I wouldn't worry about the integrity of the frame from a hole this size. Most bikes have holes somewhere in that vicinity now, like Joe said. I've cut seat collars down, drilled holes like this...nothing has ever happened and I'm definitely not easy on my rides. Love that you're inspiring the culture without buying into all the big ticket stuff.
I used your hack on a fully upgraded trek marlin 5. Same setup as your hardtail.. I am running a 150mm PNW rainer gen 3 with a loam lever.. Them dropper needs no tool to adjust the travel I can decrease the travel up to 30mm in increments of 5mm.. Appreciate your hack it kept my hardtail looking clean ✊🏾..
I have been thinking about doing this for a long time and dont alot of searching around to see if anybody had any problems drilling their frame. This video made me do it, and I'm very happy with the result!
Cool, I’ve never seen anyone do this. But for anyone else thinking of doing this, don’t do it if your frame is still under warranty. Drilling the frame will void it.
Thank you for making this video. I have the same problem with a dropper post I spent a decent amount of $$ on a month ago. I have been trying to decide if I should drill the hole or not. Now I wont have to sell my new dropper post.
I did exact same as this with same dropper. Used black silicone on a black frame looks super good. Cheers for video. Gave me confidence to do mine. Many rides and still no issues.
My girlfriend has the pitch small we went with PNW external routing. the cable housing doesnt move like the cheaper external ones. its absolutely perfect, no drill!
2nd hand bike...nothing to lose. I would have put a rubber grommet around the cable where it goes into the frame so it is better waterproof and cables doesn't rub on metal edge...
I don't think a tiny hole like that will compromise the integrity of that frame. I ordered an entry level mountain bike and I'm planning to do the same after watching this vid.
I got the same issue too, bought a dropper seatpost for internal cabling only to realise there's no cable access to it. My hard tail has the same below bottom bracket cable system just like your bike do, glad that I found this video, now all I need is the courage to drill a hole at the same spot XD
I've seen people who put in rubber grommets, but since they are oval, you need to drill two holes, and possible punch them so it doesn't slide around etc. And it takes a bigger chunk out of the frame. In all honesty, why bother, what you did looks and functions just fine.
Don’t think that drilling a tiny hole in an aluminum frame would compromise the bike’s structural integrity. If it was carbon then absolutely don’t do it. I’ve got a 2014 Specialized Epic 29er FSR that I want to put a dropper into - your video has inspired me!
I've just ordered this for my cheap mountain bike even though I have ordered a Marin to come in January. I just can't stand not having a dropper on the trails, this video has just given me confidence to drill into my frame so thanks haha
I'm debating on getting a dropper post for my monster cross build. ('93 Nishiki Pueblo mtb). Also thinking of swapping the groupset to the Microshift Advent....clutch RD... and they offer a dropper remote built into the left brifter
I bought an external dropper post. I threaded the wire down the hole by the stem, it came out by the bottom bracket, then I just cable tied it to the seat post tube easy and no holes drilled
I own a Specialized pitch sport 2018 and I managed to fit an internal dropper seat post without drilling any holes into the frame. I fitted a crankbrothers highline dropper internally by routing the cable through the holes in the bottom bracket section and the bottom of the seat tube.
Cool mod. Have you gotten any water or dirt intrusion into the access hole you drilled? Did you consider adding a rubber grommet or seal to protect the interior of your frame?
bro trek marlin 6 here, na try mo ba bro butasin para magka internal dropper? tae kasi nang trek 2019 na last sila nag lagay nang parang butas sa seattube hahah oagdating sa 2020 wala nang butas
@@bente9399 2019 yung Marlin ko at may butas sa seat tube for internal routing. Pero di ko na ginalaw masyado yung bike. I'm just using it for cardio/XC riding. May enduro/trail bike narin ako pangharabas sa gnarly trails.
Good work, well executed! I up you one, I drilled 2 holes to run an external dropper through my top tube internally and even got the okay from the frame maker and I'm still under warranty.
Hey when drilling in to metal use some chain oil on the hole to prevent destroying your bits and to make it go quicker. Also use slow drill speeds not full force like in the vid.
Great video man but you forgot to put some anti trust on the hole that you drill. When that hole gets wet it will rust and eat your seat post tube. Same here my damn fullsus bike didn't have a hole for a internal seat post. So I did buy an external one, I didn't have the courage to drill a hole cause it might change the integrity of my bike. But hmm after watching this I might do it too.
