Sixpack Racing has launched a new system for headset cable routing which minimizes the typical risks. The Millenium ICR system is now available on the market to make riders’ lives easier.
Ed: My new Commencal TEMPO has internal routing through the headset. Not the easiest to set up (and I’ll be honest, I had my junior mechanic do the work), but I do like how clean it looks and the simplified cockpit.
The big WHY
So, yes, Sixpack Racing is another company that’s going on board with HS Cable routing? There is a trend of bike manufacturers switching to this new cable routing method. For Sixpack, they felt it was important to stay within the trends and standards of modern bikes, so they checked what’s available on the HS cable routing side of components. The quick answer is: Not much! The few options of HS cable routing components available on the aftermarket are either complete, proprietary fully integrated systems or systems with known issues on the market.
HS Cable Routing done right
The Sixpack Internal Cable Routing system is the perfect solution if you are aiming for a clean cockpit, a quiet bike and want to minimize the typical risks involved with HS cable routing. It can be mounted on any bike with Acros ZS56 ICR Headsets or Acros Angle-Headsets with an additional aftermarket compression ring (11.52.106R2-AM).
This ICR system differs from currently available headset cable routing solutions in a few points. The major difference is in where the cables enter the headset. Cables are routed underneath (not through!) the stem. This area is sealed off with rubber cable ports to protect the headset from dust and, most importantly, water. With regular HS routing top covers, water can enter the headset, which is a major known problem of the concept. Cables are routed close to the cockpit, and can be even shorter than with regular HS cable routing solutions, which further reduces the danger of them tearing off and creates little to no rattling noises.
Just a stem?
The Millenium ICR Stem is a classic stem, like any other combined with HS cable routing, nothing proprietary or fully integrated here. It is available in 35 mm and 50 mm length, both having a 35 mm clamp diameter. Sixpack designed split-spacers for easy height adjustment of your cockpit, even after the ICR system is mounted. Just loosen the stem, pull it up, and add or remove the split spacers easily. No need to worry about that. Changing or adjusting your handlebar is as easy as ever, too. Want to ride your favorite handlebar? No problem. Want to rotate your bar a little? Easy.
You like the looks of our ICR Stem and want to run it on your regular bike? No problem either. The stem can also be combined with regular headsets with the included adapter.
The Sixpack ICR System consists of:
- 1x CNC-milled stem, designed specifically to optimize the HS cable routing experience
- 1x top cover
- 1x horizontal rubber cable router seal with 4 cable ports
- 2x split spacers for easy height adjustment of the stem (each 5 mm height)
- 1x head tube cover with seal, compatible with Acros ZS56 ICR Headsets or Acros Angle-Headsets with additional aftermarket compression ring (11.52.106R2-AM)
- 1x stem adapter for use with regular headsets
CNC-milled in Germany
The stem is CNC-milled from AL 7075 in Germany. It comes in 2 colors: Midnight Black and Raw. All other parts of the cable routing system are made of glass-fiber reinforced PA (Polyamide) in cooperation with Acros. We know what you are thinking: Plastic?! This will break. That’s a common misconception. Polyamide is an extremely functional material with many benefits. It is lightweight, and – when reinforced with glass fiber – extremely robust and durable. Of course, the entire system was tested to the bone & it easily passed all industry-required tests. The Sixpack ICR system is approved for ASTM category 5, the highest category of riding.
For more information on the new Millenium ICR stem, visit the Website of Sixpack Racing. The stems are available at sixpack-racing.com and in select bike shops.
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
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Current Bike Quiver:
Bird Bikes Zero 29 29″ hardtail mountain bike
Commencal Absolut 26″ Dirt Jump/Pump Track bike
Commencal Tempo 29″ full suspension mountain bike
Felt ZA 700c race bike
Kona Kilauea vintage 26″ mountain bike
Niner RLT9 700c road/gravel bike
Specialized Stumpjumper vintage 26″ mountain bike
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