Cable routing structure for a bicycle

Abstract

A cable routing structure (10) for a bicycle described, comprising a stem (1) with a steerer tube receiving portion (3) and at least one handlebar receiving portion (11.11, 11.21), at least one spacer (2.1, 2.2) arrangeable at the steerer tube receiving portion (3) of the stem (1), wherein the at least one spacer (2.1, 2.2) comprises a first spacer part (2.11, 2.21) with a first aperture (2.113, 2.213) configured to receive the steerer tube therethrough along a receiving axis (L), and a second spacer part (2.12, 2.22) releasably engageable with the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21), forming a second aperture (2.13, 2.23) between the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21) and the second spacer part (2.12, 2.22), the second aperture (2.13, 2.23) being configured to receive at least one cable therethrough, wherein the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21) and the second spacer part (2.12, 2.22) are releasably engageable along a spacer plane perpendicular to the receiving axis (L).

Description

[0001]CABLE ROUTING STRUCTURE FOR A BICYCLE Field of the invention The present invention relates to a cable routing structure for a bicycle, a bicycle comprising the cable routing structure and a method of assembling such a bicycle. Background of the invention Typical bicycles have a plurality of cables such as brake cables, shift cables and / or electric wires, which may partially run in the tubes of the bicycle frame and partially be attached at an outer surface of the frame. An efficient and neat cabling is especially sought after in the region of the head tube and the handlebar where the cables are involved in the movement of the front fork while steering the bike. A headset structure for a bicycle providing a wiring channel from a handlebar attachment member to a bicycle frame portion is for example described in EP 1 598 263 B1. The bicycle headset structure comprises a handlebar attachment member and a tubular spacer member. The handlebar attachment member has a handlebar mounting portion configured to secure a bicycle handlebar thereto and a steerer tube attachment portion configured to secure a bicycle steerer tube thereto. A wiring passage extends between the handlebar mounting portion and the steerer tube attachment portion. The tubular spacer member has a first end with an upper end opening, a second end with a lower end opening, a wiring channel extending between the first A24018WO / 15.01.2025 / and second ends of the tubular spacer member and an axial passageway extending axially between the upper and lower end openings of the tubular spacer member. The axial passageway is dimensioned to receive the bicycle steerer tube. The wiring channel is arranged to communicate with the wiring passage of handlebar attachment member when the handlebar attachment member and the tubular spacer member are attached to the bicycle steerer tube. Summary of the invention When aiming for a neat cabling for a bicycle frame, it may be desirable to arrange portions of the cables inside the tubes of the bicycle frame in order to protect the cables from detrimental external effects such as corrosion. At the same time, it may be desirable to keep the assembly of the bicycle parts simple while arranging portions of the cables inside the tubes of the bicycle frame. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a cable routing structure for a bicycle, a bicycle comprising the cable routing structure and a method of assembling such a bicycle which at least partially improve the prior art and avoid at least part of the disadvantages of the prior art. According to the present invention, this object is particularly achieved by a cable routing structure for a bicycle, comprising a stem with a steerer tube receiving portion configured to secure therein an end portion of a steerer tube and at least one handlebar receiving portion configured to secure therein a handlebar, at least one spacer arrangeable at the steererA24018WO / 15.01.2025 tube receiving portion of the stem, wherein the at least one spacer comprises a first spacer part with a first aperture defining a receiving axis and configured to receive the steerer tube therethrough along the receiving axis, and a second spacer part releasably engageable with the first spacer part, forming a second aperture between the first spacer part and the second spacer part, the second aperture being configured to receive at least one cable therethrough, wherein the at least one spacer extends along a spacer plane perpendicular to the receiving axis, and the first spacer part and the second spacer part are releasably engageable along the spacer plane. The at least one spacer can therefore be arranged between the head tube and the stem. By arranging one or more spacers between the head tube and the stem, the distance between the stem and the head tube can be varied without generating gaps therebetween. By receiving the steerer tube through the first aperture, the at least one spacer can serve as a cover for the steerer tube in the region between the head tube and the stem. Further, the at least one spacer can cover the cables in the same region by receiving the cables through the second aperture, thereby providing a protection for the cables from detrimental external effects. Furthermore, the cables can be routed between the stem and the head tube by guiding the cables through the at least one spacer. Preferably, an outer surface of one of the at least one spacer and an outer surface of the stem are flush in the region where one of the at least one spacer and the stem abut. Advantageously, at least one spacer may be configured such that an outer surface of one of the at least one spacer is flush with an outer surface of the head tube in the regionA24018WO / 15.01.2025 where one of the at least one spacer and the head tube abut. The bicycle may therefore exhibit a smooth outer surface in the region of the head tube, the at least one spacer and the stem. Preferably, the first aperture is radially closed. In particular, the first aperture may have an area configured to receive the steerer tube in a radially form-fit fashion, thereby providing a reliable mounting of the first spacer part on the steerer tube. Preferably, the second aperture is radially closed. In particular, the second aperture may radially be separate from the first aperture, such that the steerer tube and the one or more cables guided through the second aperture can spatially be separated. An internal spacer rib may therefore be arranged between the first and second aperture, separating the first and second aperture. While internally routing the cables in the region of the stem and the head tube, the cable routing structure provides the advantage that the assembly and / or disassembly can be simplified. Due to the two-part design of the spacer, the steerer tube can first be guided through the first spacer part and secured to the stem, and the cables be installed, before covering the cables by the second spacer part. During installation, access to the cables is facilitated due to the