Holy Rail fitting to top tube of Trek Rail 7

[Lukas Ferreira]

Good Evening 

I have recently obtained a Trek Rail 7 with Alu frame.

lovely bike , but barely space for 1 bottle , never mind 2, nor space for spares bag

so I was thinking if it would be possible to fit a Lynne Holly Rail on top of the top tube by drilling 3 holes , inserting clinch nuts & then fit the holly rail .

i can add the 2nd water bottle with tool bag with ease.

my qeastain is , Can I drill holes +\- 7mm in the alu frame with out causing  weak spots that might lead  to the frame cracking where the hole with the clinch nut is 

regards

Lukas 

[thebob]

I would humbly suggest that drilling the frame is an utterly terrible idea. Ride with a Camelbak or similar if you need more fluids and storage space.

[Anton Kruyshaar]

4 hours ago, thebob said:

I would humbly suggest that drilling the frame is an utterly terrible idea. Ride with a Camelbak or similar if you need more fluids and storage space.

I agree, drilling holes in any frame material is a bad idea. I'm not sure how much seatpost you have to work with but have you looked into a strapon bottle cage mount, there are numerous brands that make them. I have one from Ryder that works well, simply straps to your seatpost or any part of the frame that isn't too thick and provides an extra spot to bolt on a bottlecage. I have attached a link to one below (please note im not affiliated with either Ryder or Dville Cyclery just posting as an example, of what has worked for me)

https://dvillecyclery.co.za/product/ryder-cage-mount-blk/?utm_source=Google Shopping&utm_campaign=Google Merchant Shopping Feed&utm_medium=Google Merchant&utm_term=15327&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtsa9BhAKEiwAUZAszd7Tax3HjIBTKw-LiRrmTTwJwFqYT0Qha6yMy_BGb3bNjzhBA5H0aBoC4VAQAvD_BwE

[117]

Holy Rail make a two bottle set up with one rail, i think specifically for smaller frame/front triangles. Will that not work for you? Pop the tool bag under the seat

[WaynejG]

What about a bag that attaches to the handlebars?

[RobynE]

Ryder makes things called Gear Straps. You get 2 in a pack - a longer one and a shorter one. They are rubberised on the back. They are tough as nails, absolutely do not shift and you can tension them properly. You can attach anything you like with them. I use them to anchor my bike to the carrier on bumpy roads and also for putting stuff on the bike when I take it on holiday (swimming towels, shopping, etc). They may just sound like “straps” but they are unique in their design and work like a bomb. I’ve had mine for 3 years and they mostly live on my Jimny’s ladder in all weather. No perishing, no fraying. Just there when I need them. 

[BikeisLife]

23 minutes ago, RobynE said:

Ryder makes things called Gear Straps. You get 2 in a pack - a longer one and a shorter one. They are rubberised on the back. They are tough as nails, absolutely do not shift and you can tension them properly. You can attach anything you like with them. I use them to anchor my bike to the carrier on bumpy roads and also for putting stuff on the bike when I take it on holiday (swimming towels, shopping, etc). They may just sound like “straps” but they are unique in their design and work like a bomb. I’ve had mine for 3 years and they mostly live on my Jimny’s ladder in all weather. No perishing, no fraying. Just there when I need them. 

There is a Ryder Innovation Cage Mount that would be able to be mounted to the Top tube of a bike, this is done for kids bikes. 

Image attached for reference