K2 Moto 100 vs K2 Radical 100

[Roman Red]

Hello all,

I am in the process of finding a way to cross train for fencing, and someone suggested inline skating, which I though was a great idea because I hate running :) I did inline skating for a number of years but never distance/fitness skating only ramps and curbs, etc. so I'm not a novice but not an expert either.

I am wanting to work up to 10-15 miles within the next 6 months. I just want a good pair of skates with decent support that are comfortable for relatively long distances, and I also like to go fast, so given those parameters which skate do you suggest? The K2 Moto 100, or the K2 Radical 100, or possibly a different skate?

Thanks,

Mark

[IW Staff]

Both those skates would work nicely. The Moto 100 would provide a bit more support/rigidity up top for when you want to be lazy/tired and skate upright. The Radical Cuffs aren't all that low howevr, so there is good support still on those.

The Radical boot is very ventillated w/ a mesh softboot. So it breathes real well, but also gives a little. Not a real big deal unless wanting to try to capture all your power transfer when pushing off.

The RX100 and Crossfire 100 would for 2010 in Rollerblade are nice as well. The Crossfire being large in wheel size but with a lot of suppport, and the RX being more of performance type skate.

STan @ IW

[InlineJB]

Hi,

I have a pair of K2 Moto 90s, and have been training well on them. They are a little large for me however. I am wondering when to upgrade to a lighter skate. I am thinking of the K2 Radical 100s or 90s.

I'm looking for comfort and efficiency over distance. Currently I can skate 20+ miles on the Motos, and will be looking to do my first marathon in a month or two. I think I can easily hold 12 miles/hour for 10-15 miles, and would like to get up to 15 miles/hour. I skate 3-4 times a week, mostly bike trails.

Would I get a noticeable benefit from upgrading to the Radicals?

If so, how do I choose between the 90s or 100s?

Thanks,
John B.

[IW Staff]

Some great skating you are doing and you are more than ready to take the plunge onto a bigger wheel in the 100mm.

If in tighter turns and what not, you may notice a little difference so take the trail with caution until you get used to it.

On the Radicals, you are essentially getting the same boot but with different frames/wheels on them. So the Radical 100 has 100mm naturally, and the 90 has 90mm. The Radical Pro has more carbon to the boot and has 110mm in the back, and 100mm in the front. You could even go there without any problems. Some good sizes left in the 2009 at just $285 if interested on those. 2010's are $399 to give you an idea on how great that price is.

You'll notice an ability to get higher top speeds, ease of maintaining a roll once you get it, and even some benefit of going over crack and bumps with the larger wheel.

Thanks for posting and thanks for skating!
Stan @ IW

[InlineJB]

Hi,

I ended up getting the Bont Semi-Race 100s as the upgrade from the K2 Moto 90s. I'd only been skating in the K2s for a couple months, but wanted more speed and control, both of which I get from the Semi-Race. The boot was very uncomfortable out of the box, but seemed to shape itself to my foot over a few wearings. I also heat molded the boots once (will probably do so a second time after more skating). I went 15 miles on them recently without any complaints.

The Semi-Race skates do require more ankle strength, so it was good that I spent the last few weeks in the K2s working on strength and skating form, and learning how to T-stop. The Semi-Race seem much more sensitive to form, and reward good technique. The 100 wheels carry speed over rough surfaces much better than the K2 90s. For my purposes, the 100 wheels are plenty big enough. I suspect 110s would be more than I needed for fast recreational skating--I'll be perfectly happy with a 2 hour marathon (this year, at least ;) )

One big difference is that the skates come disassembled, and the axles screw directly into the Semi-Race frame. I suspect the axles are aluminum, and the metal is kind of soft. So when assembling the skates for the first time, be gentle and make sure you don't cross-thread the axles when you screw them into the frame. I had to ask for a replacement axle after messing up the threads.

[Edit] I guess I've become happy. 26 miles today in 2:03, including 20 road crossings (never had to come to a complete stop). Best 26 mile time on the K2s was 2:17 on the same course.