Everyone knows that two and two make four. This may be true, but not entirely. Especially regarding the location of the wheels in the rollers. It’s one thing to have two pairs of wheels (2x2), and another thing to have four in one (longitudinal!) line. Over the course of several centuries, humanity has invented and tested various options. Let us mention only two, the most outstanding and viable.

A little history

The grandfather of roller skating, James Plimpton, patented his model in 1863. The 2x2 design was called “quads,” sometimes also called “stools.” She lived until very recently, until the 1990s. Savvy and enterprising hockey players, the Olson brothers became the fathers of modern roller skates. They went and went (and very successfully) along a different path, along a different branch of the development of roller skates, which has existed from time immemorial, more precisely, since the advent of ice skates. The idea is simple, like all ingenious things: attach wheels to ordinary winter skates and skate on them in the hot summer with the same success as in the cold. And the brothers created what we see on the streets and squares today - four wheels in a line, the so-called in-line version of rollers. But they did it not carelessly, like all their predecessors, but conscientiously and reliably. So that you can truly play the courageous game of hockey, without being distracted by endless repairs and purchasing spare parts. Modern technology completely allowed this, it’s just that no one had such a desire before. Everyone had a good time anyway. Founded in the 1980s, the rollerblade manufacturing company was called Rollerblade, which is why the skates themselves became known as “blades” or “blades” (referring to the blades of ice skates).

Wheel diameter

The wheel diameter ranges from 43 to 80 mm. For general riding, the most common sizes are 72mm or 76mm. We remind you that we present the numbers not in order to follow them, but in order to understand the essence of technical problems.

How is a small wheel different from a large one? The larger the wheel diameter, the greater the speed. The greater the speed, the greater the stability and stability. The larger the wheels, the more they dampen shaking and vibration on poor road surfaces. This leads to the first conclusion: for fast driving and rapid acceleration (for example, in the “fitness” style), you need to take wheels with a larger diameter.

Small wheels are easier to control and maneuver. Conclusion two: for figure skating and aggression you need to take wheels with a smaller diameter.

Here are approximate wheel diameters (in millimeters) for various styles:

• speedsters and street skating: 78 - 82,
• vigorous fitness: 76 - 80,
• rest: 72 - 76,
• easy fitness and training for beginners: 70 - 72,
• aggressive: 53 - 67.

Let's say a guy rides on 78 mm wheels, so let him buy 76 mm for his girlfriend, then he can catch up with her.

Wheel stiffness

We take the wheel and read what is written on it. For example, 78/80A. If you guessed that “78” is the diameter in mm, then that’s good. And if you also understand that “80A” is the hardness of the wheel, then that’s great.

In general, you shouldn’t worry too much about rigidity - this is not such a critical parameter. No one can forbid a person to stand on any wheels. The rollers will run anyway. So what's the difference? In feelings and money. On soft wheels and the ride is soft - that's on the one hand. Soft wheels do not allow you to quickly develop speed and wear out faster (you will have to buy new ones) - this is on the other hand. Another dilemma. Even more complicated than with the wheel diameter, because the calculations must include the quality of the road surface and the roller’s own weight.

• Soft wheels are better: for normal skating, for light roller skates, for riding on uneven surfaces.
• Medium-hard wheels are suitable for skating on flat surfaces and heavy roller skates.
• Hard wheels are used: on smooth surfaces, for aggressive riding. The easiest way is to depend on the weight of the roller - the greater the weight, the stiffer the wheels are needed.

Now let's move on to the numbers. Typical hardness values ​​range from 76A to 84A. The average optimal is 78 - 82A. If you weigh up to 80 kg, take the optimal ones, and if the weight is significant, then make an adjustment upward. For aggressive driving, stiffer wheels are used to ensure “responsiveness” of the rollers in handling.

