Bearings & Bushings

Bearings allow things to move on your bike. On a normal bike there are four sets of bearings or bearing systems: wheels (technically the hubs), bottom bracket, and headset. Bearings are also used in the pedals, shifters, full-suspension pivots, brake pivots, derailleur parts, and just about anywhere there is a moving or rotating part. Most are round bearings (loose ball, caged loose ball, or cartridge) but needle bearings do find themselves recruited for certain applications.

Bearings come in many sizes and are rated according to their roundness. The typical bearing is steel, chrome-steel, or stainless steel. It is a grade 300 bearing (300 refers to roundness, the lower the number the rounder the bearing). Best normal quality is about a 20 or 25 grade.

Ceramic bearings are the biggest improvement in years. Harder and lighter than steel, non-corrosive, less affected by high friction and heat, and greater longevity ensure a place in the high-performance market. Of course this comes at a price, a very hefty price, up to 20 times their steel counterparts. And they need servicing with special grease much more frequently. They are a moving part and therefore, not impervious to everything.

More information coming soon!