Cycling training device

Abstract

Discloses is a cycling training device arranged to control the rolling resistance experienced by the rider, such that the rolling resistance experienced by the rider is varied in accordance with a training programme. The cycling training device comprises an electronic control unit and a variable resistance unit, the variable resistance unit engaging with or mounted in a wheel of a bicycle such that the effective rolling resistance of the bicycle may be controlled.

1 . A cycling training device comprising an electronic control unit and a variable resistance unit, the variable resistance unit engaging with or mounted in a wheel of a bicycle such that the effective rolling resistance of the bicycle is electronically variable whilst the bicycle is ridden a physical distance on a real terrain. 
     
     
         2 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the effective rolling resistance is varied in accordance with a user's training programme. 
     
     
         3 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the electronic control unit comprises a central processor, a display and buttons. 
     
     
         4 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the display and buttons are integrated into a touch screen. 
     
     
         5 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the electronic control unit further comprises a communication means. 
     
     
         6 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the communication means further comprises a wireless means of communicating with the variable resistance unit. 
     
     
         7 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the communication means further comprises a wireless means of communicating with a personal computer. 
     
     
         8 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the electronic control unit is a mobile computing device. 
     
     
         9 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the mobile computing device is a smart phone. 
     
     
         10 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the cycling training device further comprises at least one biometric sensor means arranged to capture biometric data from the user. 
     
     
         11 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein the biometric sensor means is arranged to detect heart rate. 
     
     
         12 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein the biometric sensor means is arranged to detect respiration rate. 
     
     
         13 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the variable resistance unit comprises a means of imparting Electro-Magnetic Force (EMF) capable of affecting the rolling resistance of the wheel. 
     
     
         14 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the means of imparting EMF comprises an alternator. 
     
     
         15 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the means of imparting EMF is an eddy current brake. 
     
     
         16 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the variable resistance unit further comprises a means for rectifying alternating current. 
     
     
         17 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the variable resistance unit further comprises a DC filter. 
     
     
         18 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the variable resistance unit further comprises a DC converter. 
     
     
         19 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the variable resistance unit further comprises a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controller. 
     
     
         20 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 13 , the variable resistance unit further comprises an electrical load. 
     
     
         21 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the variable resistance unit further comprises a sensor means arranged to measure physical and electrical characteristics of the variable resistance unit. 
     
     
         22 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the variable resistance unit is arranged to generate electricity during part of its normal operation. 
     
     
         23 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the variable resistance unit is arranged to act as a motor during part of its normal operation. 
     
     
         24 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 20 , wherein the electrical load comprises a heat sink. 
     
     
         25 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 20 , wherein the electrical load comprises a means for storing electrical energy. 
     
     
         26 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 21 , wherein the sensor means are arranged to measure at least one of: electrical resistance, electrical impedance, voltage output, and current output. 
     
     
         27 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 21 , wherein the sensor means are arranged to measure at least one of: temperature, rotational speed, and rotational moment. 
     
     
         28 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 26 , wherein the sensor means constantly calculates the electrical resistance of the load. 
     
     
         29 . The cycling training device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the variable resistance unit is arranged on a rear wheel of the bicycle.