Medium-term plugging of frame holes
09-04-16, 05:49 AM
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Medium-term plugging of frame holes
I have a vintage bike I converted to single-speed. I intend to keep it like that for a couple years, but at some point gears will have to go back on.
Originally the bike had the derailer cable going through the frame. I kept a cable sheath in there for the last few months, but I've grown tired of having the sheath ziptied to the bike and not doing anything, so I've taken it out (tying some fishing line to it so I can restore the cable without taking apart the cranks and bottom bracket).
The problem I have now is how to plug the frame holes. They go straight down to the bottom bracket, and I don't want rainwater and road grime pooling up there - plus the frame is steel, so water inside is a big no-no in any case.
I've thought of using silicone, but that wold be a pain to get rid of when I need to open them back up - I'd have to drill it out and it'd leave little bits of silicone inside the frame. Then I thought of using melt-glue, but that tends to let go when exposed to outside temperatures and water. Epoxy that sets to a hard material would probably crack with the stresses of riding and thermal expansion.
In short, I need something that'll plug the holes for a long time without actually sticking so much that it becomes a problem to remove eventually. Any ideas?
Originally the bike had the derailer cable going through the frame. I kept a cable sheath in there for the last few months, but I've grown tired of having the sheath ziptied to the bike and not doing anything, so I've taken it out (tying some fishing line to it so I can restore the cable without taking apart the cranks and bottom bracket).
The problem I have now is how to plug the frame holes. They go straight down to the bottom bracket, and I don't want rainwater and road grime pooling up there - plus the frame is steel, so water inside is a big no-no in any case.
I've thought of using silicone, but that wold be a pain to get rid of when I need to open them back up - I'd have to drill it out and it'd leave little bits of silicone inside the frame. Then I thought of using melt-glue, but that tends to let go when exposed to outside temperatures and water. Epoxy that sets to a hard material would probably crack with the stresses of riding and thermal expansion.
In short, I need something that'll plug the holes for a long time without actually sticking so much that it becomes a problem to remove eventually. Any ideas?
09-04-16, 06:35 AM
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This sounds like a perfect application for Sugru: https://sugru.com/
09-04-16, 09:59 AM
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I'd take the opposite approach: drill a drain hole in the bottom of the bottom bracket shell (if one doesn't already exist).
Water, or water vapor, has a tendency to find ways to get inside your frame tubes anyway. I favor giving it an easy way out.
Water, or water vapor, has a tendency to find ways to get inside your frame tubes anyway. I favor giving it an easy way out.
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09-04-16, 10:03 AM
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Some clear vinyl tape, electrical tape or bees wax. Maybe both.
09-04-16, 06:13 PM
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I have a vintage bike I converted to single-speed. I intend to keep it like that for a couple years, but at some point gears will have to go back on.
Originally the bike had the derailer cable going through the frame. I kept a cable sheath in there for the last few months, but I've grown tired of having the sheath ziptied to the bike and not doing anything, so I've taken it out (tying some fishing line to it so I can restore the cable without taking apart the cranks and bottom bracket).
The problem I have now is how to plug the frame holes. They go straight down to the bottom bracket, and I don't want rainwater and road grime pooling up there - plus the frame is steel, so water inside is a big no-no in any case.
I've thought of using silicone, but that wold be a pain to get rid of when I need to open them back up - I'd have to drill it out and it'd leave little bits of silicone inside the frame. Then I thought of using melt-glue, but that tends to let go when exposed to outside temperatures and water. Epoxy that sets to a hard material would probably crack with the stresses of riding and thermal expansion.
In short, I need something that'll plug the holes for a long time without actually sticking so much that it becomes a problem to remove eventually. Any ideas?
Originally the bike had the derailer cable going through the frame. I kept a cable sheath in there for the last few months, but I've grown tired of having the sheath ziptied to the bike and not doing anything, so I've taken it out (tying some fishing line to it so I can restore the cable without taking apart the cranks and bottom bracket).
The problem I have now is how to plug the frame holes. They go straight down to the bottom bracket, and I don't want rainwater and road grime pooling up there - plus the frame is steel, so water inside is a big no-no in any case.
I've thought of using silicone, but that wold be a pain to get rid of when I need to open them back up - I'd have to drill it out and it'd leave little bits of silicone inside the frame. Then I thought of using melt-glue, but that tends to let go when exposed to outside temperatures and water. Epoxy that sets to a hard material would probably crack with the stresses of riding and thermal expansion.
In short, I need something that'll plug the holes for a long time without actually sticking so much that it becomes a problem to remove eventually. Any ideas?
09-04-16, 07:36 PM
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Third vote for the Click and Clack method. Cover the offending item with a piece of tape. Andy.
09-05-16, 07:38 AM
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This sounds like a perfect application for Sugru: https://sugru.com/
I'll put a bit of duct tape on it, then order some Sugru and plug it with that when it gets here.
This is probably a good idea, thanks. I'll get my drill bits out.
09-06-16, 06:15 AM
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Don't forget some anti-rust paint for the raw edges of the drain hole.
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