Understanding the differences between using ceramic and steel ball bearings for your bike is essential before purchasing. Taking a few extra minutes to research both of these bearings can help you determine the best option to meet your needs. Both of these ball bearings have various advantages and drawbacks.

 

Here are a few things to consider while deciding between steel and ceramic bearings. 

 

Cost of Purchase

One of the first things you will notice is the price difference between steel and ceramic bearings. A quality ceramic ball requires a much longer manufacturing process compared to steel bearings. It's also impossible for steel balls to become as smooth or round as ceramic balls, which results in a lower price. Always using a trusted manufacturer is important, whether you are buying steel ball bearings or the more expensive ceramic ball bearings.

 

Quality of Care During Assembly

Ceramic bearings are often built with much more care compared to using a basic steel ball bearing. Depending on the manufacturer, some ceramic bearings are assembled by hand while undergoing a careful inspection process. However, it's important to remember that higher-quality steel bearings are also manufactured with similar attention to detail, unlike their cheaper counterparts. This is especially true if you purchase from any of the well-known name brands.

 

Durability

Usually, a steel ball bearing is considered disposable as a result of their cheaper price. It's often more cost-effective to replace a steel ball-bearing instead of spending time trying to clean them and apply new grease. However, it's still a good idea to take care of your bike to maximize the lifespan of your steel ball bearings. Constantly replacing them frequently can eventually become expensive while also requiring more time for installation.

 

On the other hand, using high-end ceramic ball bearings can last up to ten times longer than steel bearings. The primary key to extending the lifespan of ceramic ball bearings is to perform routine maintenance, such as using light oil lubricants to ensure they will glide smoothly while you are riding on your bike. You can always do the maintenance yourself or visit a local bike shop. Understanding the warranty coverage for your ceramic ball bearings is always a good idea in the unlikely event it fails prematurely.

 

Benefits of Using Ceramic Bearings

Using high-quality ceramic bearings saves watts, which helps you improve your performance. The amount of watts you will save on your bike is dependent on your current setup. Ceramic bearings will also last much longer compared to basic steel ball bearings. Using a high-quality ceramic bearing will run much smoother compared to metal ball bearings, which can make a big difference if you are an avid biker.

 

Why You Should Avoid Cheap Ceramic Bearings

Purchasing cheap ceramic bearings may be tempting if you are looking at ways to save money. However, cheaply made bearings are often poorly designed and assembled. A lack of quality significantly impacts performance, as you are better off using steel ball bearings instead of buying cheap ceramic bearings. Another reason to avoid buying cheaply made ceramic bearings is that the cages are usually made from soft metal, which significantly increases the wear and tear over time.

 

Where Are Ceramic Bearings Fitted?

You can use ceramic bearings to upgrade any area of the bike with steel bearings. The primary places for ceramic bearings include the wheel hubs, headsets, and bottom brackets. Choosing to use ceramic bearings in the external bottom bracket offers the most significant boost in performance. You will also notice an improvement by putting them in the wheel hubs. The minimal amount of rolling resistance is one reason why ceramic ball bearings are a popular choice.

 

Should You Replace Bearings Yourself or Use a Professional?

Replacing bearings on your bike on your own is possible, or you can reach out to a bike specialist if you are not mechanically minded. You can check out various online tutorials, which can save you money by not having to visit a bike shop. On the other hand, you can save yourself time by reaching out to a professional to handle this task for you.

 

Closing Thoughts - Should You Invest in Ceramic Bearings?

Deciding between using ceramic bearings or steel ball bearings is often a personal choice. The extra cost of ceramic bearings will most likely be worth the price if you are an aspiring racer, while steel ball bearings will work great if you are only using your bike for recreation or to commute. On the other hand, the longer service intervals of using ceramic bearings are beneficial if you don't want to spend extra time replacing your steel ball bearings. Keeping all of these different things in mind can help you determine which is best for you.