Wheel material and profile

The abrasion of the rollers and the ability to retain their shape depend on the material. Every shoemaker knows that the best material for soles is polyurethane. There is no demolition for him. Therefore, wheels are made from polyurethane of different brands. Transparent wheels are popularly called “gel wheels”. We will not go into chemistry further.

Practice shows that some wheels naturally tend to turn into square ones, others tend to delaminate, others are chipped on every pebble... No amount of chemistry will help here. Just practice. The profile is the width of the wheels, or more precisely the shape, the imprint on the coating. The wider the profile, the greater the stability and traction with the road. Thick, “meaty” wheels wear out longer (which allows the skater to save money, but the manufacturer ends up overusing material).

For the "leisure" style, wheels are made with a U-shaped profile, which increases stability. High-speed racing wheels are made narrow to reduce friction.

So, today we talked a little about the wheel - a brilliant invention of mankind. Without a wheel there would be nothing at all and roller skates in particular. In the rush of everyday life, many people forget about this. But real roller skaters remember. Otherwise they won't get far. Thank you, wheel!

Install and the trick is in the bag. When you first purchase new wheels for roller skates, your eyes immediately run wide at the wide range of sizes, colors, thicknesses, and hubs.

All roller skate wheels are consumables, and how durable they are depends on the hardness of the wheels and the surface you skate on. The hardness is indicated on the side of the wheel (on the “meat”) and is designated by the letter “A”. For example, 85A or 82A, etc. Next to it is written another parameter in millimeters (mm) - this is the diameter of the wheel, it looks like 72mm or 80mm, etc., depending on the size of the diameter.

When riding on asphalt, wheels wear out faster than on paving slabs or concrete, marble or granite; wheels on laminate, parquet or linoleum wear out even more slowly. Harder wheels (86A and higher) will wear out more slowly, which is very practical for experienced riders who train a lot and do tricks, wheel braking, and perform slides. However, the feeling of softness when driving around the city on such wheels is inferior to the lower “A” rating. Therefore, I advise beginner roller skaters, as well as advanced skaters who skate for pleasure, to purchase wheels with a hardness of no higher than 84-85A. They wash slowly, but much softer than 86A (and higher). Among the brands I would recommend Hyper, Matter, Undercover, Seba.

If you choose a certain style of skating and decide to master freestyle roller skating (freeskate, slalom, slides, aggressive), then in this case the choice depends on personal preferences and habits. Absolutely all professional riders identify “favorite” wheels for themselves throughout their development in a certain discipline. They ride on wheels that they feel are perfect for their individual riding style.

Choosing wheels for roller skates for different or specific skating styles?

Slalom wheels. For slalom, wheels with a hardness of 84 A are ideal. Some people prefer to take 85 A for regular training on asphalt. Hyper Concrete, Unbercover Tiger, Matter juice, Seba Street Invider are the most common choice of experienced slalom skiers. They are of the highest quality, with a strong hub and grippy polyurethane.

Wheels for freeskate (fsk wheels). Soft landings when jumping and good rolling - with Hyper Concrete and Hyper Create wheels. The most durable jumping wheels. Freeskaters all over the world will confirm this!

Wheels for Slides. Slides are one of the most expensive disciplines if you train on asphalt! Fortunately, the Spaniards came up with the idea of ​​“rubbing” the asphalt with paraffin in order to make the coating less rough and tenacious. However, if you still decide to do slides, then I advise you to take more wheels and at a lower price. There are budget wheels with a hardness of 85-86A, which do not wear out so quickly; they are made specifically for slides. Characteristic features of such wheels: sharp profile, high rigidity and slippery polyurethane. I recommend Rekil slide wheels (85 A) (Russia), Slide wheels (88 A) (China), Freezy slide wheels (90 A) (China). These are the best wheels for beginners and professional sliders. There will still be “squares” (the wheels acquire a “square” shape during use), but in small quantities and not as significant compared to other wheels.

Do you want to buy quality wheels at a good price?

