Ceramic Ball Bearings For Bicycles

Additionally silicon nitride does not deform under load keeping contact points with the bearing races to a minimum.

Ceramic ball bearings for bicycles.

The folks at enduro bearings argue that for bicycles the materials are far more important than abec ratings and that for most applications abec 3 and 5 are appropriate. Two types of ceramic materials there are two materials that are common for use on bikes. Modern cartridge bearings come as a closed unit with balls and races packed in a single unit. On a bicycle which is considered a low speed application compared to a formula 1 car or motorcycle engine for example the ball bearing material itself steel or ceramic has little to no effect on the friction of the bearing assembly.

The silicon nitride used in kogel ceramic bearing balls has a set of material properties making them perfect for bicycle wheel bearings. Hand built in denmark. Crafting the fastest bearing products for cycling and industry since 2004. The material can be polished smoother than any metal reducing friction and wear.

This impact leaves a very small dent or pit in the steel race. Fitting ceramic bearings on your bike may be a bit like fitting a formula one gearbox in your ford fiesta and expecting it to perform as well after 100 000 miles. A ceramic bearing is also harder than steel bearings up to 30 which improves durability and they also don t rust so less maintenance should be required. Cutting to the chase on ceramic bearings on a bicycle.

When a bike with ceramic bearings goes over a bump the ball bearing which is harder than the steel race that contains it strikes the inner surface of the race. This is the case with most shimano hubs wheels they still use the cup and cone system. Bicycles usually use ball bearings. Most sealed ceramic bearings are actually hybrid ceramic bearings which combine a steel race with ceramic ball bearings.

However many bicycles still use older cup and cone system where balls can and should be replaced with new ones when servicing bearings. Silicon nitride a dark grey material and zirconium a bone colored material.