Where should I prefer and avoid cartridge bearings in a bicycle? All bicycle bearings, hubs, bottom bracket and headsets used to be cup and cone
bearings. However, recently there has been a trend to replace these with
cartridge bearings in new parts.
Is this a good path?
What benefits and drawbacks do cartridge bearings have? Where should they be
preferred and where should they be avoided in a bicycle?
I'll keep this answer short and simple.
Cartridge bearings from reputable manufacturers such as NTN, NSK and FAG will outlast their loose ball bearing counterparts assuming no maintenance is done.
90% of the issue arises when people do not use cartridge bearings from reputable manufacturers. As such, the argument that cartridge bearings are &quot;unreliable&quot; compared to their loose ball counterparts arises.