The CoreCap Bike Computer Hides Itself in Your Head Tube, Poking Out a Compact Circular Display
Designed for a minimalist appearance, the CoreCap slides into the head tube and leaves only a round display and interactive bezel exposed.
Slovenian startup Core Components is looking to offer a twist on the classic bike computer by integrating it directly into the head tube, offering an unobtrusive circular display and no handlebar clutter with its CoreCap design.
"CoreCap is an integrated and customizable bike computer," explains Core Components' Žiga Nemanič. " It’s the first one that fits into the steerer [head] tube of your bike. Seamlessly integrated and protected from [the] elements. No more bulky devices on your handlebars, or holders exposing your phone to impact."
Designed with mountain bikes in mind, the bulk of the CoreCap is hidden within the head tube: just remove the existing top cap and star nut, slide the CoreCap down into the tube, and secure in place with the bundled screw. Only a small portion, with the eye-catching rounded display, is exposed.
The computer itself comes with a selection of widgets which can be built up into customized screens: all the usual features are present, including speed, trip distance, clocks and stopwatches, and altitude measurement, alongside support for external Bluetooth Low Energy devices like heart-rate and cadence sensors, smartphone connectivity for notifications and turn-by-turn navigation, and support for Strava Connect and Komoot.
"More than a year ago, we set out on a mission to build a different bike computer," Nemanič claims. "Developing it was an enormous task. We wanted to create a beautiful bike computer that does not get in the way on your ride, offers just the information you truly need on the trail and is intuitive to use."
The CoreCap weighs 185g, including its aluminum alloy housing, and includes a 1.3" 240×240 round TFT display with a rotating bezel for mode selection, though the specifications of the computer itself have not been released. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery is housed inside and offers a claimed 80 hour ride time between charges, though this will be reduced when connected to Bluetooth devices, with support for operation in temperatures from -20°C to 60°C (around -4°F to 140°F).
The project is now raising funds on Kickstarter, with physical rewards starting at €229 (around $240) for super early bird backers; all hardware is expected to ship in April 2023.