Wheels and Speed

[taylor5791]

Hi,

I recently bought a pair of K2 Moto 80 -2011 from the local sporting goods store after not skating for the last 20 years. The wheels wore out in the first two weeks, so the other day, I purchased new wheels and bearings from the Inlinewarehouse, which are supposed to be here in a few days. Besides the wheel problems, I am generally satisfied with the skate, but I have terrible balance on these skates - more than likely from breaking my leg last year and having one strong and one weak leg.

I purchased the same size 80mm wheels and some Bones Super Reds bearings and spacers, so I anticipate I will probrably have the same balance issues on the new wheels.

I like to skate and at this point, I am not interested in going fast, I am more interested in going to work the next day :) I am also not too concerned with the extra effort a smaller wheel would take to skate on, but would a 72mm hockey wheel with an 84a durometer - or so - help with balance and maneuverability until I get the hang of this again? If so, what is the smallest wheel I can put on the K2 Moto 80?

I do realize I will have to remove the brake to make sure it doesnt drag and that is fine; I usually do a rolling stop anyways. (Which I also realize is why the wheels wore out so quick)

Thanks in advance - taylor5791

[IW Staff]

Smaller wheels would help with balance, but it would also lower your brake pad down and engage it when not wanting too. So be careful of doing that.

Stock wheels on that skate are 80A. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. 80A is fairly soft and good for control as it grips well, but they do wear pretty quickly. Hopefully you got an 82a or even an 84a wheel. If a heavier guy, an 84a would work well or one of the wheels labeled 'firm'.

Balance.. A lot probably has to do with not skating in a while. You'll get more comfortable and less tense as you get familiar once again. Keeping knees bent, looking more ahead than at you feet, things like that will help. If not having skated in a while, EXPECT fatigue. Your legs will tire and you'll start standing upright, etc.. Inline skating is the #1 calorie burning exercise for a reason. It works you out. So don't get frustrated if your skates are short. Concentrate on form you'll be efficient, have better balance, and get better and end up skating longer.

Posted 10 begiinner mistakes and 7 novice mistakes on our facebook page. I'll translate these to our skating/living/training page found on our homepage soon.
http://www.facebook.com/InlineWarehouseFitness
Thanks!