Visit the website website. There you will find a wide range of wheels and other accessories for all types of roller skating! The store offers club cards, discounts, promotions and installment plans without interest on all products - everything for skaters for the 2017 season.

Enjoy your ride on quality rollerblade wheels!

Today, roller skates have begun to rapidly gain popularity among those who like to spend their leisure time actively and with health benefits. They are good because they have practically no age restrictions. You can start learning to roller skate from the age of 3, when the musculoskeletal and vestibular systems are already fully developed in order to maintain balance, group and maneuver. Is it time for your little one to join the ranks of fast, agile, impetuous roller skaters? Then it’s time for you to take care of reliable and high-quality uniforms for the young athlete. After all, roller skating is a sport, and also not a safe one. Bruises and abrasions are common here, especially for beginners. Start with the main attribute - roller skates. But how to choose skates for your child? What should you pay attention to and what criteria should you use to evaluate the quality of the purchased model?

Requirements

Children's roller skates must first of all be reliable and comfortable.

When buying any sports equipment for a child, always consider safety in use and convenience as its priority properties.

Also important for videos:

• strength.
• rigidity.
• sustainability.
• ease.
• anatomical

These parameters will directly depend on the type of rollers and the materials that were used to make them.

Kinds

In order for a child to enjoy roller skating, he must first like the look of them. Therefore, let the young roller skater choose the color scheme and design to his liking.

You should choose roller skates depending on the age of the child and the level of his skill. There are two types of rollers for children.

Rollers for children of different ages

• If you decide to teach your child to roller skate from the age of 3, be prepared for the fact that it will be quite difficult for you to find skates of the right size. Not many of them are produced. Quads are best suited for a three-year-old child. And when the little one grows up a little and masters this type of videos, it will be possible to switch to inlines.
• It would also be a good idea for a 5-7 year old child to start practicing in quads. Inlines for him should be light and comfortable, with hard boots, a plastic frame, polyurethane wheels and sliding.
• At 8–10 years old, rollers, depending on the child’s skill level, can have either a hard boot or a soft one. But the type of frame, when the skater is already confidently standing on skates, does not matter much. For this age group, it is still better to buy sliding models, as the leg continues to actively grow. And given the rather high cost of roller skates, the sliding version will be much more interesting financially.
• But teenagers aged 11–13 years old can safely look at one-size inlines. Although sliding ones are not uncommon on sale. Again, depending on how well your young skater skates, choose either skates with a hard boot or a soft one. Give preference to the latter whenever possible. They breathe, are light and faster. And here design is of great importance. After all, at this age it is very important how cool you look among your peers.

Video “Choosing roller skates for a child”

How long does it take to replace roller skates?

It is not at all necessary to buy new rollers if the wheels on them spin with difficulty, making different sounds, or they are thoroughly worn out. You just need to periodically check how worn the wheels and bearings are. They are considered consumables, sold separately and are easily replaced.

Wheels on rollers, as well as bearings, if they are worn out, can always be replaced with new ones

Typically, children's rollers wear out within 2-3 seasons during active use. If they are sliding, then this is exactly the time after which it is necessary to change the size ruler to a larger one.

The rollers should fit snugly to the leg and match its size.

You need to try on the rollers on a cotton sock. Let the child walk around in them for at least 5 minutes and try to drive. If he feels any discomfort, or you see that his leg is “falling” outward or inward, it is definitely necessary to select a different model.

Safety

When purchasing roller skates, do not forget to purchase equipment for a young roller skater

When buying roller skates for your child, do not forget to take care of his safety while riding on them. A kit for protecting areas most vulnerable to falls can be sold together with skates, or you can purchase it separately. The kit usually includes a helmet, as well as knee and elbow pads.

Properly selected skates and reliable equipment are the key to the fact that this sport will benefit your child, provide a lot of thrills and pleasant moments of communication with friends.