You can find some gray zip-ties that will match your frame color if you Google around. That being said I'm drilling mine and letting the chips fall where they may.
@@warevaporexe420 It went great. Looks like it came that way. After you drill the two holes use a hand file to make them one oval hole. The AL is soft and a Dremel might do too much. I rode it for a couple years and never saw any issues with the frame. Really glad I did it.
I've done a hole also in my Java furia full suspension bike and I put satori dropper post as well I've many jumps ans stills works I can't see any crack on it 👍👍👍
Did you/ Do you need to add/install a small rubber grommet in the drilled hole to keep contamination out of the inside of the frame? Did you zip tie the cable from rubbing on the rear tire?
Nice work. exeprimenting and creating tops warranties when you learn something because that's invaluable. But please add oil and slow down those rpm's - even half throttle of that dewalt would cut better, be so much better for the twist drills and more importantly the bike (less chance of work-hardening and making brittle, compromising integrity). Nevertheless, awesome you went out and made it happen. Keep ridin and making these videos.
There is NO WAY you have compromised the integrity of your bike with a .250 size hole. You will be fine, but I would have added a small cable-end to the lever side. I might have to give this one a try as well.
I would of brought a little cable grommet to stop mud and crap getting into the frame. Also when drilling holes in metal it really helps to use a small punch to make a little dent before you get the drill out. Stops the drill bit from wandering or slipping and can prevent any unnecessary damage.
oh man im keen to see vids of this bike on the trail. I have a trek 3700 i keep around as a loaner and was planning on upgrading it to have a HT to ride if i dont feel like riding the FS
Dope dropper and made install look easy. No complaints. Just pay attention to where u already that lube next time. Maybe ur eyes next time. Real shit. Lol
Mark, can I ask update on your frame? Have you experienced any problem because of this or none at all? I'm planning to this on my stainless steel gravel bike, I just need more confidence to do it haha
Haha, i actually did this a couple of months back! I bought a used rochshox reverb, got it serviced at a shop and had to drill a hole for it. it was awesome while it lasted until it started to leak. after that got sick of it and sold it lol
Home on the back of the tube? Surely going to allow loads of crud in when it gets wet! I can see why you did it with the internal cabling in down tube. Are you going to put in s drainage hole?
Just a suggestion. Why don’t you change your seat-post lock a fixed one. Coz there is a possibility to loosen the quick release. You’ve already replaced your seat-post to dropper post? Just a suggestion. Peace bro.
I wouldn't worry about the integrity of the frame from a hole this size. Most bikes have holes somewhere in that vicinity now, like Joe said. I've cut seat collars down, drilled holes like this...nothing has ever happened and I'm definitely not easy on my rides. Love that you're inspiring the culture without buying into all the big ticket stuff.
Foolish.
I used your hack on a fully upgraded trek marlin 5. Same setup as your hardtail.. I am running a 150mm PNW rainer gen 3 with a loam lever.. Them dropper needs no tool to adjust the travel I can decrease the travel up to 30mm in increments of 5mm.. Appreciate your hack it kept my hardtail looking clean ✊🏾..
I have been thinking about doing this for a long time and dont alot of searching around to see if anybody had any problems drilling their frame. This video made me do it, and I'm very happy with the result!
I'm glad
Maybe go for the threads of your bottlecage, if they are in your seatpost and sou don't need it, those holes are already in there by the manufacturer
@@sascha9736 My marlin5 has 2holes x the vertical bottlecase that I don’t use.. Hadn’t thought this before.. is a great idea! Thnx
Cool, I’ve never seen anyone do this. But for anyone else thinking of doing this, don’t do it if your frame is still under warranty. Drilling the frame will void it.
That's how they keep ya from doing serious upgrades instead of giving them more money for a new bike.
Ueno54 well i dont think theyre gonna accept a bike back with a hole in the frame are they
Most steel / alloy frames come with lifetime warranty but he bought 2nd hand so no warranty....
Thank you for making this video. I have the same problem with a dropper post I spent a decent amount of $$ on a month ago. I have been trying to decide if I should drill the hole or not. Now I wont have to sell my new dropper post.
I did exact same as this with same dropper. Used black silicone on a black frame looks super good. Cheers for video. Gave me confidence to do mine. Many rides and still no issues.
My girlfriend has the pitch small
we went with PNW external routing. the cable housing doesnt move like the cheaper external ones. its absolutely perfect, no drill!
