Ceramic Ball Bearings For Bicycles

Cutting to the chase on ceramic bearings on a bicycle.

Ceramic ball bearings for bicycles.

This impact leaves a very small dent or pit in the steel race. 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. Two types of ceramic materials there are two materials that are common for use on bikes. Most sealed ceramic bearings are actually hybrid ceramic bearings which combine a steel race with ceramic ball bearings.

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. Ceramic which is significantly harder does not have this ability. This is different from a full ceramic bearing which would have both the balls and the races made of ceramics. This is the case with most shimano hubs wheels they still use the cup and cone system.

Make offer 1 pcs zro2 20mm ceramic zirconia oxide bearing balls ball bearings g5 6000rs 10x26x8 mm ceramic bearing si3n4 bicycle ball bearings 6000 2rs abec 5 14 35. Hand built in denmark. 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. Bicycles usually use 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. 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. Modern cartridge bearings come as a closed unit with balls and races packed in a single unit. The silicon nitride used in kogel ceramic bearing balls has a set of material properties making them perfect for bicycle wheel bearings.

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