The present invention concerns a seat tube assembly for a bicycle with a frame, comprising a steering head tube, a down tube, a connecting tube or top tube, and the seat tube. The invention also relates to an assembly of said seat tube assembly and at least one other bicycle component detachably mounted to, preferably a rear side of, said seat tube assembly. The invention further relates to a seat tube for use in a seat tube assembly according to the invention. The invention moreover relates to a bicycle, in particular an electric bicycle, comprising a seat tube assembly according to the invention.

Over the last 150 years, the bicycle has developed into one of the most efficient means of transport. Namely in view of the quantity of energy required per distance unit covered. More modern bicycles are therefore preferably provided with a gear system to reduce the force required from the rider or to increase the applied force. In recent years, in addition, developments have been focused more on an electric bicycle, in particular an electric pedal bicycle. These developments make it possible to travel at higher speed.

Often, bicycles stand in the open air for long periods, whereby they are exposed to weather conditions. In some cases this may have harmful effects, such as rust for example. Rust may cause a problem in use, in particular for parts which must be able to move. Another problem which often occurs is the ever greater number of cables for all electronic or hydraulic components. This may give the bicycle a cluttered appearance, but may also cause a user to become entangled in the cables. For a bicycle, the seat tube has always been a tube which extends between the bottom bracket tube and the top tube. The seat tube is distinguished by an inlet opening for the seatpost and a clamp on the top side thereof for clamping the seatpost. This clamp may rust or be damaged by weather conditions. In addition, it may often simply be screwed to the bicycle, whereby the saddle with seatpost can easily be removed from the bicycle. This is a vulnerable point for vandalism.

It is a first object of the present invention to provide an improved bicycle with improved weather resistance.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a bicycle with better integration of components.

In order to improve such a prior art, the present invention provides a seat tube assembly for a bicycle with a frame, comprising a seat tube, preferably a (steering) head tube, a down tube, preferably a connecting tube or top tube, the seat tube comprising:

- a base body which substantially extends upwardly during use, substantially from a bottom bracket tube and/or the underside of the down tube, towards top tube (or alternative connecting tube), wherein the base body comprises:

- a seatpost channel for arranging therein a seatpost of a saddle of the bicycle,

- at least one accessory channel, preferably 1 , 2 or 3 accessory channels, for arranging therein at least a part of at least one accessory or at least a part of at least one subsystem of the bicycle, such as wiring, a saddle clamp, a battery, and/or a light of the bicycle, wherein

- the base body is preferably made by means of extrusion forming the base body with the seatpost channel and the at least one accessory channel and/or the base body preferably being an integrally formed single-piece base body. In any case, wherein a cross-section of the base body has a substantially constant form and/or division over at least a part of the length. Preferably, at least a part of the base body is extruded and/or shaped by forming, such as thermoforming and/or moulding and/or wrapping and/or weaving, and/or by fusing and/or welding different layers together.

With such measures, the present invention provides the advantage that as well as the known functionality, the seat tube assembly can be used instead of a seat tube for receiving such accessories or subsystems of the bicycle. It remains possible to introduce the seatpost into the seat tube. With the additional accessory or subsystem, the present invention provides a supplementary functionality for the seat tube assembly. The advantage is that this is integrated directly into the seat tube assembly, whereby the subsystem or accessory is less susceptible to vandalism. It is provided that the omnidirectionality available at the top side creates advantages for various preferred embodiments. Preferably, at least one light source is at least partially received in the at least one accessory channel. Preferably, the light source is configured for radiating light in at least two different directions. The omnidirectional radiation of light improves the visibility of the rider. According to a first preferred embodiment, the seat tube assembly extends past the connecting tube or top tube, and/or the seat tube assembly comprises at least one light module, such as a bicycle light, preferably a bicycle rear light, which is arranged on the top side of the seat tube assembly or the seat tube thereof. The top side of the seat tube assembly should not be understood in a restrictive manner. Rather, it is preferred that the bicycle light, in particular the bicycle rear light, is arranged on an end part of the seat tube assembly. More preferably, on an end part of the base body. Thus the present invention provides, as a further advantage, that a relatively high arrangement of a light can be achieved, such as in comparison with the usual arrangement on a luggage carrier or mudguard located at the level of a rear wheel. By means of the high arrangement, the light is very clearly visible in the environment, not only from the back but also from the side or from the front.

