The invention provides a bearing assembly (3, 4) including a plurality of rolling bearing elements (5). At least one of the elements is a first type element, with the remainder of the elements being second type elements. The ratio of the number of the second type elements to the total number of bearing elements is greater than or equal to around 75%. The first type element is formed of a plastics material having different frictional properties than the second type elements. Retaining device, such as a closed loop, for retaining the elements (5) to define a bearing surface are also provided.