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Old 10-29-19 | 08:38 AM
  #38  
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WizardOfBoz
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From: Eastern PA, USA

Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 6.9, 1999 LeMond Zurich, 1978 Schwinn Superior

Originally Posted by DOS
The main thing that gives me pause about AC is the preload despite what Enduro says. My SRAM cranks have an adjuster collar that provides very minimal adjustment, but I am just not confident that it is capable of exerting sufficient preload for AC bearings.
DOS, it's true that in high-duty applications it's pretty critical to get the right preload. So, for an ultra-precision milling machine you might hand spin the cone so that the bearings stop the spin, then turn the bearing cone (for example) 6° more to get proper preload. But that's for one of the three triple bearings on a milling spindle that might do 8000 rpm with 0.002 mm runout. Such bearings run in nearly clean-room conditions. If the mfr sees that you have a compressed air hose (for blowing off metal chips ("swarf")) anywhere near their milling machine, the warranty is completely voided.

Bikes do not require 0.002mm runout. Even if you are racing. They do require fairly low runout and to get this for AC bearings is not hard. We successfully preloaded AC bearings in decades of very fine BB and wheel AC bearings. Think Dura Ace and Campagnolo. Think Eddy Merckx. I have my old paramount BB from nearly 40 years ago and it's pristine. Today, at least for Dura Ace cranks, you put the hollowtech NDS arm on, and use a little thumb wrench to snug up the thing. If the crank doesn't have play and spins pretty freely, tighten the clamping bolts and yer done.

AC bearings are much easier to adjust and more tolerant of improper preload than deep groove radials. AC bearings are MEANT to resist angular force. The design of DGR bearings make them very susceptible to wear if they experience side loads (or too-high a preload).

ACs are better bearings for BB service, and are easier to adjust and are more tolerate of improper adjustment that DGRs. Look at Enduro's warranty record. I believe them.

Last edited by WizardOfBoz; 10-29-19 at 08:44 AM.
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