Richard R. wrote:
This made me read up a bit on ceramic bearings, and they don't seem to be BS. They're just cartridge bearings where the balls or rollers and sometimes the races are made of silicon nitride ceramics. They use the ceramic because it's harder and smoother than the usual steel, resulting in less friction. Same reason you'd choose grade 25 steel bearing balls over grade 300 steel bearing balls. The purpose of a bearing is, after all, to reduce friction--isn't it? I don't see anyone touting the benefits of tallow-soaked leather bearings, though they were the technology of choice in their time.
Rick "what about tapered roller cartridge bearings that let you adjust preload just as C&Cs do?" Risemberg
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the disquisition on bearings was interesting. But I have to wonder if there is an element of overkill here that is simply wasted in cycling applications.
When I was finally properly instructed on how to adjust Maxi-Car hubs, I was shocked at how smooth and free they felt/feel. They felt as close to frictionless as any hub I've ever adjusted. I'm wondering just how much better ceramics could possibly be than that.
Maybe in use, it's a different story.
Charles Andrews
Los Angeles