'MAX Type bearings have no retainer and a fill slot for balls. 'MAX stands for Maximum number of Balls.

This design allows the bearing to handle 35% more load capacity than retainer type (standard) bearings. Max bearings come with 90% grease fill using CRC Marine Grease or Almagard® extra-high pressure grease.
Max bearings do not spin as smoothly as the retainer bearings and work best in Suspension pivots. In some cases, a Max bearing can be used to replace an under- sized bearing in a hub or used for a heavier rider.
'LLU is a double-lipped type seal that making medium contact. The 'LLU seal rides in a groove making a labyrinth seal.¬¹

Designed specifically for suspension pivots, Enduro Bearings pioneered MAX type bearings almost 20 years ago for bicycles to address the challenges associated with mountain bike pivots. These bearings have 35-40% more load capacity than standard radial bearings. We accomplish this with a special design where the maximum number of balls are inserted into the bearing. The race grooves are deeper on these bearings for more lateral support for the twisting and multiple forces associated with mountain bike pivots. LLU seals give maximum protection against the elements, while keeping the 90% fill of Almagard Extra High Pressure Grease inside.

Also available now are MAX BO bearings which get an additional Magnetite treatment for hardness, rust resistance and even more reliability.

We also make Angular Contact MAX type bearings, in both sealed and greaseable types. These bearings are spec'd on some of the best mountain bikes available, and you can also get them from us for replacement, or for building your own custom mountain bike. We supply to almost 100 companies with bearings of various designs. We work directly with frame builders to get every detail right.