Steel vs. Ceramic Bearings in Cycling: Which Ones Are Better? The Answer May Surprise You!

Probably the most mentioned (and in addition controversial) subjects in biking is using ceramic vs. metal bearings. Which of them are higher?

I used to be curious in regards to the solutions, so I researched this subject. I talked with engineers on the Worldwide Engineering Truthful in Brno and Eurobike 2023 and browse dozens of articles. I additionally requested for assist from Amber, a ujbearing.com consultant

Here’s what I realized:

KEY TAKEAWAY

Ceramic bearings are used principally in high-speed and high-temperature eventualities. We’re speaking about speeds exceeding 5000 RPM and temperatures over 220°C. Nonetheless, biking doesn’t even come shut to those values. This implies ceramic bearings don’t carry vital advantages to biking, given their larger value than metal bearings. It’s extra of a advertising and marketing instrument than a option to improve efficiency (in the long term).

Proceed studying for more information.

Metal vs. Ceramic Bearings: The Fundamentals

Earlier than we dive deeper into the professionals and cons, let me clarify the fundamentals of ball bearings. It would assist us higher perceive the subject.

Bearings components

Ball bearing consists of a number of components. See the next image for illustration.

When any person talks about ‘ceramic’ or ‘metal’ bearings, they imply the balls solely. Not the complete building of the bearing, just like the race. Ceramic bearings use metal races, to allow them to be referred to as hybrid.

There are additionally absolutely ceramic bearings, however they don’t seem to be utilized in biking as a result of there’s numerous vibration whenever you journey a motorbike, and ceramic races are fragile.

Professionals & Cons of Metal vs. Ceramic Bearings

One of many greatest disadvantages of ceramic bearings is their value. For instance, Lún HYPER 2023 wheels with ceramic bearings value $1590, and the model with metal bearings value $1290. That’s a $300 distinction!

I’m not saying that the distinction within the value of the bearings is so excessive, however it’s an instance of how the bearings’ value is mirrored within the value of the ultimate product.

However what if ceramic and metal bearings value the identical? Wouldn’t it be value it to run ceramic ones? The reply shouldn’t be so clear.

Ceramic vs. steel bearings in cycling: Bearings, hub, and freehub body on a road bike wheel (detail). — Shimano freehub physique and ceramic bearings element

Ceramic bearings are more durable than metal bearings. Nonetheless, in the event you bear in mind what we defined above, this hardness has a unfavourable impact in the long term. It’s because exhausting bearings put on out the metal races, thus growing rolling resistance.

The final space related to biking is corrosion resistance. Since bicycle bearings have seals, corrosion shouldn’t be as widespread.

SteelCeramic

Professionals• Extra reasonably priced• Decrease rolling resistance in the long run• Decrease rolling resistance in brief time period• Corrosion resistant• Longer service life

Cons• Greater rolling resistance in brief time period• Susceptible to corrossion• Shorter service life• Costlier• Greater rolling resistance in the long run as a result of they put on out the metal races

This desk reveals the professionals and cons of metal vs. ceramic bearings in biking.

Metal vs. Ceramic Bearings FAQ

What are the primary frictional losses in bearings?

Analysis by Hambini consists of charts that state that a lot of the friction in bearings (about 57%) comes from the sealing, not from the balls themselves. The rolling friction accounted for about 13% solely. The remainder of the friction comes from the grease.

What metal bearings do you have to purchase?

I like to recommend shopping for metal bearings from one in all these three market leaders: SKF, NSK, NTN, or FAG.

What ceramic bearings do you have to purchase?

I don’t suggest deliberately switching from metal to ceramic bearings except you purchase the wheels, BB, pulley wheels, or different components already with ceramic bearings.

Conclusion

When shopping for new wheels or different elements, you shouldn’t think about whether or not the bearings are ceramic. Metal bearings are enough for biking and supply higher worth for cash.

Ceramic bearings are designed for high-speed and high-temperature eventualities not achieved in biking. So, though many part producers use ceramic bearings, it’s extra of a advertising and marketing instrument than a justified improve.

Folks utilizing outsized pulley wheels with ceramic bearings often use them due to their look, not the precise watt financial savings. So don’t let the advertising and marketing hype break you!