Abstract:
A foldable bicycle is provided. One feature of the foldable bicycle is that the central portion of the frame that defines the bicycle&#39;s geometry is substantially rigid. That is, the down tube, seat tube, top tube and bearing tube are substantially fixed relative to each other. Another feature of the foldable bicycle is that the front wheel can be folded into a position between the down tube, which is comprised of two tubes. Yet another feature is a tandem bicycle configuration that does not extend the length of the frame or the wheelbase. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/IB03/01243, filed on Mar. 3, 2003, and entitled, “Folding Bicycle”, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally relates to folding bicycles that can be folded into a relatively compact arrangement, and unfolded for riding. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Bicycles that can be folded have an advantage of a relatively compact arrangement for storage or transport, making them popular with users wishing to reduce storage space, such as commuters, recreation enthusiasts, and campers, among others. Known folding bicycles have a myriad of shortcomings when compared with standard non-folding bicycles. For example, known folding bicycles have a frame of two or more pieces, which can be dismantled, folded or telescopically shortened. In some known folding bicycles, the folded dimensions can be further reduced via removal of their wheels. 
   In some conventional bicycle folding joints are situated in the central area of the frame, such as within one or more of the down tube, top tube, seat tube and head tube, or bearing tube. A disadvantage of such an arrangement is that the frame&#39;s rigidity is reduced, which can detrimentally affect pedaling efficiency, and overall stability. 
   Another disadvantage associated with such known folding bicycles is that the joints that enable folding can develop a gap, or “play” over a period of usage. This play results in a bicycle that flexes, reducing pedaling efficiency, as the force applied to propel the bicycle is partially absorbed by the flexing joints. In addition, the joints themselves can be weak points in the bicycle, and can cause structural failure, instability or other undesirable riding characteristics. 
   A further disadvantage is that known folding bicycles have frames that frequently are smaller than the frames of a comparable standard non-folding bicycle. This reduces the ergonomic suitability for a rider. A result of this for many riders is a decrease of the distance that can be ridden with comfort. Riding discomfort can decrease pedaling efficiency, and decrease riding characteristics are less favorable due to the different position of front wheel and smaller wheel size compared to the non-folding bicycles. 
   Therefore, there exists a need for a folding bicycle that is ergonomically comfortable when riding, optionally has a unitary central frame structure, optionally can be readily folded into a compact arrangement, and/or optionally can maintain its structural rigidity and integrity despite repeated folding and unfolding. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention alleviates to a great extent the disadvantages of known folding bicycles, some of which are discussed above, by providing a bicycle that is foldable into a compact size, while still having a central frame without any folding joints. The foldable bicycle of the present invention, preferably is foldable while generally providing a riding experience and durability of a standard non-folding bicycle. 
   One embodiment of the present invention includes a central frame assembly of a down tube, a seat tube, a top tube and a bearing tube, wherein the down tube, seat tube, top tube and bearing tube are substantially fixed relative to each other. This arrangement can promote ergonomic riding characteristics of a non-folding bicycle. 
   The foldable elements of present invention optionally include a foldable front fork assembly, a foldable rear-wheel assembly and a foldable handlebar assembly. Although each of these assemblies are optional features of the present invention, they operate together to reduce the folded size of the foldable bicycle, rendering it for example more easily transportable. The optional front-fork assembly mounts the front wheel on its lower end, and is jointed at or near a connector strut. In operation, the front fork assembly includes linking bars connecting the upper end at the frame with the wheel, at its axle. The joint can be operated to unlock and allow the front fork assembly to rotate about the joint, in the direction of the down tube assembly of the frame. The down tube of the frame preferably has two spatially separated portions spaced apart from one another. So, when the front fork assembly is rotated about the joint, the wheel can fold into the area between the separated portions, thereby rotating into the center of the frame, through the two spaced apart portions of the down tube. Alternatively, the wheel and front fork assembly can be rotated 180° prior to being folded about the joint. 
