PT bearings

giannip said:

Hi

Just wondering if anyone has swopped their PT bearings for ceramic bearing ?

Thanks
GP

Powertap are releasing a version of their wheel that comes with ceramic bearings in the fall.

I don't own a powertap because I've been waiting for Ant+ compatibility came along. Now that it will in a few months I'll be getting one.

Perhaps you can help answer a question for me as I'm not too hot on bike maintenance issues but I presume that the ceramic bearings would help to keep out the water on their notoriously leaky hubs? I've read lots of complaints from people with PTs who ride in wet weather.

The water issues (from long ago) are about water getting under the plastic cap into the electronics and battery, not about water getting into/through the bearings to the axle and such.

In any case, I haven't heard those (water) complaints in a couple PT generations now, except for an occasional case of wet computer and harness contacts.

Edit: Wheelbuilder.com has options for ordering ceramic bearings in their PT setups, but that's nothing I've tried (or could afford).

No the ceramic bearings aren't for keeping water out + I've ridden my 2.4 in deluges without a problem.

The reason I'm thinking of putting in ceramic bearing is purely from a functional point of view. Basically the Ferrari of bearings.

My PT deserves the best 😄

Contact Rich at Wheelbuilder.com

giannip said:

Hi

Just wondering if anyone has swopped their PT bearings for ceramic bearing ?

Thanks
GP

I am thinking of doing it. My bearings are shot and it is coming about the same time as the battery switch so I figured the OEM bearings were good for about 500-600 hours. Felt Rider turned me on to the link below. I am going to order some ceramics and have my LBS put them on. I also think that the trainer is tough on these cartridge bearings (lateral force) so I am going to be more careful about how tightly I clamp my rear wheel in. [url="http://www.bocabearings.com/main1.aspx?p=showsearchforpage&bc=SK&type=K&cat=rccrossrefguide&pg=9&mfr=520"][u]bocabearings.commain1.aspxOpen ↗[/u][/url]

Cool thanks.

Got mine changed the other day for new ordinary ones while I make up my mind.

LBS going to put them in once I have them.

giannip said:

Cool thanks.

Got mine changed the other day for new ordinary ones while I make up my mind.

LBS going to put them in once I have them.

My concern is spending $$$$ on ceramics and them screwing them up because my bike spends so much time with the rear hub clamped in the trainer, but we will see.

I recommend calling Saris before attempting to put any bearings in the PT units.

I had my LBS put in ceramic bearings and the unit quit working. Evidently there is some sort of calibration that needs to be done to the torque tube in order for it to work properly.

Had to send the unit to Saris for repair.

Shawneebiker said:

I recommend calling Saris before attempting to put any bearings in the PT units.

I had my LBS put in ceramic bearings and the unit quit working. Evidently there is some sort of calibration that needs to be done to the torque tube in order for it to work properly.

Had to send the unit to Saris for repair.

Did your bearings seem to [censored] out a little earlier than normal?

not really. Not sure when one is actually meant to change them.

There was only a very light roughness but thought I may as well change them as I had bout 11000km on them

Shawneebiker said:

I recommend calling Saris before attempting to put any bearings in the PT units.

I had my LBS put in ceramic bearings and the unit quit working. Evidently there is some sort of calibration that needs to be done to the torque tube in order for it to work properly.

Had to send the unit to Saris for repair.

oops :-)

new bearings put in a week ago and still working fine.

giannip said:

oops :-)

new bearings put in a week ago and still working fine.

So then, you've re-checked the calibration using a static torque test since putting the new bearings in? 😉

nope.

kopride said:

Did your bearings seem to [censored] out a little earlier than normal?

No they were fine. Just wanted to do a ceramic upgrade.

I had ceramic bearings installed in my 2.4 when I bought my wheelset from Competitive Cyclist. I'm assuming if anybody can get a bearing swap right, these guys can.

Ar around 2500 miles (last week) on the rear, I started having shifting problems on the 11T. I swapped the wheel to another bike and within 2 days had shifting problems on it with the 11T. Odd, right?

So, giving the freehub/cassette a firm yank, I noticed some deflection that seemed wrong.

Took the PT apart myself (206 mile ride the next day, didn't want to wait) and noticed something gritty inside the grease. Ceramic. Almost had the texture of sandblasting media.

One of the cages separated and let the little ceramic balls go. Nice, huh?

Fortunately, CC sent me the original bearings which were pulled out and since they felt smooth, I changed them all out.

I have to say, I'm not completely convinced about the difference in drag with ceramic bearings. I think the grease you use for the freehub and the bearings would induce more drag than the balls anyway. I think a lot of it is just the latest marketing fad. Apparently though, it works, because I have ceramics on every part of my Cervelo. 🙄