spacer being open before engagement of the first spacer part and the second spacer part. For maintenance, e.g. if a cable has to be replaced or a cable is added or removed, the first spacer part and the second spacer part may be disengaged without having to completely disassemble the stem and theA24018WO / 15.01.2025 steerer tube. In some variants, the first spacer part and second spacer part may be disengaged without the need to completely separate the first and second spacer parts. For example, the first and second spacer parts may still be connected by a hinge after disengagement, as will be described further below. The first and second spacer parts may thus be disengaged to open the second aperture in radial direction or to provide a radial access to the second aperture for the one or more cables. Since the first spacer part and the second spacer part are engageable and / or disengageable along the spacer plane, additional or substantial additional axial space between the stem and the head tube along the longitudinal axis of the steerer tube may not be required for engaging and / or disengaging of the first spacer part and the second spacer part. Therefore, the steerer tube can be secured in the steerer tube receiving portion of the stem in the final position before installation of the cables and engaging the second spacer part with the first spacer part for covering the cables. Releasable engagement of the first spacer part and the second spacer part along the spacer plane thus provides the advantage that the spacer can be assembled and / or disassembled in radial direction without axial movement or without substantial axial movement of the first and second spacer parts perpendicular to the spacer plane. In particular, the spacer may be assembled and / or disassembled without an axial movement exceeding the axial dimension or the height, respectively, of the spacer. The stem comprising at least one handlebar receiving portion provides the advantage that a cable which is to be connected to the handlebar or to a component at the handlebar can beA24018WO / 15.01.2025 routed in the stem up to the handlebar or the respective component. In some embodiments, the first spacer part and the second spacer part are releasably engageable by a snap-fit connection. A snap-fit connection provides the advantage of a simple releasable engagement of first and second spacer parts. In particular, the snap-fit connection can be realized by appropriate fitting structures of the first and second spacer parts. Additional fitting elements such as screws or pins can therefore be avoided. In some embodiments, the first spacer part and the second spacer part are connected at one end by a hinge and releasably engageable at a second end by a snap-fit connection. The spacer may therefore be opened along the spacer plane without having to completely remove the second spacer part. Assembly of the spacer may thereby be facilitated. Further, the risk of losing the second spacer part can be reduced. In some embodiments, the first spacer part and the second spacer part are releasably engageable by a screw. For example, the first spacer part and the second spacer part are connected at one end by a hinge and releasably engageable at a second end by a screw. In other variants, one or more screws may be used to releasably connect the first and second spacer part. The first spacer part and / or second spacer part may comprise a thread into which the one or more screw may be screwed. The first spacer part and / or second spacer part may comprise one or more apertures for receiving the one or more screws therethrough when screwing into a thread.A24018WO / 15.01.2025 In some embodiments, the at least one spacer has a circular outer profile enclosing a disk-shaped space therein. In some embodiments, the at least one spacer has a polygonal outer profile enclosing a polygonal space therein. In particular, the spacer can be designed with a circular or polygonal outer profile that corresponds to the outer profile of the head tube and the stem tube portion abutting a spacer, such that a flush transition between stem and a spacer, and a spacer and head tube can be provided. In some embodiments, the first aperture is arranged at the center of the disk-shaped space. In some embodiments, the first aperture is arranged at the center of the polygonal space. By providing a spacer with a circular outer profile or a polygonal outer profile with a centrally arranged first aperture, a circular or n-fold rotationally symmetric design of the spacer can be obtained which may be advantageous for a uniform load distribution when securing the stem to the head tube. In some embodiments, the second spacer part comprises a bracket-like section with a first engagement end releasably engageable with a first engagement end of the first spacer part and a second engagement end releasably engageable with a second engagement end of the first spacer part. The second spacer part may therefore embrace by the bracket- like section the one or more cables routed at the first spacer part. The second aperture may thereby be formed by engagingA24018WO / 15.01.2025 the first and second engagement ends of the second spacer part with the first and second engagement ends of the first spacer part. In some embodiments, the first engagement end and the second engagement end of the second spacer part each comprise at least one latch and / or catch engageable with a corresponding catch and / or latch of the first spacer part. In particular, the latches and the catches may provide a snap- fit connection for releasably engaging the first spacer part and the second spacer part. In some embodiments, the bracket-like section has a shape of a circular arc or a rectangular bracket. In some embodiments, the second spacer part is engageable with and / or releasable from the first spacer part by radially moving the first engagement end and the second engagement end of the second spacer part towards each other or away from each other. The first spacer part and the second spacer part may therefore be engageable with and / or releasable from each other by temporarily deforming only the second spacer part. Alternatively, the second spacer part may be engageable with and / or releasable from the first spacer part by radially moving the first engagement end and the second engagement end of the first spacer part towards each other or away from each other. The first spacer part and the second spacer part may therefore be engageable with and / or releasable from each other by temporarily deforming only the first spacer part.A24018WO / 15.01.2025 In some embodiments, the second aperture is partially circumferentially arranged around the first aperture. The cables routed through the second aperture may therefore be distributed around the first aperture. In particular, the second aperture may exhibit a C-shape. In some embodiments, the stem comprises a main body with a cable routing face oriented towards the at least one spacer and at least one stem cover which is engageable with the main body in a manner to close the cable routing face. Before closing the main body by the