Ceramic Bearings Vs Steel Bearings Cycling

From the numerous articles i have read it appears at face value that the ceramic bearings and races can handle the torque and pressure better than the standard sealed steel bearing bbs.

Ceramic bearings vs steel bearings cycling.

Cutting to the chase on ceramic bearings on a bicycle. Steel bearings are commodity items that are composed of hardened steel balls and a steel inner and outer race. The first thing that strikes the eye when looking at bicycle bearings is the difference in price between steel bearings and hybrid ceramic bearings. This article to try to assist with this fun little area.

Hybrid ceramic vs steel bearings. Sorry for strangling the hype. This is mostly due to the additional time spent to perfect a quality ceramic ball. 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.

Most cycling bearings feature a steel race though some do use a ceramic race which we will briefly touch on later. Geometrically the contact points inner and outer dimensions and thickness between steel and ceramic bearings is the same so they are interchangeable. In our higher end cult bearings ceramic balls and races lighter lubrication is needed so they roll much quicker with less drag than standard steel bearings. Ceramic bearings vs steel bearings ceramic materials offer superior corrosion and heat resistance higher dimensional stability and lower density which facilitates high speed.

A top class set of steel bearings as compared to a much promoted ceramic bearing is just as high performing. Ceramic bearings in my opinion are just not worth it. Lubricants vary greatly in viscosity thickness finding varying points in a trade off between bearing protection and lower friction. On the one hand much of the cycling public associates bearing upgrades with going ceramic and on the other hand there is a healthy chunk of cyclists from all demographics who believe ceramic bearings are just marketing hype and a waste of money.

Cost of purchase for ceramic and steel bearings. The ceramic balls are often silicon nitride or equivalent. Next there is the lubricant. I am considering transitioning to the ceramic bb bearings and complimentary smooth races.

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.