Bones ceramics

[Kman619]

Thought about treating myself to some ceramics. Ive got a 4 x 80mm set up and love to skate fast on smooth bike paths. Always trying to beat my best time at this one 8 mi loop.

Are they THAT good ? Is that what the pros use ?

I could probably fit some 84mm wheels on with a little customizing. What would give more long coasting , high speed roll ...84s or ceramics ? Both would be awesome I bet.

Thank you !

[kel]

I've no experience with Bones swiss ceramics or >80mm wheels, so take the following with a grain of salt.

I'm sure better equipment would help you perform better, but up to a certain proficiency with the sport, it would make sense that you'd see far more improvement from improving your technique VS improving equipment. Bigger wheels and faster bearings give you a little edge, but unless you're really good already, I'd say you'll see more noticeable changes from tweaking your stride and body movement, and that stuff stays with you and doesn't cost money.

It's all about enjoying yourself though, so if you think new parts would get you that, it's perfectly fine. Heck, I'm going with new skates just cause I'm feeling the need for a change and it's not that much more expensive than new wheels and bearings ;)

Better equipment won't make you magically better though. I guess I'm reactionary from seeing all the loaded people buying top of the line equipment when they have no clue on how to really get the most out of it ;)

[chris101]

I'm going to have to agree with kel there. I found myself buying new bearings from IW, but then tried some really cheap bearings from ebay (you know, those ultra-cheap bearings).

Maybe it's not a fair comparison since the bearings I got from IW were put on brand new 82mm wheels, and then the ultra cheap ones when they were worn down a little bit, but, I found myself putting in similar times each week I went out on both of them. The slightly more expensive ones had that edge for the first few skates, but kind of loses them when they get dirty (hence you probably should clean your bearings properly).

During that whole period, I practice finding a proper outside edge and finally learning not to toe-flick. It took a little more to get out of the habit of toe-flicking, but now it feels second nature not to do it, so I don't think about it as much and therefore not really expending much energy afterwards.

Equipment can give you an edge, but at a certain point, the technique should be clean (and cheaper to improve). By the way, I haven't heard too much about ceramics, haven't tried it out myself, but a lot of people on several message boards seem to think the benefit doesn't outweigh the extra costs for ceramic bearings.

[kel]

During that whole period, I practice finding a proper outside edge and finally learning not to toe-flick.
I think we'll need a glossary or something similar here, because I've no idea what "proper outside edge" or "toe-flicking" actually is. Kind of like a "explaining the basic terms" thing.

I've been skating for years, but I never really talked technique with anyone, so my vocabulary is lacking.

[Kman619]

hmmmmm , good replies. Thanks guys !

[chris101]

Toe-Flicking: I've heard this term used around everywhere. I guess my take on it is, when we walk or run, we tend to use our toes everytime we lift our feet off the ground. However, with inline skates, physics would dictate that better speed would be generated by pushing off to the side. When I started skating, and up until recently, I tended to lift part of my skate up, and then push to the back with my toe wheel. But, when I started to push off with my entire foot, I noticed a lot more speed generated for one single push. Of course, the wear on my wheels is not a little more even thanks to the fact I don't put more stress on the front wheel.

Outside Edge: I tend to land my skate on my outside edge. I, like a lot of beginning skaters, used to pronate a lot (landing on the inside edge). I'm not sure how to describe why landing on the outside edge is better than the inside edge (or at least the middle of your wheels). I know I've read that landing on your outside edge is better, but I've never gotten a good explanation why.

[Smirnus]

Can you slalom fowards on your skates? There is a certain point in the curve when you apply force that doesn't slow you down, but propels you forward. When I skate I don't think of pushing side to side. I carve parabolas on my outside edges. I think of each of my legs moving in an alternating circle. Planting my outside edge first and putting weight on my heel keeps everything in a constant fluid motion. I just get the best propulsion from my efforts this way. This is something you really need to try on wheels. You legs are in constant motion, moving in circles, carving parabolas, starting with my outside heel edges.