What's this hole for?
12-12-23 | 09:25 PM
#1
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What's this hole for?
I'm sure this must have been asked here before, probably even by me, but I couldn't find an answer. What's the hole at the top of this dropout for? There's one of these on each side.
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12-12-23 | 09:29 PM
#2
For going faster? For a Pletscher rack? Is it threaded?
12-12-23 | 09:47 PM
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If it didn't have that embossed ring around the hole I would have thought that it might be for a rack, but with the ring, perhaps it is a lightening hole. It doesn't lighten it much. At least as a mounting hole it can be used for fenders or a rack. It looks like it is ready for a M5 tap.
Maybe a good place to put the lead for plating?
Interesting ponder.
Maybe a good place to put the lead for plating?
Interesting ponder.
12-12-23 | 10:07 PM
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It’s a deer whistle. Air rushes through the hole and creates a high pitched tone that the deer don’t like. Keeps the critters off the road so you can enjoy a fast decent with no fear of sudden impacts. It may attract dogs though.
12-13-23 | 12:08 AM
#7
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Provocative question.
Boring answer is a question: Does an M5 screw thread in there?
Boring answer is a question: Does an M5 screw thread in there?
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12-13-23 | 12:34 AM
#9
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I've always assumed that such holes serve the same function as eyelets on Campy dropouts (for fenders and/or racks) but I have never put that to the test.
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12-13-23 | 12:42 AM
#10
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https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254075368019
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12-13-23 | 05:03 AM
#12
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It’s for a bike flag!
I imagine it was for flexibility without committing to eyelets...or so Gipiemme could easily source both racers and sport tourers without retooling the basic design?
I imagine it was for flexibility without committing to eyelets...or so Gipiemme could easily source both racers and sport tourers without retooling the basic design?
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1987 Crest C'dale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin EL, 1990 Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Isoard, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 C'dale M500, 1984 Mercian Pro, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi ?, 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh Internat'l, 1998 Corratec U+D, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone, 1987 Bianchi Volpe, 1995 Trek 750
12-13-23 | 06:37 AM
#13
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Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
I got holes too! Same dropouts. ‘86/‘87 Vittoria.
Proof a Campa derailleur can shift a 30 tooth freewheel. Mirage 9sp.
Proof a Campa derailleur can shift a 30 tooth freewheel. Mirage 9sp.
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Last edited by Wildwood; 12-13-23 at 07:01 AM.
12-13-23 | 06:44 AM
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12-13-23 | 07:50 AM
#16
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I was about to say that it isn't threaded, and with powder coating it effectively isn't. I don't see any clear indication of threads, but new evidence has come to light that suggests that it is.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254075368019
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254075368019
12-13-23 | 07:50 AM
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12-13-23 | 10:18 AM
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It's a simplification by Gipiemme. Only one dropout needed for both racers and tourists. Tourist - mask those threads before painting. Racer - save the labor and skip the masking. And the odd part - the tourist version is lighter!
The tourist version whistles much better. They need it. No preceding caravan to scare the deer off.
The tourist version whistles much better. They need it. No preceding caravan to scare the deer off.
12-13-23 | 04:57 PM
#21
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
12-13-23 | 05:46 PM
#22
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Looking through my catalogs from '89 to '91, I see the threaded holes in all Mondial, Superleggera and Giro frames. I also think I see them with the Campione D'Italia models. I had one from this era and seem to recall it had the eyelets.
Looking back, it's surprising to me that Bianchi was using Gipiemme dropouts and didn't ssem to ever use Campagnolo.
Looking back, it's surprising to me that Bianchi was using Gipiemme dropouts and didn't ssem to ever use Campagnolo.
12-13-23 | 06:22 PM
#23
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Whatever its purpose, the crew at Bianchi were that committed to it as the frames came with a sticker to cover it up. From my ‘89 Giro
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12-13-23 | 06:51 PM
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Perhaps a little large, but I would try to use it for a portacatena.
12-13-23 | 07:25 PM
#25
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A hole that small on the rear dropouts means its most likely for mounting racks and/or fenders. It not for weight reduction because of it's very small size.
Other bikes with bigger round holes on their dropouts for weight reduction would be the ALANs, as evident on their Carbonio race bikes.
Other bikes with bigger round holes on their dropouts for weight reduction would be the ALANs, as evident on their Carbonio race bikes.
Last edited by Chombi1; 12-13-23 at 07:30 PM.