Adding internal routing - Norco Fluid

Has anyone drilled a Norco frame for internal dropper routing? yes, yes, warranty...blah blah.

If you've done it, any recommendations or tips that I should know about?

For context, its a 2018 Norco Fluid 3

I've done that to a Santa Cruz frame. It's been used for many years without issue and a buddy is still riding it.

i've drilled out a couple alu frames without issue. plan cable routing to optimally locate hole / pop in a small pilot hole / bump up to full size hole at appropriate angle to cable / chamfer edges with small round file / toss in the cable.

I'd recommend either filing the hole super clean and smooth or installing a grommet so you don't abrade your housing.

https://www.cabletiesandmore.com/images/gallery/rubber-grommet.jpg

Super easy. Remember to drill on a angle. Measure three of four times and drill once.

A grommet is a nice touch, but I never bothered on any of the three frames i did it to.

A new or newly sharpened drill bit. Might be worth finding a bit of similar material to get a feel for it.

If you're drilling on an angle I suggest using a punch to punch your center point so the bit doesn't wander while trying to drill a non 90 degree angle. A brad point would be great but I dont think they exist for metal.

Thanks everyone for the comments. Haven't done it yet, but I appreciate the ideas and tips!!

Posted by: thaaad

If you're drilling on an angle I suggest using a punch to punch your center point so the bit doesn't wander while trying to drill a non 90 degree angle. A brad point would be great but I dont think they exist for metal.

I considered this when I did my frame, which required a serous angle.  I didn't want to hammer the aluminum as I didn't know if that would do damage to the surrounding area on a thin tube, so I drilled square with a tiny bit first, then worked my way up the bit sizes and angle until it fit well.

Possibly unnecessary caution, but the angle is perfect and I had zero wander and the frame hasn't cracked.