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Looking at the above for bottom bracket and derailleur, I have pretty much decided that ceramic is not a good idea for the bottom bracket for a commuter bike, Besides it being 4 x the price, so should I also avoid ceramic bearing on the rear mech? Does the road grit, winter salt destroy ceramic bearings?
Must have for commuting, obviously.
No, ceramics deal with salt grit etc better as they don't corrode. Whether it's worth the cost is another matter.
What if it was the same price?
I thought the grit/salt ground down/crumbled the bearings?
Must have for commuting, obviously.
+1
It's a miracle you've been getting to work in one piece!
I thought the grit/salt ground down/crumbled the bearings?
The whole point is that the ceramic parts are harder than any contaminant, so grit doesn't affect them.
In reality, most ceramic bearings are reasonably cheap and don't really last that much longer than a good quality steel one. Saying that there are plenty of good jockey wheels around with ceramic bearings for sensible money (I use Mt Zoom ones, and they've been great), but my Superstar BB lasted less time than any XTRs have with steel bearings. Though if it's 2 products of equal value I'd probably choose the ceramic one.
Ceramic ball bearings are harder (so are more rigid) than carbon steel and stainless steel, but they often come with stainless steel 'cones' which are softer than the hardened steel plain version.
If clean and lubed with light oil they are lower rolling drag than anything else.
For real world use, I prefer the carbon steel with waterproof grease.
It is also the cheapest.
PaulD
Ceramic ball bearings are harder (so are more rigid) than carbon steel and stainless steel, but they often come with stainless steel 'cones' which are softer than the hardened steel plain version.
Which is why full ceramic bearings are the ultimate for longevity, clean them with a bit of water, and dribble some light oil in.
Shame they cost a lot, and crack quite easily 😕
Ceramic this ceramic that, what kind of ceramic are we discussing?
Good quality ceramic bearings like the INA ones that hope use last a good long while, however cheapo chinese ones, will fail in no time!
Top end bearings at a good price, with water proof bearing specific grease is your best bet in terms of longevity / durability in relation to cost effectiveness.
well, I started importing creamic bearing bottom brackets under our own brand (CGCC) and have been testing them all through winter on team bikes and commuter bikes and so far after six months through winter commuting, chain gang, racing, saturday training rides and hammered they are still 100% so I am convinced they are better than steel bearings.
oh and I sell them now for £50. (shameful plug)
PaulD - MemberCeramic ball bearings are harder (so are more rigid)
Wow..."ball bearing flex", something new to consider.