How Does a smaller 2nd Wheel Help with Skating?

[liverpool2005]

Some of K2 models have the front two wheels smaller than the rear two.
My understanding of this, is that it results in the skate being faster, whilst also being more flexible & 'nimble' for turning.

In some of Rollerblades 2008 models.. (e.g. Crossfire 8.0) I noticed that they have the 2nd wheel smaller than the rest to provide a lower centre of gravity and longer leg extensions during strides.

Can anyone tell me what the skating impact/benefit of this is? Does this mean better control in skating technique? Or just slightly longer roll in each stride?

Cheers

Liverpool.

[IW Staff]

You are correct. The Hi-Lo setup is patented somewhat, but the smaller 2nd wheel goes along those same lines of keeping your momentum forward, helping agility, and maintaining a shallower distance to your boot from the ground while maintaining a large wheel for speed.

Are you in Liverpool, England ? Very cool.


Stan @ IW

[liverpool2005]

You are correct. The Hi-Lo setup is patented somewhat, but the smaller 2nd wheel goes along those same lines of keeping your momentum forward, helping agility, and maintaining a shallower distance to your boot from the ground while maintaining a large wheel for speed.

Are you in Liverpool, England ? Very cool.


Stan @ IW

When you stated the Hi-Lo setup is somewhat patented, does that mean that if another brand like Rollerblade wanted to copy the design, but call it something else such as "Big-Small" or "Top-Bottom", they could not?

I'm actually residing in Beijing, China.. although Liverpool is my favourite soccer team - as I was born in England and grew up there. BTW, have you done any shipments to Beijing before?
I'm keen to order some skates, but was thinking of waiting till I visit U.S.
The shipment fee is around $100 - which is fair... however, if I have to pay China customs tax on top of that, then I'd better wait :(

Cheers

Liverpool

[IW Staff]

I don't think the patent is enforced too much, but it started with Mission Hockey skates (HiLo) and was used by K2 and other hockey skates do versions of it too. All to aid in the mobility and speed.

We do ship to your area and have before. It is expensive, I agree. Either way you decide, I'll look forward to working with you.

Thanks,
Stan @ IW

[lugge81]

Just wanted to throw in my word in this Hi-Lo discussion. I don't think you could actually get a patent on such a thing, that would be like getting a patent on using 2.5 litre bottles for Coca-Cola or something. The Hi-Lo just isn't enough of an invention. Sure it's effective but it's just a very simple combination of things that already were before; wheels of different sizes..

And my Salomon FSKs also uses a Hi-Lo set of wheels so obviously different manufacturers are allowed to use it.

Dan

[liverpool2005]

... (HiLo) and was used by K2 and other hockey skates do versions of it too. All to aid in the mobility and speed.

We do ship to your area and have before. It is expensive, I agree. Either way you decide, I'll look forward to working with you.

Thanks,
Stan @ IW

Stan @ IW

Thanks. I'm still trying to nail down which skate is more suitable for my needs. :confused:
In terms of my skating style, I'm using my skates to go to and return from work - for fitness. Each one-way journey is around 8km, each day I'm covering 16km (round-trip). Each week, I'm averaging around 60km-80km. I use the cycle paths besides the road in Beijing. However, some sections have a lot of stone chippings, and hence not too smooth, which bigger wheels would glide over. :rolleyes:
Occasionally, at the weekend, I may go for a longer journey for recreation and cover 10+km..

From a comfort perspective, K2 Moto Extreme is better than RBs. However, as my skating style seems to be high frequency, short distance (8km per journey is pretty short).. I'm sold on the TFS lace system on the RBs, as it's quick, convenient and easy for saving time in the mornings and after work. If the K2 Moto Extreme had a quick lace system, I would have chosen that! :cool:

Of the RBs, the 4D frames are out of my consideration, due to the extra weight, although I would probably tinker with the frames at the weekends.

Of the Crossfire models, I'm unable to decide between the Crossfire 8.0 vs 6.0. I like the 90mm wheel sizing of the 6.0, but like the concept of the smaller 2nd wheel on the 8.0 for more efficient push and energy transfer.
What would have been nice was if there was a Crossfire model with 3x90 + 1x80. Bigger wheels are good for rough roads, but my objective is also for fitness hence smaller wheels should mean I need to burn more calories. :(

I guess I could choose the 8.0 (which has 3x100+1x90) and change the wheels to create a 3x90 + 1x80 setup?
Does anyone know what impact this have on the skate's performance?

Stan - what are your thoughts based on my skating needs & style against the different models? :???:

[IW Staff]

If you throw too small of a wheel on a skate intended for larger wheels, you'll bring your brake housing close to the ground if not touching. This would make for difficult skating and brake engagement when not intended.

Thanks.

[liverpool2005]

Hi

Actually, I've not skated with brakes for a year now, as I found them cumbersome when doing crossovers..

That leads me to another question on the crossfires 6.0 or 8.0. do these come with a spare axle to allow the skater to remover the rear brake and replace the longer axle with a standard length one?

Does anyone know whether by reducing the wheel size on the crossfire 8.0 to 3x90+80, do I lose any efficiency benefit? Longer term, I would have the flexibility to switch back to a bigger wheel setup, which the 6.0 would not allow.

Any feedback and opinions would be appreciated :)

Cheers

Liverpool

[IW Staff]

I've included axle information with each skate on the RB's so one can see if an axle is included or not. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

Going to smaller wheels would lose some speed, some smoothness in your ability to go over cracks and stuff, and bring your brake pad down closer to the ground. Things to consider.

Thanks