laurentja
Posts:122
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12/03/2013 01:17 PM |
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I try to ride my Ti bike on rainy rides. Rarely though, I get caught out in the rain on my Ridley Excalibur. It happened a couple of times back in Sept. Well, when I tore the bike down for the winter, as I do every year, this time the BB probably was half full of water, no exaggeration. It trashed the Campy Ultratorque bearing (I just replaced it yesterday though which was super easy). I am temped, but also RELUCTANT, to drill a drain hole in the BB shell. Anyone ever done this? |
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Oldfart
Posts:511
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12/03/2013 03:46 PM |
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Yes lots of times. Most road bikes already have a hole for the screwed on cable guide so I don't think a small hole is a big deal. |
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79pmooney
Posts:3180
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12/03/2013 03:56 PM |
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Belly button drains? I've never seen the need ... Seriously, folks have been drilling BB shells for drainage for a long time. The center bottom of a BB shell isn't especially highly stressed so problems are very unlikely. Nevertheless, it is probably wise to contact a Ridley rep to safeguard your warranty if nothing else. A good shop mechanic can probably give tips on how to do it cleanly. (The other thing wise folk drill for drainage is shoes. A hole or three between the ball and toes will be welcome relief if you have to ride a 4 hour rainy race. (My intro to open road racing - the '76 Maine International. Wettest ride I have ever done! Never thought a whole lot about my soggy feet but after, listened to tales of woe from several riders whose soles had no holes. Living right is all about having whole souls and holes in soles.) Ben |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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12/03/2013 04:46 PM |
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While I don't think you will negatively impact the structural integrity of the frame, you will absolutely void your manufacturer's warranty. Alternatively, just pull and drain the BB after a rain ride. As you noted above, it was super easy. |
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Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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Yo Mike
Posts:338
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Master50
Posts:340
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12/04/2013 09:40 PM |
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I drilled a hole in the screw that holds the cable guides so I didn't need to add another hole. Then I ground it flush to the shell inside the BB shell. Works great but remember to push a spoke through the hole regularly to ensure it does not get plugged. |
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