Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a bicycle front fork made of a composite material with two fork arms which are joined to one another in order to form a rod-shaped fork head. The fork head has two rearward directed projections, namely an upper projection and a lower projection. The two projections bear hinge parts which interact with complementary hinge parts of the steering head of the frame. Here, the fork arms are of essentially linear construction and their centre lines are located at least essentially in a plane in which the centre line of the fork head also extends. This plane is arranged at a distance from the swivel axis which is dependent on the dimensions of the bicycle and which is suitable for ensuring the stability of the bicycle.

<CIT>, is considered the closest prior art to claim <NUM> and discloses, a steering assembly for a bicycle, comprising:a front fork that includes an upper crown and a lower crown;an upper cone configured to mount to the upper crown of the front fork, wherein the upper cone includes an upper cone threaded portion configured to thread into the upper crown, an upper cone bearing interface configured to interact with an upper bearing assembly seated in an upper portion of a head tube of a bicycle frame, and an upper cone tapered portion in between the upper cone threaded portion and the upper cone bearing interface; anda lower cone configured to mount to the lower crown of the front fork, a lower cone bearing interface configured to interact with a lower bearing assembly seated in a lower portion of the head tube of the bicycle frame, and a lower cone tapered portion,the front fork further including a rigid crown connector that integrally connects the upper crown to the lower crown.

An illustrative steering assembly for a bicycle includes a front fork that includes one or more of an upper crown, a lower crown, and a rigid crown connector that connects the upper crown to the lower crown. The steering assembly can also include an upper cone configured to mount to the upper crown of the front fork. The upper cone can include an upper cone bearing interface configured to interact with an upper bearing assembly seated in an upper portion of a head tube of a bicycle frame. The steering assembly can also include a lower cone configured to mount to the lower crown of the front fork. The lower cone can include a lower cone bearing interface configured to interact with a lower bearing assembly seated in a lower portion of the head tube of the bicycle frame.

An illustrative method of assembling a steering assembly includes one or more of mounting an upper bearing assembly in an upper portion of a head tube of a bicycle frame and mounting a lower bearing assembly in a lower portion of the head tube. The method can also include mounting an upper cone to an upper crown of a front fork such that a bearing interface of the upper cone is positioned in an interior of the upper bearing assembly within the upper portion of the head tube. The method can further include mounting a lower cone to a lower crown of the front fork such that a bearing interface of the lower cone is positioned in an interior of the lower bearing assembly within the lower portion of the head tube. The lower crown can be integrally connected to the upper crown by a rigid crown connector.

Other principal features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

Illustrative embodiments will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

Traditional bicycles typically have one or more cables running from a handlebar of the bicycle to various other locations on the bicycle. For example, a bicycle may include a front brake cable running from a front brake controller mounted on the handlebar to a front brake of the bicycle. Similarly, a bicycle can include a rear brake cable running from a rear brake controller mounted on the handlebar to a rear brake of the bicycle. Bicycles can also have one or more gear shifting cables running from a gear shift controller on the handlebar to a gear shift assembly. Electronic bicycles can also include power cables, control cables, feedback cables, electronic wiring, etc. that runs from the handlebar to a motor, battery, etc. of the bicycle.

In traditional bicycles, the cables mounted to the handlebar are often routed external to the bicycle frame, which is not ideal with respect to bicycle aesthetics and air resistance. The cables are routed externally because traditional steering systems include a steerer tube (or other component) positioned within a head tube of the bicycle frame. The steerer tube rotates within the head tube in conjunction with upper and lower bearing sets and connects a crown of the front fork to a handlebar set. The placement of the steerer tube makes it difficult or impossible to route cables from the handlebar down into the head tube and to the rest of the bicycle frame.

