Ceramic Replacement Bearings for Powertap SL?
12-22-06 | 12:24 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Certified Train Wreck
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 677
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From: Montgomery, Alabama
Bikes: '07 Orbea Orca "06 Bianchi Castro Valley
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.
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12-22-06 | 04:17 PM
#2
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,977
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From: Denver
Bikes: orbea onix, Cervelo SLC, Specialzed Allez, Cervelo P3 Alu
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.
12-23-06 | 07:43 PM
#4
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.
I would be inclined to side with SCH on this one. Cycling isn't a high speed application and you don't need them.
12-24-06 | 10:06 PM
#5
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Joined: May 2005
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From: La La Land (We love it!)
Bikes: Gilmour road, Curtlo road; both steel (of course)
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! 
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Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
12-25-06 | 08:08 AM
#6
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.
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.
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"c" is not a unit that measures tire width
"c" is not a unit that measures tire width
02-11-07 | 01:56 PM
#8
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,657
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Originally Posted by brucem206
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.
Issue No. 281 - 02/08/07: 3. UNCLE AL: Ceramic Bearings
Quick sumation.. they are major bucks for the benifit.
02-11-07 | 02:09 PM
#9
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Ft Mill, SC
Bikes: Parlee Z4, Storck C1.1
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.
02-11-07 | 06:21 PM
#10
Isaias
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,182
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From: Essex, MD
Bikes: Ridley X-Fire (carbon, white)
To the OP:
If you truly want to go with ceramics, check here to see if there is a kit already available:
https://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.
If you truly want to go with ceramics, check here to see if there is a kit already available:
https://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.