at least one stem cover, the one or more cables may therefore conveniently be routed along the cable routing face. After routing, the at least one stem cover may close the cable routing face in order to protect the one or more cables. The main body may exhibit a shell shape with the cable routing face formed by an opening oriented towards the at least one spacer. In some embodiments, a cable routing channel is formed between the main body and the at least one stem cover. By closing the cable routing face by the at least one stem cover, a well-defined cable routing channel can be formed. The at least one stem cover may exhibit a shell shape such that sufficient space for receiving the one or more cables can be provided. In some embodiments, the main body comprises a shaft comprising the steerer tube receiving portion and a first arm comprising a first handlebar receiving portion and a second arm comprising a second handlebar receiving portion.A24018WO / 15.01.2025 Therefore, the main body can provide multiple receiving portions for components such as the steerer tube and a first and second handlebar. In particular, the main body may provide separate receiving portions for a first handlebar and a second handlebar. By designing the main body with a shaft and first and second arms, dedicated structural parts for each receiving portion can be provided. This may be advantageous for the load distribution within the stem. Further, the first and second arms may function as parts of the handlebar. In particular, the shaft, the first arm and the second arm may be arranged in a T-shape. Compared to conventional solutions where the handlebar is mounted to the stem at one central receiving portion lying at a common axis with the steerer tube receiving portion, the load may be more distributed, such that the overall stability may be improved. In some embodiments, the cable routing channel extends through the shaft and the first and second arms. The one or more cables may therefore be routed from the steerer tube to the first and / or second handlebar. In some embodiments, a first handlebar is releasably secured in the first handlebar receiving portion and a second handlebar is releasably secured in the second handlebar receiving portion, wherein the first and second handlebars are each protruding out of the first and second handlebar receiving portions.A24018WO / 15.01.2025 The first and second handlebars may therefore be replaced in case of damage or if the user desires another type of handlebar. In some embodiments, the first handlebar can be secured at different axial positions along the first handlebar receiving portion with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first handlebar and the second handlebar can be secured at different axial positions along the second handlebar receiving portion with respect to the longitudinal axis of the second handlebar. Thus, the distance between the first handlebar and the second handlebar, or the overall length of the handlebar, respectively, can be varied by axially displacing and securing the first and second handlebars in their respective handlebar receiving portions. In some embodiments, the angle between the longitudinal axes of the first and second handlebars is variable by adapting the first and second handlebar receiving portions and / or by adapting the securing of the first and second handlebars to the first and second handlebar receiving portions, respectively. The first and second handlebars may each comprise a securing rod configured to be secured in the first and second handlebar receiving portions, respectively. The first and second handlebar receiving portions may each comprise one or more clamps configured to secure the securing rods of the first and second handlebars. In some embodiments, the main body comprises one or more protruding pins with an internal thread and at least one stemA24018WO / 15.01.2025 cover comprises one or more pin apertures dimensioned to receive the one or more protruding pins therethrough. Since the one or more protruding pins are received through the pin apertures of at least one stem cover when the stem cover is fastened to the main body by one or more screws being screwed into the internal threads of the one or more protruding pins, it can be ensured that no cables are pinch into the internal threads by the one or more screws. In some embodiments, the main body comprises two protruding pins arranged along a connecting line of the first arm and the second arm. With two protruding pins arranged along a connecting line of the first arm and the second arm, the reliability of the mounting of the stem cover to the main body can be improved. This may particularly be advantageous for a T-shaped main body. In some embodiments, the one or more protruding pins comprise ends which are flush with a surface of the stem cover. The protruding pins may therefore not project beyond the surface of the stem cover being mounted to the protruding pins such that a neat closing of the main body can be obtained. In some embodiments, at least one stem cover comprises a mounting recess, wherein the one or more pin apertures are formed within the mounting recess. The mounting recess may provide a space to arrange additional components therein. Furthermore, the heads of the one or more screws screwed into the protruding pins may be arranged in the mounting recess.A24018WO / 15.01.2025 In some embodiments, a, preferably metallic, plate is arranged at the mounting recess, wherein the plate is screwed to the one or more protruding pins. The plate may comprise one or more holding structures for attaching additional components to the stem. In particular, the plate may comprise one or more apertures at the position of the one or more protruding pins such that one or more screws may mount the plate in the mounting recess by reaching through said one or more apertures and screwing into the one or more protruding pins. In some embodiments, the plate comprises a holder for a bicycle front light. In some embodiments, the cable routing structure comprises a central stem cover covering the cable routing face of the main body at the shaft and a first stem cover covering the cable routing face of the main body at the first arm and a second stem cover covering the cable routing face of the main body at the second arm. By providing a central stem cover and a first and second stem cover, the cable routing face of the main body at the shaft and the at the first and second arms can separately be closed by a respective stem cover. In particular, it may not be necessary to open the complete stem for maintenance purposes. Instead, only one or more of the stem covers can be removed for the stem region concerned. For example, the central stem cover may be removed to rearrange one or more cables at the shaft of the stem. In other situations, only the first and / or second stem cover may be removed for adapting the axialA24018WO / 15.01.2025 position of the first and / or second handlebars at the handlebar receiving portions. In some embodiments, the cable routing structure comprises a guiding bracket arranged in the stem and configured