Riding Enduro ZERŲ Bearings to victory at
the Tour de France
Updated July 28, 2009
Cycling News' James Huang was able to get a close up look at Alberto Contador's Astana Trek 6 Series Madone and visit
with Alberto's mechanic. Lurking inside the Trek proprietary BB90 bottom bracket was a pair of Enduro ZERŲ ceramic
hybrid bearings. Read the article and see additional pictures at cyclingnews.com
Check out our Madone-specific ZERŲ bearing kits for Shimano crank sets HERE and check out our Madone-specific bearing kits for SRAM, Truvativ, and Bontrager crank sets HERE and HERE .
Now Available!
Press-in Bottom Brackets for Road and Mountain
Frames Using the BB86 and BB92 Standards
Posted April 11, 2009
Bottom Bracket "standards" are anything but "standard" these days... A few manufacturers have recently adopted
the Shimano composite press-in cups, designed for threadless 86mm, 86.5, 89.5mm, and 92mm wide bottom bracket shells.
We've had a lot of calls from customers who were less than happy with the bearing options of the OE bottom brackets.
Many complained of inherent drag in the sealing system as well. We're now happy to report that our own press-in systems
are ready and we've got what you've been asking for.
First, rather than using cast composite cups, we machine our cups from Delrin. Because the bearings in
this system are actually inside the BB shell, the roundness of the cups is crucial: Any anomoly in the cup will put
pressure on the bearing when pressed into the frame. Where roundness is concerned, much more consistent results can
be achieved by machining.
Bearing choices range from ABEC 3 chromium steel, our "CH" series ceramic hybrid bearings using Grade 5 Silicone Nitride
balls, and our ZERŲ ceramic hybrid series with Grade 3 Silicone Nitride balls.
Our silicone seals provide a dependable "V-seal" at the spindle and a special low-drag lip seal at the cup.
Check out the new mountain press-in bottom brackets HERE.
Check out the new road press-in bottom brackets HERE.
ESI® Silicone Grips taking
the MTB Racing Circuit by Storm
Posted December 4, 2008
With grip that won't quit and superior shock absorbsion, it's no wonder team after team is switching to ESI Silicone
Grips. Speaking of racing, did we mention they were the lightest real grips available?
Here are just a few of the teams and individual riders using ESI Silicone Grips:
CytoMax/KHS Team
Trek Factory Teams
Trek/VW Team
New Cycling/Look Team
Team PossAbilities
NRL Racing Development Cycling Team
MonaVie/Cannondale
Mary McConneloug
Mike Broderick
Jamie Whitmore
Check out the assortment of colors and sizes on our ESI SILICONE GRIPS page.
Now Available!
ZERŲ® Road Racing Bottom
Bracket and Pulley Sets
Posted December 4, 2008
Getting as close as possible to "ZERŲ" drag while still offering a good level of protection from the elements is what
this series of components is all about. The bottom bracket uses our very best sealed cartridge bearing and adds a dust
cover that literally adds no drag to the system. Read more about about the ZERŲ Bottom Bracket here .
Along with using ZERŲ bearings, the new pulley set has a custom shaped lower wheel optimized for smooth and
quiet operation. Accordingly, you'll notice the directional arrows for proper pulley rotation. Purchase the ZERŲ
Pulley Set here .
INTERBIKE SUSPENSION NEWS
Updated September 30, 2008
FOX has been busy this last year... Let's start with the
biggest news, the newly released TALAS III.
There will no longer be an IFP (Independent Floating Piston)
in the TALAS system. Not only does this make the servicing of the TALAS air spring much easier, but it is also related
to the new, more progressive air spring rate of the TALAS III system. Fox is
especially excited about the "improved midstroke support."
No special "IFP Tool" will be required for the new system, and the somewhat tedious TALAS
"clocking" procedure will no longer be necessary when the air spring is serviced.
The new TALAS III system is for the 32 and 36 fork series. Many of the TALAS II forks
will be "upgradeable" to the TALAS III. Like the TALAS II, the III has a three-position travel adjustment. TALAS
forks will be available in the following travel configurations:
140-120-100 (32 TALAS 140 R, RLC)
150-130-110 (32 TALAS 150 RLC)
160-130-100 (36 TALAS RC2, R)
The 140mm 32 TALAS has a standard quick release option or the new "15QR" thru-axle.