   The optional handlebar assembly also serves to reduce the folded dimension of the foldable bicycle. In particular, the handlebars are mounted to a tube in a locked, but unlockable fashion. When it is desired to fold the bicycle, the handlebars are unlocked, and rotated downwards, preferably to a position that is within the area of the central portion of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the handlebars are fully turned 180°prior to folding, and the handlebars are then unlocked and rotated downwards to a position in which one handle grip is on the left side of the central portion of the frame, and another handle grip is on the right side of the central portion of the frame. Then, using a lockable joint, the respective handlebars can be folded inwards towards each other, and can be folded inwards a sufficient amount so that the handle grips cross one another. 
   The optional rear wheel assembly also serves to further reduce the folded dimension of the foldable bicycle. In this embodiment, a strut assembly descends at an angle from beneath the seat to the rear wheel axle. Preferably the strut assembly includes spatially separated, or parallel, bars, between which the rear wheel is mounted. At a location between the seat and the rear wheel axle, the strut assembly includes a locking assembly. When the locking assembly is released, the rear wheel rotates upwards, between the spatially separated bars of the strut assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the compactness of this arrangement can be enhanced by using dual transmission chains, with an intermediate sprocket. The chain stays, together with the rear wheel, are foldable upwards toward the seat. To facilitate the folding of the chain stays and the rear wheel, the transmission from the chainring to the sprocket is complemented by two sprockets and a shaft, i.e. consists two chains in series, which results in an additional transmission ratio. The shaft also serves as a pivot, around which the chain stays and the rear wheel fold. The front chain remains between the front chainring and the intermediate sprocket, on the shaft, while the rear chain remains between the intermediate sprocket and the rear sprocket, and shifts upwards together with the chain stays and the rear wheel without changing the distance between the front sprocket and the rear sprocket. In this embodiment, the rear wheel is rotated about the intermediate sprocket when folding the wheel upwards. The chain stays, together with the rear wheel, is foldable upwards toward the seat. In riding position, power is transmitted via a chain from a pedal sprocket to the intermediate sprocket and then via a second chain from the intermediate sprocket to a rear wheel sprocket mounted at the rear wheel axle. If the rear wheel is removed, the length of the bicycle can be further reduced in the folded position. 
   To reduce the width of the folded bicycle, the pedals can also be folded. 
   In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a foldable tandem bicycle is provided. In this arrangement, a second seat is situated behind the front seat, and a second set of pedals is provided. In the tandem arrangement, a second set of pedals is not necessarily required. For example, footrests can be added at any suitable position for receiving a second passenger&#39;s feet, but preferably in a location safely away from operative components or the first pedals. In addition, as an alternative to the second seat, or in addition to the second seat, other optional components can be added, such as a child seat, basket, briefcase holder, rack, etc. Such components can be attached in a similar fashion and location as the second seat. 
   In a further embodiment, the bicycle can be equipped with a motor providing torque at one of the sprockets or the chainring. 
   These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated from review of the following detailed description of the invention, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of a foldable bicycle in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a second embodiment of the foldable bicycle in accordance with the present invention, namely a tandem foldable bicycle; 
       FIG. 3  is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , showing a second seat tube, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the foldable bicycle in accordance with the present invention in a folded configuration; 
       FIG. 5  is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , showing the foldable handlebar assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , showing the foldable handlebar assembly in a folded configuration, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , showing the foldable front fork assembly in a partially-folded configuration, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , showing the front fork assembly in a completely folded configuration, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , showing the foldable rear wheel assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , showing the rear wheel assembly in a partially-folded configuration, in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a detail view of a sprocket arrangement of the foldable bicycle in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional detail view of a sprocket arrangement of the foldable bicycle in accordance with the present invention as shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of an embodiment of a foldable bicycle in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 14  is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 , illustrating the foldable bicycle in accordance with the present invention in a partially folded configuration; 
       FIG. 15  is a side view of an embodiment of a foldable bicycle in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 16  is a side view of an embodiment of a foldable bicycle in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 17  is a side view of a motorized embodiment of a foldable bicycle, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 18  is a side view of a tandem foldable bicycle in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a pedal in accordance with the present invention; and 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a pedal in accordance with the present invention. 
