Full Ceramics

531Aussie

According to this, we'd save 4 to 6w just by using 2 latex tubes. Many tyres on here are tested with both latex and butyl tubes, and the latex cuts about 2 to 3w, depending on the tyre

http://www.biketechreview.com/tires...esting_rev4.pdf

artemidorus

It seems that ceramic bearings save about 4% bearing drag. To save 5W, bearing drag would have to be 125w at that arbitrary speed. That sure as anything isn't the case. It seems that the total hub bearing drag at 44 km/h is less than 1W.

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vio765

i just found something interesting. there is a wind tunnel in colorado that caters to our aerodynamic needs. they charge $1075 for a test that will improve TT position. it sounds like that would be money well spent versus full ceramics. but there is no denying that BOTH (wind testing and ceramics) are super-bling. how embarrising would it be to brag on the start line for some race about full ceramics AND THEN GETTING DROPPED!?

threaded

Well, sorry to bring expense into it, but you only really need one ceramic ball in the set to achieve nearly all the advantages. So that would save a lot of money.

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vio765

anyone read the VERY short paragraph in the the June edition of Bicycling about ceramics? page 136 at the bottom. "Their measurable benefit is small, but small isn't nothing." this is about what i expect. replacing hub bearing with cheap Grade 5 hybrids wont do anything IMHO. however, throw in Grade 3 FULL CERAMICS in the hubs, BB, pedals, and pulleys and we may have something; perhaps a few saved watts. this, again, isnt much. but in my area, our top 2-3 TT guys win or lose to each other by less than 30 seconds on a routine basis. i know that one of them has claimed that he has hit his genetic peak. im pretty sure the other two have too (or are very close). they all have the highest quality machines and parts. the only way for them to get faster is either wind tunnel testing, ceramics, altitude training, or EPO. i guess my point is that around here, a few watts from ceramics sounds worth the price. ok, you talk.

Peter@vecchios

Well, 'worth it' is a big word. For some, no amount of dollar spending for equipment is too high. I think an important point is when you say the top 2-3 TT guys trade wins regularly. If one were to spend the big $ on full ceramics and the others did not the results would be...they would still trade wins. Lots goes into the 'equation' of cycling performance and the bike is a relatively small part of it. Ceramics 'may' help and may not. Human performance day to day is too variable to predict with any certainty. I think there are better places to spend the $hundreds than on ball bearings. Coach, massage therapist, training camp, dietician, things more focused on the rider.

Just my opinion.

alfeng

FWIW. So, wouldn't removing the SEALS from almost any "regular" cartridge bearing produce ALMOST-the-SAME/EQUAL/MORE benefit of friction reduction as sealed ceramic bearings in the same application?

Granted, there would be periodic maintenance -- i.e., every few hours(!)/days/months ... -- THAT would be the cost of un-sealed bearings vs. $$.

BTW. I have some "track" hubs whose bearings are as-naked-as-a-new-born-baby, and they'll spin forever.

vio765

anyone know where to buy Zipp's Zedtech hubs? i have looked for a while and i am starting to believe they only come on zedtech wheels (complete).


and yes, i would spend money on a good coach LONG before buying full ceramics (at least until economies of scales take place).

running naked bearings? hope it doesnt RAIN!!! lol

alienator

Uhm, at Zipp only. If you're going to buy hubs, though, why not buy hubs that are better than the Zipps?

Phill P

How can you have better hubs than Zipps? Who else has dimpled hubs????

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******BLATANT ADVERTISING ALERT******
I have ceramic bearings for:
Campy/Fulcrum high end hubs/wheels
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alienator

Actually, it's funny you mentioned that, 'cuz I read that Zipp is about ready to release their new, cartridge dimpled ceramic bearings.

Phill P

They should dimple the seals as well!

Dimpling the oversized Al axles might be a bit pointless........


Hang on....brian wave!!!!!!

DIMPLED SPOKES!!!

ooooo o oo ooooo


DIMPLED TIRES!!!!!

__________________
******BLATANT ADVERTISING ALERT******
I have ceramic bearings for:
Campy/Fulcrum high end hubs/wheels
Shimano hubs and pedals
check out my ebay items here

vio765

i got one better.....cosmetic surgery to have your face dimpled! michael jackson will be the one who goes first, though.

alienator

Apparently you've never seen the average American teenager, with the now typical shotgun blast facial complexion.