BXT Gravel 135 - exposed headset bearing?

[p4R4d0x]

I just purchased a BXT Gravel 135 frame, to build up as a winter frame to save my primary bike from the salt, or to put on the trainer in the summer, or let my wife ride, etc. It will be my first bare frame build.

I’m doing a bit of a mock assembly now to make sure I have all the parts and whatnot and with the headset is an integrated headset with some internal routing that allows you to use a normal stem. But unless I’m missing something, the spot where the cables route into the headset is basically just an open hole, you can directly see the top bearing.  Is this right? Seems like a terrible design. Especially since replacing that bearing involves cutting and re-running brake hoses through the frame. Is there a better option for this style of headset, that isn’t really expensive? Or am I just assembling wrong?

[jonathanf2]

You could use the SPCycle top headset cover that uses 4 individual holes:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804522894698.html

You could also try putting some sort of rubber covering to prevent moisture exposure. Either that or swap to a fully internal bar setup.

[p4R4d0x]

You could use the SPCycle top headset cover that uses 4 individual holes:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804522894698.html

You could also try putting some sort of rubber covering to prevent moisture exposure. Either that or swap to a fully internal bar setup.

Ah, cheers, I appreciate the SPCycle option - I was looking around for other options and hadn’t come across that one. I wish I didn’t already run cables and hoses though.