   

   It will be recognized that some or all of the Figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration and do not necessarily depict the actual relative sizes or locations of the elements shown. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present invention” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s). 
   The present invention relates to a foldable bicycle including a frame geometry providing various components in the same relation to one another both in the folded and unfolded conditions. As defined herein “frame geometry” refers to the arrangement of tubes that make up the bicycle frame. The relationship between the tubes comprising the bicycle frame creates a specific overall “frame geometry.” One feature of the foldable bicycle of the present invention is that the frame core preferably is of a unitary construction, i.e. containing no joints connecting moving parts. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  13  and  15 , one embodiment of a foldable bicycle  10  of the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment of the present invention comprises a core frame assembly  12  including a single down tube  20  or preferably including spatially separated down tubes  165 ,  170 , a seat tube  25 , a top tube  15  and a bearing tube  30 , wherein the down tube  20 , seat tube  25 , top tube  15  and bearing tube  30  are in substantially fixed relation to each other. The downtubes  165 ,  170  preferably have a gap between them, which is approximately the same width as the front wheel  175 , or slightly wider. The downtubes  165 ,  170  can be parallel to one another, angled, or curved. Alternatively, a single downtube having a curve is provided, or a single tube, split in the middle is provided, also shaped to accommodate the front wheel when it is folded upwards. 
   A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 18 . In this embodiment, a tandem foldable bicycle  70  is provided. This embodiment includes various features found in the single seat embodiment  10 , including the core frame assembly of a down tube  20  or spatially separated downtubes  165 ,  170 , a seat tube  25 , a top tube  15  and a bearing tube  30 , wherein the down tubes  165 ,  170 , seat tube  25 , top tube  15  and bearing tube  30  are substantially fixed relative to each other. Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  18 , the tandem foldable bicycle  70  includes a second seat tube  45  with a second seat  40  and a second seat tube fastener  50 . Preferably, the second seat tube fastener  50  is a quick-release fastener, but other types of fasteners may be employed, such as latches, locks, and suitable nut-and-bolt arrangements. 
   Optionally, a single seat bicycle can be converted to a tandem folding bicycle, by positioning the second seat tube  45  between the two upper seat stay tubes  75 ,  80  that comprise the upper seat stay  85 . Attached to the upper seat stay  85  is the second seat tube fastener receiver  55 , which is sized to receive the second seat tube fastener  50 . The bottom end of the second seat tube  45  is positioned against the second seat tube support  60 , located between the two forward bottom bracket tubes (i.e. chain stays)  90 ,  95 , shown in  FIG. 3 . In this fashion, the foldable bicycle  10  can be converted into a tandem foldable bicycle  70  without changing the frame dimensions, or the bicycle wheelbase. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 18 , the tandem foldable bicycle  70  optionally may include a second pedal assembly  107  that is coupled with middle sprocket assembly  110 . As depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 18 , preferably the second pedal assembly  107  is aligned in the same angular position as the first pedal assembly  100 . Alternatively, a pair of footrests (not shown) may be mounted anywhere on the frame where appropriate, safe and convenient, such as on the two forward bracket tubes (i.e. chain stays)  90 ,  95 . 
