Boca Bearings Inc. (USA; website) announced it has expanded its already-broad product line of hybrid ceramic bearings. The bearing line now has three levels: Lightning Ceramic Hybrid, Lightning Premier Ceramic Hybrid, and Full Ceramic.

All of the new bearings target bicycle applications, varying from off-road mountain bikes, road bike, velodrome competition and BMX competition. The company's ceramic bicycle bearings were introduced a year ago.

article: Boca launches ceramic bicycle bearings
The modern bearing industry traces its origin to the bicycling craze which swept the world beginning in the late 1800's.

Hybrid bearings use standard 52100 steel inners and outers, with ceramic rolling elements. Full ceramic bearings are ceramic inners, outers, and balls, with a polymer retainer. Boca said full complement designs are also available for heavy load applications such as bottom brackets.

The Lightning Power Premier Ceramic Hybrid bearings are precision, ABEC 5 bearings employing Grade 5 ceramic balls and polyamide retainers.

Full Ceramic bearings are an entirely new series, primarily intended for smother roads and racing applications Although they can take less impact load than a hybrid ceramic, full ceramic bearings are one-third lighter, run cooler and with less drag. Full ceramics are equipped with Teflon-reinforced retainers and low-drag seals.

Boca is a leader in providing high-precision miniature and standard-size bearings for to the hobby and recreation markets, as well as industrial markets.