BICYCLE TRAINER

Abstract

A bicycle trainer includes a frame having a pair of laterally spaced axle supports configured to support a rear wheel axle of a bicycle. The axle supports define a laterally extending first axis. A drive wheel is rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to, and radially spaced from, the first axis. A resistance unit is supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel. A bicycle trainer system includes a bicycle having a rear wheel axle removably supported by the axle supports. A method of using the trainer is also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present application generally relates to bicycle trainer, and in particular to a wheel-on bicycle trainer.

BRIEF BACKGROUND

Bicycle trainers are typically configured as a wheel-off (direct drive) trainer or as a wheel-on trainer. Wheel-off trainers require the user to remove the rear wheel and mount the bicycle on the trainer with the drive train engaged with the trainer. The trainer may be configured with a separate cassette, or the cassette on the rear wheel may be removed and installed on the trainer before each riding session. Often, the user will need to adjust the rear derailleur to accommodate the cassette on the trainer and/or positioning of the bicycle on the trainer in order to provide smooth shifting and eliminate rubbing of the chain. Moreover, if the trainer cassette and wheel cassette are different sizes, then additional derailleur adjustment may be needed.

While wheel-on trainers do not require removal of the rear wheel, and the attendant adjustment of the derailleur, such trainers typically engage the rear tire tread to provide resistance to the rear wheel. The resistance may cause undue wear on the tire, and the interface between the tire and trainer may be adversely affected by the pattern of the tire tread, for example by creating excess noise. As such, a trainer specific tire may be needed, which may adversely affect the convenience and usability of the trainer.

In both cases, installing a bicycle on the trainer may require significant mechanical aptitude, time, and additional bicycle components. In addition, various components may experience additional wear with either type of trainer, whether in the drivetrain and/or on the rear tire.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, one embodiment of a bicycle trainer includes a frame having a pair of laterally spaced axle supports configured to support a rear wheel axle of a bicycle. The axle supports define a laterally extending first axis. A drive wheel is rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to, and radially spaced from, the first axis. A resistance unit is supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel.

In another aspect, one embodiment of a bicycler trainer system includes a frame having a pair of laterally spaced axle supports. A bicycle includes a rear wheel axle removably supported by the axle supports, wherein the axle defines a laterally extending first axis. A drive wheel is rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to, and radially spaced from, the first axis. A resistance unit is supported by the frame and is operably coupled to the drive wheel.

In yet another aspect, one embodiment of a method of using a bicycle trainer system includes supporting a rear wheel axle of a bicycle on a frame, wherein the axle defines a laterally extending first axis, disengaging a drive chain from a cassette rotatably mounted to the axle, engaging the drive chain with a cog rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the cog is rotatable about a second axis parallel to, and radially spaced from, the first axis, moving the drive chain and rotating the cog, rotating a drive wheel with the cog about the second axis, wherein the drive wheel is laterally spaced from the cog, moving a closed loop component with the drive wheel, and actuating a resistance unit supported by the frame with the closed loop component.

The various embodiments of the bicycle trainer, system and methods for the use and assembly thereof provide significant advantages over other bicycle trainers. For example, and without limitation, the bicycle trainer allows the user to leave the rear wheel on the bicycle, but without the rear tire being rotated, or engaged for resistance. In addition, the cassette mounted on the rear wheel is bypassed. In both instances, wear on the tire and cassette may be greatly reduced. In addition, they bicycle may be quickly and easily installed on the trainer without the need to remove or adjust various components.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims presented below. The various preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle coupled to one embodiment of a bicycle trainer.

