WHEEL
BEARING
It has always been a challenge to identify which bearings are in your wheel hubs.
Trust us, even the wheel with the same model, depending on the year of build and region of sale, can have different bearings inside the hub. So never assume.
Check with us first, for some models, we can tell straight away if you provide the wheel model or some photos of the hubs.
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KNOW YOUR WHEEL HUB
If you know the bearing code or size used in your current bike wheel hub, selecting the right bearings is easy. Simply choose from our wheel bearing range by matching the bearing code (actual size). For example, 6803 (Inner Diameter/ID 17mm x Outer Diameter/OD 26mm x Width/W 5mm)​
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If you are unsure, the best practice for identifying the correct bearings in your wheel hubs is to visit your local bike shop. They can open your hub and check the bearings for you. You can also visit one of our long-trusted and experienced mechanics for assistance.
Alternatively, you can try opening the wheel hub and identifying the bearings yourself. Start by removing the end caps of the wheel hub to expose the bearings. Refer to the following steps to make this process easier.
1. OPEN HUB END CAP
Open the wheel hub end caps to spot the bearings.
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On the bearing's seals, you should be able to see the bearing code, such as "6803." In this case, our compatible bearing is 6803 (ID 17mm x OD 26mm x Width 5mm).
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Sometimes, you may see "61803," which is the same as "6803."
Next to the bearing code, you might also spot "2RS," which indicates the rubber seal type. This detail won’t affect your selection, you just need to know the code "6803" or "61803."
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Please make sure to check both sides of the hub, as some hubs use different size bearings on each side.
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It is also possible that there are one or two bearings inside the freehub. Please ensure they are all checked.
Photo: where to look for the bearing code
2. CHECK BEARING SIZE
It can be tricky that there is no bearing code on the bearing seals, then you have to measure the bearing's Inner Diameter (ID) and Outer Diameter (OD) and match the measurements with our bearing sizes listed. With the ID and OD, you can identify the bearing without removing it from the hub.
Photo: bearing size( ID x OD x W)
Photo: use vernier calipers to measure the bearing size inside of the hub
The bearings mentioned above are cartridge bearings. There are also loose ball-type bearings in a cup and cone structure.
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Photo: Shimano cup and cone hub
In this case, you can only replace the bearing balls, as the wheel hub itself forms part of the bearing. Typical examples include Fulcrum, Shimano, or Campagnolo wheels.
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In this case, you need to measure the ceramic ball size (usually in inches) and match them from our list.
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The most common sizes are 3/32", 5/32", 3/16", and 1/4". However, if you need other sizes, please check our ceramic ball range.
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For loose ball bearings, you need to reuse the other parts from the hub, including the retainer. Simply pop the old bearing balls out and replace them with new ones and add new grease.
3. MATCH THE BEARINGS
Use the bearing code or the actual bearing size information to match it with the common bearings used in bike wheel hubs.
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608 - (ID 8mm x OD 22mm x W 7mm)
608-9 - (ID 9mm x OD 22mm x W 7mm)
609 - (ID 9mm x OD 24mm x W 7mm)
6000 - (ID 10mm x OD 26mm x W 8mm)
6001 - (ID 12mm x OD 28mm x W 8mm)
688 - (ID 8mm x OD 16mm x W 5mm)
6801(61801) - (ID 12mm x OD 21mm x W 5mm)
6802(61802) - (ID 15mm x OD 24mm x W 5mm)
6803(61803) - (ID 17mm x OD 26mm x W 5mm)
6804(61804) - (ID 20mm x OD 32mm x W 7mm)
6805-6(61805-6) - (ID 25mm x OD 37mm x W 6mm)
6805-7(61805-7) - (ID 25mm x OD 37mm x W 7mm)
6806(61806) - (ID 30mm x OD 42mm x W 7mm)
6810(61810) - (ID 50mm x OD 65mm x W 7mm)
699 - (ID 9mm x OD 20mm x W 6mm)
6900(61900) - (ID 10mm x OD 22mm x W 6mm)
6901(61901) - (ID 12mm x OD 24mm x W 6mm)
6902(61902) - (ID 15mm x OD 28mm x W 7mm)
6903(61903) - (ID 17mm x OD 30mm x W 7mm)
6903-18mm(61903-18mm) - (ID 18mm x OD 30mm x W 7mm)
15267 - (ID 15mm x OD 26mm x W 7mm)
17287 - (ID 17mm x OD 28mm x W 7mm)
R6 - (ID 3/8" x OD 7/8" x W 9/32")
R8 - (ID 1/2" x OD 1-1/8" x W 5/16")
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If you need further assistance, feel free to email us at info@bikebearingstore.com.au to double-check your selection.
BRAND OPTIONS
AITA CERAMIC BEARING - AUSTRALIA
Highlights:
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Australian brand supporting Paralympians since 2015.
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Contributed to Olympic medals, national, and Oceania records.
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Collaborates with the Australian Institute of Sport on innovations.
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Extensive bearing range and competitive pricing.
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AITA Ceramic stands for Australia International Ceramic, another true Australian brand of ceramic bearings that has supported Australian Paralympian teams since 2015.
They helped win two gold and one bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AITA has also contributed to three Australian National Records and two Oceania Records and has supported the Australian team at multiple Paralympic Games and Para Athletic World Championships.
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The unique part of this brand is that they have made nearly every bottom bracket type you may find in the cycling industry.
They also work very closely with the Australian Institute of Sport to develop the next generation of wheels for the Australian team.
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Compared to the HSC brand, AITA can be more expensive, but considering their high profile and in comparison with other international brands, the price is still very competitive.
And, like HSC, they are locally based in Australia, so support is always easily reachable.
HSC CERAMICS BEARING - AUSTRALIA
Highlights:
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100% Australian-owned
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Assembled in Melbourne
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Affordable, high-performance ceramic bearings with their own blended grease.
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Trusted locally for 20+ years with excellent support.
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Hold the Australian single-track bike speed record (by MHP at 116.39 km/h).
HSC Ceramics is a 100% Australian-owned ceramic bearing brand, rooted in the 1990s.
They source their parts from Japan, Germany, and China and make a very unique blended grease for their own ceramic bearings. Their bearings are assembled in the western part of Melbourne and have been used and loved by local cyclists for over 20 years.
Buying their brand bearings offers peace of mind. If you have any questions, concerns, or problems, they are always available to help. This is a brand that offers Aussie riders a trustworthy local customer care experience, making your journey happier and hassle-free.
HSC ceramic bearings are reasonably and affordably priced for ceramic bearings and are just as good as other big international brands. Performance-wise, they can definitely beat other big brands, but most importantly, when you need assistance, you can speak to someone who knows what they are doing.
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HSC supports the top Australian university, Monash University Monash Human Power (MHP) team, which broke the Australian men’s single-track bike record of 116.39 km/h—a speed that would get you a fine on an Australian freeway. This achievement makes their team hold the fastest and second-fastest Australian bicyclists titles as of 15th September 2023.
NTN STEEL BEARING - JAPAN
​Highlights:​
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100-year-old Japanese made
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Non-contact seal LLB range is great for cycling.
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Smooth, durable, and ideal for commuters and casual riders.
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A 100-year-old bearing manufacturer in Japan, still making their bearings in Japan.
The build and quality are second to none in steel bearing area. With years of testing in cycling, their non-contact seal LLB range has been proven to suit cycling the best.
It is not the cheapest steel bearing, but it is truly worth the investment if you are a commuter or casual rider.
They are smooth and can last a long time, saving you from frequent visits to your bike store for replacements.