to guide the at least one cable. Using the guiding bracket, routing of the one or more cables can be improved. In particular, the one or more cables may be spatially fixed at the position of the guiding bracket by mounting the guiding bracket to the main body of the stem. The main body may comprise one or more bracket mounting pins with an internal thread for mounting the guiding bracket. The guiding bracket may comprise one or more holes through which the guiding bracket can be mounted to the bracket mounting pins using one or more screws. The one or more cables may be arranged at the cable routing face and positioned by the guiding bracket, after which the cable routing face may be covered by the one or more stem covers. In some embodiments, the guiding bracket is arranged at the shaft of the main body. By arranging the guiding bracket at the shaft of the main body, a plurality of cables emerging from the head tube can be seized together, thereby improving routing of the cables. In some embodiments, the first spacer part is made from a first material and the second spacer part is made from a second material, wherein the first material is harder and / or stiffer than the second material. By fabricating the first spacer part with a material that is harder and / or stiffer than the material the second spacer partA24018WO / 15.01.2025 is made with, the releasable engagement of the spacer parts, especially the snap-fit connection, can be improved. Typically, the first spacer part is installed before the second spacer part due to the first aperture receiving the steerer tube therethrough. The second spacer part can then be releasably engaged with the first spacer part after routing the one or more cables in the cable routing structure. Since the second spacer part may therefore be the more readily removable spacer part, for example for maintenance purposes, it may be advantageous to make the first spacer part from a more durable material since the second spacer part may more easily be replaceable in case of wear. In some embodiments, the first spacer part is made from a metal or an alloy and the second spacer part is made from a plastic. By making the first spacer part from a metal, the durability of the first spacer part can be improved. At the same time, releasable engagement of the spacer parts can be provided by the resilience of the second spacer part being made from a plastic. In some embodiments, Young’s modulus of the first material is larger than Young’s modulus of the second material. The first spacer part may therefore be stiffer than the second spacer part. According to a further aspect, the present invention is also directed to a cable routing structure for a bicycle, comprising a stem with a steerer tube receiving portion configured to secure therein an end portion of a steerer tube and with a main body comprising a shaft and a first arm comprising a firstA24018WO / 15.01.2025 handlebar receiving portion configured to secure therein a first handlebar and a second arm comprising a second handlebar receiving portion configured to secure therein a second handlebar, the steerer tube receiving portion being arranged in the shaft of the main body, wherein the main body comprises a cable routing face and the cable routing structure comprises at least one stem cover which is engageable with the main body in a manner to close the cable routing face forming therein a cable routing channel, wherein the shaft, the first arm and the second arm are arranged in a T-shape. According to a further aspect, the present invention is also directed to a bicycle stem system comprising a cable routing structure according to the present disclosure. According to a further aspect, the present invention is also directed to a bicycle comprising the cable routing structure according to the present disclosure, wherein the at least one spacer is arranged between the stem and a head tube of the bicycle frame. Therefore, the one or more spacers can be used to adjust the distance between the stem and the head tube in order to taking into account ergonomic conditions of the bicycle driver. By using the one or more spacers according to the present disclosure, a reliable cable routing can thereby be provided while allowing for an efficient and simple assembly of the components in the stem region, such as the stem, steerer tube and head tube. According to a further aspect, the present invention is also directed to a method of assembling a bicycle according to the present disclosure, comprising the steps of: a. positioningA24018WO / 15.01.2025 the first spacer part of the at least one spacer on the head tube by feeding the steerer tube through the first aperture of the first spacer part; b. securing the steerer tube at the steerer tube receiving portion of the stem in an end position of the steerer tube; c. routing a plurality of cables through the cable routing structure; d. engaging the second spacer part with the first spacer part along the spacer plane. In particular, step d. of engaging the second spacer part with the first spacer can be executed after step c. of routing the plurality of cables through the cable routing structure due to the second aperture being openable by disengaging the first and second spacer parts. Further, step d. can be executed after step b. since additional axial space or tolerance along the axis of the steerer tube is not required due to the first and second spacer parts being engageable and disengageable along the spacer plane. According to a further aspect, the present invention is also directed to a spacer for a cable routing structure according to the present disclosure, the spacer being arrangeable at the steerer tube receiving portion of the stem, wherein the spacer comprises a first spacer part with a first aperture defining a receiving axis and configured to receive the steerer tube therethrough along the receiving axis, and a second spacer part releasably engageable with the first spacer part, forming a second aperture between the first spacer part and the second spacer part, the second aperture being configured to receive at least one cable therethrough, wherein the at least one spacer extends along a spacer plane perpendicular to the receiving axis, and the first spacer part and the second spacer part are releasably engageable along the spacer plane.A24018WO / 15.01.2025 Brief description of the drawings The present invention will be explained in more detail, by way of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the schematic drawings, in which: Fig.1 shows a bottom perspective view of a front part of a bicycle with an embodiment of a cable routing structure; Fig.2 shows a top perspective of the cable routing structure of Fig.1; Fig.3 shows a bottom perspective of the cable routing structure of Fig.1 with removed central stem cover; Fig.4a-b show bottom and top perspective views of two spacers of the cable routing structure of Fig.1 arranged in series; Fig.5a-b show top perspective views of a first spacer part and a second spacer part of the cable routing structure of Fig.1; Fig.6 shows an exploded view of the stem of the cable routing structure of Fig.1; Fig.7 shows the front part of the bicycle with a front light mounted to the cable routing structure; Fig.8a-b show a front part of a bicycle with an embodiment of a cable routing structure;A24018WO / 15.01.2025 Fig.9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a spacer. