CERAMICSPEED - OHD HEADSET KIT

The CeramicSpeed SLT (Solid Lubrication Technology) Bearing for Headsets: OHD (Optimized Headset Design), features a unique combination of an oil-encapsulated solid plastic polymer and stainless-steel materials which results in a self-lubricating, corrosion-resistant, and maintenance-free bearing.

MAINTENANCE-FREE DURABILITY

The unique solid polymer of our SLT Bearings remedies two of the most common causes behind bearing failure: the absence of lubrication and grease contamination through dirt ingress. The micropores in the otherwise solid polymer evenly distribute just enough oil to keep the bearing well-lubricated, while also containing sufficient oil for it to be self-lubricating over the lifespan of the bearing – even when ridden in the harshest of conditions.

KEEPING CORROSION AT BAY

Even though an iconic Canadian folk singer once claimed that “Rust Never Sleeps”, we feel confident that we’ve put it down for the count. The combination of an outer seal and the solid polymer makes it almost impossible for water and contaminants to penetrate our SLT Bearings. If moisture should get inside, the stainless steel material of the bearing races and balls turns worries about corrosion into yesterday’s fears.

The CeramicSpeed SLT OHD Bearing is designed, developed, and hand-built in Denmark and comes with a lifetime warranty. 

NO ROOM FOR PLAY

When you’re ripping down a rugged trail at full speed trying to maneuver between rocks and roots, the last thing you want to feel is the rear end of your bike wobbling away underneath you. The extreme durability and self-lubricating capabilities of our OPD (Optimized Pivot Design) SLT Bearings leave no room for axial play to occur, keeping you in a state of control and safety when you need it the most.

KEEP YOUR HEAD(SET)

Headset bearings are burdened with the unforgiving task of sitting in one of the most exposed areas on a bike, making them especially vulnerable to external contaminants that’ll eventually wear them out. To add to the hardship, the trend of modern-day bike design to feature fully integrated cockpits has turned a once-simple maintenance job into a tricky and laborious task.

Our OHD (Optimized Headset Design) SLT Bearings will not only protect and prolong the lifespan of your bearings, but they’ll also make sure you don’t break the bank with workshop bills.

SPECIFICATIONS

This kit includes the upper and lower bearing only, to replace the stock bearings. The compression ring, crown race and top cover of the original headset should be carried over.

The Story

CeramicSpeed is one of the world’s leading suppliers of ceramic bearings. The company consists of two specialised sales channels, focusing on cycling and industrial applications.

We have more than 15 years of experience in bearings applications, and we have developed close relationships with our component suppliers over the time – each of whom is the very best in their fields. The CeramicSpeed Sports channel delivers both bearings as well as ultrafast racing chains, reinforcing the company’s goal of saving watts and delivering the lowest friction available. All our bearings are handmade and our chains are optimised by hand in Denmark.

CERAMICSPEED - OHD HEADSET KIT

TAKING DURABILITY TO NEW HEIGHTS

Let’s start by getting something out of the way. There are no two ways about it: the technology behind our new SLT (Solid Lubrication Technology) Bearings is truly innovative. Bearings that are made self-lubricating and maintenance-free by utilizing an oil-encapsulated solid polymer are a game-changer. But here we probably should say were a game-changer.

The process of encapsulating an oil inside a plastic and placing it in a bearing isn’t an entirely new invention. This technology originates from the food manufacturing industry where it can be traced back to the 1970s. Here, it has gained widespread recognition for being able to survive and thrive in the most demanding conditions. Picture machines running non-stop and being exposed to daily jet washing, and even the most durable bearings are destined to fail. Except for solid lubed ones, that is.

But why then, if this technology has solved the puzzle of keeping bearings performing in even the harshest of conditions, haven’t we seen it successfully introduced to the world of cycling? If we think about the kind of punishment, we put our bikes through when we embark on off-road riding, then solid lubed bearings should seem like a natural fit on any mountain, cross, or gravel bike.

The quick answer: it’s a surprisingly tricky technology to incorporate into bearings for bikes. Firstly, there’s the challenge of meeting the requirements of a seemingly endless amount of bearing sizes for differing bike models, which will put stress on any production and supply line. But more essentially, it’s the challenge of nailing down the technology itself that’s the hard part.

SUCCESS THROUGH PERSISTENT REPETITION

Put simply, solid lubed bearings rely on only a couple of different elements to work: lubrication oil and some plastic polymers. For any of you who didn’t spend your high school years memorizing organic chemistry: plastic polymers can be divided into two categories; thermoplastics and thermosets, which each have unique properties. Plastic materials, like the ones we’re using in our SLT Bearings, are polymers.