The way they make externals now is waaaay better engineered than 3 yrs ago! Nothing wrong with em
2nd hand bike...nothing to lose. I would have put a rubber grommet around the cable where it goes into the frame so it is better waterproof and cables doesn't rub on metal edge...
I don't think a tiny hole like that will compromise the integrity of that frame. I ordered an entry level mountain bike and I'm planning to do the same after watching this vid.
So far so good, this bike is still doing good, no problem what so ever
@@MCMTB even for bad shock?
I want to do the same for my bike
I got the same issue too, bought a dropper seatpost for internal cabling only to realise there's no cable access to it. My hard tail has the same below bottom bracket cable system just like your bike do, glad that I found this video, now all I need is the courage to drill a hole at the same spot XD
That tiny hole hasn't compromised anything. That's called gram shaving
Would you drill a hole on a carbon Fiber?
@@MCMTB Carbon Fiber? No, any crack or hole in a Carbon frame will affect the structural rigidity MUCH more then an Aluminum or Steel frame.
@@MCMTB of course i would
Trails riders do way more to their frames.
@@MCMTB UyyyYuY
I’ve been dying to see someone do this!
Good thing you survived
I've seen people who put in rubber grommets, but since they are oval, you need to drill two holes, and possible punch them so it doesn't slide around etc. And it takes a bigger chunk out of the frame. In all honesty, why bother, what you did looks and functions just fine.
I ordered the same dropper just the other day but chickened out and got the external routing version. Yours looks great.
Use a punch first
little tip , oil your drill for cooling , keep them longer sharp , even oliveoil works , keep doing these videos , lov it
Thanks Bro
Don’t think that drilling a tiny hole in an aluminum frame would compromise the bike’s structural integrity. If it was carbon then absolutely don’t do it. I’ve got a 2014 Specialized Epic 29er FSR that I want to put a dropper into - your video has inspired me!
Awesome, and yea you’re right, the bike is still good and even converted it to an ebike making it heavier, but no problems what so ever
Pre don't forget a video: long term test on everything you upgraded! :)
I got one for my enduro. Dont forget that It needs frequent lubing. Unscrew the top cap and use a Fine Grease.
I've just ordered this for my cheap mountain bike even though I have ordered a Marin to come in January. I just can't stand not having a dropper on the trails, this video has just given me confidence to drill into my frame so thanks haha
Way cheaper than wireless dropper. Very nice work. Might do mine later.
I keep watching your videos on the pitch, and today I finally realized I didn’t hit the subscribe button...
I got it now!!
I'm debating on getting a dropper post for my monster cross build. ('93 Nishiki Pueblo mtb). Also thinking of swapping the groupset to the Microshift Advent....clutch RD... and they offer a dropper remote built into the left brifter
This changes everything 👏👏👍👍 good job my brother 🤜💥🤛 oh and u had me laughing my ass out with the spray can.😁
LoL I thought it was funny
Good work Brother, simple and very nice.
Love your vids dude
I bought an external dropper post. I threaded the wire down the hole by the stem, it came out by the bottom bracket, then I just cable tied it to the seat post tube easy and no holes drilled
I own a Specialized pitch sport 2018 and I managed to fit an internal dropper seat post without drilling any holes into the frame. I fitted a crankbrothers highline dropper internally by routing the cable through the holes in the bottom bracket section and the bottom of the seat tube.
Good job!
Did you remove the bottom bracket? Or just get lucky threading it through blind? I can’t get mine through without taking bottom bracket out
Alan Skogen Yeah I took the bottom bracket out and routed the cable through the little holes into the seat tube.
A small hole will not compromise the bike. If its quality aluminum and the welds are solid. You're good.
Good stuff
I did this... Snapped 6 bits.. lol. Damn strong bike frame. Good on you TREK
LoL 😂
Great video! I always wondered if that could be done, but never had the nads to try!
Cool mod. Have you gotten any water or dirt intrusion into the access hole you drilled? Did you consider adding a rubber grommet or seal to protect the interior of your frame?
Very well Don, extremely well explained. Thank you ..uour a good guy mate 👍
Legit!!! man I've done the same and the new dropper works like a charm!!!
Sick! And I did try that at home, yesterday actually!
Balls, big balls
MCMTB big heavy sweaty balls lol
Dot it'll increase the chances of cracking the frame
@@thomashardbattle4287, there is no way it will increase these chances of a cracked frame.