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments Figure 1 shows a bottom perspective view of a front part of a bicycle with an embodiment of a cable routing structure 10 from below. The cable routing structure 10 comprises a stem 1 with a steerer tube receiving portion 3. The stem 1 comprises a main body 11 which is covered on its bottom side by a central stem cover 12.3 covering the bottom side of a shaft portion of the main body 11, a first stem cover 12.1 covering the bottom side of a first arm of the main body 11 and a second stem cover 12.2 covering the bottom side of a second arm of the main body 11. The central stem cover 12.3 comprises a mounting recess 121 with two pin apertures 1211 and 1212 formed within the mounting recess 121 and arranged along a connecting line of the first arm and second arm of the main body 11. Two protruding pins are received through the pin apertures 1211 and 1212 such that the ends of the two protruding pins are flush with the bottom surface of the mounting recess 121. The cable routing structure 10 further comprises two spacers 2.1 and 2.2 which are arranged below the stem 1 and adjacent to the steerer tube receiving portion 3. The two spacers 2.1 and 2.2 are arranged in series with the spacer 2.1 arranged on top of the spacer 2.2. The spacers 2.1 and 2.2 define the distance between the stem 1 and a head tube (not shown in Fig.1) abutting the spacer 2.2. In a similar fashion, additional spacers may be added in order to increase the distance between the stem 1 and the head tube or one or moreA24018WO / 15.01.2025 spacers may be removed in order to reduce the distance between the stem 1 and the head tube. Figure 2 shows a top perspective view of the cable routing structure 10 of Figure 1. The main body 11 comprises a shaft 11.3 comprising the steerer tube receiving portion, a first arm 11.1 and a second arm 11.2. A first handlebar 4.1 is secured in a first handlebar receiving portion of the first arm 11.1 and a second handlebar 4.2 is secured in a second handlebar receiving portion of the second arm 11.2. Figure 2 therefore also shows an embodiment of a bicycle stem system. The two spacers 2.1 and 2.2 are arranged below the shaft 11.3. The main body 11 exhibits a T-shape formed by the shaft 11.3, the first arm 11.1 and the second arm 11.2. A top mounting recess 111 is formed in the main body 11 and configured to receive a top holding structure (not shown in Fig.2). The top holding structure may be used to mount a display or a mobile device such as a cell phone. Figure 3 shows a bottom perspective of the cable routing structure 10 of Fig.1 with removed central stem cover. The first stem cover 12.1 covers the first handlebar receiving portion of the first arm where a securing rod 4.11 of the first handlebar is received. The second stem cover 12.2 covers the second handlebar receiving portion of the second arm where a securing rod 4.21 of the second handlebar is received. The main body 11 comprises a first protruding pin 112.1 with an internal thread 112.11 and a second protruding pin 112.2 with an internal thread 112.21. The central stem cover is mounted to the main body 11 by screws fastened into the internal threads 112.11 and 112.21 of the protruding pins 112.1A24018WO / 15.01.2025 and 112.2. The protruding pins 112.1 and 112.2 are arranged along a connecting line of the first arm and the second arm of the main body 11 and have a length such that they reach through the pin apertures of the central stem cover and their ends are flush with the bottom surface of the mounting recess, as shown in Figure 1. The main body 11 further comprises two bracket mounting pins 113.1 and 113.2 on which a guiding bracket 13 for guiding the cables routed in the cable routing structure 10 is mounted. The cables are routed between the guiding bracket 13 and the main body 10. In Figure 3, the second spacer parts of the spacers are removed such that only the first spacer parts 2.11 and 2.21 are shown. The first spacer parts 2.11 and 2.21 each comprise a first aperture 2.113 and 2.213 for receiving a steerer tube therethrough. The first apertures 2.113 and 2.213 communicate with the steerer tube receiving portion 3 of the main body 11 such that a steerer tube can be secured in the steerer tube receiving portion 3 after reaching through the first apertures 2.113 and 2.213. Below the first spacer part 2.21 of the second spacer, there is arranged a compression ring 5 for coupling the steerer tube with a bearing in the head tube. The compression ring 5 comprises a plurality of outer radial recesses for guiding cables therethrough and a radial gap such that the compression ring 5 can be clamped around the steerer tube. Figure 4a shows a bottom perspective view of the two spacers 2.1 and 2.2 of the cable routing structure of Figure 1 arranged on top of each other. The spacers 2.1 and 2.2 have a circularA24018WO / 15.01.2025 outer profile enclosing therein a disk-shaped space with various structures such as apertures, ribs, recesses, protrusions, latches etc. The first spacer 2.1 and second spacer 2.2 are identical in shape and features described in connection with one spacer also pertain to the other spacer. The second spacer part 2.22 of the second spacer 2.2 comprises a bracket-like section of circular arc shape with a first engagement end 2.221 releasably engaged with a first engagement end 2.211 of the first spacer part 2.21 of the second spacer 2.2 and a second engagement end 2.222 engaged with a second engagement end 2.212 of the first spacer part 2.21 of the second spacer 2.2. The first engagement end 2.221 of the second spacer part 2.22 comprises a first latch 2.2211 and a second latch 2.2212 engaging with corresponding engagement structures of the first engagement end 2.211 of the first spacer part 2.21, such as the catch 2.2111. The second engagement end 2.222 of the second spacer part 2.22 is designed correspondingly. The first spacer part 2.21 and the second spacer part 2.22 can therefore be engaged along the horizontal spacer plane by a snap-fit connection. Due to the engagement of the first spacer part 2.21 and the second spacer part 2.22 of the second spacer 2.2, a second aperture 2.23 is formed between the first spacer part 2.21 and the second spacer part 2.22. Accordingly, a second aperture 2.13 is formed between the first spacer part 2.11 and the second spacer part 2.12 of the first spacer 2.1. One or more cables can thus be received through the second apertures 2.13 and 2.23.A24018WO / 15.01.2025 The first spacer parts 2.11 and 2.21 may be made of a metal or an alloy. The second spacer parts 2.12 and 2.22 may be made of a plastic, such as for example polypropylene. Figure 4b shows a top perspective view of the two spacers 2.1 and 2.2 of the cable routing structure of Figure 1 arranged on top of each other. The first spacer parts 2.11 and 2.21 