| One of the latest tecnological advances to give a | | | | determining the impact on speed. The lower the |
| rider an edge over the competition is the ceramic | | | | number the better the quality of the ball. The best |
| bearing. Ceramic bearings have found their way into | | | | avialable ceramic bearings are currenly Grade 3. |
| the components where minimizing friction is key like | | | | Grades 5 and 3 offer exceptional performance. Any |
| hubs, bottom brackets, and derailleur pulleys. The | | | | cyclingcomponent that uses grade 3 ceramic balls will |
| technology and terminology involved with ceramic | | | | be more expensive than one using grade 5 balls. |
| bearings is new to many people and requires some | | | | Race Material |
| explanation. In order to select the correct ceramic | | | | The race is the inner and outer rings that contain the |
| bearings for the application, you need to understand | | | | balls and keep them rolling in a straight-line path |
| the basics. | | | | Hybrid ceramic bearings utilize ceramic balls in a steel |
| Materials | | | | or stainless steel race. |
| The ceramic balls in a ceramic bearing are made of | | | | Full ceramic bearings utilize ceramic balls in a ceramic |
| silicon nitride (Si3N4) rather than the steel balls used in | | | | race. A full ceramic bearing will offer the best |
| a standard bearing. Ceramic balls are lighter, | | | | performance but they are much more expensive. |
| smoother, and harder. Ceramic balls are 60% lighter, | | | | When selecting bearings keep in mind that not all |
| 50% stiffer, and 70% smoother, and much harder | | | | bearings are created equal. Using the elements |
| than steel balls. Ceramic bearings last 5-10 times | | | | above, identify the best value for the application. |
| longer than steel bearings. | | | | Independant tests have supported the efficiency of |
| Bearing Grades | | | | the ceramic bearing. Ceramic bearings can increase |
| The ball grade is determined by the ceramic ball's | | | | your wattage, reduce friction and dramatically |
| roundness. Ball grade is the most important factor in | | | | improve the life of your equipment. |