Originally Posted by
repechage
I think the open ball and cone bearing design is much more forgiving of a flexing spindle. That written, I wonder how much additional friction that flex brings upon the bearing system?
On a somewhat related note, I thought I heard that Ti axles with built in Ti cones would wear out quickly, because the bearing race was not as durable as a comparable steel race. I think this is why most companies used sealed bearings. Of course, I can't remember where I heard this, and I may be wrong.