Described herein is a steering assembly that enables internal routing of cables from the handlebar to various other components of the bicycle. Specifically, described herein is a steering assembly that does not utilize a steerer tube within the head tube of the bicycle frame. Rather, the front fork includes an upper crown (or upper flange) that mounts to a top of the head tube and a bottom crown (or bottom flange) that mounts to a bottom of the head tube. An upper bearing assembly is seated within an upper portion the head tube and interfaces with a portion of an upper cone that is mounted to the upper crown, and a lower bearing assembly is seated within a lower portion of the head tube and interfaces with a portion of a lower cone that is mounted to the lower crown. As described in detail below, the proposed steering assembly provides an open passageway such that cables can be internally routed from the handlebar through the upper crown of the front fork and into the head tube of the bicycle frame.

<FIG> is an exploded view of a steering assembly <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The steering assembly <NUM> mounts to a head tube <NUM> of a bicycle frame (only a portion of which is depicted in <FIG>). The steering assembly <NUM> includes a front fork <NUM>, an upper cone <NUM>, an upper bearing assembly <NUM>, a lower cone <NUM>, a lower bearing assembly <NUM>, a lower cone locknut <NUM>, a handlebar bracket <NUM>, and a handlebar <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the steering assembly <NUM> can include fewer, additional, and/or different components. The front fork <NUM> is described in more detail with reference to <FIG>, the upper cone <NUM> is described in more detail with reference to <FIG>, the lower cone <NUM> is described in more detail with reference to <FIG>, and the lower cone locknut <NUM> is described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

The front fork <NUM> depicted in <FIG> includes an upper crown (or upper flange) <NUM>, a lower crown (or lower flange) <NUM>, a rigid crown connector <NUM> that connects the upper crown <NUM> and the lower crown <NUM>, a first blade <NUM>, and a second blade <NUM>. A wheel can be mounted between the first blade <NUM> and the second blade <NUM> using any technique known in the art. In an alternative embodiment, the front fork can include two (or more) upper crowns, two (or more) lower crowns, and two (or more) corresponding rigid crown connectors to connect the upper crowns to the lower crowns. For example, in one embodiment, the front fork can include a first upper crown, a first lower crown, and a first rigid crown connector corresponding to the first blade, and a second upper crown, a second lower crown, and a second rigid crown connector corresponding to the second blade.

As described in more detail below, the upper cone <NUM> interfaces with the upper bearing assembly <NUM> seated within the head tube <NUM> and the lower cone <NUM> interfaces with the lower bearing assembly <NUM> seated within the head tube <NUM>. Specifically, the upper cone <NUM> includes a threaded portion and a bearing interface. The threaded portion of the upper cone <NUM> screws into a threaded opening in the upper crown <NUM> of the front fork <NUM>. The bearing interface of the upper cone <NUM> receives the upper bearing assembly <NUM>, which is mounted (when assembled) to a bearing seat within an upper portion of the head tube <NUM>. The lower cone <NUM> also includes a threaded portion and a bearing interface. The threaded portion of the lower cone <NUM> screws into a threaded opening in the lower crown <NUM> of the front fork <NUM>. The bearing seat of the lower cone <NUM> receives the lower bearing assembly <NUM>, which is mounted (when assembled) to a bearing seat within a lower portion of the head tube <NUM>. The lower cone locknut <NUM> threads onto the lower cone <NUM> to prevent unintended rotation of the lower cone <NUM>.

The rigid crown connector <NUM> is positioned external to the head tube <NUM>, and is contoured to match a contour of the external surface of the head tube <NUM>. The rigid crown connector <NUM> is a rigid member that connects the upper crown <NUM> to the rest of the front fork <NUM>. The rigid crown connector <NUM> therefore ensures that any rotation of the upper crown <NUM> results in corresponding rotation of the rest of the front fork <NUM>. Additionally, the handlebar bracket <NUM> mounts to the upper crown <NUM> of the front fork <NUM>, and the handlebar <NUM> mounts to the handlebar bracket <NUM>. As a result, rotation of the handlebar <NUM> causes corresponding rotation of the handlebar bracket <NUM>, the front fork <NUM>, and a wheel mounted between the first blade <NUM> and the second blade <NUM> of the front fork <NUM>. Steering of the bicycle can therefore be accomplished without the use of a steerer tube positioned within the head tube.

