Using non-sealed bearings for race-day-only stuff

Triathlon Forum
1

If you have a set of wheels (or bike with a crankset) that you only use for ‘race day’…there is an advantage (between 1-10 watts) of permanently removing the bearing seals and using light oil instead of grease.

discuss.

2

Leipheimer does this. Here is his front wheel from last years ToC

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2008/feb08/california08/tech.php?id=/photos/2008/tech/probikes/levi_leipheimer_trek08/Astana_Leipheimer_FH_bearings

That is a friggin long link! (Picture was copyright protected)

3

tour riders will do this one the bottom brackets and wheels for time trials, they also remove the grease and use a light weight oil.