this post was submitted on 16 Aug 2025
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bike wrench

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Hi all, I just built up a Specialized Aethos and the 10R carbon frame is compatible with mechanical shifting. I installed a wireless groupset and now I have to deal with this hole at the bottom bracket region, where the shifting cables would exit the frame. The plastic rails for the cables need the cables to be kept in place and even though there were covers for every other hole in the frame, it looks like Specialized doesn’t have one for this (pretty big opening, in a sensible region, very near the road surface…).

I am thinking of covering it with clear frame protector, but maybe someone has some more insight and better solutions? Specialized sells full bikes with electronic groupsets using this frame, so I’m surprised there is no ready OEM solution for it. Might have to go to a Specialized dealer and take a look myself maybe…

Thanks in advance :)

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[–] Cypher@lemmy.world 63 points 1 month ago (4 children)

I'm not the only one that sees it right?

[–] simbico@lemmy.zip 27 points 1 month ago

I should call her

[–] Etnaphele@lemmy.world 17 points 1 month ago (3 children)

Some minds are so corrupt…

Maybe next time I upload it in black and white :D

[–] Cypher@lemmy.world 10 points 1 month ago

Corrupt? I was going to draw some little hands and...

Yea okay.

[–] bhamlin@lemmy.world 7 points 1 month ago

Pretty sure it's less the color and more the shape.

The color sure isn't helping, though.

[–] ProvableGecko@lemmy.world 7 points 1 month ago (1 children)

black and white

Jesus OK dude no need to bring that in as well.

[–] Etnaphele@lemmy.world 8 points 1 month ago

This is exactly the type of thread I expected when posting for help 😆

[–] Perspectivist@feddit.uk 13 points 1 month ago

There's dozens of us

[–] Fluffy_Ruffs@lemmy.world 12 points 1 month ago

You are not alone

[–] simbico@lemmy.zip 5 points 1 month ago

3D printed TPU cover.

Seems like an easy shape to replicate. Any newer 3d printer should easily print flexible materials (eg TPU)

[–] Prinz_Humperdinck@lemmy.world 5 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I recommend to not cover this hole because it is important to have a drainage hole in case water enters the frame in heavy rain e.g. Most frames have a hole at the bottom bracket area for that reason.

[–] Etnaphele@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Very good point. It just look big enough to also pick up a lot of dirt. The BB shells are pretty well sealed by their own, so maybe I follow your recommendation, thanks!

[–] Atelopus-zeteki@fedia.io 2 points 1 month ago

Ok, then how about a small screen or cotton ball to allow the water to seep out, but keeps the dirt/mud out. Not necessary, but one could do that.

[–] teft@piefed.social 1 points 1 month ago

I second this. Leave it open or you’re going to be constantly re-opening it to drain water.

[–] Etnaphele@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago

Thank you all for the many suggestions!

I think the best solution is the most obvious one, that I dumbly discarded: using the cable guide that slots there. I thought it would not stay in place without cables, but I tried to push it in and it holds reasonably well + has them holes for water egress 👀

Pants are on, I’m out!

[–] calamitycastle@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)
[–] Etnaphele@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

Good tip! I should still have some of it as I used it in the past.