The handlebar <NUM> includes openings <NUM> to internally receive one or more cables (not shown) that are attached to the handlebar <NUM>. The one or more cables can be brake cables, shifting cables, power cables, electrical wiring, etc. In an illustrative embodiment, the one or more cables are routed from an external position on the handlebar <NUM> to the openings <NUM> in the handlebar <NUM>, through an opening in the handlebar <NUM> that aligns with the handlebar bracket <NUM>, through a cavity in the handlebar bracket <NUM>, through the upper cone <NUM> mounted to the upper crown <NUM>, and into the head tube <NUM>. From the head tube <NUM>, the one or more cables can be routed within the bicycle frame to any other location on the bicycle. Routing of the one or more cables through the head tube <NUM> is facilitated by the absence of a steerer tube, which results in an unobstructed cavity within the head tube <NUM>. As discussed in more detail below, a front brake cable and/or other cables may be routed through the rigid crown connector <NUM> external to the head tube <NUM>, and to a front brake or into one of the first blade <NUM> and the second blade <NUM>. Specifically, an opening <NUM> in the upper crown <NUM> can be used to route cables from the handlebar <NUM> to one or both of the first blade <NUM> and the second blade <NUM>, or directly to a front brake. In alternative embodiments, the opening <NUM> may not be included.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of the front fork <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the front fork <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. <FIG> is a rear elevation view of the front fork <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. <FIG> is a front elevation view of the front fork <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. <FIG> is a left elevation view of the front fork <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. <FIG> is a right elevation view of the front fork <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. <FIG> is a bottom view of the front fork <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. <FIG> is a top view of the front fork <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the upper crown <NUM> of the front fork <NUM> includes four mounting holes <NUM> that are used to mount the handlebar bracket <NUM> to the front fork <NUM>. In an illustrative embodiment, the mounting holes <NUM> are threaded openings that receive fasteners such as bolts or screws to secure the handlebar bracket <NUM>. Mounting of a handlebar bracket to an upper crown is depicted and described in more detail with reference to <FIG>. In alternative embodiments, fewer or additional mounting holes may be used. The upper crown <NUM> also includes a threaded opening <NUM> that is designed to receive the threaded portion of the upper cone <NUM>. Similarly, the lower crown <NUM> of the front fork <NUM> includes a threaded opening <NUM> that is designed to receive the threaded portion of the lower cone <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the upper cone <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. <FIG> is a top plan view of the upper cone <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The upper cone <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM>, a bearing interface <NUM>, and a tapered portion <NUM> between the threaded portion <NUM> and the bearing interface <NUM>. The threaded portion <NUM> of the upper cone <NUM> threads into an upper crown of a front fork. In an illustrative embodiment, the upper cone <NUM> is fixed in place once it is inserted into the upper crown of the front fork, and is not used to make adjustment the tension of the headset (i.e., the bearing assemblies). Rather, as discussed in more detail below, the lower cone <NUM> is used to make tension adjustments which increase/decrease the amount of play in the headset.

The bearing interface <NUM> of the upper cone <NUM> is a smooth cylindrical surface that moves in relation to an upper bearing assembly. The upper bearing assembly can be mounted in a bearing seat of a head tube using any bearing mounting technique known in the art. The interaction between the upper bearing assembly and the bearing interface <NUM> is low friction such that the user experiences minimal resistance when turning the handlebar of the bicycle. In an illustrative embodiment, an overall height of the upper cone <NUM> is <NUM> millimeters (mm). In alternative embodiments, a different dimension may be used for the height. In another illustrative embodiment, the upper cone <NUM> can be made from aluminum. Alternatively, other materials may be used such as carbon or stainless steel.