FIG. 2 is a right side perspective view of one embodiment of a bicycle trainer.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the bicycle trainer shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the bicycle trainer taken along line 4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the bicycle trainer shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view of the bicycle trainer taken along line 6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial top view of the bicycle and trainer shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle and trainer taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the bicycle and trainer shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle and trainer taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial view of the bicycle and trainer taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view of the bicycle and trainer taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

It should be understood that the term “plurality,” as used herein, means two or more. The term “longitudinal,” as used herein means of or relating to a length or lengthwise direction. The term “lateral,” as used herein, means situated on, directed toward or running in a side-to-side direction. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with, whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent. The terms “first,” “second,” and so on, as used herein are not meant to be assigned to a particular component so designated, but rather are simply referring to such components in the numerical order as addressed, meaning that a component designated as “first” may later be a “second” such component, depending on the order in which it is referred. It should also be understood that designation of “first” and “second” does not necessarily mean that the two components or values so designated are different, meaning for example a first direction may be the same as a second direction, with each simply being applicable to different components. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “rear,” “front,” “fore,” “aft,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “right,” “left,” “inboard,” “outboard” and variations or derivatives thereof, refer to the orientations of an exemplary bicycle 50, shown in FIG. 1, from the perspective of a user seated thereon, for example with an “inboard” component or feature being closer to a vertical mid-plane of the bicycle extending in a direction A. The term “transverse” means non-parallel. The terms “outer” and “outwardly” refers to a direction or feature facing away from a centralized location, for example the phrases “radially outwardly,” “radial direction” and/or derivatives thereof, refer to a feature diverging away from a centralized location, for example an axis 4 defined by the axle 102 as shown in FIG. 5. Conversely, the terms “inward” and “inwardly” refers to a direction facing toward the centralized or interior location. The term “subassembly” refers to an assembly of a plurality of components, with subassemblies capable of being further assembled into other subassemblies and/or a final assembly, such as the bicycle trainer 100 or a bicycle trainer with a bicycle 50 mounted thereon.

FIGS. 1 and 8 illustrates one example of a human powered vehicle. In this example, the vehicle is one possible type of bicycle 50, such as a road bicycle. It should be understood that other types of bicycles may be used with the trainer, including without limitation mountain bicycles. The bicycle 50 has a frame 51, handlebars 54 near a front end of the frame, and a seat or saddle 56 for supporting a rider over a top of the frame. The bicycle 50 also has a first or front wheel 58 carried by a front fork subassembly 60 supporting the front end of the frame 51. The bicycle 50 also has a rear end 90 of the frame 51 supported by a rear wheel 52. The rear end 90 may include a pair of chain stays 92 and a pair of seat stays 94. The bicycle 50 includes a drive train 64 with a crank assembly 66 that is operatively coupled via a roller chain 68 to a rear cassette 70 or a driven sprocket assembly, when the bicycle is in a riding configuration. The chain 68 is disengaged from the rear cassette 70 when the bicycle is in a training configuration, as further explained below. The rear wheel 52 and rear cassette 70 are rotatably mounted on the axle 102 defining the rotation axis 4. The axle 102 may be configured as a through-axle mounted to frame mounting flanges 91, which are disposed at the junction of the seat and chain stays in one embodiment. The axle 102 has opposite ends 170, or nubs, extending laterally outwardly from the mounting flanges 91, otherwise referred to as drop-outs. The crank assembly 66 includes at least one, and typically two, crank arms 75 and pedals 76, together with a front chainring assembly 78 or a drive sprocket assembly. A crank spindle or shaft 79 may connect the two crank arms 75. The crank shaft 79 defines a center rotational axis 83 of the chainring assembly 78. The crank assembly 66 may also include other components.

A rear gear change device, such as a derailleur 37, is mounted on the rear end 90 of the frame to move the roller chain 68 through different sprockets of the cassette 70 when the bicycle is in the riding configuration. In one embodiment, a front gear changer device 87, such as a derailleur, may be provided to move the chain 68 through multiple sprockets of the chainring assembly 78. In the illustrated example, the saddle 56 is supported on a seat post 81 having an end portion received in a top of a frame seat tube 89 of the frame. A clamping ring 93 may be tightened to secure the upper seat tube 81 to the lower frame seat tube 89.

