Ceramic Bearings Vs Steel Bearings Cycling

Ceramic deals with heat better so.

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. Most cycling bearings feature a steel race though some do use a ceramic race which we will briefly touch on later. This article to try to assist with this fun little area. Steel bearings are commodity items that are composed of hardened steel balls and a steel inner and outer race.

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 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. Hybrid ceramic vs steel bearings.

Sorry for strangling the hype. Lubricants vary greatly in viscosity thickness finding varying points in a trade off between bearing protection and lower friction. Next there is the lubricant. 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.

Most sealed ceramic bearings are actually hybrid ceramic bearings which combine a steel race with ceramic ball bearings. Cost of purchase for ceramic and steel bearings. The ceramic balls are often silicon nitride or equivalent. Ceramic bearings in my opinion are just not worth it.

The first thing that strikes the eye when looking at bicycle bearings is the difference in price between steel bearings and hybrid ceramic 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. A top class set of steel bearings as compared to a much promoted ceramic bearing is just as high performing. This discourse holds true not only for the bearings of skateboards and longboards but also for motorcycle and bicycle bearings.

I am considering transitioning to the ceramic bb bearings and complimentary smooth races.