Do Ceramic Bearings Make A Difference

This is mostly due to the additional time spent to perfect a quality ceramic ball.

Do ceramic bearings make a difference.

If only high quality ceramic bearings are used marginal gains will. The bearing clearance is a measurement given to the small gap between the inner race outer race and balls. On ceramic bearings this is usually a c3 clearance whilst on steel it s usually cn. Fitting ceramic bearings will make the bike feel like it is rolling smoother.

Riders using ceramic bearings can also expect a smoother riding experience. 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. Despite the small difference in design hybrid bearings requirements differ quite extensively from full ceramic bearings. However while the ceramic balls will still abrade the steel rings hybrids will cope with marginal lubrication better than steel.

The only real big noticeable difference between the two is the bearing clearance. Replacing them with low quality ceramic bearings doesn t make sense as they will very soon be worse than the original ones. Cost of purchase for ceramic and steel bearings. Rolling resistance is the key trump card promoted by ceramic bearing fans.

For example while full ceramic bearings do not require lubrication hybrid bearings do. It is required to prevent bearing seizure when it warms up and expands.