Are ceramic jockey wheels worth it?

Are ceramic jockey wheels worth it?

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. They are also lighter than equivalent steel bearings, so swapping to ceramic bearings will reduce the weight of your bike.

Do oversized jockey wheels make a difference?

They look kind of goofy, so they certainly stand out. But oversize pulley wheels actually offer enough of an advantage in wattage savings that it may be worth sacrificing style. The big idea here is to reduce friction in the drivetrain. Fewer watts wasted as you pedal mean more efficiency and speed.

What is a disadvantage of ceramic bearings?

Ceramic bearings have lower load capacities in comparison to metals and are sensitive to thermal shock. Thermal shock is when the temperature gradient within the material causes a differential expansion, which results in an internal stress. Ceramics are also more difficult to achieve a high quality surface finish.

Do ceramic pulley wheels make a difference?

In testing conducted by CeramicSpeed, its own pulley wheels with ceramic bearings proved the most energy-efficient, consuming 0.033 watts. Or, in other words, this was the amount of energy lost in transmission.

How long do jockey wheels last?

Unless you’re riding in sand or other ultra-harsh conditions, almost forever. They carry virtually no load and transmit zero torque, so tooth wear is minimal; the upper jockey wheel may be worth inspecting and replacing once in a while for the reasons u/jermleeds goes into.

Are all Shimano jockey wheels the same?

Any Shimano ones will fit. Just make sure you get a pair, as the top and bottom ones are different sized. Doesn’t matter about 9/10 speed, they’ll all work.

Do ceramic bearings need lubrication?

No, full ceramic bearings can be run completely dry. They do not need lubrication to run. Ceramic is non-porous, unlike steel, as a result it is virtually frictionless.