Do Ceramic Bearings Make A Difference

If only high quality ceramic bearings are used marginal gains will.

Do ceramic bearings make a difference.

On ceramic bearings this is usually a c3 clearance whilst on steel it s usually cn. Despite the small difference in design hybrid bearings requirements differ quite extensively from full ceramic bearings. Replacing them with low quality ceramic bearings doesn t make sense as they will very soon be worse than the original ones. If a cyclist has ridden a bike fitted with ceramic bearings and then returns to steel bearings it is likely that slightly more vibration will become noticeable.

Riders using ceramic bearings can also expect a smoother riding experience. However while the ceramic balls will still abrade the steel rings hybrids will cope with marginal lubrication better than steel. While regular bearings are made from stainless steel ceramic bearings are made from ceramic silicon nitride si2n4. It is required to prevent bearing seizure when it warms up and expands.

Cost of purchase for ceramic and steel bearings. For example while full ceramic bearings do not require lubrication hybrid bearings do. 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. The only real big noticeable difference between the two is the bearing clearance.

The bearing clearance is a measurement given to the small gap between the inner race outer race and balls. Rolling resistance is the key trump card promoted by ceramic bearing fans.