Ceramic Ball Bearings For Bicycles

Cutting to the chase on ceramic bearings on a bicycle.

Ceramic ball bearings for bicycles.

This is different from a full ceramic bearing which would have both the balls and the races made of ceramics. This impact leaves a very small dent or pit in the steel race. 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.

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. 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. The material can be polished smoother than any metal reducing friction and wear.

Ceramic which is significantly harder does not have this ability. The silicon nitride used in kogel ceramic bearing balls has a set of material properties making them perfect for bicycle wheel bearings. 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. Additionally silicon nitride does not deform under load keeping contact points with the bearing races to a minimum.

Most sealed ceramic bearings are actually hybrid ceramic bearings which combine a steel race with ceramic ball bearings. 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. Crafting the fastest bearing products for cycling and industry since 2004. 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.

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. Silicon nitride a dark grey material and zirconium a bone colored material.