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One of the most discussed (and also controversial) topics in cycling is the use of ceramic vs. steel bearings. Which ones are better?
I was curious about the answers, so I researched this topic. I talked with engineers at the International Engineering Fair in Brno and Eurobike 2023 and read dozens of articles. I also asked for help from Amber, a ujbearing.com representative
Here is what I learned:
KEY TAKEAWAY
Ceramic bearings are used mostly in high-speed and high-temperature scenarios. We are talking about speeds exceeding 5000 RPM and temperatures over 220°C. However, cycling doesn’t even come close to these values. This means ceramic bearings do not bring significant benefits in cycling, given their higher price than steel bearings. It is more of a marketing tool than a way to increase performance (in the long run).
Continue reading for more info.
Steel vs. Ceramic Bearings: The Basics
Before we discuss the pros and cons in more detail, let me explain the basics of ball bearings. This will help us better understand the topic. Ball bearing consists of multiple parts. See the following picture for illustration.
When somebody talks about ‘ceramic’ or ‘steel’ bearings, they mean the balls only, not the entire construction of the bearing, like the race. Ceramic bearings use steel races, so they can be called ‘hybrids.’
There are also fully ceramic bearings, but they are not used in cycling because riding a bike produces a lot of vibration, and ceramic races are fragile.
Pros & Cons of Steel vs. Ceramic Bearings
One of the biggest disadvantages of ceramic bearings is their price. For example, Lún HYPER 2023 wheels with ceramic bearings cost $1590, and the version with steel bearings cost $1290. That’s a $300 difference!
I am not saying that the difference in the price of the bearings is so high, but it is an example of how the bearings’ price is reflected in the price of the final product.
But if ceramic and steel bearings cost the same, would it be worth it to run ceramic ones? The answer is not so clear.
Ceramic bearings are harder than steel bearings. However, if you remember what we explained above, this hardness has a negative effect in the long run. Hard bearings wear out the steel races, thus increasing rolling resistance.
The last area relevant to cycling is corrosion resistance. Since bicycle bearings have seals, corrosion is not as common.
| Steel | Ceramic | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | • More affordable • Lower rolling resistance in the long term | • Lower rolling resistance in short term • Corrosion resistant • Longer service life |
| Cons | • Higher rolling resistance in short term • Prone to corrossion • Shorter service life | • More expensive • Higher rolling resistance in the long term because they wear out the steel races |
Steel vs. Ceramic Bearings FAQ
Conclusion
When buying new wheels or other components, you should not consider whether the bearings are ceramic. Steel bearings are adequate for cycling and provide better value for money.
Ceramic bearings are designed for high-speed and high-temperature scenarios that are not achieved in cycling. So, although many component manufacturers use ceramic bearings, it is more of a marketing tool than a justified upgrade.
People who use oversized pulley wheels with ceramic bearings usually do so because of their look, not the actual watt savings. So don’t let the marketing hype fool you!
So, the ceramic bearings are just a marketing gimmick you say?
Yes, to certain extent…
– Petr
Crazy how the cycling industry is playing with us… 🤷♂️
Yeah, it’s good to be better educated in certain aspects to do wiser decisions.😊
– Petr
Nah there’s nothing better than ceramic. Better agains’t humidity, lighter.
Nothing was said about the high-quality steel used in races that hold the high-end ceramic balls? The author blew it off, by leading every reader to believe that the steel races are cheap crap. Don’t ya think, kinda, just maybe, that high-end producers of ceramic bearings for cycling didn’t think about the races? Also, just how heavy are riders? How many bearings in a race and how round are the balls? And, just how does an almost perfectly round ball, well-greased, actually wear into a race when the rider’s weight is well distributed over all the bearings in both wheels, crank, cassette?
Bottom line is this, money is not the object here, we’re not talking about $200 bikes in deep trouble to afford super-expensive ceramic bearings. Nope. We’re talking about expensive wheels, bikes and riders who like to push the limits — THAT’S WHY THEY RIDE CERAMIC. So, they, like carbon frames, wear out quicker, who gives a squat? Ceramic bearings ride quicker and smoother than steel any day. Long live carbon!
Hi “Cycclingmasterseller”
Thank you for your comment. I don’t know how you got the idea that I was leading readers to believe that steel racing is cheap.
And for how many people is money no object? 5%? 🙂 This article is aimed at a group of people like me for whom money IS an issue.
Peace.
– Petr
Petr, appreciate your input. For cycling application, I look for a higher ABEC and the manufacturer. ABEC only measures the ball dimensions. Since cycling wheels rpm doesn’t exceed 300 rpm, I would prefer steel ball bearing with ABEC 3 or above (if I can find it). And steel bearings has longer life span!