As shown in FIGS. 1-11, the bicycle trainer 100 includes a frame 104, which may include a foot or leveling support engaging the floor 108, or other support surface, and supporting the frame 104. In one embodiment, the frame 104 includes a base 120, which may have a rear portion 110 and a front portion 112. The front portion 112 is configured with a pair of arms 114 each having one end 116 coupled to the rear portion 110 and spaced apart opposite ends 118, which may be connected with a laterally extending cross member 141. In one embodiment, the base 120 is Y-shaped, with the rear portion 110 having a central member and the arms 114 of the front portion 112 diverging outwardly from the central member. The base 120 may be configured in any number of different shapes and components, including one or more plates, lattice structure and/or beams, and have a rectangular or other polygonal profile. The base 120 may be made of tubular members, made of metal such as steel or aluminum, secured for example by welding or with fasteners. A rear support 122 extends upwardly from the rear portion 110. The rear support 122 may include a frame, which may be a single plate, or a lattice structure. The rear support may be made of metal, such as steel or aluminum.

A resistance unit 130 is rotatably mounted to the rear support 122 on an axle 132 defining a rotation axis 134. The resistance unit 130 may include or be configured with at least one of a fan, a magnetic flywheel, a fluid resistance chamber, an electric generator and/or a centrifugal pressure plate, each having one or more components that rotate about the axis 134. In one embodiment, the resistance unit 130 is configured as an electrical generator 136 having permanent magnets on a rotor that move relative to stationary electromagnets on a stator. The interaction of the moving permanent magnets on the rotor to the stationary electromagnets on the stator creates the resistance that the rider experiences through the drive train. The user, at a remote location including the handlebars, may control the energy provided to the electromagnets of the stator so as to control the resistance provided to the rider through the drive train. In another embodiment, the resistance could be controlled by an electronic gaming system. In another embodiment, the resistance could be controlled by the bicycle trainer 100, or an external computer, to achieve a training resistance schedule. For example, the trainer 100, or the external computer, may be configured to control the resistance in a mode intended to achieve a prescribed power output of the rider by adjusting the resistance experienced by the rider at a chosen cadence.

In one embodiment, a hub 138 is rotatably mounted to or on the axle 132 and rotates about the axis 134 to drive the resistance unit 130. The axis 134 is spaced rearwardly of the axis 4. The hub 138 may be configured as a free wheel, with a driven wheel 140 mounted thereon, for example by way of a spline interface. In one embodiment, the driven wheel 140 may be configured as a pulley, or as a cog 142 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth 144 arranged around a periphery thereof.

The frame 104 includes a pair of laterally spaced risers 150 attached to the front portion of the base, with each riser having an axle support 152 disposed thereon. The axle supports 152 are spaced apart a distance W2 as shown in FIG. 11. The laterally spaced axle supports 152 are configured to support the rear wheel axle 102 of the bicycle, which has a width W1. W2 is greater than W1. The frame 51, or outer surfaces of the mounting flanges 91, have a width W3, which must be accommodated in the gap G between the risers 150. W3 may vary depending on the design of the bicycle frame, but with the frame 104 being configured such that G is greater than W3. In one embodiment, the distance, or gap G, between the risers 150 may be adjustable. The risers 150 extend upwardly from the ends of the arms 114 and cross member 141. The axle supports 152 define a laterally extending axis 154, which coincides with the axis 4 of the axle. The axis 154 is parallel to the axis 134 of the resistance unit. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the axle supports 152 may be configured as a channel 156 or slot, for example an upwardly opening channel having a mouth 162 opening vertically upwardly. The channels 156 are open to the side, such that the channel has an outer wall and side walls 158 with the channels being exposed and facing inwardly toward each other. Each channel 156 further includes a bottom recess 160 defining the axis 154. The side walls 158 of the channel may be slanted, or formed at an angle a, as shown in FIG. 2, such that the axle ends 170, or nubs, are guided by the channel 156 into the bottom recess 160, wherein the ends 170 are supported and prevented from moving laterally, forwardly, rearwardly or downwardly. When the axle 102 is supported by the axle supports 152, the rear wheel 52 is preferably spaced above the floor 108 and is not in contact with the frame or any other component. The rear wheel extends downwardly in the gap G between the risers 150. In this way, it should be understood that the risers 150, and axle supports 152 are configured such that the axis 4 is a sufficient distance above the floor 108, or an underlying surface of the frame, ensuring that the rear wheel is suspended above a support surface. It should be understood that a stop may be engaged with the tire to prevent inadvertent rotation of the rear wheel, but does not provide riding resistance to the rear wheel 52. The risers 150 may be made height adjustable to accommodate differently sized bicycles and rear wheel diameters. The axle supports 152 may be defined by racks 174, 176 positioned on and coupled to upper ends of the risers 150. The axle supports 152 may also be integrally formed with the risers 150, for example formed on an inboard side thereof.

