Nederlands | English | Deutsch | Türkçe

Project Sports

Questions and answers about sports

What range of rotational speed for bike wheel bearings?

5 min read

Asked by: Anthony Sinderman

A typical wheel bearing is rated for 19,000 rpm and a load of 1574 pounds of force. At maximum rpm and maximum load, it should rotate for one million revolutions, which is over a thousand miles. At 60 mph, a 21-inch wheel (including the tire) is only spinning at 960 rpm.

How do I know what bearings I need for my bike?

A cartridge bearing’s size is determined by its inside diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD) and width. The measurements take the form of ’15x24x5mm’ or similar. They often have a corresponding universal identifier, which in the case of the aforementioned bearing, would be 6802, for instance.

When should I replace ball bearings on my bike?

If there are any spots of real resistance or bumps, the bearing has likely pitted (eaten into) the bearing race. If this is the case then a replacement is needed. Likewise, if you can move the inner race laterally (in and out of the hub) then the bearing probably requires replacing.

What is the best bearing for bicycle?

Ceramic bearings are often represented as the ultimate way to minimize rolling friction on your bike.

How do I know if my bike bearings are bad?

Worn out or dry bearings will feel rough, metallic and dry. Sometimes they’re so dry that if you pull your finger fast across the axle you can make the axle keep spinning because there’s no grease inside the bearings to slow it down.

How long does a bike wheel bearing last?

Wheel bearings have an average lifespan of 136,000 to 160,000 km (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles).

How often should you grease bicycle wheel bearings?

Most people don’t realize this, but your bike needs maintenance. Your axle bearings needs to be cleaned and repacked with grease every 500 miles (100 on a mountain bike). This instructable shows how to repack your axle bearings and install a new freewheel body (if you need one).

Should I change both wheel bearings?

If bearings go bad at one wheel, it is unnecessary to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle.

Should I replace wheel hub or bearing?

The most common reason to replace a wheel hub is because the wheel bearing that is attached to it has failed. Wheel bearings can fail because of age, dirt and water contamination, or improper installation. Most hubs that are driven by axles require a very specific torque when installing.

How do you inspect ball bearings?

Inspecting the Bearings

  1. Inspect the outside and the inside of both bearings. …
  2. Remove seals or shields first, then cut the outer race into halves.
  3. Inspect the grease and look for any contamination in the bearing. …
  4. Clean the bearing’s components using a degreaser or solvent.

Are ceramic bearings faster?

Faster, lighter, and more durable? According to research, a well-made ceramic bearing will roll faster, saving you energy and allowing faster cruising speeds compared to an equivalent steel bearing. This is because the properties of ceramic allow the creation of rounder, smoother bearings.

Are ceramic bearings stronger than steel?

Because ceramic bearings are harder than steel bearings, they are more durable, lasting anywhere from five to 20 times longer.

Are ceramic bearings better for MTB?

Ceramic bearings for mountain bikes



It has been proven that ceramic bearings are energy-saving, since they reduce friction on the wheels, bottom bracket, rollers, pedals , etc. Therefore they are a clear advantage in competition.

How can I make my wheel bearings last longer?


Quote from video: This bearing with a low temperature. Good quality lithium grease that's going to work in a traditional bicycle. So first of all we're just gonna lift off these weather seals.

What causes wheel bearings to go bad?

Quote from video: Похожие запросы

Are all bicycle crank bearings the same size?

While modern road cranks are compatible with many different types of bottom bracket shells, some combinations are better than others. Shimano (left) and GXP (right) crank axles share the same diameter — 24mm — however the end of each axle is quite distinct.

How do you measure ball bearings?

To measure the outer diameter of a bearing, place the jaws of your vernier caliper around the outside of the bearing and close it until it meets the outer edge of the bearing. It should be a snug fit, but not tight. Now, you can read the value on the caliper to find the outer diameter measurement.

How do you measure a hub bearing?

Quote from video: The first method is the use of a digital caliper. Place the caliper at the bearing locations on the spindle the resulting. Number is the diameter of the spindle.

How do you measure a crank bearing on a bike?

Quote from video: Most bicycle frames use standard bearing cups that when you flip the cup over and you take the measurement of the outer diameter turns out to be two inches.

What spindle length do I need?

The best way to find out which spindle length you need is by looking up the specs. (The alternative is trial and error…) Spindle length and the resulting chainline have some leeway. If you are within 2-3 mm of the “correct” 43.5 mm or 45 mm, you are doing quite well.

How are motorcycle wheel bearings measured?

Quote from video: So with the wheel off the ground grab. It on opposite sides and push with one hand while pulling with the other you're essentially twisting the wheel around the axle.