As shown in <FIG>, the upper cone <NUM> includes a through hole <NUM> that provides an unobstructed connection between the front fork and the head tube of the bicycle. As a result, one or more cables can be routed from the handlebar, through the handlebar bracket, through the through hole <NUM> of the upper cone <NUM> (which is mounted within the upper crown of the front fork), and into the head tube. From the head tube, the one or more cables can be routed to other areas/components of the bicycle via the bicycle frame. An inner diameter of the through hole <NUM> is <NUM> in one embodiment. Alternatively, a different sized through hole may be used.

The upper cone <NUM> also includes indentations <NUM> which are configured to receive a wrench that is used to mount (or unmount) the upper cone <NUM> within the upper crown of the front fork. A width of the indentations is <NUM> in an illustrative embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the upper cone <NUM> can include fewer or additional indentations, and/or the upper cone <NUM> can be configured to receive a different type of wrench.

<FIG> is a side view of the lower cone <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. <FIG> is a bottom plan view of the lower cone <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The lower cone <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM>, a bearing interface <NUM>, and a tapered portion <NUM> between the threaded portion <NUM> and the bearing interface <NUM>. The threaded portion <NUM> of the lower cone <NUM> threads into a lower crown of a front fork. In an illustrative embodiment, the lower cone <NUM> is used to make adjustment the tension of the headset (i.e., the bearing assemblies). For example, tightening the lower cone <NUM> in the lower crown of the front fork increases the tensioning of the headset, which decreases the amount of play in the headset. Similarly, loosening the lower cone <NUM> in the lower crown of the front fork reduces the tension in the headset, which increases the amount of play in the headset. In an illustrative embodiment, all headset tension adjustments are made via adjustment of the lower cone <NUM>. One reason for using the lower cone <NUM> to adjust headset tension is that the lower cone <NUM> is accessible via the through hole in the lower crown of the front fork when the front fork is mounted on the bicycle. Conversely, the upper cone <NUM> is not accessible without removing the handlebar. In an alternative embodiment, both the upper cone <NUM> and the lower cone <NUM> may be used to make adjustments to the headset.

The bearing interface <NUM> of the lower cone <NUM> is a smooth cylindrical surface upon which a lower bearing assembly moves. The lower bearing assembly can be mounted in a bearing seat of a head tube using any bearing mounting technique known in the art. The interaction between the lower bearing assembly and the bearing interface <NUM> is low friction such that the user experiences minimal resistance when turning the handlebar of the bicycle. In an illustrative embodiment, an overall height of the lower cone <NUM> is <NUM> millimeters (mm) and the diameter is <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, different dimensions may be used for the lower cone. In another illustrative embodiment, the lower cone <NUM> can be made from aluminum. Alternatively, other materials may be used such as carbon or stainless steel.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower cone <NUM> includes a central hexagonal hole <NUM> that is configured to receive a hexagonal (hex) wrench such that the lower cone <NUM> can be tightened/loosened within the lower crown of the front fork. In an illustrative embodiment, the hexagonal hole <NUM> fits a <NUM> hex wrench. Alternatively, a different size of hole, a different type of hole, and/or a different type of wrench may be used to tighten/loosen the lower cone <NUM>. The lower cone <NUM> also includes a plurality of openings <NUM> which reduce overall weight of the lower cone <NUM> and facilitate formation of the central hexagonal hole <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of openings <NUM> may not be included.

<FIG> is a side view of the lower cone locknut <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. <FIG> is a bottom plan view of the lower cone locknut <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The lower cone locknut <NUM> includes threads <NUM> such that the lower cone locknut <NUM> can be threaded into the lower crown of the front fork once the lower cone <NUM> is in place. As discussed above, the lower cone locknut <NUM> is used to preload the upper and lower bearing assemblies and to control the amount of play in the steering system of the bicycle. Once the lower cone <NUM> is tightened to a desired degree, the lower cone locknut <NUM> is used to ensure that the lower cone <NUM> does not move due to vibration, etc..