   In a further embodiment of the tandem bicycle, the second seat  40  is positioned so that a passenger in the seat  40  can face backwards. Optional footrests may be provided to allow a comfortable resting place for the rear-facing passenger&#39;s seat. Likewise the seat  40 , whether front or rear facing may include amenities such as a backrest enhancing passenger comfort. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 14 , the foldable bicycle  10  of the present invention is illustrated in a folded configuration. Various optional folding features are illustrated in the figures. In the illustrated embodiment in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  13  and  15 , the optional folding elements include foldable front-fork assembly  115 , a foldable rear-wheel assembly  120  and a foldable handlebar assembly  125 . In addition, the seat  35  optionally can be retracted into the seat tube  25  by releasing seat lock  123  enabling the seat mounting tube  124  to be slid into the seat tube  25 . So, preferably, the seat mounting tube  124  has a smaller diameter than that of seat tube  25 , enabling the seat mounting tube  124  to move within seat tube  25 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the foldable handlebar assembly  125  comprises a mounting member  135 , also called a gooseneck, that is rotatably coupled with the bearing tube  30  (also called a head tube). The handlebars  140  are mounted to the mounting member  135  about handlebar pivot axes  130 . Preferably the handlebars  140  can be rotated from an upright position as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  5  for example, to a folded downwards position as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  6 . Any mechanism can be used that enables the handlebars  140  to be upright in a riding position and sufficiently fixed so as to allow safe steering, and then releasable and rotated downwards in a folded configuration of the bicycle  10 ,  70 . In one embodiment, there is a friction fit between the handlebar tube  144  and the mounting member  135 , which is suitably shaped to receive the handlebar tube  144 . In another embodiment, a latching mechanism is provided, and in another a ratchet mechanism is provided. The handlebar elements  140 , can include tubing, and at their respective ends, handles  142 . 
   In one embodiment, the respective handlebar elements  140  can be folded inwards as well, in order to further decrease the folded size of the bicycle. In this embodiment, handlebar pivot axes  130  are provided at the intersection of the handlebars  140  and the mounting member  135 . One embodiment handlebar latch  145 , that releases the handlebar elements  140 , is a hook-and-loop type, but other type of latches may be employed, such as a quick-release latch, or any other type of suitable latch or fastener. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 6 ,  7  and  8 , a preferred method of folding the handlebar assembly  125  will now be described. Preferably, the entire handlebar assembly  125  (along with the front wheel  175 ) is rotated around approximately 180 degrees so that the entire assembly is in a backwards orientation. In order to achieve this rotation, the mounting member  135  is rotated as desired within the bearing tube  30 . This rotating force is transmitted to the front wheel  175  via its associated mounting elements. After this initial rotation, then the handlebar latch  145  is released allowing each handlebar tube  140 , along with its associated elements, to be rotated about their own handlebar pivot axes  130 . In one embodiment of the present invention, one handlebar pivot axis  130  is angled at 45 degrees and the other handlebar pivot axis  130  is angled at 35 degrees so that the handles  142  mounted at the ends of the handlebar tubes  140  do not contact each other when in the folded position underneath the top tube  15 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 . 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the front fork assembly  115  is illustrated. In a riding configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the front fork assembly  115  mounts the front wheel  175  via an axle to the frame  12 . It should be recognized that any arrangement of elements of the front fork assembly  115  can be used that rotatably mounts the front wheel  175 , and optionally allows the front wheel to be moved towards the frame  12  in a folding operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the front fork assembly  115  is pivotally attached to the bearing tube  30  of the frame  12 . It includes a front fork  150  that extends forward when the foldable bicycle  10  is arranged in a riding configuration, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Pivotally attached to the front fork  150 , about fork pivot axis  157  is a swing arm  155  that has a front wheel  175  removeably and rotatably coupled thereto. Fixedly attached to the swing arm  155  is a stirrup  160  that includes a stirrup latch  180 . Both the swing arm  155  and the stirrup  160  are positioned about the front wheel  175 . 
