Ceramic Bike Bearings Vs Steel

We ve all done it.

Ceramic bike bearings vs steel.

The graph below shows a comparison between two steel bearings skf and ntn and a ceramic bearing enduro. Initially the enduro bearing has lower friction at around 600km of use the ceramic bearing has worn a track into the comparatively soft steel races and the bearing friction starts to increase dramatically. 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. Been to the bike shop and spun the wheels to see which feels the fastest.

They have been very durable but i can t tell the difference between those bikes and the third bike with athena 11 and it s steel bearings. They have the usb ultra smooth bearings which are a hybrid ceramic steel. Cutting to the chase on ceramic bearings on a bicycle. An eight pack of premium ceramic skateboard bearings along with 4 bearing spacers will set you back 130 as compared to 30 for steel bearings.

I have around 8k miles on one set and over twice that on the other. Steel bearings are significantly less expensive than ceramic bearings but expense does not translate to a product of a higher quality. While the first two items were more. I albeit lighter at 160 lbs use standard bearing in both my rain and training bike and haven t had any problems.

Inevitably discussion ensues as to which bearings the wheels have and whether they are ceramic or not. Ceramic vs steel bearing bb for durability.