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Hello,I just bought a new set of wheels with loose steel bearings.And even though, they now work well after polishing the bearing races.I seek better in less friction.After reading some on ceramic bearings.The weight loss will be more noticeable.IFI go with full and not the hybrid.I question how much better.IF at all a full ceramic will roll compared to being against a steel race.When you happen to have two different surfaces and one that weighs more.IN my mind that one should roll best!IF you see what Im getting at here.Less only being the race like now is fixed.So it may not matter.Im confusing two different bearing setups.Anyways overal what are your thoughts as to the time and the money.To replace what already works well.And alot better than anything I had till now.I am going to replace the bearings in the new bottom bracket I will have real sooon.Being a FSA ultramax with a hollow square tapper shaft made of CROMO and a alloy body and cups.Which states oversized bearings.From most not all Ive read.States bennifits.All but one test article and they went into alot of different testing.OF many bearings both steel and ceramic and hybrid.To come to this.Such a small percentage in difference.That the only reasons to swap out.As long as your using a top quality steel.Would be weight savings and replacement costs.When lets face it.The only bearings Id ever had go out on me.In my 61 years riding bicycles.Are afew crank set bearings period.For that Ive no doubt do to a complete lack of whats maitaince? Till you know better and practice what works.On the opposite end for ceramic bearings.Ive read where one guy with high end full ceramic.That used SBG-32 a special blend of the newest bicycle grease.That start with being a full synthectic.After some 20,000 miles went into his bearings.To be just amazed!That he took his bike to the guys at shimano to have a look for themselves.And to take his bike for a ride.To have both flat blow there minds.For the lack of no sign at all of wear.And the complete ease for ride.However he did not state the exact bearings used or but where to get bearings.So I went over them to who they get theres from.In ether case a top quality full ceramic will set you back quick!To have more in just bearings.Than some have in there entire bicycle.And being twice to three times over and above.For such cost and without better knowing the results.Im not about to take that dive!
Um
Put it in second, get it rolling and then just dump the clutch.
Yes....
To summerize:
Hello,I just bought a new set of wheels with loose steel bearings even though, they now work well after polishing the bearing races, I would like less friction.
After reading some information on ceramic bearings, I gather, weight loss will be more noticeable.
If I go with fully ceramic bearings and not the hybrid, I wonder the fully ceramic bearing will roll better as the balls are rolling against a steel race (which obviously weighs more)
Shall I run steel or ceramic bearings?
I am going to replace my bottom bracket with oversize bearings.
I read an article concluding no difference between steel and ceramic bearings.
I have been riding for 61 years. My bearings last with minimal maintenance.
Some article I read said someone got 20k miles out of a set of ceramic bearings with special spooge. Shimano tech amazed at this.
Ceramic bearings cost a lot.
I won't buy them.
Step away from the txt phone keyboard.... Just ride.
Registered yesterday, two new threads about bearings... hmm. Feels... spammy.
Op could equally be two thirds down a bottle of jack with an old Nokia 3310 in hand.
Hi rider55
Welcome to the forum mate!
I'll no expert at all I'm afraid but I'll at least try to answer your questions as best I can.
I think your enquiring about weight saving, durability and lower friction potential of ceramic bearings?
As for weight I wouldn't consider that to be important. Unless your a team rider or such and I think I can assume you're not from you're post. No offence meant buy the way.
Durability? Well, sounds like you tend to your bike well and to be honest you'll get really good life from metal bearings using a decent grease and maintenance schedule. They are also really cheap to replace anyway. It's the cup and cones you have to be more concerned with as I'm sure you know.
As for friction I'm just not sure if I'm honest. That said I doubt you could do a blind test of a wheel with metal bearings against a wheel with ceramic and see any noticeable difference. The grease itself probably has more effect on perceived smooth rolling.
Lastly ceramic must be far dearer? not looked at prices in years but I'm confident in saying they might not be worth the cost compared to what you might gain.
Same for the bottom bracket to a large degree.
All of the above said, if you have the money and you just feel like tinkering to see if ceramic bearings are really that good then give them a shot.
Good luck with the fettling and enjoy the riding whichever bearings you choose!
This is the correct decisionI won't buy them.