Ceramic Bike Wheel Bearings Vs Steel

So for safety reasons ceramic wheel bearings on bicycles are in fact almost always hybrid design meaning ceramic balls on steel races.

Ceramic bike wheel bearings vs steel.

This is mostly due to the additional time spent to perfect a quality ceramic ball. Because ceramic bearings are rounder with a smoother surface and more uniform size friction is reduced and that can contribute to a less energy required to turn the cranks or spin the wheels. 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 for all things bicycle. You choose your adventure we build the bearings to match.

The first thing that strikes the eye when looking at bicycle bearings is the difference in price between steel bearings and hybrid ceramic bearings. 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. Cost of purchase for ceramic and steel bearings. This impact leaves a very small dent or pit in the steel race.

Cracking a race could stop a wheel from turning instantly and no good comes of wheels permanently locking up on a bicycle. The graph below shows a comparison between two steel bearings skf and ntn and a ceramic bearing enduro. Because ceramic races are more brittle than steel. Steel rings and ceramic balls are the gold standard for bicycle wheel bearings.

Built specifically for road or off road use. The advantages of steel are not the only argument against ceramic bearings. Quite a few wheel manufacturers state that the use of aftermarket bearings in their wheels voids the warranty.