I have a Trek Marlin 5 bro. I'm planning to upgrade it the way you did in your bike. Super cool. Keep it up👊
bro trek marlin 6 here, na try mo ba bro butasin para magka internal dropper? tae kasi nang trek 2019 na last sila nag lagay nang parang butas sa seattube hahah oagdating sa 2020 wala nang butas
@@bente9399 2019 yung Marlin ko at may butas sa seat tube for internal routing. Pero di ko na ginalaw masyado yung bike. I'm just using it for cardio/XC riding. May enduro/trail bike narin ako pangharabas sa gnarly trails.
Did you drill your frame? I wanna try this
Nice i have a similar bike I know where to drill my hole now
Great installation job they do make these little rubber gaskets that you can put around that hole to protect your cable,look into it...
Good work, well executed! I up you one, I drilled 2 holes to run an external dropper through my top tube internally and even got the okay from the frame maker and I'm still under warranty.
Awesome DIY erp! Ganda na ni Pitchy!
Thanks man :)
Nice, magbabago isip ng iba about sa frame na dropper post ready😂(mas pricey kaysa butas nalang)
Maparaan talaga tayong mga Pilipino, kudos bro 😊
Nicely done erp..sakto to lalagay ako ng dropper this week dali lang pala
You should get the new micro shift advent x group set it’s $167 USD and is lighter than sram GX eagle or Shimano XT and had 11-48t range in 10 gears
Too late, I got an slx 11 speed coming, thanks for the recommendation tho
Hey when drilling in to metal use some chain oil on the hole to prevent destroying your bits and to make it go quicker. Also use slow drill speeds not full force like in the vid.
True, but most frames are aluminium, which is a relatively soft metal that most drill bits will have no trouble with.
For an aluminum frame? Not even. Won't even heat up.
@@macvos Fair I didn’t even think of that. 👍 sorry for my smooth brain lol.
I loved your energy really captivating. Can you do a 6 month on review.
I know you had to put the disclaimer in, but, how much did you compromise the bike frame from the 3/16 hole? Great video.
Mi Pana eso quedó bien Fino! Cool name for that dropper seat post....SORATA 🔥
I suggest once youre done with the final hole use a bigger drill bit to file the edges and would make the hole look better creating a chamfer.
Dude I had the exact same plan for my hard tail! Glad i came across this !
Nice erp natawa ako dun sa pag spray mo ng lubricant hahhahaha
Ganda na ng setup❤️
Thanks for making these videos! Your disclaimers are awesome 😂😂😂
how's your bike now? is it still ok? contemplating on doing this also......hows the satori dropper post also?
Don't know if some have suggested before, put some rubber gasket or a black silicone to seal the hole so it's water proof.
This is a great mod, I’d have no problem drilling my frame👍👍
It should be fine. The aluminum frame won't rust and that small hole won't compromise the integrity of the frame.
After you cut cable under the switch or lever. I suggest to put cable end protector lock avoid hitting your knuckle or finger.
I did this a few years back on my 2012 carbon framed Cannondale FSI, but I simply drilled into the metal bottle cage fixing hole.
I love your videos. They are helpful and real. 👌🏼
Adapt and overcome! I like what you did. Make it work for you!
Do it yourself...that's the question. Greetings from Argentina.
Cheers
Great video man but you forgot to put some anti trust on the hole that you drill. When that hole gets wet it will rust and eat your seat post tube. Same here my damn fullsus bike didn't have a hole for a internal seat post. So I did buy an external one, I didn't have the courage to drill a hole cause it might change the integrity of my bike. But hmm after watching this I might do it too.
Pwede sya, pero depende sa bike,
Hassle lang talaga pag external at nakalawit yung cables. Clean look talaga pag internal 😎👍
Aluminum
Ayos erp!bibili din ako nyan, i saw 1 posted sa FB here sa HK, ride safe kapadyak pa ShoutOut pls, GODBLESS!
Great video, with that drilled hole I would put a bushing inside it so the cable doesnt fray against the frame
You can find some gray zip-ties that will match your frame color if you Google around. That being said I'm drilling mine and letting the chips fall where they may.
How did it go brother did you drill it and has it compromised your frame? I'm going to try this
@@warevaporexe420 It went great. Looks like it came that way. After you drill the two holes use a hand file to make them one oval hole. The AL is soft and a Dremel might do too much. I rode it for a couple years and never saw any issues with the frame. Really glad I did it.
