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Frame modification for longer travel dropper

T

trib

not worthy of a Rux.
Jun 22, 2009
1,725
761
Has anyone removed their seat tube water bottle bosses to make room for a longer travel dropper?

Anything I should be aware of?

The sensible option would be go buy a shorter overall length dropper - but I’m not in as position to throw good money after bad.

The frame in question is an alu Santa Cruz chameleon, used as a do it all bike. I previously had a 150mm travel reverb, which wasn’t quite long enough to get as far out the way as I’d like. Upgraded to a 170mm travel sdg tellis and I didn’t account for just how much longer the new post is.

It’s a dual 27.5” model, so resale is minimal, I’m not really worried about affecting any potential resell value.

Current plan is to drill out the rivnut that functions as the upper water bottle mount, allowing for about an extra 100mm of seat post insertion.
 
jonKranked

jonKranked

Detective Dookie
Nov 10, 2005
89,780
27,934
media blackout
trib said:
Has anyone removed their seat tube water bottle bosses to make room for a longer travel dropper?

Anything I should be aware of?

The sensible option would be go buy a shorter overall length dropper - but I’m not in as position to throw good money after bad.

The frame in question is an alu Santa Cruz chameleon, used as a do it all bike. I previously had a 150mm travel reverb, which wasn’t quite long enough to get as far out the way as I’d like. Upgraded to a 170mm travel sdg tellis and I didn’t account for just how much longer the new post is.

It’s a dual 27.5” model, so resale is minimal, I’m not really worried about affecting any potential resell value.

Current plan is to drill out the rivnut that functions as the upper water bottle mount, allowing for about an extra 100mm of seat post insertion.
Click to expand...
Shouldn't cause any problems. I drilled a carbon Scott spark for internal routing without issue. Just take your time, be careful and don't apply excessive pressure to the drill.
 
iRider

iRider

Turbo Monkey
Apr 5, 2008
5,866
3,380
Or just use an aluminum shim 31.6->30.9 and use a 30.9 post.
www.canecreek.com

Seatpost Adapters

Our Seatpost Adapters quite literally fill the gap, with over 25 sizes available, the combinations are endless. These Seatpost Adapters are compatible with static, suspension, and dropper Seatposts, as well as all frame materials.
www.canecreek.com www.canecreek.com

Moar shimz!!!! :D
 
T

trib

not worthy of a Rux.
Jun 22, 2009
1,725
761
iRider said:
Or just use an aluminum shim 31.6->30.9 and use a 30.9 post.
www.canecreek.com

Seatpost Adapters

Our Seatpost Adapters quite literally fill the gap, with over 25 sizes available, the combinations are endless. These Seatpost Adapters are compatible with static, suspension, and dropper Seatposts, as well as all frame materials.
www.canecreek.com www.canecreek.com

Moar shimz!!!! :D
Click to expand...
The rivnut and bolt extend too far to allow that to be an option - plus it necessitates buying a new post. But I appreciate the idea.
 
T

trib

not worthy of a Rux.
Jun 22, 2009
1,725
761
So, I carried out the operation - removing just the top bottle mount gave plenty of space, so I now have a single lonely seat tube bottle boss.

I found the best tool was a screw thread remover - I’m sure a stepped bit would’ve done the job as well. The thread remover happily chewed through the face of the nut and the remaining rivet easily came out from the seat tube with a quick bike inversion.

For now a patch of duck tape neatly conceals the damage, a benefit of a black bike I guess.

A quick chamfer allowed the post to fully drop inside the frame. The combined deeper insertion and extra travel really helped make the bike a lot more fun at a quick detour via the skatepark, and still got to a proper saddle height for the way home.

* despite the glowing recommendation here I do not suggest everyone goes out and drills their frames.
 
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