Further preferably, at least a part of the bicycle light, in particular the bicycle rear light, has a substantially annular form which is arranged on a top surface of the base body so as to provide lateral light emission from the top surface, preferably with substantially all-round light emission. Preferably, the at least one light module, such as the bicycle light, in particular the bicycle rear light, comprises at least one light source for emitting light. More preferably, the light module comprises several, preferably independently controllable, light sources for emitting light. Preferably, the light is radiated in several directions, preferably at least in a rearward direction. In order to emit light in different directions, preferably at least one light source is directed towards the rear, and at least one light source is directed in another direction, preferably towards the side and/or front. This can create better visibility for other road users. It is also conceivable that several light sources are arranged over the periphery of the seat tube assembly, so that the light module can emit light fully all around. In order not to obstruct the light emission of the light sources, the light sources are preferably covered with a translucent material. This translucent material may extend completely around the seatpost channel for example.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least a part of the light module, in particular the bicycle rear light, is arranged and/or received in the at least one accessory channel, preferably in a most central and/or largest accessory channel. Thus, advantageously, part of a volume of such an accessory channel may be used to receive vulnerable parts of such a bicycle rear light. This ensures better protection against weather conditions for the component received therein. Although, in this embodiment, it is described that a part of the light module is received, it is also conceivable that other subsystems or accessories are arranged in these accessory channels, possibly also simultaneously.

Further preferably, at least one accessory, such as a part of the light module, in particular the bicycle rear light, is arranged in a recess or cut-out or passage opening in the base body. Preferably, the recess or cut-out extends over at least a rearwardly facing part of the base body. Preferably at least one of the cables of the light module runs through at least one accessory channel. In this way, the light module can be better integrated in the base body, and in addition the light module is more difficult to steal. In order to couple the light module to the base body, the base body and/or the light module may be provided with complementary coupling means. The complementary coupling means may be formed by a tongue and groove, or a click connection, or a recess and clip or hook, or an opening and a screw, or similar coupling means. The coupling means may rigidly connect the light module to the base body, and the assembly is less susceptible to theft. Advantageously, a greater visibility can be achieved by a relatively great height which such a bicycle rear light may have in such a recess. According to a further preferred embodiment, the bicycle rear light has a passage opening and/or recess for passage of the seatpost. Thus, advantageously, a cover or closure of the top side of the base body can be achieved. It is conceivable that at least one seal is arranged between the light module, in particular the bicycle rear light, and the seat tube assembly, in particular the base body. This seal may be formed for example by a resilient material such as rubber, preferably in the form of a ring, so that the base body can be completely sealed all around. This can prevent rainwater or moisture coming into contact with the electronics. This extends the service life of the electronics. Such a seal with associated advantages may also be arranged on or in the base body in order to seal the complete seat tube assembly without needing to fit a light module.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the bicycle rear light extends downwards from the top side of the seat tube, in particular the base body, such as in an opening of an accessory channel, for the purpose of a preferred greater visibility. The specific shaping is here a design aspect.

Preferably, at least a part of the seatpost channel has a substantially round cross-sectional form, at least in the transverse direction, for connection to, in particular for receiving, the seatpost. Otherwise shaped cross-sections, such as a partially rounded and partially angulated cross-section or a polygonal cross-section are also imaginable. Preferably, the base body has an at least partially rounded outer cross-section, such as a circular or oval outer cross-section.

