New SRAM chains hint at new drivetrains , according to recent US patent applications. The publications shows some radically different chain design – though admittedly, it doesn’t take much for a bicycle chain to be considered “radically different”. What sets one chain apart from another can be almost imperceptible. There’s width of course. Finish/color, along [...]
Herein, I review recent bicycle patents, published in 2024. If you want a sneak peek at the future of where bicycle technology is headed, consider patent applications. Applications for utility patents publish (with some exceptions) 18 months after their filing date* – often before news of a related product is publicly released . Patent filings [...]
SRAM patenting internal gear hubs. As a leading component manufacturer in the bicycle industry, SRAM sets the direction for big changes in how bicycles work. They’ve long been a proponent of eliminating front derailleurs, by championing single-ring / 1x systems. Or more radical approaches. But two front chainrings creates double (or nearly so) the [...]
Ebike accidents and crashes are on ongoing concern, so an ebike expert and patent agent such as myself took notice of what industry leader Bosch was up to in 2024, both with its patents and its new product releases. With annual revenue of about €91.59 billion, the company dwarfs all others in the bicycle industry. [...]
ABS for bicycles, is it coming? Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have long been a standard safety feature in automobiles, preventing a car’s wheels from locking up during hard braking, which could otherwise lead to a loss of control. This technology is making its way onto bicycles, particularly in the growing market for e-bikes. As cycling [...]
Solar energy for bicycle accessories patents have been issued to industry leader SRAM. Bicycles are increasingly dependent on batteries – and we’re not talking about ebikes with electric motor assist. Rather, many high-performance, human-powered-only bicycles, now use battery-powered derailleurs for shifting. Other components like dropper seatposts and suspension may have electronic integration as well. [...]
Continuation patent applications allow an applicant/inventor the opportunity to pursue new/additional claims for an existing patent application (a “parent” application). This can be valuable for many reasons: Strategic Flexibility: Continuation applications offer flexibility in the patenting process by allowing inventors to refine their claims, respond to changes in technology or market demands, or address [...]
Mavic's new ebike motor patents are what the company is looking to for regaining its footing, after a tumultuous few years. The iconic French brand recently opened and staffed a new US office in Vermont – and of course, they’re looking to make inroads with the product they’re most known for: wheels. Yet Mavic’s [...]
Technology for new wireless shifting from SRAM is in the works, according to patent applications on file. Existing electronic bicycle shifting from SRAM is configured with a switch and transmitter in both right and left levers. There are various programing options possible, such as the right lever controlling rear derailleur upshifts, and the left lever [...]
Campagnolo wireless shifting was revealed by Alan Cote well before the official product introduction. Read on to see how I found out the details via published patent applications. No one from Vicenza is talking, but the rumors have been flying: is Campagnolo finally introducing wireless shifting? In 2021, Shimano went semi-wireless (no shift lever [...]
