Cockpit tidying up: Cane Creek launches a stem combo for integrated cable routing

Cane Creek is launching the HCR stem and matching headset in Polished Silver. This provides an alternative to the previous black finish for the hidden cable routing system. Visually, the US brand is targeting modern custom bikes in the road and gravel segments, which are increasingly being built with classic silver components.

HCR in silver: concealed wiring without complete dismantling

HCR stands for Hidden Cable Routing. With this system, brake cables and gear cables run concealed from the cockpit into the head tube. Cane Creek takes an approach that differs from many fully integrated solutions: the cables are not completely enclosed within the stem or within interlocking plastic spacers.

Instead, a channel running beneath the stem neatly guides the cables towards the headset. This creates the clean look of a fully integrated cockpit, whilst also making work on the bike significantly easier. According to Cane Creek, there’s no need to disconnect the hydraulic lines if you want to change the stem length or adjust the spacer height. For anyone who likes to fine-tune their riding position or the setup in general, this is a real advantage.

BIKE had already featured the HCR system when it was launched. Unlike many solutions with fully integrated cables, Cane Creek opts for slotted aluminium spacers and a fully sealed headset. The manufacturer’s aim is to keep maintenance to a minimum and maximise the service life.

Aluminium instead of plastic

Cane Creek also remains true to its philosophy when it comes to materials. The spacers supplied are made of aluminium, whilst the headset is fitted with stainless steel bearings and is fully sealed. This is designed to prevent water and dirt from entering the headset via the cable routing.

The HCR stem is available in lengths of 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 millimetres with a stem angle of minus six degrees. Cane Creek states that the 90-millimetre version weighs 160 grams. The system is designed for internal cable routing through the head tube and, according to the manufacturer, is particularly suited to bikes with wireless gear shifting. Shift cables can in principle also be routed, but this naturally makes installation more complicated, as space is already limited by the two hydraulic brake lines.

Prices and availability

The HCR stem in Polished Silver costs 88.95 euros, and the HCR headset costs 132.95 euros. The stem and headset are available separately. If you buy both components together, the total cost for the complete HCR system comes to 221.90 euros.

Would you buy an aftermarket cockpit to tidy up your control centre, or do you find the whole integration process too much of a faff? Let us know in the comments!