There has always been a lot of talk in the bike industry and among enthusiasts about ceramic bearings and whether or not they are the best option for optimal performance.

All cyclists would prefer to use less energy to go faster, but is it worth the extra expense? That may solely depend on the particular rider. They should be wondering where the speed advantage comes from. It can be any of the following:

• Reduced Rolling Resistance – Balls are ground rounder, smoother and more uniform than steel, allowing them to carry nearly the same load.
• Greater durability and rigidity.
• reduced weight

Another advantage is that ceramic bearings are harder than steel variations and are more durable, lasting up to 20 times longer and offering minimal risk of seizure. Fortunately they do not rust and are not very sensitive to lubrication and moisture. Some ceramic bearings do not even require lubricant, which is a great advantage. Reduce maintenance time and prevent failures.

Ceramic balls and the “race tracks” they run on are also stiffer than steel bearings. This means less flex within the bottom bracket. As a result, ceramic bearings are lighter and much less dense than steel ones. Put them together with good lubrication and proper seals to get a lot less friction.

Types of ceramic bearings

No ceramic bearing is made exactly the same, just like steel bearings, they come in various levels of rolling resistance and smoothness, just like ceramic bearings. There are two types of ceramic bearings, they are fully ceramic and hybrid. Gradations are based on the uniformity and smoothness of the raceways and balls.

Hybrid ceramic bearings – Hybrid ceramic bearings feature ceramic balls with steel races. The weight difference makes them lighter and they roll faster because the bearings are more uniform in size, harder, smoother and rounder. The race track itself is also smoother.

Full ceramic bearings – These bearings feature ceramic balls and ceramic races. Due to the ceramic tracks, the whole set is lighter. Faster rolling, more durability, and minimal moisture sensitivity make them an excellent choice.

Different types of ceramics are used in bearings, and many work perfectly on bicycles. There are many options when it comes to what would be optimal. Silicon nitride and zirconia are some of the most sought after types of ceramics by cycling enthusiasts. There are also various levels of stamps that can be obtained. Of course, they have different prices, and they are based on supply and demand, which has been high in the world of cycling.

The bottom line when it comes to bike bearings is that the main draw is Ceramic Speed ​​bearings. As for the history, they were marketed within the professional circuit for many years before being a success in the market. Most expert cyclists still use this type when buying their own bearings. They can be found in a complete wheel package at retail stores and online. Other popular purchases are derailleur pulleys, complete bottom brackets, and bottom bracket bearings.

Going into the world of professional cycling and building their bikes, a rider will be faced with many choices. The bottom line is that ceramic bearings offer more benefits than their counterparts, and as the industry continues to improve them, they are becoming more and more sought after. If a cyclist takes the time to shop around, he can find great deals, especially in bulk on ceramic bearings. Online providers are becoming popular, and one may find that they will provide personalized service despite not having a physical location. Their experts are happy to help guide shoppers to the best option for their cycling needs.