I've done a hole also in my Java furia full suspension bike and I put satori dropper post as well I've many jumps ans stills works I can't see any crack on it 👍👍👍
Awsome greetings from PR 👍🇵🇷 it is mechanical? Or hydraulic/air??
Hydraulic
I’m like you, so I’m going to do it! Thanks smart guy 👍🏻🍀
Done that years ago, did the same with brake and gear cables, no problem.
i love your video. keep going bro
Sweet! I'll prolly do the same on my lapierre fx raid once the dropper arrived
Did you/ Do you need to add/install a small rubber grommet in the drilled hole to keep contamination out of the inside of the frame? Did you zip tie the cable from rubbing on the rear tire?
Nice work. exeprimenting and creating tops warranties when you learn something because that's invaluable. But please add oil and slow down those rpm's - even half throttle of that dewalt would cut better, be so much better for the twist drills and more importantly the bike (less chance of work-hardening and making brittle, compromising integrity). Nevertheless, awesome you went out and made it happen. Keep ridin and making these videos.
There is NO WAY you have compromised the integrity of your bike with a .250 size hole. You will be fine, but I would have added a small cable-end to the lever side. I might have to give this one a try as well.
I would of brought a little cable grommet to stop mud and crap getting into the frame. Also when drilling holes in metal it really helps to use a small punch to make a little dent before you get the drill out. Stops the drill bit from wandering or slipping and can prevent any unnecessary damage.
@notfiveo Only by about 1mm-2mm depending on the grommet.
My friend and i have the same one, we had to drill into his frame and make a packaging tape spacer to fit it inside the seat tube which is 31.6
Erp lagyan mo electric tape dun sa cable nsa hole pansamantagal! Hehe nice one erp more upgrades
I have the funn uptown dropper and it works amazingly well for 200+ usd and it comes with a wolf tooth style remote and it works like a dream
oh man im keen to see vids of this bike on the trail. I have a trek 3700 i keep around as a loaner and was planning on upgrading it to have a HT to ride if i dont feel like riding the FS
You are brave to do this! Nice! So around a year now after you drilled this hole in your seat tube, how's it doing now?
Dope dropper and made install look easy. No complaints. Just pay attention to where u already that lube next time. Maybe ur eyes next time. Real shit. Lol
Wow cool video I like it you made yourself a dropper seat pose at home nice
I ordered the same dropper post from Lazada. Excited to get it installed on my XC bike. 😁
Good job sir ang galing mo mag converted pugay
Mark, can I ask update on your frame? Have you experienced any problem because of this or none at all? I'm planning to this on my stainless steel gravel bike, I just need more confidence to do it haha
Mine is still fine , no problem what so ever
@@MCMTB Thank you so much for the update.
Haha, i actually did this a couple of months back! I bought a used rochshox reverb, got it serviced at a shop and had to drill a hole for it. it was awesome while it lasted until it started to leak. after that got sick of it and sold it lol
There's a droplet version of that triflow. Don't get those excess sprayed on to your brake rotors.
Which 1x did you go for Mate? Might do the same with my Pitch that I bought today as a daily ride. Planning on upgrading it as a mid level HT MTB...
Buhay pa ba yang dropper post mo bro? Meron ako satori suspension seat post nman. Ok nman,comfortable.
Home on the back of the tube? Surely going to allow loads of crud in when it gets wet! I can see why you did it with the internal cabling in down tube. Are you going to put in s drainage hole?
ang galing mo pala mag english erp!
seriously, good job, looks nice and clean!
you can pass your sheath above the bottom bracket so as not to pierce your frame (Google traduction)
I've got the same dropper on my bike. I love it
I thought I was watching a csi show there for a second cause of the music
It was intense:D
Mark should have some partnerships or sponsors by now. You're videos are entertaining bro. Keep it up.
Thanks Homie
Just a suggestion. Why don’t you change your seat-post lock a fixed one. Coz there is a possibility to loosen the quick release. You’ve already replaced your seat-post to dropper post? Just a suggestion. Peace bro.
Husay Erp....i will try this to my bike..
Careful
Nice one!😁 creative!
Ganyan din ginawa ko sa frame ko eh. Pero naka abang palang yung hole. Kasi wala pa budget for internal dropper post. Haha
Ayos:)
I seriously doubt a 1/4 in hole would compromise the integrity by any noticeable amount
Nice work on your project.