In an embodiment, the connecting interface could include a latch, quick connect, or similar mechanism that contacts and/or engages the axle when a portion of the mechanism is inserted into channel 156/158 and securely captures the axle from movement.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the frame 104 further includes a drive support 180, shown as a cantilevered arm 182, which extends rearwardly and upwardly from one of the risers 150, and the riser 150 positioned on the drive side of the bicycle in particular. The drive support 180 may be formed as part of one of the racks 174. The drive support 180 supports an axle 184 defining an axis 186 parallel to, and radially spaced from the axis 154, and also parallel to and radially spaced from the axis 134 of the resistance unit. The axis 186 may be spaced vertically above the axis 154 a distance D2, horizontally and rearwardly from the axis 154 a distance D1 and radially from the axis 154 a distance D3. In one embodiment, D3 is larger than the smallest cog, or diameter of the smallest cog, of the cassette, while D2 is larger than ½ of the smallest cog of the cassette. D1=√(D3²+D2²).

A drive wheel 190 is supported by the frame 104, and in particular by the drive support 180 on the axle 184. The drive wheel 190 is rotatable about the axis 186. The resistance unit 130 is positioned rearwardly of the drive wheel 190. In one embodiment, the axis 134 of the driven wheel 140 is positioned rearwardly and downwardly from the axis 186 of the drive wheel 190. The drive wheel 190 is operably coupled to the resistance unit 130. For example, the drive wheel 190 may be operably coupled to the resistance unit 130, and the driven wheel 140 in particular, with a closed loop component 194, which is moveably engaged with the drive wheel 190 and driven wheel 140. In one embodiment, the drive wheel 190 is configured as a cog 192 having circumferentially spaced teeth arranged around a periphery of the drive wheel 190. The driven wheel 140 may also be configured as the cog 142 with circumferentially spaced teeth. In other embodiments, the drive wheel 190 and driven wheel 140 may be configured as pulleys. The closed loop component 194 may be configured as a roller chain engaging the cogs 142, 192, or as a belt, configured with or without teeth.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 5-7, a cog 200 is rotatably supported by the frame about the axis 186. The cog 200 is rotatably mounted on the axle 184 and is laterally spaced from the drive wheel 190, for example with the drive wheel 190 spaced laterally outwardly from the cog 200 a distance D4. The cog 200 is positioned and configured to be coupled to the bicycle drive chain 68, and moveably engaged by the chain 68. The cog 200 and drive wheel 190 are rotatably coupled to each other, meaning rotation of the cog 200 causes the drive wheel 190 to rotate with the cog. The cog 200 and drive wheel 190 may be non-rotatably fixed relative to each other, meaning rotation of the cog 200 and drive wheel 190 are synchronized at a 1:1 ratio. In other embodiments, rotation of the cog 200 may cause the drive wheel 190 to rotate, but at other ratios greater or less than 1:1. The cog 200 is positioned such that an outer periphery, configured with teeth, is elevated or spaced a distance De from an outer periphery of an aligned cog 204 on the cassette, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, such that chain 68, when engaged with the cog 200 does not engage and is spaced from the cog 204 and the cassette 70 in general. At the same time, the chain line from the derailleur 37 to the cog 200 also is spaced apart from the cog 204 and cassette 70 such that cog 204 and cassette are not engaged by the chain 68. The spacing D_c, and spacing between the chain line between the derailleur and cog 204, may be achieved by way of altering the diameter of the cog 200 and/or by adjusting the distances D1, D2 and/or D3 between the axes 4, 186.