1. The helmet must cover the back of the head, since it is the back of the head that skaters most often hit when falling backwards.
2. Knee pads are like a cup attached to the leg with straps. They protect athletes' knees from abrasions and more serious damage.
3. The elbow pads have the same appearance, but are slightly smaller in size. Protects elbows in case of falls.

This is mandatory equipment. But additional protection is also sold: thigh gear, bibs, wrist pads. You can buy it or not buy it at your own discretion. The main thing is that your child is protected as much as possible from possible injuries from falls while rollerblading.

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If the wheels on your roller skates are worn out and you don’t know where to buy roller skate wheels and which ones are better, then this article will help you quickly navigate and understand which roller skate wheels are right for you. Each wheel is equipped with two bearings and one bushing.

When replacing wheels, it is not always necessary to change the bearings, so it is better to consult with knowledgeable people first. If you don’t ride through puddles or in rainy weather, avoid sand and don’t jump, then the bearings can last quite a long time and outlast more than one set of new wheels. Recently, almost all wheels for roller skates are made for standard 608 bearings. That is, regardless of the manufacturer of the roller skates themselves, you can choose any suitable set of wheels and bearings for them.

In this article we will talk exclusively about wheels, their characteristics and properties.

In addition to color and design, roller skate wheels differ in several main parameters:

1) Diameter and stiffness.

Indicated on the wheel itself. It looks something like this 80mm/84A. This sign indicates that this is a wheel with a diameter of 80mm and a hardness of 84A.

a) Diameter– determines the size of the wheel. The larger the wheels, the faster they will roll. Using this parameter, you can determine for which riding style the wheels are suitable.

Large diameter wheels are used in running models and children's scooters (90mm, 100mm, 105mm, 110mm). Wheels of medium and small diameter (72mm, 74mm, 76mm, 80mm, 82mm, 84mm) are used in models for freeskating, slalom, fitness skating, hockey, and also in children's models. Small diameter wheels (less than 70mm) are used in models for aggressive skating and in small sizes of children's skates.

b) Stiffness wheels or density, measured in units of A and determines the quality of adhesion to the surface and the resistance of the wheels to wear. Wheels with a hardness of 78A, 80A and 82A are considered soft. Used for simple fitness models, models for beginners and in children's videos. Medium hardness and hard wheels start at 83A.

Soft wheel 76mm/82A

The most popular wheel hardness in recent years is 84A, 85A and 86A. In aggressive models, the wheels are even more rigid and have a small diameter. Hard wheels roll more, resulting in higher speeds. Soft wheels cling to the surface better, but the speed is so high. Driving on soft wheels is comparable to driving a car with lowered wheels; on hard wheels, on the contrary, with inflated ones.

3) Wheel profile- the profile can be elliptical (sharper edge) or round (rounded edge) Sooner or later, any wheels acquire a round profile, because with regular rearrangement they wear out evenly. Therefore, rarely does anyone look at the profile. Although objectively, wheels with a round profile are more suitable for the FSK style and, as a rule, FSK models are equipped with such wheels.

4) Hub type— the wheel hub is the plastic base of the wheel into which the bearing is inserted. The smaller the hub, the better the wheels. This is from a savings point of view. Indeed, in this case, there is more polyurethane and this means that you will ride on such wheels longer until they wear out. Again, wheels with a small hub handle better on uneven surfaces and soften the shock well when landing after a jump.

Wheel with small hub

Large plastic hubs are only good for large diameter wheels (more than 80mm), which are used for running models. Such wheels are lighter and allow you to pick up speed faster, and are also more stable while driving; there is practically no risk that the polyurethane will move away from the hub. It's hard to imagine a 110mm wheel with a small hub.

Wheel with large hub for running rollers

To choose the right wheels for roller skates, you need to ask yourself a few questions:

1) What is your weight?

2) What is your riding style?

3) What surface do you ride on?

4) Do you want to go fast or not so fast?

5) What is the maximum wheel diameter that can be installed on your roller model?

By answering these questions, you can easily determine which wheels may suit you.

