Ceramic bearings that is…

Thought I’d share my experience with ceramic bearings…

I love them!

This past June I swapped out the 6001 12x28x8 cartridge bearings with equivalent “hybrid” ceramic bearings in the front hubs of my Trice Micro and have noticed better performance from of these wheels.

I have also changed out the 1/4 loose ball steel bearings in my Capreo with equivalent ceramic loose ball bearings two weeks ago.

Currently riding on a trainer, all I can say about the rear bearing change is that the bearings run quieter and the wheel rolls easier (my heart rate isn’t as high for the same amount of effort).

The “Hybrid” Ceramic bearings I use are 6001 2RS 12x28x8 sealed cartridge bearings with Si3N4 Ceramic ball bearing with metal races. The loose ball ceramic bearings are 1/4 Si3N4. Both sizes of bearings I purchased from www.vxb.com, very good website and good prices.

Things reported on ceramic bearings:

1) Last longer than steel
2) More “round” than steel
3) Harder than steel – retain shape longer
4) Will tend to polish metal races
5) Will tend to prevent corrosion
6) Ligher than steel bearings (two 1/4 Si3N4 loose ball bearings weigh as much as one steel bearing)

I’ll have more to report as I get more road time with the ceramic bearings.