HSC Ceramic Derailleur Pulleys

Over the years there's been a myriad of data and opinions on the benefits of ceramic bearings and they're application in derailleur pulley wheels. Depending on what numbers you're looking at an upgrade could save you anywhere between 1 watt and 5% of your total wattage if you equipped your entire bike with ceramic bearings. One thing is certain though, to see the greatest gains from your ceramic upgrades you'll need a quality bearing at the heart of any component, the type of bearing HSC has been providing the cycling industry for years now.

Hybrid Ceramic Derailleur Pulleys

HSC's hybrid ceramic jockey wheels come in two different body types. The lightest is simply made from a CNC'd sheet of carbon with a 3k finish on it. The inexpensive version, that will give you all the same performance advantages, is made of an injection molded Delrin plastic. It will cost you 7 grams in weight but will save you thirty five dollars. The bearings in these pulleys, like all HSC's ceramic hybrid bearings, use grade 3 silicon nitride (Si3N4) balls matched with hardened steel races and low-friction seals and retainers. Ceramic bearings have several advantages over standard steel bearings including: lighter weight, weight, lower thermal expansion and deformation under load, lower friction with reduced start and running torques, and reduced wear for longer running life.

Full Ceramic Derailleur Pulleys

HSC's full ceramic jockey wheels only come with the carbon body, but that's because if you're looking for the higher end bearing the 7 gram weight savings and better looking carbon is the way to go. Staying one step ahead of the traditional hybrid ceramic which uses hardened steel races, these full ceramic bearings incorporate ABEC 5 Zirconia inner and outer races. These are better matched to the grade 3 silicon nitride (Si3N4) balls used in all HSC ceramic components providing, yet again, decreasing weight and friction while increasing the time frame during which the bearing will operate at maximum performance.