Preferably, the seat tube assembly is provided with at least one clamping device for clamping the seatpost in a preferred position with respect to the seatpost channel. Preferably, the clamping device, in particular a pressing element thereof, presses directly or indirectly against the seatpost, wherein the pressure exerted by the clamping device on the seatpost is sufficiently high to fix this in the preferred position. It is conceivable that a position and/or the clamping force of the pressing element relative to the seatpost is adjustable, preferably adjustable from the outside of the base body. For this, the clamping device may be provided with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position and/or clamping force of the pressing element. Preferably, the adjustment mechanism is adjustable at least between a pressing position in which the pressing element presses against the seatpost, and an adjustment position in which the pressing element is situated at a distance from the seatpost. Preferably, the adjustment mechanism comprises at least one bolt and/or optionally a matching nut. Preferably, the adjustment mechanism comprises at least one resilient clamp, wherein the clamping force of said clamp is preferably manually adjustable, for example by means of a handle of said adjustment mechanism. Preferably, the movement from the pressing position to the adjustment position takes place by means of a wedge which moves the pressing element against or away from the saddle. It is conceivable that this wedge, or at least the adjustment mechanism, can be operated from outside the base body. For this, an adjustment opening is arranged in the base body. The above-mentioned adjustment opening preferably provides access to the adjustment mechanism. In some cases, the adjustment opening may be provided with a cover element, such as a rubber flap, in order to seal the opening when not in use. Preferably, the clamping device is at least partially received in at least one of the accessory channels, and more preferably extends partly perpendicularly from the accessory channel and/or is accommodated at least partially in a substantially horizontal accessory channel. For this, a passage opening may be arranged in at least one edge of at least one accessory channel in order to install the clamping device. Preferably, this passage opening in the wall substantially establishes a vertical position of the clamping device. Thus the vertical position of the clamping device is established, and said device can better exert a pressure in the seatpost. In some cases, a holder may be arranged in one or more of the accessory channels, which holder is configured for receiving and fixing the clamping device. In this way, in some cases in addition to the passage opening, the vertical position of the clamping device may be established. This holder may be welded to the base body or be arranged releasably by means of a screw connection. Preferably, the clamping device arranged below the light (where present), wherein a mounting space for the light module is provided in a part above the clamping device. In the present invention, the clamping device is also described as a saddle clamp assembly which is arranged in the at least one accessory channel in the seat tube assembly. Thus, advantageously, a stable clamping of a seatpost can be achieved, as described above. It is also conceivable that free space remains on the top side of the base body, for arranging therein the light module, in particular the bicycle light.

Here, the saddle clamp assembly comprises a pressing element, such as the above-described wedge, for pressing against the seatpost, wherein a pressing action is obtained by means of a transverse clamp connection which is arranged in the at least one accessory channel. Thus a very simple clamping of the seatpost relative to the saddle assembly can be achieved from the at least one accessory channel. Further preferably, the transverse clamp connection can be operated via at least one lateral passage opening in the base body which gives access to the at least one accessory channel. The person skilled in the art understands that this terminology may be interchanged with respect to said clamping device.

Preferably, the seat post channel and at least one accessory channel are mutually at least partially, and preferably entirely divided (separated) by at least one separation wall. It is imaginable and typically preferred that at least two adjacent accessory channels (if applied) are mutually separated by means of a separation wall. Preferably, the at least one separation wall makes is integrally connected to at least one circumferential wall of the base body. At least one circumferential wall of the base body may enclose and/or may define at least one externally accessible accommodating space for accommodating at least a part of at least one other bicycle component, such as a battery. Preferably, said accommodating space is located at a rear side of the base body. The circumferential wall(s) defining said accommodating space may be provided with at least one opening (through-hole) for feedthrough of one or more cables, wires, and/or other at least a part of at least one other bicycle component, such as an electrical connector and/or at least a part of a saddle clamp for fixating a seatpost with respect the seatpost channel. In case said bicycle component to be at least partially accommodated within said (externally accessible) accommodating space is an electric bicycle component, such as a battery a rear light and/or a bicycle battery provided with at least one rear light, at least one electrical connector may be positioned within the accommodating space, which is more preferably hidden once the electric component is at least partially mounted within said accommodating space. Said connector is preferably at least partially located in an opening of the circumferential wall of the base body. Said wall opening will preferably also be hidden by the bicycle component once mounted into the accommodating space. Said connector is preferably connected to one or more cables fed through at least one accessory channel of the base body. Said battery provided with said at least one rear light, if applied, is preferably configured to power said at least one rear light and preferably also the electrical bicycle comprising the seat tube assembly according to the invention. The seat tube assembly according to the invention preferably comprises at least one bicycle component, preferably an electric bicycle component, such as a battery, at least one rear light, and/or a combination thereof, mountable, preferably in a detachable manner, to the base body, and in particular (in)to an externally accessible accommodating space enclosed and/or defined by said base body.

The one or more openings preferably applied in a section of the circumferential wall of the base body defining said accommodating space, is/are preferably hidden by the other bicycle component, such as said battery, once positioned at least partially in said accommodating space. Preferably, said accommodating space comprises at least one mounting element for, preferably detachably, mounting and/or fixating said bicycle component, such as the battery and/or rear carrier, into the accommodating space and with respect to the base body.