In operation, the bicycle 50 is positioned in/on the trainer 100 with the ends 170, or nubs, of the through axle 102 inserted into the channels 156, for example by sliding the nubs along the side walls 158 until the nubs are securely nested and supported in the recesses 160. If needed, a longer through axle 102 may be first installed on the bicycle. Alternatively, or in combination, longer through-axle extensions 300, for example bolts with ends defining the nubs 170, may be installed coaxially on the through axle 102, for example by threadably engaging the extensions with one or both ends of the through axle 102 as shown in FIG. 12. The bicycle 50 is placed and secured to the trainer 100 by supporting the rear wheel axle 102 of the bicycle on the frame 104, and in particular the axle supports 152. The chain 68 is then disengaged from the cassette 70, for example by lifting the chain 68 from the cassette. The chain 68 is moved and engaged with the cog 200 rotatably supported by the trainer 100. After the chain 68 is repositioned, the bicycle 50 is in a training configuration, with the chain 68 no longer engaged with any part of the cassette 70. In the training configuration, the user may actuate the drive train without causing the cassette 70 and/or rear wheel 52 to rotate. Rather, the rear wheel 52 is maintained in a stationary position. The wheel 52 and cassette remain stationary for any subsequent training or riding sessions. The front wheel 58 may be supported by a block 304 to maintain a proper riding position and even elevation of the front and rear wheels. When in the training configuration, only the bicycle crank assembly 66 and chain 68 are used to drive the resistance unit 130, eliminating wear on the cassette 70 and rear wheel tire. In addition, the lateral position of the cog 200 may be set to ensure that the chain line between the chainring assembly 78 and cog 200 is optimized to reduce wear on the chain 68 and chainring assembly 78. The cog 200 is rotatably coupled to the drive wheel 190, positioned laterally outwardly of the cog 200. In one embodiment, the cog 200 is directly (i.e., non-rotatably) fixed relative to the drive wheel 190, meaning the cog 200 and drive wheel 190 rotate together at a 1:1 ratio. Since the cog 200 is cantilevered inwardly from the riser 150 and drive support 180, with the axle 184 having an inner free end 185, the chain 68 may be easily slipped around and into engagement with the cog 200.

In use, the rider engages the drive train 64, for example by engaging the pedal 76 and rotating the crank arms 75, the chainring assembly 78 and the drive chain 68. The chain 68 moveably engages and rotates the cog 200, which in turn rotates the drive wheel 190. The drive wheel 190 drives, e.g., rotates, the resistance unit 130 (e.g., brake) with the closed loop component 194, whether configured as a chain, belt, or other transmission method. It should be understood that a transmission between the cog 200 and the resistance unit 130 is not limited to the disclosed drive wheel 190, driven wheel 140 and closed loop component 194, but may be include other systems and combinations of pulleys and gear trains. The resistance unit 130 has a freehub or similar clutch to allow coasting on the trainer. Resistance can be provided by any number of systems and methods including without limitation adjustable friction pad, eddy current, electric generator, fluid resistance, etc.

At the end of the training session, the user may simply move the chain 68 from the inner cog 200 back into engagement with the cassette 70, for example by moving the chain 68 around the free end 185. The bicycle 50 may thereafter by removed from the trainer 100, for example by lifting the bicycle 500 such that the axle 102 is disengaged from the axle supports 152. No additional adjustments are needed or components replaced for the bicycle 50 to be ready to be used in the riding configuration.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations and/or acts are depicted in the drawings and described herein in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that any described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

Claims

1. A bicycle trainer comprising: a frame comprising a pair of laterally spaced axle supports configured to support a rear wheel axle of a bicycle, wherein the axle supports define a laterally extending first axis;a drive wheel rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to, and radially spaced from, the first axis; anda resistance unit supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel.