I will try to give brief advice on these 5 questions:

1) Weight- the more weight, the stiffer wheels you will need. For roller skates weighing more than 70 kg, wheels with a hardness of at least 83A are recommended. This does not mean that you cannot ride on 80A, but they will wear out faster. If this is a beginner skater who often falls and literally takes his first steps, perhaps for the first time it is better to limit himself to wheels with a hardness of 80A. For small children, you yourself understand how unimportant the rigidity of the wheels is. The weight is small...

2) Riding style- if this is a fast and dynamic style, you will need the most rigid wheels, again no less than 83A. As a rule, stiffer wheels are used in slalom, roller hockey on asphalt (soft ones are used on special surfaces) and FSK style. Recently, wheels have been produced according to riding styles. FSK wheels, slalom wheels, speedskating wheels and so on. That is, with the same parameters, for example 80mm/84A, wheels for FSK and wheels for fitness skating can have completely different performance characteristics and roll differently.

3) Coating— if it’s asphalt, the harder the wheel, the better it will roll on the asphalt and take longer to wear out. But too hard wheels can sometimes seem unpleasant. It's like overinflated car wheels. The car bounces on bumps. When choosing wheel stiffness, be sure to think about where you plan to ride.

Matter wheels are the optimal balance of soft feeling and high strength wheels. That is, with a fairly comfortable ride (as on soft cushions), the wheels are very rigid and resistant to wear. And this is not advertising, it is what it is.

If you ride indoors, then the stiffness of the wheels is not so important, although I personally prefer wheels with medium stiffness. Again, this also depends on the covering in the hall, is it polymer or concrete or something else... Here you need to select the wheels. Although, as a rule, the same wheels on which you successfully ride on asphalt are suitable.

4) Required speed— the speed is determined not only by the bearings but also by the wheels. The most important thing is the diameter. The larger the wheels, the higher the speed. The better the bearings, the higher the speed. To some extent, rigidity can also affect speed, it depends on the coating.

5) Maximum wheel diameter, which may fit your rollers is usually indicated on the frame. This inscription looks something like this: max 80mm , and means that for your skates, the maximum allowable wheel size is 80mm. The type of rigidity does not play a role here at all. If there is nothing like that at all, and the wheels are worn to such an extent that you can no longer see what kind of wheels were there, then it is best to come to the store with the rollers, or search on the Internet for a similar model and find out the characteristics of the standard wheels.

I also want to draw your attention to the manufacturer. It is very important that the wheels are of famous brands. Such as: Matter(Undecover)— the best wheels in my opinion. Hyper, Giro, Seba, Labeda.

Powerslide, Fila and Rollerblade make good wheels, but they will be worse than the wheels of the above brands, and therefore cheaper. Prices vary from $25 for 4 wheels to $50-70 for 4 wheels. And I would not advise adults to install cheap wheels. Firstly, the ride will not be so pleasant, and secondly, during the season you will have to change 2-3 sets of wheels, or maybe more. A set of more expensive wheels will last much longer and will be more enjoyable to ride on.

If you have any comments or anything to add, please do so. The selection of wheels is a delicate matter. If you have any doubts regarding the installation or purchase of certain wheels for roller skates, please write or call.

I’ll help you buy what you need and install it for free if there are any difficulties with it.

The end of May. The weather has deteriorated considerably: it is raining, the air temperature is 10-16 degrees, and there is a squally wind. Eh...

I think this is no reason to be discouraged, and that is why I am opening a series of summer sports publications in which I will tell you about some of the technologies used in the production of sports equipment and styles of cycling. Let's talk about sportswear and much more.

Well, today they will open a series of sports publications roller Skates. And to be more precise, I will tell you, how to choose wheels for roller skates, bearings and what kind of frames the rollers have.

ROLLER WHEELS

When choosing roller wheels It is worth paying attention to two parameters - diameter and hardness, which are indicated on the surface of the wheels.