As shown in <FIG>, the lower cone locknut <NUM> includes a through hole <NUM>, a circumference of which includes a plurality of indentations <NUM>. The plurality of indentations <NUM> are used to mate with a wrench such that the lower cone locknut <NUM> can be tightened and loosened. Additionally, the through hole <NUM> allows simultaneous placement and use of a hex wrench in the hexagonal hole <NUM> in the lower cone <NUM> and a lower cone locknut wrench that mates with the plurality of indentations <NUM>. The hex wrench can be used to ensure that the lower cone <NUM> does not rotate while the lower cone locknut <NUM> is being tightened. The lower cone locknut can have a height of <NUM> and a diameter of <NUM> in one embodiment. Alternatively, a different size of lower cone locknut may be used.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of a steering assembly <NUM> mounted to a head tube <NUM> of a bicycle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The steering assembly <NUM> includes an upper crown <NUM>, a lower crown <NUM>, and a rigid crown connector <NUM> that rigidly connects the upper crown <NUM> to the lower crown <NUM>. An upper cone <NUM> of the steering assembly <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM> and a bearing interface <NUM>. The threaded portion <NUM> of the upper cone <NUM> is threaded into the upper crown <NUM>, and the bearing interface <NUM> is in contact with an upper bearing assembly <NUM> that is seated within an upper portion of the head tube <NUM>.

A lower cone <NUM> of the steering assembly <NUM> also includes a threaded portion <NUM> and a bearing interface <NUM>. The threaded portion <NUM> of the lower cone <NUM> is threaded into the lower crown <NUM>, and the bearing interface <NUM> is in contact with a lower bearing assembly <NUM> that is seated within a lower portion of the head tube <NUM>. A lower cone locknut <NUM> is also threaded into the lower crown <NUM> of the steering assembly <NUM> to prevent movement of the lower cone <NUM> once the lower cone <NUM> has been tightened to a desired degree.

Also depicted in <FIG> is a handlebar bracket <NUM> mounted to the upper crown <NUM> of the steering assembly <NUM>. The handlebar bracket <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that is designed to receive and secure a handlebar (not shown) for the bicycle. As a result, any rotation (left or right) of the handlebar by a rider results in corresponding rotation of the front fork and a bicycle wheel mounted thereto. The upper bearing assembly <NUM> and the lower bearing assembly <NUM> minimize resistance between the steering assembly <NUM> and the head tube <NUM> of the bicycle frame.

As discussed herein, adjusting the preload tension of both the upper bearing assembly <NUM> and the lower bearing assembly <NUM> is performed by adjusting the lower cone <NUM>. Specifically, tightening the lower cone <NUM> within the lower crown <NUM> results in more preload tension on both the upper bearing assembly <NUM> and the lower bearing assembly <NUM> due to the rigid crown connector <NUM> which integrally connects the upper crown <NUM> and the lower crown <NUM>. Similarly, loosening the lower cone <NUM> results in less preload tension on both the upper bearing assembly <NUM> and the lower bearing assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of a steering assembly <NUM> with routed cables in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. A first cable <NUM> and a second cable <NUM> are routed from a handlebar (not shown), through a handlebar bracket (not shown), through an upper cone <NUM> that is mounted to an upper crown <NUM> of the front fork, through a head tube <NUM> of the bicycle, and into a down tube <NUM> of the bicycle. From the down tube <NUM>, the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> can be routed to a bicycle motor, a bicycle battery, a gear shifting assembly, a rear brake, etc. In an alternative embodiment, fewer or additional cables can be routed from the handlebar into the bicycle frame. Additionally, one or more cables can also be routed into a top tube <NUM> of the bicycle frame.

