Ceramic Speed bearings wheels bottom bracket hybrid ceramic speed bearings

The CeramicSpeed bearings made in Denmark feature rolling balls that are made of a ceramic material. The CeramicSpeed balls are constructed of Grade 3 Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄). This is the highest grade for hybrid ceramic bearings. The smallest ball produced by CeramicSpeed takes a minimum of nine weeks to make, and meets or exceeds NASA ENGINEERING STANDARDS.

Who is CeramicSpeed?
After developing ceramic bearings for Swedish bearing manufacturer, SKF, a global supplier of bearings and seals, Jacob Csizmadia decided to start his own company, CeramicSpeed and focus on designing high quality ceramic bearings for special applications and solutions. While his clients have diverse backgrounds, his application of ceramic bearings has dramatically impacted the cycling world. Working closely with pro cyclists like Michael Rasmussen (as well as professional cycling teams), CeramicSpeed leads the cycling industry into reassessing the bearings used in existing equipment. By changing the bearings, you can increase your wattage, reduce friction and dramatically improve your equipment.

Definition of "Ceramic"
Any of various hard, brittle, heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials made by shaping and then firing a nonmetallic mineral, such as clay, at a high temperature.

Benefits of CeramicSpeed bearings

Very low friction. The friction in a typical bearing with silicon nitride balls and steel rings is about 10 % less than in an all steel configuration.
Increased stiffness. Higher stiffness from the silicon nitride balls will increase stiffness in the bottom bracket and hubs.
Extremely wear resistant because of the hardness. The ceramic material is much harder than the hardest of bearing steels.
Weight reduction. Silicon nitride is 60% lighter than steel. This gives less material to accelerate when the speed changes and thus results in a quicker response of the bicycle.
Safe operation even when using low amounts lubricant. This gives greater possibility to reduce the friction coming from lubricant viscous drag.
Tolerant to dirt and dust. Although bearings work best in clean environments the ceramic balls help the bearing to survive also under less pure conditions.
Together with special seals and lubrication the friction in ceramic bearings can be some 20-30 times lower than steel bearings with standard friction seals and standard lubrication.

Let's Recap...

Lightweight/Acceleration - Ceramic balls weigh less than steels balls which reduces centrifugal loading. CeramicSpeed bearings can operate faster than conventional bearings. This means that the ball exerts less force outward against the outer race grove as the bearing spins. This reduction in outward force reduces the friction and rolling resistance. The lighter ball allows the bearing to rev up faster, and uses less energy to maintain it speed. For example, if you upgrade wheels, bottom bracket bearings and pulley wheels, you can save up to 10 watts.

Less heat/Lower Friction - CeramicSpeed Bearings do not heat up like standard bearings. Lower friction leads to less wear, less lubrication, less energy consumption, reduced vibration while extending bearing life.

Smoother Surface - The ceramic ball has smoother surface properties than the steel ball. This means less friction between the ball and bearing races and less vibration giving you a faster spinning bearing and smoother ride.

Stronger - Silicon nitride balls have a very high ball hardness that helps "Push" contaminates from the pathway.

Corrosion Resistance - The CeramicSpeed balls are impervious to oxidation, chemicals, and require essentially no lubricant. The bearings are lubricated with special CeramicSpeed grease.

CeramicSpeed bearings - Designed for a King (KOM Michael Rasmussen)