   In a preferred embodiment the stirrup latch  180  is a spring lock, but other types of latches and fasteners, such as hook-and-loop, or quick-release fasteners may be employed. The front fork assembly  115  is folded by rotating the front fork  150  approximately 180 degrees. The stirrup latch  180  is then released, freeing the stirrup  160 , and allowing the rider to rotate the swing arm  155  and stirrup  160  about the fork pivot axis  157 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
   Examples of folded configurations are illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 8 . In a folded configuration, the front wheel  175  is moved towards the frame. Preferably it is positioned between the two down tube elements  165 ,  170  comprising the down tube  20 . 
   An alternative embodiment front fork assembly  115  may include two springs or shock absorbers  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 15 ,  16 , and  17 , that are mounted between the front fork  150  and either the stirrup  160  and/or the swing arm  155 . The two springs or shock absorbers  14  would secure the stirrup latch  180  in the closed position when the foldable bicycle  10  is configured in the riding mode. The springs or shock absorbers  14  may be of any type, such as an elastomer type, hydraulic or pneumatic. It will be appreciated that one, or more springs or shock absorbers  14  may be mounted anywhere within the front fork assembly  115 , in any suitable location. 
   One feature of the foldable front fork assembly  115  is that the “head angle” of the bearing tube can be configured similar to the head angle of a non-folding bicycle. The head angle determines the front fork rake angle, which affects steering “quickness.” That is, the steering of the present invention will feel normal to a rider accustomed to a non-folding bicycle, in contrast to conventional folding bicycles, that have a steeper head angle, which results in a steep front fork rake angle. This can be implemented to create relatively quick steering, resulting in a nervous, or edgy steering feel as desired. 
   An optional rear wheel assembly  120  also is provided. Any assembly may be used that is suitable for mounting the rear wheel rotatably with respect to the frame  12 , and for mounting as desired one or more seat assemblies. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat stay is divided into an upper seat stay  85 , and a lower seat stay  185 . The upper seat stay  85  may optionally have two upper seat stay tubes  75 ,  80 , shown in  FIG. 3 . The lower seat stay  185  optionally includes two lower seat stay tubes  190 ,  195 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  9  and  10 . Attached to the lower seat stay  185  is a seat stay fastener receiver  215 , which is sized to receive the seat stay fastener  210 . In this way the lower seat stay  185  is releaseably coupled to the upper seat stay  85 . Preferably, the seat stay fastener  210  is a quick-release type, but other suitable fasteners, or latches may be employed. Also, the arrangement of fastener to receiver may be switched. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  9  and  10 , one feature of the present invention is that the bottom bracket is divided into a forward bottom bracket comprising two forward bottom bracket tubes  90 ,  95  and a rear bottom bracket comprising two rear bottom bracket tubes  200 ,  205 . The tubes are pivotally connected by pivot  220 . Rotatably coupled about the pivot  220  is a middle sprocket assembly  110 . The middle sprocket assembly  110  is connected to the front sprocket  105  by a front chain  225  which runs from front sprocket  105  to a first middle sprocket  112  on the middle sprocket assembly  110  (as depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The rear chain  230  connects a second middle sprocket  114  to the rear hub  235  that can contain one or more sprockets  237  providing differing gear ratios. 
   In a preferred tandem bicycle embodiment, the diameter of the first sprocket  105  is the same as that of the first middle sprocket  112  and the diameter of the second middle sprocket  114  is greater than that of one or more of the sprockets  237  on the rear hub  235 , although any sprocket size can be used that allows the pedal force generated at any of the pedal assemblies  100 ,  107  to the rear wheel  240 . 
   In one embodiment of the present invention, the rear hub  235  may contain internal gears, or the rear hub  235  may include external gears and a derailleur to move the chain between the gears. In addition, the front sprocket  105  may include additional sprockets beyond the two sprockets  112 ,  114  in the illustrations. In this way, a variety of gear ratios may be provided. One feature of the present invention is that the two sprocket assemblies  105 ,  110  provide a gear ratio that may be suitable for most bicycle speed requirements. 