Another long-anticipated offering from Fox is a REMOTE LOCKOUT. This will be available on some select models. It can be mounted vertically or horizonatally and requires
a push on the "thumb lever" to lock the fork. A quick bump on the side-mounted release button restores full travel.
Fox's new 15QR "thru axle" system is an alternative to competitors' "quick
release" 20mm thru axle systems. The standard has been developed in partnership with Shimano, and Marzocchi
is also "on board" with it's "QR15." It introduces a third standard for hubs, but apparently most
major wheel manufacturers plan on accomodating...
The Fox thru axle lever position can be controlled by "clocking" it with the set
screw/clamp arrangement on the opposite side of the fork:
Marzocchi's version of the 15mm thru axle uses a more conventional looking nut on the side opposite
the lever. The nut snaps tightly into the lower casting of the fork, keeping it in place when the axle is removed.
The nut can be rotated to control final lever postion when tightened:
The 15mm thru axle standard is claimed to be lighter than a "standard" 20mm
thru axle. However, ROCKSHOX says their 20mm "Maxle Lite" is lighter at 84 grams.
Speaking of ROCKSHOX, the BOXXER is about to jump
to the next level. While one would expect growing the stanchion tube diameter to 35mm to produce greater stiffness, how
about making it lighter while also improving the damping? That's what we're promised in early 2009. Having half
of the "BOXXER" graphic on the stanchion tube looks pretty cool, too...
"Light and stiff" is the mantra for the latest REBA and REVELATION models, as well.
Previously, these forks were only available in standard quick release models. Now, both will be available with the "Maxle
Lite" option. REBA is now sporting "Power Bulges" (expanded diameter sections of the lowers that provide greater
support for the bushings). These design changes have allowed the available travel to also be increased. Max
travel option for REBA is 120mm and for the Revelation, 140mm. This has led some to speculate that the PIKE may
be going away. I have it on very good authority that this is not the case, and that the PIKE will receive its own makeover
in the future.
Now Available:
FSA® Road Crank Compatible
Bottom Brackets and Bearings
Posted August 30, 2008
FSA road crank axle tolerances differ slightly from other brands. Because the FSA axles are slightly larger, many
customers were prevented from upgrading to our "shimless" system. (Our shimless system matches the bearings
directly to the axle, allowing the use of larger ball bearings in the cartridges, which results in greater strength).
Thanks to a special run of bearings designed specifically for FSA road cranks, we are pleased to announce the benefits
of our shimless outboard bearing system are now available to those with FSA road crank sets!
NOTE: The GREEN seals designate bearings with inner race tolerances specific to the FSA road cranks. FSA-specific
products include complete Bottom Brackets as well as Bearing Upgrade Kits. The "green" bearings are ABEC
5 rated cartridges containing ceramic Grade 5 balls.
Thanks for indulging us...
We had a great time on our recent vacation. Thanks to all of you who endured delays on your orders!
We've caught up now and orders are back to the normal 2-day turn-around time.
In case you didn't know, southern Utah has some great riding!
New Offering: Manitou® Dorado® 30mm ENDURO® Fork Seal Kits
Posted July 2, 2008
Real World Cycling is happy to announce the release of our newest fork seal kit.
Many proud owners of the early Dorado forks have been patiently waiting for the release of this kit, which will fit all Manitou
Dorado forks with 30mm stanchion tubes. This includes the following Dorado forks:
All 2002 Dorado forks
All 2003 Dorado forks
2004 Dorado "DH" forks
Please note that the 2004 MRD X-Works fork uses 32mm stanchions, as do all 2005 Dorado forks,
and, therefore, these models are NOT compatible with the new seal kit. (We will have a 32mm Dorado kit available
at a later date.)
Our Dorado 30mm seal kit includes heavy-duty oil seals that will allow you upgrade your old
grease-lubed fork to semi-bath oil lubrication for the ultimate performance boost.