<FIG> is a partial view of a handlebar bracket <NUM> mounted to a front fork <NUM> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, the handlebar bracket <NUM> includes holes <NUM> that receive fasteners such as screws or bolts. The holes <NUM>, which can align with the mounting holes <NUM> in the upper crown <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, can be threaded or unthreaded depending on the embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, the handlebar bracket may be an integral component of the front fork that is connected thereto by way of molding, welding, soldering, etc. The handlebar bracket <NUM> also includes a cavity <NUM> that aligns with the through hole in the upper cone and with an opening in the handlebar to provide an unobstructed pathway so that cables can be routed from an interior cavity of the handlebar to the head tube.

<FIG> is a flow diagram depicting operations performed to assemble a steering system of a bicycle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In alternative embodiments, fewer, additional, and/or different operations may be performed. Also, the use of a flow diagram is not meant to be limiting with respect to the order of operations performed. In an operation <NUM>, upper and lower bearing assemblies are mounted in a head tube of a bicycle frame. The head tube includes an upper bearing seat (in an upper portion of the head tube) that receives the upper bearing assembly and a lower bearing seat (in a lower portion of the head tube) that receives the lower bearing assembly.

In an operation <NUM>, a front fork is aligned with the head tube of the bicycle. Specifically, a threaded opening in an upper crown of the front fork is aligned with an upper opening in the head tube, and a threaded opening in a lower crown of the front fork is aligned with a lower opening in the head tube. In an operation <NUM>, an upper cone is mounted in the upper crown of the front fork. In an illustrative embodiment, the upper cone is threaded into the upper crown such that a bearing interface of the upper cone contacts an inner surface of the upper bearing assembly which is seated in the upper portion of the head tube. The upper cone, which is fixed and not used to make adjustments to the preload tension of the bearing assemblies, is fully tightened within the upper crown. In an alternative embodiment, the upper cone may be used in addition to the lower cone to adjust the preload tension of the bearing assemblies.

In an operation <NUM>, a lower cone is mounted in the lower crown of the front fork. In an illustrative embodiment, the lower cone is threaded into the lower crown such that a bearing interface of the lower cone contacts an inner surface of the lower bearing assembly which is seated in the lower portion of the head tube. The lower cone is tightened to a degree that achieves a desired amount of preload tension between the upper and lower bearing assemblies. The amount of preload tension controls the amount of play in the steering system (i.e., greater preload tension results in less play and vice versa).

In an operation <NUM>, a lower cone locknut is mounted within the lower crown for the front fork. As discussed herein, the lower cone locknut is used to prevent movement of the lower cone once the lower cone is in a desired position. To prevent movement of the lower cone while the lower cone locknut is being mounted, a hex (or other) wrench used to mount the lower cone can be used to hold the lower in place during tightening of the lower cone locknut with a different wrench (e.g., a wrench that matches the internal configuration of the lower cone locknut <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>).

In an operation <NUM>, one or more cables are routed through the upper cone and into the bicycle frame. The one or more cables can be routed from the upper cone, into the head tube, and from the head tube into either a top tube or a down tube of the bicycle frame. The unobstructed interior of the head tube due to the lack of an internal steerer tube enables a plurality of different cables to be internally routed to any desired area of the bicycle frame. In an operation <NUM>, a handlebar bracket (which can include a handlebar mounted thereto) is mounted to the upper crown of the front fork. The handlebar bracket can be mounted using fasteners as described with reference to <FIG>. In an alternative embodiment, the one or more cables may be routed after the handlebar bracket is mounted to the upper crown of the front fork.

<FIG> depicts a bicycle <NUM> that includes a dual crown steering assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The bicycle <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> to which a seat assembly <NUM> and handlebars <NUM> are attached. A seat clamp <NUM> is engaged with an underside <NUM> of seat assembly <NUM> and cooperates with a seat post <NUM> that slidably engages a seat tube <NUM> of frame <NUM>. A top tube <NUM> and a down tube <NUM> extend forwardly from seat tube <NUM> to a head tube <NUM> of frame <NUM>.