   It should be noted that although chains  225  and  230  are discussed herein as providing mechanism for transmitting force between the respective sprockets  105 ,  110  and, or the hub mechanism  235  force can be transmitted via any mechanism that allows the forces to be appropriately transmitted from the rider&#39;s feet or hands to the appropriately driven wheel or wheels. For example, the force can be transmitted from pedals  100  or  107  via a drive shaft to rear wheel  240  or front wheel  175 . Such a drive shaft system is widely known and used, for example in motorized vehicles to transmit propulsive force from an engine to one or more wheels. Alternatively, a power supply  65  may be included for providing a propulsive force. The power supply  65  may comprise an electric or internal combustion motor, that in a preferred embodiment would not increase the folded dimensions of the foldable bicycle  10 , or the tandem foldable bicycle  70 . 
   Again referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4   9  and  10 , the method of folding the rear wheel assembly  120  will now be described. When the seat stay fastener  210  is uncoupled from the seat stay fastener receiver  215 , the rear wheel  240  is rotated about pivot  220 , toward the seat  35 . The front chain  225  remains positioned between the front sprocket  105  and the middle sprocket  110 , while the rear chain  230  remains positioned between the middle sprocket  110  and the rear hub  235 . The two rear bottom bracket tubes  200 ,  205  shift upward with the rear wheel  240 . This arrangement of components keeps the distance between the front sprocket  105  and the middle sprocket  110  substantially constant during the folding process, avoiding any slack in the respective chains  225 ,  230 . Therefore, it is not possible for the chains  225 ,  230  to come off during the folding and unfolding of the foldable bicycle  10 . An alternative embodiment of the present invention may employ drivebelts, preferably geared drivebelts, instead of chains. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , when fully folded, the rear wheel  240  is positioned adjacent to the seat  35 . A locking device may be used to keep the rear wheel  240  in the folded position. This greatly decreases the size of the foldable bicycle  10 , allowing it to be carried in a large bag, backpack, and easily stowed in a small vehicle. 
   In addition, to reduce the width of the foldable bicycle  10 , or the tandem foldable bicycle  70 , the pedals may also be folded. Moreover, the foldable bicycle  10 , or the tandem foldable bicycle  70  may be equipped with an electric or internal combustion motor without increasing the folded dimensions. 
   Any size wheel diameter can be used that allow the wheels to be appropriately folded using the frame assembly  12  provided. For example, both the front wheel  175  and the rear wheel  240  can be 14 inches or 16 inches in diameter, but other wheel sizes may be employed, such as for example 23 inches in diameter or other sizes. In addition, the foldable bicycle  10  and the tandem foldable bicycle  70  may be equipped with brakes, lights, fenders, a kick stand, and other amenities. Moreover, the frame may be sized to fit a child, or an oversized adult, or the top tube  15  may be positioned closer to the down tube(s)  20 , such as traditionally has been provided on female gender-specific bicycles, as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 19-20 , a foldable pedal assembly  111  is illustrated. Attached to pedal cranks  16  is a pedal mount  51 . A narrow pedal member  52  is coupled to the pedal mount  51 . It will be appreciated that either the narrow pedal member  52 , or the pedal mount  51  may rotate about the pedal cranks  16 . An outer footrest  57  is pivotally coupled about pedal pivot axis  58 , and when in the folded position, as shown in  FIG. 20 , substantially decreases the width of the foldable pedal assembly  11 . When in the unfolded position, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the outer footrest  57 , in conjunction with the narrow pedal member  52 , provides a substantial area for receiving an operator&#39;s foot. 
   Thus, it is seen that a foldable bicycle is provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the above-described embodiments, which are presented in this description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. The description and examples set forth in this specification and associated drawings only set forth embodiment(s) of the present invention. The specification and drawings are not intended to limit the exclusionary scope of this patent document. Many designs other than the above-described embodiments will fall within the literal and/or legal scope of the following claims, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It is noted that various equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this description may practice the invention as well.