Corrosion resistant, low friction, lightweight hybrid bearings boost performance of inline skates

>For some time now, Schaeffler's new low-friction, maintenance-free FAG Cronitect hybrid bearings have been attracting considerable attention as bottom bracket and wheel hub bearings in bikes. Now, this innovative bearing technology is also helping to provide inline skaters with the extra impetus they require for a more dynamic, smooth running skating performance.

>Schaeffler's FAG Cronitect hybrid bearings use high performance ceramic balls, which rotate in high-tech plastic cages on wear-resistant, hard Cronitect raceways. This provides skaters with a technical advantage and competitive edge over skates that are fitted with conventional bearings.

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12% lighter, 49% less friction

Developed and patented by Schaeffler, Cronitect is a unique bearing steel that offers extremely high load carrying capacity and high corrosion resistance. Used in combination with only five ceramic balls, the result is a bearing that weighs just 10.5g - 12% less than conventional bearing solutions. In addition, friction is reduced by 49% compared to other bearings currently available on the market. The hybrid bearings are also fitted with non-contact plastic seals on one side. Together, all these improvements offer excellent smooth running characteristics for inline skates by minimising both friction and weight.

>Equally important, the hybrid bearings are designed to withstand wet weather conditions and wash down/cleaning, as the bearing materials are extremely corrosion-resistant and therefore virtually maintenance-free.

>FAG Cronitect hybrid bearings have already demonstrated their unique qualities during initial tests in professional speed skating. At the European Inline Skating Championships in 2009, the bearings helped skaters to win numerous medals. Professional skaters are therefore showing a keen interest in the bearings. Some skaters even refer to the bearings as "Magic Bearings" due to their noticeably smoother running characteristics.

>FAG Cronitect hybrid bearings are available in size 608, the most frequently used size for inline skates. A set consisting of 16 bearings is available in 'Powerslide' inline skates and as an add-on kit (FAG 608 Cronitect PS12).

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Inline skating: more than just a trend

Inline skating became a new trend sport at the beginning of the 1990s. However, today in Germany, around one in every six Germans goes skating at least once a month. Many variations have since developed, including street hockey, inline football or basketball, freestyle slalom, street skating, aggressive skating and night skating, downhill, Alpine and speed skating.

>The choice of wheels depends on the specific discipline. Most skaters move on wheels with diameters between 74 and 90mm, while stunt skaters prefer smaller wheel sizes of between 54 and 60mm diameter. The most frequently used wheel size in speed skating is 100mm. All the wheels are equipped exclusively with ball bearings exclusively, which come in two different sizes. The larger and most frequently used bearing is the 608 (bore diameter 8mm, outside diameter 22mm, width 7mm). The new FAG Cronitect hybrid bearing is also available in this size.

>FAG Cronitect hybrid bearings are not only used in inline skates. Their high-grade features make them equally suitable for a wide variety of sports and fitness equipment, including top of the range bike wheel hubs, bottom brackets and pedals, as well as for sliding-seat rowing boats, fishing reels and yacht winches.