When removing your old wipers, the stock metal shims can be easily damaged. This is
no longer a problem, as our seal kit includes new metal shims that are pre-bonded to the wipers. The Dorado 30mm Fork
Seal Kit is available for purchase HERE .
NOW AVAILBLE: ENDURO® ZERŲ CERAMIC HYBRID BEARINGS
Posted March 3, 2008
Real World Cycling is proud to announce the release, in limited sizes, of the "ZERŲ" line
of ceramic hybrid bearings. These are the finest ceramic hybrid bearings on the market today. They feature Grade
3 ceramic balls manufactured in the USA. We've added a rust-proof Magnetite finish to our hardened and cryogenically
treated chromium steel races, and added dual-lip non-contact seals. For more details on what makes
the ZERŲ line the new standard in ceramic hybrid bearings, be sure and check out the "ZERŲ" SPECIFICATIONS . Check HERE for available sizes (more sizes coming soon!).
UPDATE: TREK MADONE® BEARING UPGRADES
Posted February 9, 2008
The Madone® frame is getting a lot of attention from
serious roadies right now. Consequently, many of you have been asking about ceramic hybrid upgrade bearings
for the proprietary integrated bottom bracket. We are happy to announce the release of several new Madone-specific
ceramic hybrid bearing kits.
If you are running a Shimano crank on your
Madone and wish to upgrade to ceramic hybrid bearings, our:
CERAMIC HYBRID
HOLLOWTECH 2® OUTBOARD BEARING
KIT
FORTREK® MADONE®
supplies you with new ceramic hybrid bearings and Madone-specific silicone seals:
Click on photo to visit the Bottom Bracket page...
If you are running a SRAM or Bontrager crank on your Madone, you can upgrade your GXP integrated
bottom bracket to ceramic hybrid bearings with our:
CERAMIC HYBRID
GXP®
(SRAM®, BONTRAGER®)
OUTBOARD BEARING
KIT
FOR TREK®
MADONE®
CLICK ON PHOTO TO GO TO BOTTOM BRACKET SPECIALTIES
This kit includes new ceramic hybrid bearings and a new drive-side Madone-specific silicone seal.
This seal is the only other "hardware" subject to wear. You will re-use your existing wave washer and stainless
non-drive bearing cover. If you wish to replace all of your GXP hardware, see the GXP "conversion kit" below.
If you wish to convert to a SRAM or Bontrager crank from a different brand, you will need
the additional hardware that comes with our:
CERAMIC HYBRID
GXP®
(SRAM®, BONTRAGER®)
OUTBOARD BEARING
CONVERSION KIT
FOR TREK®
MADONE®
CLICK ON PHOTO TO GO TO BOTTOM BRACKET SPECIALTIES
If you are still not sure what you need, please feel free to call or send us an email!
NEW ENDURO® HUB BEARING
PRESS TOOL NOW AVAILABLE
Updated May 28, 2008
Covering 15 bearing sizes, the BRT-5 Hub Bearing Press
combines function, ergonomics, and aesthetics into one tool. For 608 (also fits 6900), R6, R8, 6802 (also fits
609), 6803 (also fits MR1526), 6805, 6805 N, 6901, 6902, 6903, 6000, and 6001 bearings.
Available for direct purchase on our BEARING TOOLS page.
NEW BB30® BOTTOM BRACKET
BEARING PULLER/PRESS TOOL NOW AVAILABLE
Posted November 21, 2007
Changing BB30 (Cannondale SI/Specialized S-Works) bearings has never been easier now
that the ENDURO BB30 Puller/Press Tool is here. Forget punches, hammers, and improvised "presses." Quickly and
smoothly change the bearings without risk of damage to the frame or the bearings. Available for direct purchase on our
BEARING TOOLS page.
NEW ROCKSHOX® REPAIR PARTS
NOW AVAILABLE
Posted November 21, 2007
It's going to take us a while to get them all posted, but we have quite a few "new old
stock" repair parts for RockShox forks and rear shocks. Be sure and check out our OE ROCKSHOX PARTS page for updates. You can always give us a call or shoot us an email to check stock. We have many rebuild
kits, replacement dampers, stickers, and CSU's (upper assemblies).
