Ceramic Vs Steel Bearings Bikes

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.

Ceramic vs steel bearings bikes. 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. When a bike with ceramic bearings goes over a bump the ball bearing which is harder than the steel race that contains it strikes the inner surface of the race. Rolling resistance is the key trump card promoted by ceramic bearing fans. Cutting to the chase on ceramic bearings on a bicycle.

Steel bearings the silicon nitride used in kogel ceramic bearing balls has a set of material properties making them perfect for bicycle wheel 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. The first thing that strikes the eye when looking at bicycle bearings is the difference in price between steel bearings and hybrid ceramic bearings. Ceramic bearings versus steel bearings the debate has gone on for a long time.

The graph below shows a comparison between two steel bearings skf and ntn and a ceramic bearing enduro. I decided to test the capabilities of ceramicspeed enduro a cheap ebay bear. This impact leaves a very small dent or pit in the steel race. Ceramic bearings vs steel bearings ceramic materials offer superior corrosion and heat resistance higher dimensional stability and lower density which facilitates high speed.

The material can be polished smoother than any metal reducing friction and wear. This is mostly due to the additional time spent to perfect a quality ceramic ball. Fitting ceramic bearings on your bike may be a bit like fitting a formula one gearbox in your ford fiesta and expecting it to perform as well after 100 000 miles.