BEARINGS: Inner Diameter, Outer Diameter and Width
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All you need to know to figure out what bearing you need is the:
So, a bearing with 8 x 22 x7 would have an inner diameter (d) of 8mm, an outer diameter (D) of 22m and a width (W) of 7mm. |
Does ABEC Matter?
- NO - ABEC ratings are irrelevant when dealing with the suspension applications found in the pivots of mountain bikes. The ratings are based on high-speed rotational applications where a suspension application is high-load/ low speed.
Do I need MAX or Full compliment bearings?
- NO - MAX or "full
compliment" means that there will be one or two more balls within
the bearing. They also remove the cage holding the ball bearings. The idea is the spread the stress out through the
bearing. But for the extra cost the added benefits are questionable.
There is a slight increase in the radial load capacity of a MAX
bearing but the reduction in lateral load capacity is significant.
Suspension bearings aren't likely to have their radial load capacity
exceeded. But a crash can put huge stresses on the lateral load of
your bearing. This is where a MAX bearing is likely to fail
resulting in a seized bearing and inactive suspension.
- All my bearings are Chrome hardened steel and are plenty strong
enough for a suspension application.
- Other companies selling bearing kits will tell you need MAX bearings but won't tell you what bearings you need so you can't do a price comparison and don't back up their claims with any proof. Some bike companies won't tell you what bearings you need because they want to sell you their $100+ kit! I am happy to provide you with the bearing part numbers that you will get in your kit. You can check other prices or just get your own kit some where else. But I think you will be hard pressed to find a better quality kit at a better price.
Are your bearing OEM replacements?
- YES & NO - The bearings I sell are the exact same dimensions as the ones that came with your bike. Many of them are the exact same bearings used in your bike but manufactured in China so they are cheaper in price only. Some manufactures use "full compliment" bearings, some use angular bearings, some use needle bearings, most companies use deep groove cartridge bearings. All my bearings are Deep Groove Cartridge bearings. If your bike uses angular or needle bearings I likely don't carry bearings for your bike. If you feel you absolutely need OEM replacement bearings contact your bike manufacturer and they will get you the kit you want.