Are holes in bottom bracket shells good or bad? I am not asking about weight savings, or about artistry. I think the former is negligible, and the latter is too subjective. I have one bike with a hole, and two without. I have read that holes are bad because they allow water to splash up and enter the frame, possibly affecting the bottom bracket and the frame itself. Holes also provide an entry for dirt and dust. On the other hand I have read that holes are good because water always finds a way to get inside a frame, and the holes allow it to drain out. In fact I read an article that said if you don't already have a hole in your bottom bracket shell, you should drill one to allow this drainage. I am not quite ready to pick up my drill, but I wondered what people think about this.
Best regards,
Marcus Helman
Huntington Woods, MI