Ceramic Ball Bearings For Bicycles

Most sealed ceramic bearings are actually hybrid ceramic bearings which combine a steel race with ceramic ball bearings.

Ceramic ball bearings for bicycles.

Modern cartridge bearings come as a closed unit with balls and races packed in a single unit. Additionally silicon nitride does not deform under load keeping contact points with the bearing races to a minimum. 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. 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. Hand built in denmark. This is the case with most shimano hubs wheels they still use the cup and cone system. 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. Bicycles usually use ball bearings. Cutting to the chase on ceramic bearings on a bicycle. The material can be polished smoother than any metal reducing friction and wear.

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. 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. Ceramic which is significantly harder does not have this ability.

Crafting the fastest bearing products for cycling and industry since 2004. The silicon nitride used in kogel ceramic bearing balls has a set of material properties making them perfect for bicycle wheel bearings.