Before it turns solid, the oil-encapsulated polymer inside our SLT Bearings starts as a viscous liquid resembling a thick paint. This liquid is injected into the bearing where it fills all the surrounding space around the bearing balls. The filled bearings are subjected to a curing process in which the lubrication oil and plastic polymers will start to mix and create the micropores in the final, otherwise solid, polymer. And these micropores are the secret behind the bearing’s self-lubricating capability.

The hardened plastic polymer now acts both as a gatekeeper by preventing moisture and dirt from being able to enter the bearing, while also holding the bearing balls in place - making a bearing cage superfluous.

Well then, if this technology is so well-proven and just relies on two components to function, what seems to be the hassle? Think of it as the same challenge as when you’re trying to emulate your grandmother’s famous stew: you might have looked her over the shoulder during cooking and have been able to source similar ingredients – but the taste will never be just right.

The seemingly Gordian Knot of the technology is figuring out the exact ratios that’ll lead to the micropores of the polymer being fully functional. These micropores work in much the same way as the pores of our skin, which distributes oil to keep our skin healthy and sweat to help us maintain a normal body temperature. If these pores get blocked it’ll lead to the development of acne or heat rash. And who wants to deal with that, right?

Coincidentally, for this analogy to work, the micropores of the solid polymer work in a very similar manner. They have the crucial task of evenly distributing the encapsulated oil inside the bearing, so it’ll be well-lubricated and running maintenance-free for its entire lifespan. If the micropores are too big they’ll spill out the oil and in turn, if they’re too small they’ll keep the oil fully contained without lubing the bearing – which in both instances will lead to bearing failure.

After countless hours of experimenting with mixing ratios and different combinations of oil types and plastic polymers, we feel supremely confident that we’ve been able to crack the code. And this isn’t just something we’re basing on a gut feeling; we have the evidence to back it up.

TESTED TO THE LIMIT (AND BEYOND)

At CeramicSpeed our internal testing plays a crucial part in our manufacturing process. We know that our products' exceptional performance and durability come down to us having thoroughly tested them time and time again. With this in mind, our SLT Bearings are no exception.

When we set out to test our SLT Bearings in the lab, our first area of interest was their ability to perform under load without being fully rotated. Almost all bearings on a bike rotate 360 degrees which help build up an oil film between the balls inside the bearing, which will keep them running and protected. Except for headset and rear suspension pivot bearings, that is.

So, we put our OPD (Optimized Pivot Design) SLT Bearings under the gun in one of our test machines that imitate the bearing movement inside a full suspension MTB. In this case, it was 15 degrees of rotation instead of 360. And to get the full picture we included what is widely recognized as the market leader of pivot bearings as a means of comparison.

After 200.000 cycles the market-leading bearing began showing visible signs of deterioration, and after 600.000 cycles the bearing was clearly worn-out. Actually a respectable performance, but in comparison, our OPD SLT Bearing ran well over 1.800.000 cycles without failure or any critical visible wear...

Our internal lab testing is without a doubt an important ingredient for quality control, but we're bike riders first and foremost. So, we take pride in pushing our products to their limits out on the roads and trails. One rider who has done this with our SLT Bearings is our Global Sales Director, Jonathan Small.

Through his former position as our Director of OEM Partnerships, Jonathan has played an integral part in the development of our SLT Bearings by bringing onboard partners like Factor and some yet-to-be-unveiled major bike brands. But beyond this Jonathan is also an avid road and gravel rider who clocks up around 15.000 k a year. The perfect combination for our first test rider.

Born and raised in Leicestershire, UK but having made Denmark his adopted home for the past 21 years, Jonathan isn't a stranger to riding in foul weather conditions. An explicit "Non-Zwifter", Jonathan is a firm believer of riding outside year 'round - come rain or come shine. This approach undoubtedly builds morale, but it also puts your equipment under immense stress.

"In the fall and winter months, I put in a lot of miles on my gravel bike. Living in Denmark means plenty of mud, rain, moisture, and road salt. Riding in these conditions takes its toll, and I especially experienced returning issues with my headset that would spill out brownish gunk after just a couple of 100 miles of riding. I would usually have to change my headset bearings every two to three months. Now, I've been riding our SLT Bearings for the past 2.5 years, and every time we've taken them out and checked them they've shown no sign of slowing down or wearing out", Jonathan explains.