Ceramic Replacement Bearings for Powertap SL?
 

I would like to have the bearings in my year-old Powertap SL upgraded to ceramics. Any suggestions as to where I might get that done? Thanks, Mike.

i haven't asked this particular question, but i've called Saris about other stuff regarding my powertap, and they've always been more than helpful.

Seems too much like gold plating to make any sense. Ceramics are best suited for hot, high speed applications, high speed meaning above 100 rps.

My boss used to have this done to his bottom bracket bearings back in the day. He claims it improved his bottom bracket. I'm not completely convinced. He got it done at a shop in california. He would send him the bearings and he'd put ceramics in them.

I would be inclined to side with SCH on this one. Cycling isn't a high speed application and you don't need them.

If you really like spending $ on things that offer no return just send me a check; I'll do exactly what this conversion will offer you... nothing! :D

Most knowledgeable people here don't think much of ceramic bearings as an upgrade. They are slightly smoother, and they are theoretically more durable. But does that add up to any meaningful advantage to the rider? No. So far as I know, most pros don't use them either.
You can do this to feel good about yourself and have some bling.
Or you can go and get grillz. Tell Paul Wall that we said hello.

Check out the curent issue of RoadBikeRider.com Newsletter
Issue No. 281 - 02/08/07: 3. UNCLE AL: Ceramic Bearings
Quick sumation.. they are major bucks for the benifit.

Uncle Al is an interesting character but he isn't much of an engineer and even less of a materials science expert. I'd paraphrase the comment as they are; "major bucks for no measurable or useful benefit."

The only real benefit is the added tolerances on the bearings that will make then spin better than your AVERAGE steel bearings. However, for the price, you can literally buy dozens of steel sets and cherry pick the best one, if you are actually able to discern the difference. This is basically what Zipp does to make their hubs so smooth: sort bearings into match sets.

To the OP:

If you truly want to go with ceramics, check here to see if there is a kit already available:

http://www.bocabearings.com

If there's no kit, then if you can determine the dimensions of the bearing catridges, you can search their database for the correct size.

If you need loose ceramic balls, they have those too.

DISCLAIMER: I have no affiliation with BocaBearings other than being a happy customer.