Originally Posted by
CliffordK
I got tired of chrome pealing off of steel bearings.
The last batch of bearings I bought were 440 Stainless bearings from BC Precision.
https://www.bcprecision.com/collecti...-bearing-balls
Bulk prices seemed fairly reasonable. I haven't been riding on them long enough to get a long term report yet, but they built up nicely.
I have tried a few Chinese import Si3N4 ceramic bearings off of E-Bay. Not too bad for buying enough for one or two wheels. So far so good, although it is time to tear down and inspect a few wheels.
not sure what you bought, but they typically are a chrome-alloy (like steel is an iron-carbon alloy and other elements like chrome also are added). I've never seen chrome peeling off, and balls typically get replaced at time of hub service anyway. I'm 99% sure there is no chrome plating added (like on an old type car or bike exterior for looks).
Stainless steel is softer, at least the affordable type.
Normal Grade 25 off Amazon is fine. No need to make this more expensive.