Enduro Pivot Bearings

Enduro Pivot Bearings on the RIP 9 RDO

On every Niner Bikes full-suspension frame, Enduro Bearings MAX black oxide bearings are inside every pivot point. Niner is one of the only brands using these high-grade pivot bearings.

Designed specifically for suspension pivots, Enduro Bearings pioneered MAX-type bearings 20 years ago for bicycles to address the unique challenges associated with mountain bike pivots. Mountain bike pivots only cycle 60-100 degrees on average, rather than making full rotations. Plus, they have to manage high load stresses.

Why Enduro MAX Black Oxide?

Enduro MAX bearings offer 35-40% more load capacity than standard radial bearings. Standard radial bearings use a retainer to separate the balls. MAX-type bearings are filled with the maximum number of balls to increase the load capacity.

The race grooves or ball paths are deeper for added lateral support and the multiple forces associated with mountain bike pivots. LLU seals give the maximum barrier for sealing out the elements, and keep the Almagard Extra High-Pressure grease inside.

To further increase longevity, a Black Oxide treatment is added to the bearing races. Black Oxide treatment adds a magnetite finish, improving the hardness and overall life of the bearing. After treatment, the ball paths are polished to offer the smoothest ball path. This treatment is corrosion resistant, further stabilizing the bearing.