ISB SPORT PRO BO CERAMIC BEARINGS

04 Mar ISB SPORT PRO BO CERAMIC BEARINGS

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ISB SPORT PRO BO CERAMIC BEARINGS

CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCED DURABILITY AND SPEED

One of ISB SPORT’s strategic pillars is its alignment with market needs, driven by continuous investment in engineering, R&D, and product range expansion. This commitment aims to offer the cycling sector a controlled, high-performance product, where every step of the production process adheres to rigorous protocols to guarantee absolute reliability.

In this Road special, we explore the technical aspects of the Italian brand’s new range: PRO BO Ceramic Bearings, an innovation that’s here to stay and represents a significant step forward for ISB SPORT’s wheel and bottom bracket bearing range.

 

CERAMIC BALLS
Ceramic materials possess chemical and mechanical properties that make them the ideal choice for the most demanding environments and working conditions. The main technical advantage of ceramics over steel is their coefficient of friction: being lower, it allows for extremely smooth operation, generates less heat, less wear, and therefore, greater durability. However, it also maintains a good degree of strength, allowing the bearing to withstand minor to medium impacts.

The balls in hybrid bearings are made of silicon nitride (Si3N4) due to its high resistance to wear and abrasion.

  • 40% of the density of steel
  • Low coefficient of thermal expansion (25% compared to steel)
  • Superior resistance to corrosion from water, salt water, acids, and alkalis
  • Wide range of optimal operating temperatures

 

POLYAMIDE CAGE
The cage is made of polyamide to improve dynamic characteristics and reduce weight. During rolling, it also helps reduce vibrations, as the ball is guided more effectively and the ball-cage contact surfaces are naturally dampened thanks to the elasticity of the polyamide.

 

SPECIAL LC/NC SEAL
To facilitate installation for the end user, these seals are distinguished by different colors that indicate a different type of contact between the seal lip and the ring, and therefore a different geometry and pressure, which affect the smoothness of the bearing.

  • External seal type LC (Light Contact): NBR rubber seal (cover) in contact with the outer surface of the inner ring, providing optimal bearing protection, although it limits the potential rotational speed due to friction. In this case, it is green.
  • Internal seal type NC (No Contact): Low-friction NBR rubber seal that guarantees optimal bearing protection even at high rotational speeds without generating friction. It is black.

 

BO: BLACK OXIDE
The Black Oxide treatment is a black phosphate coating formed on the surface of a steel part immersed in a hot alkaline saline solution through a chemical reaction. It creates an antioxidant barrier, especially active on the surface layers of the outer ring, and allows for the replacement of stainless steel with nearly equivalent results. The main objective of BO is to improve corrosion resistance.

 

 

BEARING PERFORMANCE TAKEN TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL!

This evolution of the ISB SPORT ceramic bearing range has a clear objective: the selection of the best raw materials and the most advanced production processes so that the cycling market has a bearing with the best performance:

  • Maximum corrosion resistance
  • Reduced friction
  • Greater rotational capacity
  • Higher speed
  • Greater resistance and lifespan

This range of ISB SPORT bearings with advanced technology is available from Official Distributors, as well as specialized shops and workshops.