Hub bearings: Abec 3 vs Abec 5 vs Ceramic
 

Hello all,

I need some new bearings for my rear wheel hub. I am looking at Enduro bearings. I am wondering whether I should get Abec 3 or 5 or Ceramic (hybrid) bearings.

When I got new front wheel bearings, I got the Ceramic, and they have been great, roll really really smooth. But back then, I got them on a steep discount. So I am wondering if they are worth it.

The Abec 3 are 5.99 EUR a piece
The Abec 5 are 8.95 EUR a piece
The Ceramic hybric (ceramic balls and steel races) are 28.99 EUR a piece.

I am thinking the ceramic is kind of silly expensive. Is it a noticeable difference in rolling resistance over steel Abec 5? Is it noticeably more durable? I don't race, but I do put a lot of miles on my bike.

Thanks!

This has been discussed countless times over many years. Ceramic bearings are a complete waste of money on a bicycle. Any part of a bicycle. Ceramic bearings are great for very high rpm applications, we're talking thousands of rpm. Not gonna happen on a bicycle. They're great for very high heat applications. Again, not gonna happen on a bicycle. They also perform best in a clean application. Once again, not likely on a bicycle. Any steel bearing you buy from Enduro will be fine.

Get a higher grade abec, my skates have 7 and they're very noticeable vs the 3s I'd previously used, would have to assume the same would be true for bikes.

Thanks guys!

Yeah it's been discussed a lot. I think I have a blog entry on it as well on my site. That said - I deal with Enduro a lot. ABEC 3 bearings just don't tend to last as long as the 5's. Most likely from a difference in seals possibly(?) - don't know. Just know that every ABEC3 we eventually replace is replaced with a 5 and lasts longer than the 3's did.

Their Hybrid ceramic - they're fun to show people. .... :innocent:

Honestly I really like Kogel bearings. More for the total construction and seals. Such a higher life out of them. I would LOVE to say there is a performance difference but I will leave that up to others to debate. Unloaded bearing freespin vs loaded is kind of meaningless but a lot of fun to show people.