[net.bicycle] CATEYE wiring question

barrys@tekecs.UUCP (Barry Steel) (05/23/85)

I have idea reguarding the wiring of my CATEYE, but thought I would
bounce it off of the net first.  Is there any reason I can't put the
wires through the frame?  I would have to drill a small hole in the
back of the bottom bracket and back of the head tube.  Would this
hurt my frame?  Also, I would need to cut (and splice) the sensing wires.
Is this coax or just a twisted pair?  It looks small enough to be tricky
to work with.

barry steel

jans@mako.UUCP (Jan Steinman) (05/23/85)

In article <5351@tekecs.UUCP> barrys@tekecs.UUCP (Barry Steel) writes:
>Is there any reason I can't put the wires through the frame?  I would have to
>drill a small hole in the back of the bottom bracket and back of the head
>tube.  Would this hurt my frame?

Only if you expect it to last very long!  There are two MAJOR problems: stress
cracks radiating from the hole, and entry of moisture.  The second can be
handled with RTV or caulk, but the stress cracks will eventually ruin your
frame.  The problem is compounded by where you propose to drill -- stress is
greatest at the tube ends.  If you INSIST on so maiming your frame, try to
drill through a lug, which will relieve the stress cracking problem somewhat.
(There are cyclists in hospitals right now who drilled their handlebars to get
rid of those unsightly brake cables!)
-- 
:::::: Jan Steinman		Box 1000, MS 61-161	(w)503/685-2843 ::::::
:::::: tektronix!tekecs!jans	Wilsonville, OR 97070	(h)503/657-7703 ::::::

barrys@tekecs.UUCP (Barry Steel) (05/24/85)

> >I would have to
> >drill a small hole in the back of the bottom bracket and back of the head
> >tube.  Would this hurt my frame?
> 
> Only if you expect it to last very long!  There are two MAJOR problems: stress
> cracks radiating from the hole, and entry of moisture.  

What about the holes TREK has ALREADY put into the frame, presumably to drain
moisture?

Moots (Steamboat Springs, CO) also predrills their frames AND wires for lights,
I would be suprised to see one of their frames fall apart.