ALL ABOUT CERAMICSPEED
There are a handful of upgrades a rider can make to their bike that instantly changes its performance. One of those improvements is the addition of ceramic bearings.
In a nutshell, ceramic bearings are made from silicon nitride (Si3N4), zirconia (ZrO2), or silicon carbide (SiC). If you have experimented with ceramic bearings over the years, you may already know that not all ceramic bearings are created equally. Back in 2010-2015 there was a splash of inexpensive ceramic bearings in the market place. Those bearings often began life feeling fast and smooth but quickly deteriorated into rough, notchy, power-robbing mistakes.
Let’s talk Ceramic Bearings
Back in 2014 we began experimenting with ceramic bearings. First, we began with those inexpensive bearings, using proper bearing installation tools and techniques and confirmed, it was indeed the bearings that were the problem. Next we experimented with higher quality bearings from more reputable manufacturers. Those bearings maintained their smooth and fast feel longer but within a season of riding were also rough and notchy. It was our third round of evaluations that we discovered CeramicSpeed. The Danish company had been providing bearings for some of SRAM’s components (bottom brackets and derailleur pulleys) and the SRAM endorsement felt good enough for us to give them a try.
We began with CeramicSpeed’s flagship offering - their wheel bearings. Immediately, one can feel the difference between a CeramicSpeed bearing and a high quality stock bearing. Both feel smooth but the CeramicSpeed bearing will spin many rotations before stopping. A stock bearing won’t spin without your continual input. A common demonstration on social media features a CeramicSpeed equipped wheel set into motion and the camera tracks how long the wheel spins before coming to a gradual stop. It is laughable how smooth and fast these bearings are.
CeramicSpeed proved their bearings add performance and our evaluations proved CeramicSpeed bearings are tough enough to stand up to high mileage, demanding conditions and foul weather.
CeramicSpeed takes great pride in having developed a “system” approach to their products. Over the years, the brand has added bike systems to their offerings. From wheel bearings and bottom brackets to derailleur pulleys and now headsets. Their most recent expansion comes in the form of a chain waxing system.
Not only does CeramicSpeed make a product for nearly everything on your bike that robs watts, they also take a comprehensive approach to care and set up of their bearings. For example, there are multiple formulas of grease for their bearings. Long Life for demanding applications like wet conditions, commuting, winter riding or cyclo-cross. The All Around formula is a thinner grease and can be applied to the bearings in varying volumes based on the application. For example, a race day specific bearing service may mean filling the bearing only 30% to keep the rolling resistance to a minimum. This allows the bearing to spin as easily as possible while still providing the benefits of a lubrication. Then, following race day, a bearing service is performed again and the grease is changed for the more typical training miles. This may seem excessive but when you have invested heavily in your training and preparations, why not!
Every CeramicSpeed bearing is made from Grade 3 Silicon Nitride. The benefits to a ceramic bearing lie in the hardness of the bearing. The material can be ground to an extremely tight tolerance and with little variation in size from bearing to bearing, the system (ball bearings and outer and inner races) works more efficiently. The system rolls with less of the resistance caused by mismatched bearing sizes and the binding that occurs.
The only issue with outfitting your bike with CeramicSpeed bearings (besides the price) is that the immediate benefits slowly disappear. Of course, they are still present and performing, it's just that you get used to the feel. That first ride is truly something!
SLT Headset Bearings
If you look at any of the modern drop bar bikes, full cable integration is common place. When running cables internally, the cables will pass through the bar/stem and fork. The end result is a system that does not like coming apart. The headset bearings see everything - bike washes, rain rides, sweat sessions on an indoor trainer, dust from the trail, you name it. Most of these integrated systems burn through headset bearings annually. The SLT (Self Lubricating Technology) bearings feature an oil-encapsulated, solid plastic polymer/stainless-steel material and results in a self-lubricating, corrosion-resistant, maintenance-free bearing. Truly an ideal set up for an integrated front end.
OSPW Alpha for SRAM XPLR
Oversized pulley wheels (OSPW) have been around for a number of years. In their previous iterations, we have felt that there are a number of places where that money is better spent. The large pulley wheels look cool and draw people in to take a closer look at your bike but the benefits beyond that were certainly marginal. But this new version of the OSPW adds function to performance. The oversized pulleys are now solid, protecting the pulleys from sticks and debris and small features close to the bearing actually push debris (grass, etc) away from the bearing. Although best used for gravel or off road applications, there is now further reasoning to consider it.
Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings are not new for us, their performance is tangible, their durability and serviceability is legendary and CeramicSpeed’s extensive warranty coverage is rarely utilized. If there is one upgrade you should consider - this is it.
Bottom Bracket Bearings
Long before there were multiple “standards”, CeramicSpeed made a bottom bracket that would fit nearly every frame without adapters. The result was a smooth, creak free, serviceable bottom bracket. Many noisy bikes have been remedied by a CeramicSpeed bottom bracket. In addition to improving on nearly every bottom bracket system out there, the CeramicSpeed bearings turn effortlessly and stand up to nearly everything you can throw at them. Rain, sweat, dirt, road salt, you name it.
Do you need this much CeramicSpeed stuff in your bike? Probably not. If we were to recommend your first purchase, we would recommend a bottom bracket. The performance benefits can be felt immediately, the bearings can be serviced for a lifetime and if you opt for the “Coated” bearings, you get a lifetime warranty. That is really saying something for a wear item.
