NTN Bearings for Cycling
- Bike Bearing Store Team
- May 26, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 10
Precision, Performance, and Reliability

About NTN Japan
With over 100 years of expertise, NTN has established itself as a global leader in bearing manufacturing. As the third-largest bearing supplier worldwide and the second-largest in Japan, NTN is renowned for its commitment to quality, precision engineering, and durability.
Why Choose NTN Bearings for Your Bike?
Cyclists demand high-performance components that can withstand various terrains and conditions while delivering a smooth and efficient ride. NTN bearings are designed to meet these needs by offering exceptional reliability, low friction, and long-lasting performance. Whether you're cycling on the road, tackling gravel trails, or competing in high-speed races, NTN bearings provide the stability and efficiency you need.
LLB vs. LLU Seals: Which One is Right for Cycling?
NTN bearings come with different sealing options to suit various applications. Understanding the difference between LLB and LLU seals is crucial for choosing the right bearing for your bike.

LLB Seal (Non-Contact Seal)The LLB seal is designed for minimal friction and maximum efficiency. It features a non-contact design that reduces torque while offering excellent dust resistance. A light waterproof grease is applied to enhance its sealing properties, making it an ideal choice for bicycle applications where smooth, high-speed performance is a priority.
LLU Seal (Contact Seal)The LLU seal, in contrast, is a contact-type seal that offers greater dust and waterproofing capabilities. However, due to the contact nature of the seal, it generates more friction, making it more suitable for industrial applications rather than cycling.
For cyclists seeking low-friction, high-performance bearings, the LLB seal is the preferred choice, ensuring a seamless and efficient ride with minimal resistance.
Genuine NTN Bearings: Quality You Can Trust
At Bike Bearing Store, we source our NTN bearings directly from a Tier 1 official distributor in Japan, ensuring authenticity and premium quality.
One of the most commonly used NTN bearings in cycling is the NTN 6803 LLB ball bearing. This bearing features:
Size: 17mm (Inner Diameter) x 26mm (Outer Diameter) x 5mm (Width)
Material: Chrome steel bearing races with steel bearing balls
Seal Type: Non-contact rubber seals (LLB) for reduced friction and enhanced performance
Application: Ideal for road, gravel, and mountain bike wheel hubs
Applications in Popular Bike Wheel Hubs
The 6803/61803 bearings are commonly used in various bike wheel hubs, including brands like:
DT Swiss
Zipp
Winspace
American Classic
Bontrager
Giant
Mavic
Vision Wheels
To determine if your wheel hub requires an NTN 6803 LLB bearing, you can remove the end caps from your wheel hub and check the code on the bearing’s rubber seal. If you see "6803 2RS", it is compatible. Alternatively, you can measure the inner and outer diameters and match them to the NTN 6803 bearing specifications.
Please check How To Select Wheel Bearing for more details.
Upgrade Your Bike with NTN Bearings

Switching to NTN bearings means upgrading to superior durability, reduced friction, and improved performance. Whether you're looking to replace worn-out bearings or upgrade to high-quality Japanese engineering, NTN bearings offer a reliable solution for a smoother and more efficient ride.
At Bike Bearing Store, we provide express shipping and a comprehensive selection of NTN bearings to ensure you get the right fit for your bike. Explore our NTN collection today and experience the difference NTN bearings can make in your cycling performance!
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