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I have a 2016 Norco Charger really nice bike but I want to fit a dropper post. Most of them seem to be internally routed ones (and the look tidier too) but the frame has no internal cabling. Has anyone drilled a hole in their Alloy frame to install a dropper post? I was thinking of round the back of the seat tube just below where the front mech would be.
Is this a stupid idea? Should I just get used to the aesthetic of the external cabling?
Drilled several frames. Do a slot (two holes and file the middle bit out) , it’s easier to route the cable through.
I've done a couple, never had any bother. (a Soul, a Hemlock, and a Calibre fatbike). Would happily do it again- it's not just aesthetic, it gives you better choice and newer longer posts tend to be internal only.
Main thing I've learned is, pick your location not just for the hose but also for the drilling. First time, I put it exactly in the most ideal place for the hose, and then discovered it was a total bollocks to get tools to as it was right in the "v" of the frame. Second time, I did the "2 holes then file it into a slot" which was better but the best of all imo is to offset it to one side and drill through at the exact angle you want the hose to go through. Pilot hole then work up. That way you get the smallest, neatest hole. Then, a stick-on cover to finish the job (again to allow a small hole)
What northwind said.
My top tip is to buy your grommet first (if you plan on using one to stop water getting in) to make sure you know what size to drill. First time I did it the grommet was too small and then the 2nd grommet I bought was too big and I had to cut it down. Or you could just use sugru
As my bike has a big ol' hole by the head tube, I just forced an outer through that alongside the rear brake cable, and routed it through the downtube, through the bb shell (over the top of the bb axle), and up the seat-tube.
It was a total ball ache and I probably lost three fingers and a pint of blood in the process, but works fine now and was a lot less scary than drilling holes.
Or get a SRAM AXS or Magyar Vyron dropper. No drilling needed.
What Northwind said.
I've done three frames now.
About the bottom quarter mark of the seat tube, to the front and slightly to the side is where I've done them. Allows you to get a drill in and a file.
Couple of different approaches in this Thread
and I probably lost three fingers
Have you not checked? 😉
Also you can buy a multi pack of different sizes rubber grommets in Halfords (car spares not cycle parts).
Gives you a bit more scope and spares if all goes wrong versus just buying a single bike specific one for same money.