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I've just remove my mudguards from my Ti frame and as usual I have put the bolts back into the frame where the thread goes into a tube - for example in the chain-stay bridge and brake bridge. I used anti-seize on the threads and did not do them up tight.

Should I be doing this?

I do it because it looks a bit neater and I suppose to stop water getting int but I thought that maybe I am just risking ruining my frame if the bolt gets stuck in there.

Thanks

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    I've always left the bolts on, cleaner look, prevents water and dirt damaging the screw threads in case I want to use them again (on a regular aluminum bike)
    – Max
    Commented Jun 5, 2018 at 19:02
  • The bolt shouldn't get stuck in the frame, even if you torque the sh*t out of it. And like @Max said, it will protect the threads.
    – sam
    Commented Jun 5, 2018 at 19:44
  • If you want to save weight there are plastic/nylon bolts. If you lose one of these you still have the originals safe.
    – Carel
    Commented Jun 6, 2018 at 7:47

3 Answers 3

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I usually plug the hole with appropriate size hardware. I add a dab of anti-seize compound. My reasoning (other than appearance) is that while the frame is aluminum or carbon the threaded insert is typically steel and there fore subject to rust.

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I leave mudguard, waterbottle mount etc. bolts in the frame, with appropriate grease, anti-seize applied. I do this mostly so I can find them when I need to mount the component again.

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    Concur - its easier to lose a bolt than the whole bike.
    – Criggie ♦
    Commented Jun 6, 2018 at 3:51
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You should plug the with something for two reasons:

1) to prevent water ingress into the frame

2) the brazing or frame threads are usually bare metal so they will rust easily

It’s easy to put a bolt into them or a plastic or rubber plug (if you’re a weight weenie)

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