Preferably, the seatpost channel extends in an upward direction. This upward direction, as well as the upward direction of the base body as such, does not need to be vertically, but may also be inclined wherein, preferably the vertical component of the inclined (upward) direction exceeds the horizontal components of said inclined (upward) direction. Hence, preferably, the seatpost extends in a direction which is more vertically oriented than horizontally oriented. This typically also applied to the base body as such. Preferably, the seatpost channel and at least one accessory channel extend in substantially parallel directions. Additionally or alternatively, the seatpost channel and at least one accessory channel may extend in mutually perpendicular directions. In this latter case, said at least one accessory channel may have a substantially horizontal orientation. Different accessory channels extending in the same and/or in different directions may be interconnected and/or may be mutually intersecting.

The ratio of the cross-sectional surface area of the seatpost and the sum of the cross-sectional surface area of the one or more accessory channels is preferably situated between 20 and 1 , more preferably between 10 and 2. Preferably, the base body has a mirror symmetric cross-section along at least one mirror plane, preferably at least one mirror plane which is coincides with a vertical plane defined by the down tube.

As indicated above, the base body, or at least a part thereof, may be formed by means of extrusion or alternative way of forming. Preferably, said base body comprises metal and/or plastic and/or carbon. After extrusion or alternative manufacturing of the base body, said base body may be provided with at least one coating, such as a coloured coating and/or transparent coating and/or protective coating.

It may be imaginable that the seatpost tube is configured to accommodate at least one accessory, such as a battery, a control unit, at least a part of a gear mechanism, and/or cables, in particular electrical cables. Typically, but not necessarily, this at least one accessory is located below the seatpost of the saddle.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one, preferably a main accessory channel, of the at least one accessory channels is arranged behind the seatpost channel, preferably centred in the middle, further preferably with further accessory channels arranged at the sides. An advantage of such an arrangement is that a relatively large accessory channel can be centred, with any smaller ones arranged at the side. Alternatively, it is provided that two accessory channels may be used on the back side of the seatpost channel. As a further alternative, it is provided that one, two or three accessory channels are arranged on the front side of the seatpost.

Further preferably, in cross-section the base body has a closed outer periphery. Thus the appearance of a tube is advantageously simulated.

It is conceivable that at least one accessory channel opens into and/or close to the crankshaft. Preferably, at least one accessory channel is directly or indirectly connected to an inside of a down tube. The connection is preferably configured such that a cable which is received in the at least one accessory channel can be guided from the at least one accessory channel to the inside of the down tube without this cable leaving the base body and/or down tube and/or crankshaft. The crankshaft may be provided with a bottom bracket tube which connects together the at least one accessory channel and the inside of the down tube. According to a further preferred embodiment, the seat tube assembly comprises at least one recess or passage opening in the base body, creating access to the base body. Thus, advantageously, it can be achieved that for example an accessory can be placed therein and/or is accessible via such a recess or passage opening. An example is the seatpost clamp which can be operated via such an opening and is described in more detail below.

Further preferably, a wiring of the bicycle rear light is at least partially arranged in one of the at least one accessory channels. Thus such wiring is protected from damage and concealed in the frame, whereby for example power can be taken from a battery in a further frame tube, such as the top tube or down tube.

It is conceivable that a connector is arranged in at least a part of at least one accessory channel. Preferably a circuit connector, for example for connecting an accessory mounted on the bicycle, such as a luggage carrier or a cycle rack, which is provided with a component requiring power, such as a lamp. It is conceivable that a passage opening is arranged on the base body, preferably on a rear side thereof, for passage of the circuit connector and/or another component of the bicycle. This passage opening is preferably provided with a flexible cover element for covering the passage opening. Preferably, the cover element substantially covers the passage opening. It is conceivable that this is achieved by means of a resilient material such as a rubber, in order to seal the passage opening at least against moisture and/or liquid. If an accessory, in particular a luggage carrier, is mounted on the bicycle, the circuit connector can be pulled out of the base body through the passage opening. Preferably, the connector, in particular the circuit connector, is or can be connected to a cable. This cable preferably lies at least partly in at least one accessory channel. Preferably, the cover element is connected to the circuit connector and/or the cable. Thus if the seal is removed from the passage opening, the cable can be withdrawn directly. This can easily be done by pulling the cover element, whereby also the cable and/or connector are pulled to the outside. This prevents the cable dropping completely down and being difficult to reach. Preferably, the cable length of the connector is longer than the base body, wherein the surplus cable part is preferably received in at least one accessory channel. It is conceivable that the circuit connector can be connected to a complementary connector on the accessory, in particular the luggage carrier. Preferably, the passage opening is located on a rear side of the base body, more preferably below the connection between the base body and the rear fork. Although this embodiment variant refers to a circuit connector, this embodiment variant is also conceivable without connector. In such a case, a protected end part of the cable may also be regarded as the circuit connector. A protected end part is the part of the cable where the connector may be placed, wherein this part is protected to prevent the cable being able to make electrical contact with the frame. In the latter alternative, the cable, or the protected end part, may be connected to the cover element in order to achieve the same advantages. This prevents the cable from dropping completely down into the base body, which makes it difficult to guide this through the passage opening at a later time.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the seat tube assembly comprises a connector, or at least a part thereof, for a charger for a drive battery of the bicycle, with a charging cable which extends through the at least one accessory channel. Thus, in an advantageous fashion, a combination of base body with such a connector is provided.

