Drill Carbon Frame for Internal Dropper

bucknejo

bucknejo

Well-Known Member
Hi guys,

I know this question comes up a lot but asking again anyway. I have an older Chinese carbon frame that has existing internal guided tubes for a front derailleur and shock actuator, but no internal path for a dropper.

I ran an external dropper (fox transfer) but it’s seen better days (broken) and I’m not sure there will be many options going forward as replacements. I’ve gone ahead and bought a PNW Cascade and hoping that will last but am now thinking about the viability of just drilling a hole and future proofing the whole thing.

That said, yes the AXS post exists and the future is probably this, but when will more of these products be available and will they all cost $650+?

Anyway - what do we think? Drill or no drill? Does anyone know a carbon fiber repair shop that will do something like this? I’m aware that any warranty will be voided and aware drilling holes will subject the frame to unknown stresses that could compromise the integrity.

Also, I don’t think lighting the bike on fire and getting a new one is the answer however entertaining and cathartic that might be.

I’ve vacuumed a ribbon from the seat post through the top of the headset opening so I know there’s a path past the BB for a cable. I’m also wondering if it’s possible to cut the guided tube for the front derailleur and just use this.

Thanks for any feedback & here’s a picture of the probable drill location.

Thanks,
Jon
 

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bucknejo said:
Hi guys,

I know this question comes up a lot but asking again anyway. I have an older Chinese carbon frame that has existing internal guided tubes for a front derailleur and shock actuator, but no internal path for a dropper.

I ran an external dropper (fox transfer) but it’s seen better days (broken) and I’m not sure there will be many options going forward as replacements. I’ve gone ahead and bought a PNW Cascade and hoping that will last but am now thinking about the viability of just drilling a hole and future proofing the whole thing.

That said, yes the AXS post exists and the future is probably this, but when will more of these products be available and will they all cost $650+?

Anyway - what do we think? Drill or no drill? Does anyone know a carbon fiber repair shop that will do something like this? I’m aware that any warranty will be voided and aware drilling holes will subject the frame to unknown stresses that could compromise the integrity.

Also, I don’t think lighting the bike on fire and getting a new one is the answer however entertaining and cathartic that might be.

I’ve vacuumed a ribbon from the seat post through the top of the headset opening so I know there’s a path past the BB for a cable. I’m also wondering if it’s possible to cut the guided tube for the front derailleur and just use this.

Thanks for any feedback & here’s a picture of the probable drill location.

Thanks,
Jon
Click to expand...
If you're willing to DIY and void your warranty and possibly the structural integrity, go for it. If not, I'd just suck it up and by the AXS dropper. PM me for a killer deal on 30.9x150mm. You can shim for larger size frame.
 
xc62701 said:
Just don’t bother with a dropper.
Click to expand...
No dropper? Should just take up golf.

@bucknejo One suggestion I have is to not just drill a random hole but to drill more of an oval hole and set it up for a kit for a manufacturer's cable entry. Not necessarily these, but something like this so that the cable housing has a secure angled way of going into the tube and you don't have an issue with sharp carbon, etc.

And separately, you mentioned there's a guide tube for a front derailleur and I'm assuming it's that empty top port. Is it possible to get enough access into the frame to cut the internal tube so you can route the housing? Or just drill from the outside to re-use that port and pop out of that internal housing via that hole and then route the housing?

1699743924993.png
 
Thanks guys - looks like unless the carbon drill fairy floats by one day to perform a miracle I’ll be going with the Cascade, which is definitely not a bad option. I’m guessing there will be many more wireless options at some lower price points in the next couple years so I‘m going to gracefully accept the I told you so from my future self now for holding off on wrecking the whole rig on a whim.
 
Can you get a keyhole saw or hacksaw holder into the frame far enough from the head tube to just cut the routing tube for the front derailleur? It can't be that far in. Stick a piece of 220 paper on a piece of scrap wood after to clean up the cut.
 
Karate Monkey said:
Can you get a keyhole saw or hacksaw holder into the frame far enough from the head tube to just cut the routing tube for the front derailleur? It can't be that far in. Stick a piece of 220 paper on a piece of scrap wood after to clean up the cut.
Click to expand...
Would be nice if that worked. Would be maybe cleaner than my suggestion of drilling through it.
 
Karate Monkey said:
Can you get a keyhole saw or hacksaw holder into the frame far enough from the head tube to just cut the routing tube for the front derailleur? It can't be that far in. Stick a piece of 220 paper on a piece of scrap wood after to clean up the cut.
Click to expand...

This feels like that game of operation from way back when, but definitely a good idea to keep in the back pocket when or if the time comes.
 
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