Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Bottom brackets are among the most heavily loaded bearings on a bike. No other component is exposed to water, dust and dirt to such an extent. Cane Creek addresses this critical issue with ceramic bearings and promises maximum durability. According to the manufacturer, the 110 Ceramic is designed to run smoothly for as long as the bike is ridden. The lifetime guarantee makes it clear that Cane Creek takes its durability promise seriously. Nevertheless, you’ll need to have €264 to spare for a high-performance bottom bracket.
The facts
- BSA
- For 30 mm axles
- Hellbender Ceramic Bearings
- Silicon nitride balls
- CNC-machined shells made from 7076-T6 aluminium
- 88 g
- Dual-stage anodising
- Black/Silver
- 263.99 euros
- Lifetime guarantee on the bearings
- Assembly using the Park Tool BBT-79.3 or a similar tool
- Hand-assembled in Fletcher, North Carolina
Ceramics against corrosion
Why ceramics at all? Bottom brackets are situated in a particularly unfavourable position: low down on the bike and therefore constantly exposed to dirt, water and high loads. The new Hellbender bearings therefore use silicon nitride balls. They are said to run more smoothly, more evenly and be harder than steel balls and, according to Cane Creek, cannot corrode.
To achieve this, the manufacturer combines the bearings with CNC-machined bearing cups made from 7076-T6 aluminium. The complete bottom bracket weighs in at just 88 grams. With its black and silver finish, it complements the equally new 110 Ceramic Headset.
The long warranty inspires confidence
The real highlight, however, is the warranty: Cane Creek offers a 100 per cent lifetime warranty on the bearings. This clearly positions the 110 Ceramic as the ideal choice for high-mileage riders who ride their bikes in all weathers and want peace of mind regarding their bottom bracket for as long as possible.
At US$299.99, the 110 Ceramic costs US$50 less than the previous model and is therefore set to be one of the more competitively priced ceramic bottom brackets on the market.
Max Fuchs
Editor
