameters of position, kinematics or dynamics in relation to the rotating structure 2.

Preferably, these parameters comprise one or more of the following parameters: a rotation angle of the rotating structure 2 with respect to the base 1 about the rotation axis X, a rotational speed value of the rotating structure 2 about the rotation axis X, an acceleration value of the rotating structure 2 about the rotation axis X, a torque value in the direction of the rotation axis X applied to the rotating structure 2. In some embodiments, the support device 100 may also comprise communication means, preferably of the wireless type, which is capable of transmitting the relevant information items from the above- mentioned detecting means to an external unit for processing this information.

In order to allow simple assembly and receiving of the above-mentioned components, the support base 1 may be formed by an upper half-shell 2A and by a lower half-shell IB, as can be seen in the example described in Figure 6.

Therefore, it will be appreciated that a support device constructed in this manner may allow the simulation, during training, of conditions for the front portion of the bicycle which are particularly similar to those which occur during the effective cycling activity. This may be, for example, desirable if it is desirable to realistically simulate uphill sprints or virtual overtaking actions past other cyclists. At the same time, the bicycle is supported in a stable and secure manner to the benefit of the safety and comfort of the user.

Claims

Patent Claims

1. A support device (100) for a front wheel (101) of a bicycle comprising a support base (1) which is intended to be supported on a substantially planar support surface (S), a rotating structure (2) which comprises a receiving seat (20) which is configured so as to receive therein a portion of the front wheel (101), the receiving seat defining a support surface (21) of the wheel (101) and having a substantially elongate form, the rotating structure (2) being rotatably supported on the support base (1) about a rotation axis (X) which, during use, is orientated in a substantially perpendicular manner to the support surface (S), the rotation axis (X) extending in the region of an end zone (20A) of the receiving seat (20).

2. A support device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the end zone (20A) is positioned frontally during use.

3. A support device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front wheel (101) of the bicycle is supported by a fork (102) which can rotate about a main frame (103) of the bicycle about a steering axis (Z), the receiving seat (20) and the rotation axis (X) being configured in such a manner that, when the front wheel (101) of the bicycle is supported on the support device (100), the steering axis (Z) of the front wheel (101) intersects with the support surface (21) at a point (P) which is substantially coincident with an intersection point (R') between the rotation axis (X) and the support surface (21).

4. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving seat (20) and the rotation axis (X) are configured in such a manner that, when the front wheel (101) of a bicycle with a front tyre with a diameter between 650 mm and 700 mm, rake (r) between 4.5 cm and 6 cm and steering angle (6) between 65° and 73° is received in the receiving seat (20), the intersection point (R') between the rotation axis (X) and the support surface (21) has a spacing (d) from the intersection point (P) between the steering axis (Z) and the support surface (21), measured along the support surface (21), which is not greater than 10% of the diameter of the wheel (101), the spacing preferably not being greater than 7 cm.

5. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving seat (20) and the rotation axis (X) are configured in such a manner that, when the front wheel (101) of a bicycle with a front tyre with a diameter of 700 mm, rake (r) of 5.25 cm and steering angle (6) of 69° is received in the receiving seat (20), the intersection point (R') between the rotation axis (X) and the support surface (21) has a spacing (d) from the intersection point (P) between the steering axis (Z) of the bicycle and the support surface (21), measured along the support surface (21), which is not greater than 7 cm.

6. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving seat (20) has a concave form.

7. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving seat (20) is configured so as to define at least two contact points between the support surface (21) and the front wheel (101).

8. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support surface (21) extends along the seat (20) in accordance with a circumferential arc profile.

9. A support device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the support surface (21) has a symmetrical form with respect to a vertical plane.

10. A support device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the circumferential arc extends over an arc having a magnitude between 35° and 75°.

11. A support device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the circumferential arc extends over an arc having a magnitude between 50° and 60°.

12. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat (20) narrows in the region of the opposite longitudinal ends.

13. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a resilient element (3) which is configured so as to oppose the rotation of the rotating structure (2) with respect to a rest position.

14. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support base (1) comprises feet (4) comprising an anti-slip surface.

15. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support base (1) comprises abutment surfaces (11) which are capable of limiting the rotation of the rotating structure (2).

16. A support device (100) according to claim 15, wherein the abutment surfaces (11) are configured so as to allow a maximum rotation of ±40°, preferably ±34°, with respect to a central rest position.

17. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising detecting means which are configured so as to detect mechanical parameters of position, kinematics or dynamics in relation to the rotating structure (2).

18. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating structure (2) is supported on the base (1) by means of bearings (5) which have a rotation axis orientated in accordance with a radial direction with respect to the rotation axis (X).

19. A support device (100) according to claim 18, wherein there are present respective bearings (5) at opposite longitudinal ends of the rotating structure (2).

20. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support base (1) defines a sliding surface (12), on which the rotating structure (2) slides, the sliding surface (12) having, at the end of the structure (2) opposite the rotation axis (X), a thickening which extends, preferably in the manner of a ring sector, in accordance with a circumferential arc concentric with the axis (X), and wherein a notch (22) is formed in the rotating structure (2), the notch (22) being associated with the thickening.

21. A support device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is defined in the receiving seat (20) a first end (201) which is directed towards the front portion of the bicycle when the front wheel (101) of the bicycle is received in the receiving seat (20) and a second end (202) which is opposite the first end (201) and which is directed towards the rear portion of the bicycle (101), the end zone (20A) being adjacent to the first end (201).

22. Use of a support device (100) for cycle training, the support device being constructed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end zone (20A) is positioned frontally during the use of the device (100).

23. Use of a support device (100) for cycle training according to claim 22, wherein there is defined in the receiving seat (20) a first end (201) which is directed towards the front portion of the bicycle when the front wheel (101) of the bicycle is received in the receiving seat (20), and a second end (202) which is opposite the first end (201) and which is directed towards the rear portion of the bicycle (101), the front wheel of the bicycle (101) being received in the receiving seat (20) in such a manner that the end zone (20A) in which the rotation axis (X) of the support device (100) is arranged is adjacent to the first end (201).

24. Use of a support device (100) according to claim 23, wherein the front wheel (101) of the bicycle is supported on the support device (100) with the steering axis (Z) of the front wheel (101) which intersects with the support surface (21) in a point (P) which substantially coincides with an intersection point (R') between the rotation axis (X) and the support surface (21).

25. A kit for cycle training, comprising a support device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, and a training device (300) for a bicycle, wherein the support device (100) is positioned in such a manner that the rotation axis (X) is arranged in a distal position with respect to the training device (300).

26. A kit comprising a support device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21 and instructions for use or illustrations for use of the support device (100) on a bicycle with the end zone (20A) positioned frontally.