Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the May's Giveaway: Win the LIVALL PikaBoost 2 E-bike Conversion Kit


Good Idea to drill holes in a frame?
Yes it is easy
20.00%
1
No not a good idea
60.00%
3
Go to a Local Bike Shop
20.00%
1
This poll has expired - it is no longer possible to vote.
5 vote(s)
* You voted for this item.

Water Bottle Holder holes
#1
Here are one of times that asked. Anyone know how to drill and tap the holes for a water bottle holder? What metal is good for this? Which type of alloy is not a good idea to do this procedure? I have done many things, but this is one I have been considering. Any and all advice is welcome.
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
  Reply
#2
A lot of frames, especially aluminium, have what we call a "Rivnut" installation for the bottle screws.
See:- http://www.enfasco.com/frame4.htm
It's sort of a pop rivet design.
The only problem with these is that they can start to spin in their hole, if not fixed securely, so making it difficult to undo!
Steel frames usually have a small raised boss welded or soldered in place then tapped.
I presume most holes are 5mm tapped?
Ride hard or ride home alone!
  Reply
#3
I wouldn't drill holes anywhere in any frame for fear of creating a weak spot which may lead to stress fractures.

I don't have much experience with aluminium frames, but on steel frames the bottle cage bosses are braized onto the frame. Steel frames are incredibly thin, especially lightweight cromolly or reynolds tubed frames, where the tube walls are as thin as 0.3mm, so the braize on serves to reinforce the hole as well as provide enough depth for the thread.

For frames with no bosses, try something like this: http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Elite-Elite-VIP-Bottle-Cage-Clamps-22--50-mm-Diameter-13892.htm
  Reply
#4
Take your pick?
http://www.nordicgroup.us/cageboss/
Ride hard or ride home alone!
  Reply
#5
Great Ideas!! I think I will veer away from my original idea. Plenty of panniers or other addon accessories without ruining a perfectly good frame Smile .
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
10,929
04-14-2024, 07:38 PM
Last Post: Jesper
 
7,455
08-01-2021, 10:58 AM
Last Post: JohnWebike
 
4,678
07-23-2019, 06:14 PM
Last Post: barracuda
 
3,566
06-25-2019, 10:19 AM
Last Post: G_M
 
10,974
04-03-2013, 11:28 AM
Last Post: simondr70
 
20,190
02-22-2013, 05:41 PM
Last Post: 1FJEF

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
The great thing about trikes
Yesterday 10:54 PM
Is anyone riding with music?
Yesterday 09:15 PM
"There's been better times
Yesterday 09:10 PM
What was your first bicycle?
Yesterday 04:25 PM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
06-02-2025 06:22 PM
Effective Breathing Method I use to go u...
06-01-2025 11:50 PM
Attack // Force tire style narrow front ...
06-01-2025 12:47 AM
First long distance ride..
05-31-2025 10:33 PM
Great Giro
05-31-2025 09:57 PM
Rusty chain inspite of cleaning,lubing
05-31-2025 09:54 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Criminal
19 posts
no avatar 2. Flowrider
18 posts
no avatar 3. GirishH
17 posts
no avatar 4. rydabent
13 posts
no avatar 5. SPINMAN
12 posts