Biltin Knockoffs from 2000?

**NJ Joe** · 05-20-2009 11:58 AM

I went by a trash sale the other day and found a Digimon handlebar scooter that had cheap plastic almost non-turning trucks and unmarked 51mm wheels, so I parted it out to find anything interesting, and when I popped off the first wheel, I thought I was looking at a Biltin bearing. turns out, its some copy, although its double shielded and much like greaseballs, damn near impossible to open. The board was manufactured in 2000 by Game Fun in China, and the bearing reads OU and 608 ZB on the outer shield. I wonder if Chaput borrowed his ideas from ancient chinese secrets

Side note: Its rusted to hell, although fairly greased up on the inside. Doesn't spin that well although it is smooth, which indicates the balls are still in good shape. I will try to salvage these in the near future using a rust remover, acetone, and speed cream

**TM_Cruzer** · 05-20-2009 12:01 PM

I have some of those from a Nash street board from around 2000.
I should try cleaning them up.

**Kenny_Ledesma** · 05-20-2009 12:10 PM

Not worth it... if they are the same as the ones I had, which they seem to be, they lack cages...

**KyleDH** · 05-20-2009 12:11 PM

I also saw these in a set of vintage "Dominion" wheels. I'm starting to suspect Chaput did indeed "borrow" the design

**Ogre** · 05-20-2009 12:23 PM

Firstly, that "top hat" style of bearings has been around for ages. chaput will be the first to acknowledge that. The Biltins are more of a "knock off" than those are. Chris' are much better quality and tighter tolerenced.
Many cheap" K-mart " brands use that system, and have for years before Abec 11 was in business.
no ill will meant to be taken. Biltins are far superior.. but to call tose as "knock offs" is entirely reversed

**NJ Joe** · 05-20-2009 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by Ogre

Firstly, that "top hat" style of bearings has been around for ages. chaput will be the first to acknowledge that. The Biltins are more of a "knock off" than those are. Chris' are much better quality and tighter tolerenced.
Many cheap" K-mart " brands use that system, and have for years before Abec 11 was in business.
no ill will meant to be taken. Biltins are far superior.. but to call tose as "knock offs" is entirely reversed

ok then, I didnt know. I will admit though that biltins are amazing and far superior bearings. I love my set