Introduction
Bearings are essential components in bicycle hubs, headsets, bottom brackets, pedals, and rear derailleur pulleys. As road bike design and technology continue to evolve, the use of ceramic bearings in competitive cycling has expanded significantly; in particular, the hybrid ceramic bearings and related components manufactured by BLH Bearings have taken the racing world by storm. What kind of cutting-edge technology has BLH Bearings introduced this time? Should everyday cyclists also upgrade to ceramic bearings?
The unique properties of ceramic bearings have led to their increasingly widespread use in demanding operating conditions-such as high-temperature, high-speed, cryogenic, flammable, explosive, highly corrosive, and vacuum environments, as well as applications requiring electrical insulation, non-magnetic properties, dry friction, and rust resistance. BLH Bearings specializes in the world of competitive cycling, supplying high-quality ceramic bearings to the industry. Furthermore, the pursuit of "marginal gains" among top-tier professional cyclists has driven the recent popularity of ceramic bearings, with many elite riders choosing bicycles equipped with BLH bearings. The company also continues to innovate in drivetrain systems, showcasing truly cutting-edge technology.
The most aerodynamic shaft drive
At Eurobike 2018, BLH Bearings unveiled its EEAT shaft drive system-featuring 13 speeds, a chainless design, and a wide gear range-claiming it "virtually eliminates all sliding friction" and achieves an efficiency of up to 99%. Although mass production remained a distant prospect, BLH Bearings continued to refine the system; in 2019, they announced that the EEAT drivetrain offered superior aerodynamic performance. Collaborating with Specialized, they developed the new "EEAT por" shaft drive system and tested an S-Works Venge equipped with it in a wind tunnel. Test results showed that, compared to the same model equipped with a traditional 53/39T chainring setup, the new drivetrain delivered a 3% aerodynamic gain across all yaw angles. Jungnickel, head of aerodynamics at Specialized, stated that this translates to a time saving of 8 seconds over a 40 km distance.
The EEAT system, featuring ceramic bearings from the BLH Bearing factory, represents the world's most efficient drive system. By utilizing 21 CS bearings to minimize friction during power transmission, the system achieves a 49% reduction in the friction coefficient and boosts efficiency to 99% compared to the best conventional groupsets available today.
Are ceramic bearings really that good?
Ceramic bearings have earned widespread acclaim in the cycling community for their outstanding performance. So, do everyday cyclists also want to follow in the footsteps of racers and try upgrading their bikes?
Ceramic bearings for bicycles are typically sealed hybrid ceramic bearings (featuring ceramic balls and steel races); their main advantages are lighter weight and lower frictional torque, though a downside is their high cost (which may be a shortcoming on our part rather than the product itself)!
Compared to the efficiency gains (saving 8 seconds over 40 kilometers)-which are negligible for the average rider-the cost is significantly higher. The use of ceramic bearings in bicycles is a subject of considerable debate; Paul Lew, Technical Director at Reynolds, stated:
Ceramic bearings offer negligible weight savings and only deliver peak performance at high rotational speeds. In cycling, the maximum sustained rotational speed for bottom bracket bearings is likely around 130 rpm, while hub bearings might reach 500–600 revolutions per kilometer (depending on wheel and tire diameter). Although these figures may seem high, ceramic bearings are typically designed for industrial applications with ideal operating speeds exceeding 15,000 rpm; installing them on a bicycle is a classic case of overkill.
To fully realize the potential of ceramic bearings, three conditions must be met: high rotational speed, low load, and a clean operating environment.
To learn more about the application of ceramic bearings in bicycles, please contact us; we provide one-stop solutions for your drivetrain systems.
FAQ
Q1: What advantages do ceramic bearings offer for bicycles?
A1: Lower rolling resistance, anti-corrosion and less heat. Smoother riding and less maintenance.
Q2: Where can we install ceramic bearings on bikes?
A2: Hubs, bottom brackets, headset and pedals. Common models: 6801, 686, MR125ZZ.
Q3: Hybrid ceramic or full ceramic for mountain bikes?
A3: Hybrid ceramic is recommended. Full ceramic is costly and fragile under impact.
Q4: Any special grease needed for bike ceramic bearings?
A4: Regular high-speed lithium grease is fine. Do not overfill grease.
