When choosing a bearing, you must consider several important factors. The first factor to consider is the load that the bearing can support.
There are two types of loads:
&#; axial load: parallel to the axis of rotation
&#; radial load: perpendicular to the axis
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Each type of bearing is specifically designed to support an axial or radial load. Some bearings can support both loads: in this case we refer to a combined load. If you have to support a combined load, for example, we recommend that you choose a tapered roller bearing. If you need a bearing capable of withstanding a high radial load, then we recommend a cylindrical roller bearing. On the other hand, if your bearing needs to support lighter loads a ball bearing might be sufficient as they are often less expensive.
Rotation speed is another element that should be considered. Some bearings can withstand high speeds. The presence of a cage for cylindrical roller bearings and needle bearings allows for greater speeds than bearings without a cage. However, the choice of a higher speed is sometimes made at the expense of the load. You should also consider the possible presence of misalignment; some bearings are not suitable for this situation, such as double row ball bearings.
You will therefore need to pay attention to the bearing construction: insert and spherical bearings make it easy to support these misalignments. We suggest that you lean towards bearings with automatic alignment which automatically correct alignment defects caused by shaft bending or installation errors. Similarly, operating conditions are very important when choosing the ideal bearing. It is thus necessary to analyze the environment you will be using the bearing in. Your bearing may be subject to a number of contaminations. Some uses can lead to noise disturbance, impact and/or vibration.
Your bearing must therefore withstand this impact on the one hand and not be an inconvenience on the other. Another essential element to consider is the bearing life. Several factors, such as speed or repeated use, can impact the bearing life.
Choosing a sealing system is essential in order to ensure the correct and long-lasting operation of a bearing; it is therefore important to ensure that the bearing is always well-protected from any impurities and external agents, such as dust, water, corrosive fluids or even used lubricants. This choice depends on the type of lubricant, the ambient conditions (and therefore the type of contamination), the fluid pressure and the rotation speed. To give you a good place to start, the fluid pressure is a determining factor in the choice of sealing system. If the pressure is high (in the range of 2-3 bars for example) a mechanical seal is ideal. Otherwise, the choice will be directly linked to the type of lubricant, grease or oil. For example, for grease lubrication the most commonly used solutions are: deflectors or washers, narrow passages that are machined or with grooves; in the case of oil lubrication the sealing system is often accompanied by the presence of a groove for oil recovery.
Conditions of use can also influence your choice, especially when it comes to assembling the bearing. The rigidity and precision that your use requires must also be taken into account. In some cases, you can provide for the application of a preload in the assembly of your bearing to increase its rigidity. Additionally, the preload will have a positive impact on the bearing life and noise level of your system.
Be careful, in order to choose the preload (radial or axial) you must know the rigidity of all parts through software or experimentation. In your selection criteria, you must also consider the ideal material for your bearing. Bearings can be made out of metal, plastic or ceramic. The bearing material depends on its intended use. We recommend that you choose the most compression-resistant bearing. Keep in mind however that the material used affects the price of the bearing.
Wheel bearings in particular are generally not considered when you&#;re buying those shiny, slick, aero carbon wheels but in fact, the bearings are one of the most crucial elements of your wheel and here at Scribe, we have put a lot of thought into them.
There are three measurements that you need to know for any bearing: (i) Bore (inside diameter), (ii) Outer diameter and (iii) Width.
These are straightforward, and they then relate to the size name.
Let's use a as an example...
(6)802 - This first number relates to the bearing type, typically most bicycle bearings will be a &#;6&#; which is a &#;Deep Groove&#;. Occasionally you will find a &#;7&#; bearing which is a &#;Single Row Angular Contact&#;
6(8)02 - This second number relates the bearing series, which reflects the robustness of the bearing. As you go up the scale below from 9 to 4 the inner and outer race thickness will usually increase along with the ball size, this will be to help cope with extra load.
9 - Very thin section
0 - Extra light
1 - Extra light thrust
2 - Light
3 - Medium
4 - Heavy
68(02) - The 3rd and 4th digits of the bearing number relate to the bore size of the bearing, numbers 00 to 03 have a designated bore size depending on the number.
00 - 10mm
01 - 12mm
02 - 15mm
03 - 17mm
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Contact seals have a positive connection to the inner and outer races, where non-contact seals have a positive connection at one race and sort of &#;float&#; against the other. Contact seals have better weather resistance, while non-contact seals have lower friction, and thus lower resistance to the elements.
*You can see the difference between the seals below... (Left: contact seal Right: non-contact seal)
If you've ever searched for any bearing, they each have their own terminology for the seal type and this handy table below should help you understand the main brands, seal and lettering used!
Brand NSK NTNTPIS&S KOYO/ EZO NACHI Remark Seal Type Z Z Z Z 1 Side Steel Seal, 1 Side Non-Seal ZZ ZZ ZZ ZZ 2 Side Steel Seal V LB RU NK 1 Side Rubber Seal (Non-Contact), 1 Side Non-Seal VV LLB 2RU 2NKE 2 Side Rubber Seal (Non-Contact) DU LU RS NS 1 Side Rubber Seal (Contact), 1 Side Non-Seal DDU LLU 2RS 2NSE 2 Side Rubber Seal (Contact)As riders ourselves, we know it's the small things that make the difference; especially when it comes to bearings. As many of us like to ride our bikes everywhere, regardless of the weather, we give you the option to run a Race or Endurance bearings.
Endurance (specced as standard):
*These bearings are designed to stand the test of time so you can ride as much as you want, with confidence your bearings will keep spinning smoothly - oh and they are still fast!
Race (Upgrade at no additional cost):
*Please note: Race bearings are FAST, but they have non-contact seals which are less resistant to water. If you ride in all weather a lot of the time, we recommend Endurance bearings.
You can see the bearing size you need for your wheels in the table below. If you need any help selecting bearings just let us know.
The company is the world’s best Deep Groove Ball Bearings supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Front Hub Rear Hub Freehub Carbon Rim Brake x2 x2 x2 Carbon Disc Brake x2 x2 x2 Pace, Race x2 x2 x2 Race-D, Duty-D, Gravel x2 x2 x2 365, Duty x2 x2 365-D x2 x1 & x1 x2