each comprise a first aperture 2.113 and 2.213 defining a receiving axis L and configured to receive the steerer tube therethrough along the receiving axis L. The first apertures 2.113 and 2.213 are arranged at the center of the disk-shaped spaces defined by the circular outer profiles of the first spacer 2.1 and second spacer 2.2. The first spacer part 2.11 of the first spacer 2.1 comprises two axial protrusions 2.1142 and 2.1152 configured to engage axial recesses of a spacer positioned above the first spacer 2.1. Such axial recesses 2.2141 and 2.2151 are shown for the second spacer 2.2 in Figure 4a. Due to the axial protrusions 2.1142, 2.1152 and axial recesses 2.2141, 2.2151, the first spacer parts of the spacers can be radially secured after being stacked on top of each other. The first latch 2.1211 of the second spacer part 2.12 is axially set back below the top rim of the first spacer part 2.11. Therefore, the first latch 2.1211 can be deflected axially when the first spacer part 2.11 and the second spacer part 2.12 are engaged along the spacer plane perpendicular to the receiving axis L. Figure 5a shows a top perspective view of the first spacer part 2.11 or 2.21 of the first spacer or second spacer, respectively.A24018WO / 15.01.2025 Figure 5b shows the second spacer part 2.12 or 2.22 of the first spacer or second spacer, respectively. Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the stem 1 of the cable routing structure of Figure 1. In the exploded view, the first handlebar receiving portion 11.11 of the first arm 11.1 and the second handlebar receiving portion 11.21 of the second arm 11.2 can be seen. The first handlebar receiving portion 11.11 comprises a first clamp 11.111 and a second clamp 11.112 for releasably securing a securing rod of the first handlebar. Accordingly, the second handlebar receiving portion 11.21 comprises a first clamp 11.211 and a second clamp 11.212 for releasably securing a securing rod of the second handlebar. Using the clamps 11.111, 11.112 and clamps 11.211, 11.212, respectively, the first and second handlebars can be secured at different axial positions along the respective handlebar receiving portion with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective handlebar. The main body 11 comprises on its bottom side a cable routing face 114 oriented towards the spacers. The cable routing face 114 can be closed by the first and second stem covers 12.1, 12.2 and the central stem cover 12.3 to form a cable routing channel between the main body 11 and the stem covers 12.1, 12.2, 12.3. In addition to the mounting of the central stem cover 12.3 using the protruding pins 112.1, 112.2 of the man body 11, the first and second stem covers 12.1, 12.2 and the central stem cover 12.3 can engage the main body 11 by pins 12.11, 12.21 and 12.31. Further, the first stem cover 12.1 and the second stem cover 12.2 comprise protruding shell portions 12.12 and 12.22 engaging with the central stem cover 12.3 when the stem 1 is assembled, thereby additionally securing theA24018WO / 15.01.2025 first and second stem covers 12.1, 12.2. The central stem cover 12.3 comprises a circular end portion 12.32 partially surrounding the steerer tube receiving portion 3 and abutting a second spacer part arranged below the central stem cover 12.3 when the cable routing structure is assembled. The main body 11 exhibits a shell shape with the cable routing face 114 formed by an opening oriented downwards. The stem covers 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 exhibit a shell shape such that sufficient space for receiving the cables is provided. The cable routing channel extends through the shaft and the first and second arms 11.1, 11.2 of the main body 11. Figure 7 shows the front part of the bicycle with a front light 7 mounted to the cable routing structure 10. In particular, the front light 7 is mounted by a holder 62 of a plate 6 arranged in the mounting recess of the central stem cover 12.3. The plate 6 is mounted to the central stem cover 12.3 by two screws 61 screwed to the protruding pins of the main body 11. Figure 8a shows a front part of a bicycle with an embodiment of a cable routing structure 10’. Two spacers 2.1’ and 2.2’ are arranged between the stem 1’ and the head tube 81’ of the bicycle frame. Figure 8b shows the front part of the bicycle of Figure 8a with the one or more stem covers removed, such that the cable routing face of the main body 11’ is visible. Furthermore, the second spacer parts are also removed. In this configuration, the cables may be installed along the cable routing face, after which the one or more stem covers and the second spacer parts of the spacers may be mounted. The steerer tube 82’ is received in the first apertures of the first spacer parts 2.11’ andA24018WO / 15.01.2025 2.21’. The steerer tube 82’ is not directly visible due to the walls 2.1131’ and 2.2131’ of the first apertures of the first spacer parts 2.11’, 2.21’ radially covering the steerer tube 82’. This is symbolized by the dashed reference arrow of the steerer tube 82’. The steerer tube 82’ is guided through the first apertures of the first spacer parts 2.11’ and 2.21’ and an end portion of the steerer tube 82’ is secured in the steerer tube receiving portion 3’ of the stem. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a spacer 2.3 with a first spacer part 2.31 and a second spacer part 2.32 releasably engaged by a snap-fit connection. The first spacer part 2.31 comprises a radially closed first aperture 2.313 for receiving a steerer tube therethrough. The spacer 2.3 comprises a circular outer profile enclosing a disk-shaped space formed therein. The first aperture 2.313 is arranged at the center of the disk-shaped space. The second spacer part 2.32 comprises a circular arc shaped bracket-like section 2.323 with a first engagement end 2.321 and a second engagement end 2.322. The first engagement end 2.321 of the second spacer part 2.32 is engaged with a first engagement end 2.311 of the first spacer part 2.31 and the second engagement end 2.322 of the second spacer part 2.32 is engaged with a second engagement end 2.312 of the first spacer part 2.31. The first engagement ends 2.321, 2.311 and second engagement ends 2.322, 2.312 of the first and second spacer parts 2.31, 2.32 each comprise latches and catches which engage with each other in a snap-fit fashion. The second spacer part 2.32 can be engaged with and released from the first spacer part 2.31 by radially moving the first engagement end 2.321 and the second engagement end 2.322 ofA24018WO / 15.01.2025 the second spacer part 2.32 towards each other. The first spacer part 2.31 may be made of a metal whereas the second spacer part 2.32 may be made of a plastic. Alternatively, the first spacer part 2.31 may be made of a first plastic and the second spacer part 2.32 may be made of a second plastic, wherein Young’s modulus of the first plastic may be larger than Young’s modulus of the second plastic. The first spacer part 2.31 comprises an axial protrusion 2.3142 configured to engage an axial recess of another spacer positioned above the spacer 2.3.A24018WO / 15.01.2025

