I put ceramic Enduro bearings in my old Madone (back at the time it was my only ride), and they have survived many years. I doubted that I got as much out of them too (as less power loss due to reducing friction) as they were hybrid ceramic, with steel races. Maybe using full ceramic would have been more beneficial, but the cost was an issue. 
I think what ended up bothering me more was the need for more frequent cleaning and lubrication. If I remember I based it off manufacturer recommendations for intervals using their grease. All this while not giving any perceived performance benefit. I agree with you that a full ceramic bearing may indeed be the best and in theory it should do that while being extra durable without really needing any maintenance. That said, as I’ve learned more about ceramics, they truly do not have a place for optimal use on a bicycle. Even derailleur pulley’s do not spin fast enough to truly benefit. Have come to the point where the highest grade of steel bearing from reputable manufacturers offers everything I can ask for from a performance and durability perspective.
But ceramic bearings are lighter, plus stronger, but also more fragile (more maintenance issues).
I also have ceramic pulley bearings on that same bike. No issues at all. I even had that bike on my 2T for months. Truth was, I wasn’t looking for more speed, I was just curious what it would feel like and how long they would last. I’m happy with how they performed. They were ‘cheap bearings’, but still roll smooth last time I checked. I did think of getting a Ceramic Speed cage, but 
THAT stuff is ExPeNsIvE!! 
When the bearings I used did work really well, AFAIK…
Would I buy full ceramic bearings? I’d use them if someone else paid for them.
I have a kogel bb that’s 3 years old. Serviced once each year. No issues. I also have Enduro Bearings pulley wheels. I would have purchased their bb if I knew about them sooner. Life time warranty.
1 Like
I use BB Infinite ceramic BB’s on my road and MTB, also have the pulleys on the MTB. They spin so smooth but do need to be cleaned and regreased a few times a year.
1 Like
True, they are lighter but all in the total weight difference of every bearing on the bike if changed to ceramic would not amount to much at all. If a pure weight weenier build, sure but not a difference that can be quantified on the road or trail. More durable? Doubtful. Aside from a full ceramic bearing the hybrids that are used in the majority of applications are not more durable and a case can be made that they will be less durable as the ceramic balls wear the steel races faster than steel on steel. I am not set against ceramic bearings in bikes (have used them in wheels and bb’s previously) and for anyone who chooses to use them I think it’s great. A persons own money, all good but based on personal experience and information gathered over the years I choose to use high quality steel bearings.
Ceramics like natural crystals tend to have a ‘grain’ that runs through them but ceramic bearings are lighter than standard bearings, but sure, mention ‘titanium screws’ and many cyclists will start to drool AND reach for their wallets. But the idea with ceramic bearings is they can be made to tighter tolerances because the ceramic doesn’t change diameter as much as steel bearings will.There IS a reason other than weight that people use ceramic bearings. But get enough FOD in a ceramic rearing and it’ll go south just the same. Pros likely go through bearings pretty quickly though I don’t know for sure, but the sweat and ‘stuff’ getting into their lightly sealed and lubed bearings will eat them up pretty quickly. Do pro cyclists use full ceramics? AI says some do, but:
Yes, many professional cyclists use ceramic bearings in their bikes, particularly in high-performance components like wheels and bottom brackets, as they can offer slight advantages in reduced friction and improved durability. However, the actual performance benefits may be minimal compared to the costs involved.
So if pros don’t all use them, Maybe it is just a weight weenie thing to do, or bragging rights.
AI drived that blurb from these 2 sources: road.cc and bikerumor.com.
1 Like
the amount of gunk I just cleaned out of the Ceramicspeed bearings now after less than 5000km of riding is absurd. Spent 45min cleaning them and still can’t get them to me perfectly smooth. much less crunchy than before but by I have a feeling I will never get them as perfect as new again…
I prefer spending 50$ once-twice a year for a brand new bearing than those super expensive ceramic speed bearings (which I now have on two of my bikes…thanks factor) that need to be serviced and will not be perfect.
Will ride them through winter now and then probably give it to a shop in the hopes that they will get them perfect…