Patent ID: 7891688

Claim:
A bicycle frame, comprising: a main frame portion, said main frame portion comprising a bottom bracket configured to support a pedal crank assembly for rotation relative to said main frame portion and a head tube configured to support a front fork for rotation relative to said main frame portion, said main frame portion further comprising an opening defining an axis of rotation; an articulating frame portion, comprising: a chain stay portion coupled for articulation relative to said main frame portion; a seat stay portion coupled to said chain stay portion; and a lever portion coupled for articulation relative to said seat stay portion; wherein said lever portion is coupled to said main frame portion for rotation about said axis of rotation, said lever portion comprising a first lever arm, a second lever arm and an axle, said axle supported by said main frame for rotation about said axis of rotation, said first lever arm coupled to said axle by a first fastener extending through said first lever arm and into said axle, said first fastener having a first fastener axis that is substantially parallel to and offset from said axis of rotation, and said second lever arm coupled to said axle by a second fastener extending through said second lever arm and into said axle, said second fastener having a second fastener axis that is substantially parallel to and offset from said axis of rotation, said offset of said first fastener axis from said axis of rotation and said offset of said second fastener axis from said axis of rotation being sufficient, along with said coupling of said first and second lever arms to said axle, to cause said first lever arm, said second lever arm and said axle to rotate together as a unit about said axis of rotation; and a shock absorber operably coupled between said articulating frame portion and said main frame portion.