Bike Bearings Review

Bike bearings play a crucial role in the operation of the bike drivetrain components. Without them none of the major components of a bicycle would work. Bearings are used to help reduce friction so that there can be smooth movement of the pedals, as well as other cranks and parts. Many bicycle bearings, like American Classic bearings or Enduro bearings, are available for the rider to change out his or her self. Some however will need to be replaced as part of a unit. An example of that type is the cartridge bearing.

Why You Need it

Bicycle ball bearings are frequently housed between cup shaped and cone shaped apparatuses where the bearing balls rolls freely between them. The cone and cup units are sometimes referred to as the ball cup. One end of the bearing unit is stationary while the other end rotates. These are mounted using screw threads that are affixed using firm, but not too tight pressure. A loose fit will result in instability and a wobbly performance. If the unit is too tight then friction and breakage may result. Fulcrum bearings are seemingly effortless in their maintenance.

An example of ball bearings used in this way is on bike headsets. The headset is an interface that rotates between the bicycles frame and the fork. The headset has two sets of cups and bearings at the top and the bottom. Bearings are also located at the wheel hubs, and on the bottom bracket. The balls inside of the bearing units are constructed on hardened steel. Sometimes the balls are isolated from each other by cages or ball carriers. Major manufacturers of bike bearings include; Campagnolo, Cane Creek, Abi, Phil Wood, Enduro, and FSA bearings.

Major Manufacturers

Abi, Cane Creek, Shimano bearings.

Pricing

Bearing prices vary according to use and manufacturer. For example, loose bearing balls can be purchased in a lot of 25 for about $4.00 dollars. Other bearings such as a sealed cartridge bearing by Abi will run about $4.50. As the bearing unit gets more complicated; so does the pricing. Cane Creek Headset Cartridge bearings for example, run about $15.00. Bearing kits such a FSA Ceramic Cartridge Pedal kits can be a bit more expensive for about $140.00. Hub bearing sets cost in the neighborhood of $9.00.

Given the importance of bearing reliability on performance and safety it pays to buy quality products, like Aheadset bearings, for replacement parts or for building a bike from scratch. When purchasing bearings specialized tools, such as bearing pullers, may also be necessary to complete the project at hand. In addition, while many bearing kits are greased by the manufacturer, some bearing jobs will require packing the grease before assembly.