Further preferably, here the connector for the charger is arranged in at least one of the base body or a connector housing mounted on a rear fork. Further preferably, here the connector housing mounted on the base body is also mounted on a rear fork.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the seat tube assembly comprises a passage opening on the front side of the base body for the purpose of a cable or connector for a secondary drive battery for the bicycle.

Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be described below in greater detail with the aid of one or more preferred embodiments shown in the appended figures. Similar — but not necessarily identical — components from various preferred embodiments are denoted by the same reference numbers. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a seat tube assembly;

Figures 2 and 3 show a perspective view of two parts of a base body;

Figures 4 and 5 respectively show an open top tube and a closed top tube connected to a base body;

Figures 6 and 7 show alternative embodiments according to the invention; Figures 8, 9 and 14 show cross-sections of details of the base body according to various embodiments;

Figures 10 and 11 show alternative aspects according to the present invention; Figure 12 shows a use of a passage channel; and

Figures 13a and 13b show two alternative embodiments of a light module.

A first preferred embodiment, as in figure 1 , of the present invention concerns a seat tube assembly 1 . The present invention concerns the seat tube assembly 1 in a frame 2 of a bicycle.

In this embodiment variant, the frame 2 has an (optional) top tube 4, a down tube 5, a seat tube 3 and a steering head tube 8. To support the rear wheel, a rear fork frame 9 is provided, comprising a lower rear fork 6 and an upper rear fork 7. In this non-limitative embodiment variant, the rear fork frame 9 is pivotable relative to the frame 2 about a pivot axis 11 , whereby the rear wheel together with the rear fork frame 9 is movable relative to the frame 2, whereby a rear springing becomes possible.

The top tube 4 has an top tube part 4’ on the rear side which is directed downward relative to the substantially horizontally arranged top tube 4. Preferably, the top tube part 4’ is an integral part of the top tube 4, but it is conceivable that these are separate components which are mounted together. In this way, at least in the position illustrated, said top tube part 4’ is substantially oriented in the same way as the upper rear fork 7. In this embodiment variant, the top tube part 4’ is attached to the seat tube 3 by means of a weld 14 (shown in figures 6 and 7). The upper rear fork 7 preferably extends along a left-hand side and right-hand side past the seat tube and along either side of the top tube part 4’. The purpose of this is that the top tube part 4’ on the top side is provided with a fixing bridge 21 , which forms the underside and/or a fixing point for a spring assembly 20. The spring assembly 20 also comprises a bicycle spring 22. The bicycle spring may be an assembly of a spring with an optional shock absorber or damper, which may be arranged in the known fashion inside the spring in order to damp the spring function. The spring assembly 20 also comprises a bicycle spring fixing 26 which is arranged in the top tube, preferably in or at the site of or close to the transition 25 from the substantially horizontal top tube 4 to the top tube part 4’. By means of this spring assembly 20, the upper rear fork 7 is attached to the top tube 4 in a fashion which allows a spring action between the frame and the rear wheel.

With such a preferred embodiment, it is advantageous that the spring assembly 20 is largely concealed inside a form which is created on the top tube part 4’. This top tube part 4’ has a substantially U-shaped cross-section within which the bicycle spring 22 can be arranged. Thus, advantageously, a spring is created for the rear wheel of the bicycle within a design objective or design language which was the starting point for its development, wherein the bicycle spring is arranged so as to be almost invisible. In addition, in this way, the spring 22 and the rotation point or fixing point 21 , 26 are protected from weather conditions.

