So i’m thinking of taking the plunge and getting a set of HED Jet 60’s. What are the thoughts about the ceramic bearings? are they worth the extra money (around $200 bucks for both)?
no
.
not even in terms of the longevity of the wheel?
Doubtful. In any case, the increased smoothness of ceramic bearings is most noticeable at lower speeds - it’s just the way that the physics of bearings work. Your wheels spin very quickly (in comparison to, say, your cranks). I’d say save your money and find something else shiny to buy 
Oh, and I’m not endorsing ceramic BB bearings either, just making a comparison.
Most people who buy ceramic BBs are impresseded with them as they’re noticabely smoother at low speed. I can’t think of any people who’ve said:
“I got ceramic bearings for my wheels and the bike feels far better”
Add another no.
I have a buddy who LOVES ceramic bearings…then again, he works on jet engines (for the F-22 Raptor). He claims that at 22,000rpm and at 1,500F they perform way better…but, what the hell does he know?
I bought a Stinger 60/90 combo last year and decided upon cermaic bearings, I figured I was dropping the cash, what’s a little more. I can tell you that these things roll and roll. Not only on the work stand, but also when free-wheeling. I cannot tell anything beyond that - at speed etc. I do not regret the purchase, let’s put it that way.
While everyone “poo poo’s” the idea, I find it interesting that the pro’s have made the ceramic move - but then they are playing with team budget, not necessarily their own.
Don’t get me wrong - if someone else was paying, sure I would spring for them - why not? If it were coming out of my pocket, though, I would save my money.
That is a cheap upgrade compared to what I paid on my Zipps. :o(
Do they make any difference, who cares what others think, only live once in life.
Even if some of this stuff is just mental, is this not what our short life is all about,
having fun with what WE like?
Dave
“In any case, the increased smoothness of ceramic bearings is most noticeable at lower speeds - it’s just the way that the physics of bearings work”
Could you explain this statement? Because ceramics seem to be more prevalent in high RPM uses than low RPM…and it would seem that a ceramic bearing would be more important when spinning at 20,000 RPM to withstand heat than at 500 RPM or less.
No problem - perhaps I should qualify the comment more. I perhaps should have clarified it as “the way that the physics of bearings on bikes work.” Ceramics are certainly very much more resilient and resistant to high temperatures, especially at very high speeds (20K RPM, etc, as you said). But at lower speeds (aka a bike’s wheel, not a jet engine) the heat issue will not be as important.
That being said, what do smoother bearings do? They reduce rolling resistance. Now, at high speed, your rolling resistance is almost miniscule compared to the air resistance that you and your bike are creating… there’s really no way around it. As you slow down, the ratio of air:rolling resistance decreases (less air resistance at lower speeds).
In higher RPM applications, the ceramics certainly make sense. In lower RPM applications, even aside from the bike, there is no real reason to use a more expensive bearing, as one does not need the heat resistance of ceramics.
Just my two cents.
There are lots of things at a MOP speed in this sport that one does not “need”. But, what fun would the sport
be if one cannot get “toys”. As an example, if you are a good swimmer, who needs a wetsuit.
If one is a good biker, who needs anything fancy like carbon… (They did set some great IM times in the 80’s w/o carbon, etc.)
But, this is using logic which is never good, right?
Dave
Forget everything I said. I’m with Dave. 
Not much faster, much more money
.
“That being said, what do smoother bearings do? They reduce rolling resistance. Now, at high speed, your rolling resistance is almost miniscule compared to the air resistance that you and your bike are creating… there’s really no way around it. As you slow down, the ratio of air:rolling resistance decreases (less air resistance at lower speeds).”
Now THAT I will agree with. The way I read your first statement was that ceramics made less of a difference at speed compared to steel, period. But once you factor in wind resistance I agree, I just didn’t know you were.
With that said, I gave ceramics a try this time around on my MTB. We’ll see if they are any more durable. Either way, I got them comparatively cheap so I won’t be out big bucks like had I paid full retail. With that said, if someone wants ceramics, don’t go to an online retailer. There are tons of companies out there that sell single bearings (and I’m not talking about the balls, but the whole bearing). As long as you know what bearings you need, you can get just about any grade with ceramic balls/steel races, or even full ceramics, far cheaper.
Even if “not much faster” is just 1 second, I need every second I can get.
And, if I have a choice of spending the money on me, or leaving for my kids,
what would you do?
Dave
kids everytime.
Can I get my zipp bearings out there?
Dave
Is not your age based on how one acts? If so, I guess I never got out of first grade.
Dave
Can I get my zipp bearings out there?
Dave
Huh?