Wheel diameter is indicated in millimeters, and its range varies from 72 to 80 mm. Before as buy wheels for roller skates, you need to decide on your intentions, because their diameter depends on your driving style. If you prefer speed and stand confidently on roller skates, then choose wheels with a larger diameter. They will allow you to gain speed faster, and will also be much easier to maintain, unlike wheels of a smaller diameter. Wheels with a smaller diameter will provide increased maneuverability.

Rigidity roller wheels measured on a special scale A. The number indicated before the letter indicates the hardness of the wheel. The higher the number, the stiffer the wheel! Rigid wheels make it easier to maintain speed, since they themselves are less subject to deformation under the pressure of the roller, and have the least friction with the road surface. Soft wheels for roller skates, allow better grip on the road surface, thereby increasing maneuverability.

Thus, the designation 76/82A on a roller skate wheel indicates that the wheel diameter is 76 mm and the hardness is 82.

It is impossible to give specific advice on choosing wheels for roller skates, since all parameters are individual and depend on your professional skills, weight, style and place of skating. Particular importance should be paid to the rigidity of the wheel. The greater weight of the roller requires greater rigidity.

If you prefer to ride on indoor roller rinks, then you can safely take soft wheels for yours rollers.

ROLLER BEARINGS

The rotation of one wheel of roller skates is ensured by a pair of bearings, which in turn are measured in the precision of their manufacture and have an ABEC standard. The ease of rotation of the wheels under the weight of the roller depends on the precision with which the bearings are made. Typically, roller skates use ABEC-5 bearings. They are the most popular and versatile. ABEC-3 is used for children's roller skates. And for high-speed roller skating, bearings of the ABEC-7 standard are used.

ROLLER FRAMES

Frames have two main parameters, one of which is length. Roller skate frame length, plays an important role, it ensures the stability of the rollers at high speed. That is why, running rollers equipped with frames 300-350 mm, and professional roller skates for running are equipped with the longest frames with five wheels. It is worth noting that on long frames it will be difficult for you to make sharp turns and therefore, most rollers are equipped with frames 250-280 mm long.

The second parameter is the material from which the frame is made. Well-trained skaters and athletes use a rigid metal frame. It better transfers force to the wheels when pushing off. Beginners tend to use polymer frames, consisting of nylon and carbon. They are soft and more comfortable because they absorb vibration when driving on uneven surfaces. Polymer frames Ideal for riding on asphalt.

FOR REFERENCE

What is T:9 (T:Nine)?

Until 1972, the US government placed great emphasis on the development of men's sports, especially lucrative ones such as American football. The Americans were so crazy that even in schools the main budget was spent on male disciplines, while mere pennies were left for the development of female disciplines.

But still, the government took pity on the poor women and passed a law that ensured equal distribution of money for the development of men's and women's sports, which was called Title 9 (right no. 9). It can also be written as T:9, T:Nine, T:9.

Soon, women's sports began to gain enormous popularity and began to develop rapidly. Since then, any woman could choose a sport to her liking and practice it for her own pleasure.

How to install automatic brake AVT on rollers?

1. Loosen the screw securing automatic brake, so that he can be released.
2. With every click brake goes down one notch.
3. The lower you lower it, the less effort you will need to make to brake with it, but do not overdo it, otherwise brake will prevent you from moving.
4. If you omitted brake too low, press the black button located on the left side of the heel. Pressing the button will release the brake pressure and readjust the brake height.

Are the rollers available in different widths?

Roller Skates are produced by manufacturing companies in accordance with generally accepted standards for shoe sizes and widths. But it's worth noting. That even the lasts of ordinary shoes can differ significantly from each other.

In case you really like roller model. The one you just tried on, but it squeezes your leg a little - don’t rush to despair, try on a couple more, or even more than one, and you will definitely choose the one in which you will be comfortable! Most importantly, don't take it rollers a size or two larger. With time rollers they will spread, and your foot will dangle in them, and this can lead to dire consequences.