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I work with guys who wants ceramic bearings in their bicycles all the time. Looking for that last little extra performance. In my opinion it’s not worth it, and they definitely don’t last as long. I’ve never seen a ceramic bearing outlast a steel bearing.
A good steel bearing with an ABEC-5 rating is very good, and lasts a long time. The higher the ABEC rating the more precise the manufacturing tolerances are. Rounder balls and more precise races. The Dominant ceramics are ABEC-5, so if you’re looking for smoothness get an ABEC-5 steel bearing.
There is a very reputable parts manufacturer in the bicycle business who do not put ceramics in their hubs, but rather use a very high quality steel bearing instead.
They’re looking for both performance and longevity. Steel balls are where it’s at.
The ceramic balls are harder than the steel races they sit in, so what happens is the races get pitted before the balls do. Any bearing/ball is only as good as the race they sit in. After that it’s just a vicious cycle, and the whole bearing is gone quickly after. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong.
Edit: Some words were confusing, so I edited this a little. Also wanted to add Randy's comment about making sure the bearings are C3 rated for heat expansion.
A good steel bearing with an ABEC-5 rating is very good, and lasts a long time. The higher the ABEC rating the more precise the manufacturing tolerances are. Rounder balls and more precise races. The Dominant ceramics are ABEC-5, so if you’re looking for smoothness get an ABEC-5 steel bearing.
There is a very reputable parts manufacturer in the bicycle business who do not put ceramics in their hubs, but rather use a very high quality steel bearing instead.
They’re looking for both performance and longevity. Steel balls are where it’s at.
The ceramic balls are harder than the steel races they sit in, so what happens is the races get pitted before the balls do. Any bearing/ball is only as good as the race they sit in. After that it’s just a vicious cycle, and the whole bearing is gone quickly after. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong.
Edit: Some words were confusing, so I edited this a little. Also wanted to add Randy's comment about making sure the bearings are C3 rated for heat expansion.
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