Figures 2 and 3 show the seat tube 3, which may also be referred to as the base body 3; this is preferably a tube 3 with four elongate channels 51 , 53, 54, 55. The first and largest channel 51 has a round or substantially circular cross-section for receiving a seatpost 13. In the middle behind the largest channel 51 is a second channel 54 for receiving therein components such as accessories and/or a subsystem, and/or for guiding cables, preferably cables for the transmission of control signals and/or electrical power to components of the bicycle, such as a drive battery or a rear light which can be arranged on or at least partly in the seat tube 3, such as on the top side thereof. The base body 3, in particular the seat tube 3, is preferably an extruded tube 3. Figure 3 also shows that an opening 61 is made in the tube 3. Preferably, this continuous access opening 61 extends at least through one complete accessory channel 55. Preferably, this access opening is also present in the intermediate walls 58, 59 which, in this embodiment variant, separate the three accessory channels 53, 54, 55 from one another. It is preferred that at least one wall part, preferably a wall part facing away from the supply opening 61 arranged in the tube 3, has no opening. Thus the opening 61 may define a receiving space 68 for a saddle clamp (not shown). Preferably, the receiving space 68 for the saddle clamp is in direct contact with the channel 51 which is configured to receive the seatpost. This allows the saddle clamp to press directly against the seatpost. Figure 4 shows a view of the seat tube assembly 1 , wherein an open top tube 4 is also shown. This figure shows how the seatpost may be received in the large channel 51 via the top tube 4. Figure 5 shows the same view in which the top tube 4 is not open. An opening 51 ’ is also made in a top side of the top tube 4, for passage of the seatpost through the top tube 4 in the direction of the large channel 51 .

Figures 6 and 7 show alternative embodiments according to the invention; Figure 6 shows an open view, wherein the seat tube 3 comprises at least the large channel 51 for receiving the seatpost. This figure also shows that the upper rear fork 7 extends on either side past the seat tube 3. Thus a fixing bridge 21 for the seat tube 3 is formed, by mounting a part of the top tube 4 in-between. The top tube is preferably connected to the seat tube by means of a weld connection 14. A spring assembly 20 with a spring 22 and a damper 24 may also be fitted. Figure 7 shows the same embodiment variant in which the seat tube 3 is shown complete. A light module 70 can also be seen here. In this embodiment of the light module, a ring 65 with light sources extends completely around the channel 51 for the seatpost. This makes it possible to increase the visibility of the user. In this way, a pivotable fixing is provided between the lower rear fork and the upper rear fork by means of a hinge assembly 29. This advantageously reduces a slight lateral movement of the bicycle spring. Also, advantageously, a fixing between the lower rear fork and the upper rear fork is provided, which is advantageously achieved by means of a tube or reinforcing element 19 of the same shape as or lying against a rear mudguard 18, between the lower rear fork and the upper rear fork.

Figures 8 and 9 show two cross-sections through an end part, in particular an upper part, of the seat tube 3. Power is supplied through an auxiliary channel 52, such as an accessory channel 52, by means of at least one cable 63 to a connector 62 of the light module 70, in particular the rear light 70. The rear light has a ring 65 for all-round emission of light from the top of the seat tube 3. On the rear side, the rear light has a surface 61 ’ with light sources, in particular LEDs. Preferably, these light sources can be controlled individually and independently. The top ring 65 of the individually and independently controllable light sources, in particular LEDs, is supplied with power via wires 65’. A saddle clamp 66 is arranged in the opening 61 , which is arranged transversely through the channels 52, 53, 54; by tightening a bolt 67’, the saddle clamp surface 67 is clamped against the seatpost when the latter is in the channel 52. On the underside of the seat tube is an opening 56 for insertion of a cable leading to an external battery 57 (figure 11). Figure 10 shows a further use of a respective passage channel for a cable 72, which serves as a charging cable for the drive battery of the bicycle and runs from the charging connector 71 of the bicycle to a power distribution module 73 of the bicycle, from where the power is conducted to a drive battery which is arranged in the down tube 5.

Figure 12 shows a further use of a respective passage channel for a cable 81 which serves to supply power to the rear light 61 By means of this cable 81 , the rear light is supplied with power and control signals as indicated in this document. This figure also shows a charging connector 71 ’ which is arranged on an top tube for an alternative method of charging the drive battery of the bicycle. Figure 13 shows the way of mounting a rear light 61 ’ with a radiant surface 64’ on the back and respective radiant surface 69 for emission to the sides, on the top of the seat tube. With such a rear light, the seatpost is used with a closing cap 64 of the rear light.