MORE INTERBIKE NEWS
Posted October 5, 2007
Bearings at InterBike...
Among new offerings this year
are some products that integrate ceramic hybrid bearings. While a step in the right direction, we're a bit surprised
at some of the material choices. Take, for example, some of the newly offered ceramic hybrid derailleur pulleys...
The bearing race material for the above pulley set is stainless steel. To understand
why stainless is not well suited for for this application, one need only keep in mind one of the main
reasons for using ceramic balls in the first place: superior hardness. Ceramic balls are more than twice as
hard as steel balls. This increase in hardness results in longer bearing life and less ball deflection. The idea
of "hybrid" bearings is to get the best match possible between a ceramic ball and a non-ceramic race. This is why Enduro Ceramic Hybrid bearings use a specially treated chromium steel (52100) for our races. Here
are the hardness numbers in Rockwell C-Scale:
While a 2-6 point difference between the stainless and chromium steel may not sound like
a lot, the hardness scale is exponential, and this difference translates into a 15-20% increase in bearing life.
Since one of the main reasons to upgrade bearings is to reduce friction, ball and
race compatibility is critical. In addition to being softer than chromium steel, the grain structure of stainless steel
will not allow it to take as fine a polish as our treated chromium steel races.
Our jockey wheels weigh in at 9 grams per pulley.
INTERBIKE NEWS
September 29, 2007
For now, just a couple of supsension updates...
ROCKSHOX has redefined the SID fork. This is not a matter
of tweaking an existing platform. Would you believe 32mm stanchion tubes and "Power Bulges" (think Lyric and Totem)
in the lowers?
For the World Cup model (pictured above), carbon fiber is used in some key areas.
The black areas on the arch and the back of the power arches are "windows" into the carbon locations.
For those familiar with "Motion Control Damping," the concept of that red plastic "spring"
actually compressing up to 3mm was a hard thing to get our minds around. What about a similarly shaped machined
titanium version? That's exactly what you'll find in the "BlackBox Motion Control" equipped SID forks. Along with
that, a shim stack will be added and the compression/lockout lever will have detent positions.
While still the flagship cross country race fork, the new SID will handle more than racing.
Word is it will be able to handle any duties a 100mm REBA will...
MANITOU has been going through some serious
changes since being acquired by the Hayes Bicycle Group. Some of the changes, such as the redesigned crowns, are visible
from the outside, but many internal refinements have been made.
Manitou has had some good air/coil hybrid spring systems in the past, but these required
the use of various "ride kits" in order to set up the forks for individual riders. A couple of years ago, the R-7
came equiped with a negative coil spring and positive air chamber. This eliminated the need for ride kits, but the performance
was not really where Manitou wanted it to be. The new "NOBLE AIR" system is a self-equalizing positive/negative
air system that is supposed to deliver a great ride with nothing more than an air pump needed for setup.
There will be some damping changes, as well. As far as Manitou forks are concerned, SPV
is pretty much gone. "Absolute" damping will be the new buzz word, and there will be platform and non-platform versions
of it. Look for damping "cartridge" options on many of the forks to reduce oil volumes and rod diameters (increases
adjustment sensitivity while reducing weight). TPC damping will still be an option on various fork models.
One Manitou fork already getting a lot of attention is the Minute 29ER. We saw it
on many 29-inch mountain bikes at the show.
The Dorado is slated for a comeback with improved carbon fiber outer tubes, improved tube
clamping system, and 36mm stanchion tubes. The new Dorado MRD Race will feature 203mm of travel and is expected
to weigh in at 2902g (6.4 pounds).
While we're on the subject of inverted forks with 36mm stanchion tubes,MAVERICK had their new DUC 36 on display.
The DUC 36 features a carbon monocoque "H" fork body and 165mm of travel.
Claimed weight is 4.5 pounds. According to Maverick, the DUC 36 will be 22% stiffer than the DUC 32. Expected
delivery of the fork is "Summer 2008."
WHITE BROTHERS, a pioneer in the 29-inch fork
market, has a 150mm travel 29er fork that was just the ticket for the 165mm rear travel prototype bike from NINER Bikes.