2. The bicycle trainer of claim 1 wherein the resistance unit is positioned rearwardly of the axle supports, and wherein the second axis is positioned rearwardly of the first axis.

3. The bicycle trainer of claim 1 further comprising a cog rotatably supported by the frame about the second axis, wherein the cog is laterally spaced from the drive wheel, and wherein the cog is positioned and configured to be coupled to a bicycle drive chain.

4. The bicycle trainer of claim 3 wherein the drive wheel is spaced laterally outwardly from the cog.

5. The bicycle trainer of claim 3 wherein the drive wheel is operably coupled to the resistance unit with a closed loop component.

6. The bicycle trainer of claim 5 wherein the resistance unit comprises a hub rotatable about a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, and further comprising a driven wheel mounted on the hub, wherein the closed loop component is moveably engaged with the drive wheel and the driven wheel.

7. The bicycle trainer of claim 6 wherein the cog comprises a first cog, and wherein the drive wheel comprises a second cog and the driven wheel comprises a third cog, wherein the closed loop component comprises a chain moveably engaged with the second and third cogs.

8. The bicycle trainer of claim 6 wherein the resistance unit comprises at least one of a fan, a magnetic flywheel, a fluid resistance chamber, an electric generator and/or a centrifugal pressure plate.

9. The bicycle trainer of claim 1 wherein at least one of the axle supports comprises an upwardly opening channel.

10. The bicycle trainer of claim 9 wherein the channel comprises a bottom recess shaped to receive one end of the axle, wherein the bottom recess defines the first axis.

11. A bicycler trainer system comprising: a frame comprising a pair of laterally spaced axle supports;a bicycle comprising a rear wheel axle removably supported by the axle supports, wherein the axle defines a laterally extending first axis;a drive wheel rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to, and radially spaced from, the first axis; anda resistance unit supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel.

12. The bicycle trainer system of claim 11 wherein the resistance unit is positioned rearwardly of the axle supports, and wherein the second axis is positioned rearwardly of the first axis.

13. The bicycle trainer system of claim 11 further comprising a cog rotatably supported by the frame about the second axis, wherein the cog is laterally spaced from the drive wheel, and wherein the bicycle comprises a drive chain engageable with the cog.

14. The bicycle trainer system of claim 13 wherein the bicycle comprises a cassette rotatable about the first axis, wherein the drive chain is moveable between a riding configuration wherein the chain is engaged with the cassette and a training configuration wherein the drive chain is engaged with the cog, wherein the drive chain is disengaged from the cassette when the drive chain is in the training configuration.

15. The bicycle trainer system of claim 13 wherein the drive wheel is spaced laterally outwardly from the cog.

16. The bicycle trainer system of claim 13 wherein the drive wheel is operably coupled to the resistance unit with a closed loop component.

17. The bicycle trainer system of claim 16 wherein the resistance unit comprises a hub rotatable about a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, and further comprising a driven wheel mounted on the hub, wherein the closed loop component is moveably engaged with the drive wheel and the driven wheel.

18. The bicycle trainer system of claim 17 wherein the cog comprises a first cog, and wherein the drive wheel comprises a second cog and the driven wheel comprises a third cog, wherein the closed loop component comprises a chain moveably engaged with the second and third cogs.

19. The bicycle trainer system of claim 17 wherein the resistance unit comprises at least one of a fan, a magnetic flywheel, a fluid resistance chamber, an electric generator and/or a centrifugal pressure plate coupled to the hub.

20. The bicycle trainer system of claim 11 wherein at least one of the axle supports comprises an upwardly opening channel, and wherein the rear wheel axle comprises an end disposed in the channel.