Figures 13a, 13b and 14 show further variants in which a lighting module 70, in particular a rear light or part thereof, is arranged in an accessory channel on the back of the base body 3. This provides light emission from the back and from both sides of the base body 3 via an illuminated surface 64’, 69. This also provides light emission all around from a part of the light which also serves as a cover element of the base body on the top side. These two elements, in the rear wall and on the top side, may together form a lighting element or may be used separately from one another.

The present invention also concerns an invention relating to a bicycle with electric propulsion as the main propulsion or as assistance. Within the context of the present invention, such a bicycle is provided for example with a central onboard computer for controlling sub-systems of the bicycle, such as a BMS, drive motor, communication modules e.g. for GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, front and rear lights, automatic transmission and similar. The present invention is here preferably used in combination with a system, designed at the time of this invention, linking the on-board computer and the other components. Here control signals are provided for the sub-systems or accessories of the bicycle by means of a network connection such as a CAN network. The sub-systems or accessories are provided with electrical power via power wires. These subsystems or accessories are provided with electronics to be able to support this network connection. Preferably, the systems are mutually connected via a wired connection, with for example five connectors comprising earth, screening, power, CAN 1 , CAN 2, but for specific components a different division may take place within the concept of this network approach. Such a network approach is for example unsuitable for power transmission from a drive battery to a drive motor, for which a separate power cable is an advantageous solution. Within the concept of this description, the nature of a cable, for which details are not described here, will be understood by a person skilled in the art. Also, for a person skilled in the art, it is understood that the present invention is described with reference to technical measures. The technical measures provide technical advantages. In addition, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that not only can each technical implementation be performed in many technical ways, but also each technical implementation can be developed with many design possibilities. The present inventors have technically structured the technical implementation as described in the present document on the basis of supplied design values or design language which preceded the technical feasibility of the earlier versions of these design values or design language.

Typically, the bicycle comprises foot pedals, wherein said pedals are, directly or indirectly, connected to the crank set of the bicycle for propelling the bicycle. Preferably, the bicycle is a pedal operable electric bicycle, also referred to as e- bike, pedelec, and speed pedelec. Preferably, the bicycle comprises at least one electromotor to drive at least one wheel of the bicycle. Typically, the bicycle comprises a pedal-operated manpower driven system and an electromotor driven system in parallel to each other, wherein at least one bicycle control unit is configured to control the output of the electromotor driven in response to a pedal depressing force of the manpower driven system.

The inventive concepts described above are illustrated by various illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts, including inventive details, may be used without using other details of the described example. It is not necessary to present examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, since a person skilled in the art will understand that numerous inventive concepts may be (re-)combined in order to achieve a specific application and/or alternative embodiment. The ordinal numbers used in this document, such as ‘first’, ‘second’ and ‘third’, are used purely for identification purposes. The use of expressions such as a “second” component does not necessarily require the simultaneous presence of a “first” component. “Complementary” components are components which are configured to cooperate with one another. For this, these components need not however necessarily have complementary forms. The word “comprise” and its derivatives used in this patent publication mean not only “comprise” but also the expressions “contain”, “substantially consist of”, “formed by” and derivatives thereof.

It will be clear that the invention is not restricted to the embodiments shown and described here, but numerous variants are possible within the concept of the appended claims, as will be clear to the person skilled in the art. The aesthetic appearance and design of examples or details thereof, in particular as shown in the appended figures, are not technically determined unless stipulated otherwise, and are included merely in order to demonstrate and clarify the inventive concept(s) described herein. The aesthetic appearance of the depicted embodiments is thus a matter of design choice and may be varied or eliminated as desired. The holder of this patent document does not waive other rights which may legally be associated with the information disclosed in this document, including but not limited to copyright and designs connected with, based on and/or derived from the appended figures.

Although the extrusion process for producing the base body is preferred, it is also within the concept of the present text that the base body is produced by means of another manufacturing technique, such as by means of moulding, fusing, welding, setting or casting.

In the above, the prevent invention is described with the aid of a number of preferred embodiments. Different aspects of different embodiments are to be considered as described in combination with one another, with all combinations conceivable for a person skilled in the art on the basis of this document to be read as included therein. These preferred embodiments are not limiting with respect to the scope of protection of this document. The rights sought are defined in the appended claims.