Ceramic BB Sets

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Last post: Nov 13, 2009 8:53 AM by Geared

Silky__4

31 posts since
May 30, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

Oct 27, 2009 7:21 PM

I will be building up a new TT bike this winter. Does anyone have an opinion on getting a BB set with ceramic bearings? Is there any significant difference in performance are there any drawbacks?

Any advise is appreciated.

Thanks

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Tags: cycling, triathlon, ceramic_bearings, tt_bike, bb_set

pbhales

1 posts since
Oct 28, 2009

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1. Oct 28, 2009 6:35 AM

in response to: Silky__4

Re: Ceramic BB Sets

I did not myself choose to go with ceramic bearings, as I had quit TT racing just as our 2CC team sponsor, the Pony Shop of Evanston, Illinois, began to install. However I can report on the team's experiences.

1. Lou Kuhn, our team sponsor, shop owner and chief mechanic, installed two types of ceramic bearings, with a wide price differential between the two, on a number of team bikes. Users reported significant improvements in performance, and notably faster time-trial performance, with both sets. However the less expensive set did wear out much more quickly, suggesting that the cost-benefit ratio favored the more expensive sets.

2. installation is important. high-quality, experienced mechanics are recommended.

3. fellow team members were extremely enthusiastic about this upgrade, though the cost was high.

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Silky__4

31 posts since
May 30, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

2. Oct 28, 2009 7:07 AM

in response to: pbhales

Re: Ceramic BB Sets

That's good to hear. Now I'm leaning toward the ceramic. I will probably get the SRAM upgrade - good quality is likely with their set. I'll see what other feedback I get on this site.

Thanks

Park City Utah Vacation Condo Rentals

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Jesse@Active

102 posts since
Jul 3, 2007

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3. Nov 5, 2009 1:54 PM

in response to: Silky__4

Re: Ceramic BB Sets

Hi Silky-

Here are a few articles we have on Active that pertain to ceramic bearings:

Bearing It All: Ceramic Bearings

How to Upgrade to Ceramic Bearings

Hope that helps!

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piranha333

8 posts since
Oct 12, 2009

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4. Nov 12, 2009 3:36 PM

in response to: Silky__4

Re: Ceramic BB Sets

Silky 4,

I have a Giant TCR Advanced and ride everyday to work. When I got the bike, it had Shimano Dura Ace BBs and was just a smooth as anything I've rode...so I thought... I've been upgrading my bike, SRAM Force Shifters, SRAM Force Derailleur, and then went all out and got the SRAM Red Crank set. Well, to my surprise, the Shimano Bearings didn't fit the SRAM cranks. I did a ton of research and found that I needed a BB86 press-fit bottom bracket for a SRAM crank set. Jeeezzzz, I looked everywhere for a set of BB86 bearings and could only find them in Europe. I almost gave up when I finally found SRAM Red Ceramic Bearings on Masherz.com. I was not even looking for ceramic bearings but thought to myself, they were awesome when I used to race R/C cars, why not? (Not to mention I had to pay more money for international shipping on the regular bearings anyways) So, I bought them and had them professionally installed at my local bike shop, Roy's Cyclery, Upland, CA.

OH MY GOD! THEY ARE AMAZING! It’s a night and day difference between the two sets. It’s so smooth to peddle and stepping on the gas never transitioned to so much direct unadulterated power. I'm so happy that I stumbled into ceramic bearings. I'm a 190 lb rider with the legs of a Mediterranean Climbing God... OK, maybe not that good but I can bend the crank arms on anything less than my SRAM Red Crank Set after every stoplight. You will not be disappointed spending double the money on ceramic BBs. They are smoother, lighter and last longer than regular bearings also.

Good Luck with any decision you make!