CeramicSpeed Wheel Bearing Kit for Zipp Hubs. (2005 and later) "FREE Shipping" Hybrid Ceramic Bearing The balls are silicon nitride ceramics, while the raceway is steel. A hybrid bearing will give you some of the benefits from all ceramic bearings, but at a lower price tag. Compared to all steel bearings they have lower friction, lighter weight and longer service life. They are also less susceptible to dirt, dust and poor lubrication. Normally you can change your standard steel bearings to hybrid bearings without any other changes. Benefits: - Very low friction. The friction in a typical bearing with silicon nitride balls and steel rings is about 10% less than in an all steel configuration.
- Cup and cone system. In hubs without cage/retainer the friction will be reduced. The superior surface on the silicon nitride balls generates less friction than the original steel balls.
- Extremely wear resistant because of the hardness. The ceramic material is much harder than the hardest of bearing steels.
- Weight reduction. Silicon nitride is 60% lighter than steel. This gives less material to accelerate when the speed changes and thus results in a quicker response of the bicycle.
- Safe operation even when using low amounts lubricant. This gives greater possibility to reduce the friction coming from lubricant viscous drag.
- No risk of seizure. The seizure risk is absolutely minimal. The silicon nitride will not micro-weld to the steel.
- Tolerant to dirt and dust. Although bearings work best in clean environments the ceramic balls help the bearing to survive also under less pure conditions.
- Resistant towards corrosion. The ceramic balls will maintain their superior finish and integrity over prolonged times of usage.
- Together with special seals and lubrication the friction in ceramic bearings can be some 20-30 times lower than steel bearings with standard friction seals and standard lubrication.
- Increased stiffness. Higher stiffness from the silicon nitride balls will increase stiffness in the bottom bracket and hubs.
- Long lifetime. Under similar conditions the hybrid/ceramic bearings will last approximately 5 times longer but CeramicSpeed has experienced up to 20 times longer lifetime.
Compressive Strength Test:
Two 1/4" (6.35 mm) balls squeezed in vice with equal controlled force. The steel ball on the right side suffered significant injury, while the much harder ceramic ball on the left side is perfectly intact. 
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