Unlike aerodynamic improvements, ceramic bearings offer their most distinct advantage when you're pedaling at lower speeds. This is a crucial difference between aerodynamic resistance, which increases exponentially with speed, and mechanical friction, which increases in direct proportion to speed. Dura Ace pulleys consume 0.78w at 500rpm, while Ceramic Speed ceramic pulleys consume only 0.06w. A watt is a watt is a watt. If you're looking for every conceivable advantage, this is indisputably one of them.

Competitive Cyclist now offers the service of retrofitting your existing Shimano rear derailleur to Ceramic Speed ceramic pulleys. These pulleys are compatible with Shimano Dura Ace (RD-7800), Ultegra SL (RD-6600-G) and 105-10 (RD-5600) short cage rear derailleurs. They are not compatible with long cage (a.k.a. "Triple") rear derailleurs.

Our goal is to make the logistics of upgrading your rear derailleur to ceramic pulleys as quick and simple as possible for you. In order to initiate the process, please proceed by adding a retrofit to your cart here. At the end of the purchase process, you will be given an order number. With this order number in hand, please ship your derailleur to:

Competitive Cyclist
Attn: Service Dept.
Order # XXXXX
2222 Cantrell Road
Little Rock, AR 72202

If you need a refresher on how to break your Shimano chain, you can click here to see the Shimano instructional manual for 10-speed chains.

We will perform the upgrade and ship your derailleur back to you via UPS Ground within 2 business days of receiving it. For an appropriately increased shipping cost, we can accommodate requests for expedited shipping (i.e. UPS Next Day Air or 2nd Day Air). Please include such requests in writing when you ship your lever to us. You will receive an automated email from us with your UPS tracking # on the evening we ship your derailleur back to you. Please ship your derailleur to us using a trackable method (UPS, FedEx, DHL, or USPS Certified Mail). Also, include your full contact information, your order number, and any special instructions or requests in this shipment.