i've drilled a couple older frames for droppers. works dandy.
NSMB - 2022 - Hardtail Thread...
Posted by: BC_Nuggets
Posted by: niels@nsmb.com
Good thing that these days we have an abundance of choice in reliable droppers of all lengths to cover all possible combinations of body shape, bike geo and riding style! ;-)
Except if you don't have internal routing for dropper. Where's the affordable wireless technology?
Compared to bike stuff, the affordable wireless tech in this case might refer to a Milwaukee power tool I own. They sell a tool that functions very well as an “18v internal routing adapter for non-internally routed frames.”
6 minute install guaranteed!
Posted by: niels@nsmb.com
Maybe drilling a hole in the frame is an option? I know people who have done this.
Done it on my Krampus and haven't died yet.
Posted by: mrbrett
Posted by: BC_Nuggets
Posted by: niels@nsmb.com
Good thing that these days we have an abundance of choice in reliable droppers of all lengths to cover all possible combinations of body shape, bike geo and riding style! ;-)
Except if you don't have internal routing for dropper. Where's the affordable wireless technology?
Compared to bike stuff, the affordable wireless tech in this case might refer to a Milwaukee power tool I own. They sell a tool that functions very well as an “18v internal routing adapter for non-internally routed frames.”
6 minute install guaranteed!
LBS and Right Honorable Sir Ian Ritz weren't too jazzed about that idea when I inquired a while back. Still might tho.... :)
I've drilled out seat tubes for stealth droppers with no issues. I wouldn't think twice about doing it.
Do you guys have a youtube or other resource on bit size etc?
I also want to shorten my seat tube (can maybe do between half to full inch) but might not need to since internal posts have lower stack height than external.
Posted by: BC_Nuggets
I also want to shorten my seat tube (can maybe do between half to full inch) but might not need to since internal posts have lower stack height than external.
I haven't had to do that, but it's not something I would avoid [on a metal bike] if it would be beneficial. I'm generally in the other camp with the TT being lower than I would ideally like.
First ride in 6 weeks after breaking my toe. Shorts/t-shirt and dusty trails. My calendar says it's October, but it sure doesn't feel like it! Now to build fitness and avoid further injuries.
Posted by: BC_Nuggets
Do you guys have a youtube or other resource on bit size etc?
This is what I’ve done with aluminum frames:
Use a bit just slightly bigger than the cable housing. Start drilling perpendicular to the tube so the bit doesn’t skate around and once the bit is through you can turn the drill (slowly) to an angle that more appropriately matches the angle the housing goes in.
Steel frames you may need to do two holes next to each other then clean up the space inbetween with a dremmel or small file, probably too tough to do the “rotate while drilling” manouver.
CENTER PUNCH BEFORE YOU DRILL
Oh right, I almost always forget to tell people to do that, thank you.
That wasn't meant snarky at all or anything! It's just one of those things that to me is just such a normal part of drilling so I also forget to tell people too.
It’s best practice for sure
(…and I almost always skip it with aluminum and mild steel but that’s just cause I’m freaking amazing)
I have never drilled for a dropper cable but I think i would put some tape on the frame where the hole is going & use a small bit to drill a pilot hole
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