DUAL CROWN STEERING ASSEMBLY
FIG4B is a bottom plan view of the lower cone in accordance with an illustrative embodiment
As shown in FIG4B, the lower cone 125 includes a central hexagonal hole 410 that is configured to receive a hexagonal (hex) wrench such that the lower cone 125 can be tightened/loosened within the lower crown of the front fork. In an illustrative embodiment, the hexagonal hole 410 fits a 6 mm 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 125. The lower cone 125 also includes a plurality of openings 415 which reduce overall weight of the lower cone 125 and facilitate formation of the central hexagonal hole 410. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of openings 415 may not be included.
bottom plan view
415
openings
400
threaded portion
15
underside
405
bearing interface
125
lower cone
410
hexagonal hole
407
tapered portion
['1. A steering assembly for a bicycle, comprising: a front fork that includes an upper crown, a lower crown, and a rigid crown connector that connects the upper crown to the lower crown; an upper cone configured to mount to the upper crown of the front fork, wherein the upper cone includes 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 a lower cone configured to mount to the lower crown of the front fork, wherein the lower cone includes 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.', '3. The steering assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lower cone includes a threaded portion that is threaded into a through hole in the lower crown.']