Handlebars <NUM> are connected to an upper crown <NUM> of a dual crown steering assembly, which is mounted to the head tube <NUM> via an upper cone and upper bearing assembly as described herein. The upper crown <NUM> is connected to a lower crown <NUM> of the dual crown steering assembly by way of a rigid crown connector <NUM>. The lower crown <NUM> is mounted to the head tube <NUM> via a lower cone and lower bearing assembly as described herein. A pair of fork blades <NUM>, <NUM> extend from generally opposite ends of the dual crown steering assembly and are constructed to support a front wheel assembly <NUM> at an end thereof or fork tip <NUM>. The fork blades <NUM>, <NUM> can be part of a suspension bicycle fork or a rigid bicycle fork. As also shown in <FIG>, fork tips <NUM> engage generally opposite sides of an axle <NUM> that is constructed to engage a hub <NUM> of front wheel assembly <NUM>. A number of spokes <NUM> extend from hub <NUM> to a rim <NUM> of front wheel assembly <NUM>. A tire <NUM> is engaged with rim <NUM> such that rotation of tire <NUM>, relative to forks <NUM>, rotates rim <NUM> and hub <NUM>.

A rear wheel assembly <NUM> is positioned generally concentrically about a rear axle <NUM>. A seat stay <NUM> and a chain stay <NUM> offset rear axle <NUM> from a crankset <NUM>. The crankset <NUM> includes pedals <NUM> that are operationally connected to a flexible drive such as a chain <NUM> via a chain ring or sprocket <NUM>. Rotation of the chain <NUM> communicates a drive force to a rear section <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> having a gear cluster <NUM> positioned thereat. The gear cluster <NUM> is generally concentrically orientated with respect to the rear axle <NUM> and includes a number of variable diameter gears. The gear cluster <NUM> is operationally connected to a hub <NUM> associated with a rear tire <NUM> of rear wheel assembly <NUM>. A number of spokes <NUM> extend radially between the hub <NUM> and a rim <NUM> that supports tire <NUM> of rear wheel assembly <NUM>. As is commonly understood, rider operation of the pedals <NUM> drives the chain <NUM> thereby driving the rear tire <NUM> which in turn propels the bicycle <NUM>.

The word "illustrative" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, for the purposes of this disclosure and unless otherwise specified, "a" or "an" means "one or more".

Claim 1:
A steering assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for a bicycle (<NUM>), comprising:
a front fork (<NUM>, <NUM>) that includes an upper crown (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a lower crown (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
an upper cone (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to mount to the upper crown of the front fork, wherein the upper cone includes an upper cone threaded portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to thread into the upper crown (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), an upper cone bearing interface (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to interact with an upper bearing assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) seated in an upper portion of a head tube of a bicycle frame, and an upper cone tapered portion (<NUM>) in between the upper cone threaded portion and the upper cone bearing interface; and
a lower cone (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to mount to the lower crown of the front fork, wherein the lower cone includes a lower cone threaded portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to thread into the lower crown (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a lower cone bearing interface (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to interact with a lower bearing assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) seated in a lower portion of the head tube of the bicycle frame, and a lower cone tapered portion (<NUM>) in between the lower cone threaded portion and the lower cone bearing interface,
the front fork (<NUM>, <NUM>) further including a rigid crown connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that integrally connects the upper crown (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the lower crown, such that tightening and loosening the mounting of the lower cone (<NUM>, <NUM>) controls an amount of preload tension on both the lower bearing assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the upper bearing assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>), whereby tightening the lower cone (<NUM>, <NUM>) within the lower crown (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) results in more preload tension on both the upper bearing assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the lower bearing assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>), and whereby loosening the lower cone (<NUM>, <NUM>) results in less preload tension on both the upper bearing assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the lower bearing assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>).