Ceramic Bearings

[krink]

Was just looking at BB replacements and was reading about ceramic bearings. Went to CeramicSpeed's website. Jesus H. C. - Ceramic bearings are really 10x as expensive? Looking into the reviews, industry drones talk about 6-9 W savings with ceramic bearings all over your bike. If not looking to bridge to a breakaway to justify your contract salary, any use for these? Anyone have experience or personal reviews?

 

[jdog]

We have certain customers who swear by them. In certain cases they seem to wear just as fast of faster. Hubs you might feel on a road bike, but less so or not at all on a MTB.

BB is the one that seems to be most notable. Especially if you spin the cranks w/o a chain attached.

The problem is that once you get them you can't go back.

The typical buyer for ceramic bearings already has the top end version of every component on their bike and they basically are looking for either something so spend money on or any gain at any cost.

I'm not ever going to be in a spot where this makes sense for me, but if you are competing and your competitors are just barely beating you, this MIGHT be worth it:

How to Save Watts | Maximise your performance | CeramicSpeed

Learn how to save 10 to 16 watts by upgrading your bike with the low friction CeramicSpeed bearings in your hubs, with specially designed pulley wheels/OSPW Systems and bottom brackets, as well as with the world's fastest products for chains, UFO Drip and UFO Chains.

www.ceramicspeed.com

 

[grilledcheeseking]

Chatted about ceramics with the guy at a bearing shop while picking up new bearings for a hub. He told me the advantage of ceramics comes into play on high rpm applications, well beyond what the bearings will see on a bike.

 

[one piece crank]

I'm rebuilding my rear hub and grabbed Enduro hybrid ceramic bearings 'cause they were in-stock locally! Hybrid = ceramic balls and bearing steel race.

 

[krink]

I'm rebuilding my rear hub and grabbed Enduro hybrid ceramic bearings 'cause they were in-stock locally! Hybrid = ceramic balls and bearing steel race.

Let me know if you notice a difference. Local availability now makes the price easier to swallow, thats for sure.

 

[Steve Vai]

I run them in all of my road wheels, but that's the only application that makes sense to me.

 

[krink]

We have certain customers who swear by them. In certain cases they seem to wear just as fast of faster. Hubs you might feel on a road bike, but less so or not at all on a MTB.

BB is the one that seems to be most notable. Especially if you spin the cranks w/o a chain attached.

The problem is that once you get them you can't go back.

The typical buyer for ceramic bearings already has the top end version of every component on their bike and they basically are looking for either something so spend money on or any gain at any cost.

I'm not ever going to be in a spot where this makes sense for me, but if you are competing and your competitors are just barely beating you, this MIGHT be worth it:

How to Save Watts | Maximise your performance | CeramicSpeed

Learn how to save 10 to 16 watts by upgrading your bike with the low friction CeramicSpeed bearings in your hubs, with specially designed pulley wheels/OSPW Systems and bottom brackets, as well as with the world's fastest products for chains, UFO Drip and UFO Chains.

www.ceramicspeed.com

Thanks for the info!

 

[Meatball Mia]

I just got the steel bearings in my Chris King BB replaced with ceramic bearings, and I have noticed a difference in them. The cranks spin a little easier, and overall it feels like there is less friction and everything is smoother/faster. I would recommend if you have the option to get them.

 

[Ryan.P]

I worked at a bearing company for many years that specialized in ceramic hybrid bearings for all types of motorsports . IMHO bicycles don't generate enough load , heat or rpms to justify the price of ceramic. On top of that most bicycle ceramic bearings are low quality Chinese junk .

 

[jdog]

I worked at a bearing company for many years that specialized in ceramic hybrid bearings for all types of motorsports . IMHO bicycles don't generate enough load , heat or rpms to justify the price of ceramic. On top of that most bicycle ceramic bearings are low quality Chinese junk .

This may be the most important voice in this conversation

 

[tonyride]

I'm against ceramic ball bearings only because it is the only bling people won't know I have without me telling them and when I do I'll be accused of bragging. But seriously, ceramics have come a long way and given the applications they're worth their weight in gold. They're light weight, can withstand super high temperatures, and are a natural dry lubricant (not suggesting you shouldn't use lubricant). The only drawback to them is their lack of resistance to impact compared to other materials in certain applications but in ball bearing form that's not an issue. In MTB applications it is definitely overkill but I can see how ceramics can benefit road bikes given the rides are much faster and longer. Just my 2 cents.