Claims

Claims 1. A cable routing structure (10, 10’) for a bicycle, comprising a stem (1, 1’) with a steerer tube receiving portion (3, 3’) configured to secure therein an end portion of a steerer tube (82’) and at least one handlebar receiving portion (11.11, 11.21) configured to secure therein a handlebar (4.1, 4.2), at least one spacer (2.1- 3, 2.1’-2’) arrangeable at the steerer tube receiving portion (3, 3’) of the stem (1, 1’), wherein the at least one spacer (2.1-3, 2.1’-2’) comprises a first spacer part (2.11-31,with a first aperture (2.113-313) defining a receiving axis (L) and configured to receive the steerer tube (82’) therethrough along the receiving axis (L), and a second spacer part (2.12, 2.22, 2.32) releasably engageable with the first spacer part (2.11- 31, 2.11’-21’), forming a second aperture (2.13, 2.23) between the first spacer part (2.11-31, 2.11’-21’) and the second spacer part (2.12-32), the second aperture (2.13, 2.23) being configured to receive at least one cable therethrough, wherein the at least one spacer (2.1- 3, 2.1’-2’) extends along a spacer plane perpendicular to the receiving axis (L), and the first spacer part (2.11- 31, 2.11’-21’) and the second spacer part (2.12-32) are releasably engageable along the spacer plane.

2. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 1, wherein the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’) and the second spacer part (2.12, 2.22, 2.32) are releasably engageable by a snap-fit connection.A24018WO / 15.01.20253. The cable routing structure according to claim 2, wherein the first spacer part and the second spacer part are connected at one end by a hinge and releasably engageable at a second end by a snap-fit connection.

4. The cable routing structure according to claim 1, wherein the first spacer part and the second spacer part are releasably engageable by a screw.

5. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spacer (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.1’, 2.2’) has a circular outer profile enclosing a disk-shaped space therein.

6. The cable routing structure according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one spacer has a polygonal outer profile enclosing a polygonal space therein.

7. The cable routing structure according to claim 5, wherein the first aperture (2.113, 2.213, 2.313) is arranged at the center of the disk-shaped space.

8. The cable routing structure according to claim 6, wherein the first aperture is arranged at the center of the polygonal space.

9. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second spacer part (2.12, 2.22, 2.32) comprises a bracket-like section (2.323) with a first engagement end (2.221, 2.321) releasably engageable with a first engagement end (2.211, 2.311) of the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’) and a second engagement end (2.222, 2.322) releasably engageable with a second engagement endA24018WO / 15.01.2025(2.212, 2.312) of the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’).

10. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 9, wherein the first engagement end (2.221, 2.321) and the second engagement end (2.222, 2.322) of the second spacer part (2.12, 2.22, 2.32) each comprise at least one latch (2.2211, 2.2212, 2.1211) and / or catch engageable with a corresponding catch (2.2111) and / or latch of the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’).

11. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the bracket-like section (2.323) has a shape of a circular arc or of a rectangular bracket.

12. The cable routing structure according to one of the claims 9 to 11, wherein the second spacer part (2.32) is engageable with and / or releasable from the first spacer part (2.31) by radially moving the first engagement end (2.321) and the second engagement end (2.322) of the second spacer part (2.32) towards each other or away from each other.

13. The cable routing structure according to one of the claims 9 to 11, wherein the second spacer part is engageable with and / or releasable from the first spacer part by radially moving the first engagement end and the second engagement end of the first spacer part towards each other or away from each other.

14. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second aperture (2.13,A24018WO / 15.01.20252.23) is partially circumferentially arranged around the first aperture (2.113, 2.213, 2.313).

15. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stem (1, 1’) comprises a main body (11, 11’) with a cable routing face (114) oriented towards the at least one spacer (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.1’, 2.2’) and at least one stem cover (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) which is engageable with the main body (11, 11’) in a manner to close the cable routing face (114).

16. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 15, wherein a cable routing channel is formed between the main body (11, 11’) and the at least one stem cover (12.1, 12.2, 12.3).

17. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the main body (11, 11’) comprises a shaft (11.3) comprising the steerer tube receiving portion (3, 3’) and a first arm (11.1) comprising a first handlebar receiving portion (11.11) and a second arm (11.2) comprising a second handlebar receiving portion (11.21).

18. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 17, wherein the shaft (11.3), the first arm (11.1) and the second arm (11.2) are arranged in a T-shape.

19. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 17 or 18 and to claim 16, wherein the cable routing channel extends through the shaft (11.3) and the first and second arms (11.1, 11.2).A24018WO / 15.01.202520. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the claims 17 to 19, wherein a first handlebar (4.1) is releasably secured in the first handlebar receiving portion (11.11) and a second handlebar (4.2) is releasably secured in the second handlebar receiving portion (11.21), wherein the first and second handlebars (4.1, 4.2) are each protruding out of the first and second handlebar receiving portions (11.11, 11.21).

21. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 20, wherein the first handlebar (4.1) can be secured at different axial positions along the first handlebar receiving portion (11.11) and the second handlebar (4.2) can be secured at different axial positions along the second handlebar receiving portion (11.21).

22. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the claims 15 to 21, wherein the main body (11, 11’) comprises one or more protruding pins (112.1, 112.2) with an internal thread (112.11, 112.21) and at least one stem cover (12.3) comprises one or more pin apertures (1211, 1212) dimensioned to receive the one or more protruding pins (112.1, 112.2) therethrough.

23. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 17 and claim 22, wherein the main body (11, 11’) comprises two protruding pins (112.1, 112.2) arranged along a connecting line of the first arm (11.1) and the second arm (11.2).

24. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the one or more protruding pins (112.1,A24018WO / 15.01.2025112.2) comprise ends which are flush with a surface of the stem cover (12.3).

25. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the claims 22 to 24, wherein at least one stem cover (12.3) comprises a mounting recess (121), wherein the one or more pin apertures (1211, 1212) are formed within the mounting recess (121).

26. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 25, wherein a, preferably metallic, plate (6) is arranged at the mounting recess (121), wherein the plate (6) is screwed to the one or more protruding pins (112.1, 112.2).

27. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 26, wherein the plate (6) comprises a holder (62) for a bicycle front light.

28. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the claims 15 to 27 and claim 17, comprising a central stem cover (12.3) covering the cable routing face (114) of the main body (11, 11’) at the shaft (11.3) and a first stem cover (12.1) covering the cable routing face (114) of the main body (11, 11’) at the first arm (11.1) and a second stem cover (12.2) covering the cable routing face (114) of the main body (11, 11’) at the second arm (11.2).

29. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a guiding bracket (13) arranged in the stem (1, 1’) and configured to guide the at least one cable.A24018WO / 15.01.202530. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 29, wherein the guiding bracket (13) is arranged at the shaft (11.3) of the main body (11, 11’).

31. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’) is made from a first material and the second spacer part (2.12, 2.22, 2.32) is made from a second material, wherein the first material is harder and / or stiffer than the second material.

32. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 31, wherein the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’) is made from a metal or an alloy and the second spacer part (2.12, 2.22, 2.32) is made from a plastic.

33. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 31 or 32, wherein Young’s modulus of the first material is larger than Young’s modulus of the second material.

34. A cable routing structure (10, 10’) for a bicycle, comprising a stem (1, 1’) with a steerer tube receiving portion (3, 3’) configured to secure therein an end portion of a steerer tube (82’) and with a main body (11, 11’) comprising a shaft (11.3) and a first arm (11.1) comprising a first handlebar receiving portion (11.11) configured to secure therein a first handlebar (4.1) and a second arm (11.2) comprising a second handlebar receiving portion (11.21) configured to secure therein a second handlebar (4.2), the steerer tube receiving portion (3, 3’) being arranged in the shaft (11.3) of the main body (11, 11’), wherein the main body (11, 11’)A24018WO / 15.01.2025comprises a cable routing face (114) and the cable routing structure (10, 10’) comprises at least one stem cover (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) which is engageable with the main body (11, 11’) in a manner to close the cable routing face (114) forming therein a cable routing channel, wherein the shaft (11.3), the first arm (11.1) and the second arm (11.2) are arranged in a T-shape.

35. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 34, wherein the first handlebar (4.1) can be secured at different axial positions along the first handlebar receiving portion (11.11) and the second handlebar (4.2) can be secured at different axial positions along the second handlebar receiving portion (11.21).

36. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the main body (11, 11’) comprises one or more protruding pins (112.1, 112.2) with an internal thread (112.11, 112.21) and at least one stem cover (12.3) comprises one or more pin apertures (1211, 1212) dimensioned to receive the one or more protruding pins (112.1, 112.2) therethrough.

37. The cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the claims 34 to 36, wherein the one or more protruding pins (112.1, 112.2) comprise ends which are flush with a surface of the stem cover (12.3).

38. A bicycle stem system comprising a cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the preceding claims, a first handlebar (4.1) secured in the first handlebar receiving portion (11.11) and a second handlebar (4.2)A24018WO / 15.01.2025secured in the second handlebar receiving portion (11.21).

39. A bicycle comprising the cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the claims 1 to 37, wherein the at least one spacer (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.1’, 2.2’) is arranged between the stem (1, 1’) and a head tube (81’) of the bicycle frame.

40. A spacer (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.1’, 2.2’) for a cable routing structure (10, 10’) according to one of the claims 1 to 37, the spacer (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.1’, 2.2’) being arrangeable at the steerer tube receiving portion (3, 3’) of the stem (1, 1’), wherein the spacer (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.1’, 2.2’) comprises a first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’) with a first aperture (2.113, 2.213, 2.313) defining a receiving axis (L) and configured to receive the steerer tube therethrough along the receiving axis (L), and a second spacer part (2.12, 2.22, 2.32) releasably engageable with the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’), forming a second aperture (2.13, 2.23) between the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’) and the second spacer part (2.12, 2.22, 2.32), the second aperture (2.13, 2.23) being configured to receive at least one cable therethrough, wherein the at least one spacer (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.1’, 2.2’) extends along a spacer plane perpendicular to the receiving axis (L), and the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’) and the second spacer part (2.12, 2.22, 2.32) are releasably engageable along the spacer plane.A24018WO / 15.01.202541. A method of assembling a bicycle according to claim 39, comprising the steps of: a. positioning the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’) of the at least one spacer (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.1’, 2.2’) on the head tube by feeding the steerer tube through the first aperture (2.113, 2.213, 2.313) of the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’); b. securing the steerer tube at the steerer tube receiving portion (3, 3’) of the stem (1, 1’) in an end position of the steerer tube; c. routing a plurality of cables through the cable routing structure (10, 10’); d. engaging the second spacer part (2.12, 2.22, 2.32) with the first spacer part (2.11, 2.21, 2.31, 2.11’, 2.21’) along the spacer plane.A24018WO / 15.01.2025

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