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fzurro
Joined: 09 Sep 2005
Posts: 796
Location: Middlesex
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 Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 3:29 pm Subject: Boot/frames and all that stuff |
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Hiya guys
As you will see from my question I'm quite new at this  But If I don't ask I'm not going to learn, am I ? (Well, maybe I will but slowly, and I'm not the kinda person that likes to learn things slowly...)
Anyway, What's up with the boot/frame world ? I mean when I bought my skates I bought it all togheter and thought everything was nice and easy ...
Now that I'm getting more into it I see you can buy boots and frames. So, here comes the silly questions
1. Can you mix and match ? I mean put a Powerslide boot and rollerblade frames? (for example) I guess that's not the case but I had to ask. If yes/no, What sort of rule to follow ? any kind of standards there ?
2. I've seen some nice Powerslide C4 boots I fancy quite a lot (not like I know how to use that kind of stuff yet, but hey, I wanna live dangerously). If I buy them. What kind of frames u need for that ?
3. Lets say u have 80mm on your boot and want to go for 5 wheel 84mm or 4 wheel 100mm. Is that possible ?
By the way. I'm asking all these things as I have the Rollerblade Lighting 5 and I thought in using that frame on the C4 boots I like to begin with. Maybe that's not possible and I have to look for other frame.
I hope any of this makes sense. If not, then just ignore me and give me some advice about boots/frames plz
Thanks a lot and I hope u didn't get too bored ... |
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Rick
Joined: 25 Feb 2004
Posts: 5914
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:10 pm Subject: |
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Mixing and matching is possible but not everything is completely interchangeable. Boots have two main spacings 165mm and 185mm(?) ther is also a longer one which probably will disappear even faster than it appeared.
185 spcing is only for frames that take equi-spaced 100mm wheels. You can get 4* 100 wheels that fit on 165 which is what most of us do.
165 spacing is the standard that has been around forever. You can put nearly all frames on here. 4*90, 5*80, 5*84 and the non-equi-spaced 4*100 so they are the ones to go for when starting out.
With those considerations in mind any manufacturers equipment should mix and match with any other.
One last consideration a more recreational boot but with a 165 spaced mounting may not suit a 4*100 165 frame but any proper speed skate won't have a problem.
Hope that helps. |
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fzurro
Joined: 09 Sep 2005
Posts: 796
Location: Middlesex
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:51 pm Subject: |
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Rick
Thanks a lot for your answer  That solved my question of the Day (don't worry, loads more questions to keep you amused ...)
Now, on my existing boot (the Rollerblade lighting 5) I can adjust the frame (bit forward, I think bit backward and sides also 'on the front bit'). What will that do ?
I mean, If I put it a bit forward ? will it make me incline more / less ?
I know, I know. I'm a pain in the neck
ta |
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Ray
Joined: 30 Mar 2004
Posts: 806
Location: Dagenham
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 5:24 pm Subject: Re: Boot/frames and all that stuff |
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| fzurro wrote: |
I've seen some nice Powerslide C4 boots I fancy quite a lot (not like I know how to use that kind of stuff yet, but hey, I wanna live dangerously). |
I am using Powerslide C4 boots at the moment - a very nice boot, easily heat mouldable for comfort.
It has a 7 position fixing block so this allows for a fair bit of adjustment in forward/backward and insidde/outside position and of course most frames come with two possible mounting positions and the slots allow side to side positioning. |
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roger
Joined: 26 Feb 2004
Posts: 531
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 6:27 pm Subject: |
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| Rick wrote: |
| 185 spcing is only for frames that take equi-spaced 100mm wheels. You can get 4* 100 wheels that fit on 165 which is what most of us do. |
The other spacing is 195, not 185, and there was also a 190 spacing around last year, but it seems to have died out now.
I would suggest that if you are going for new boots, and are committed to 4x100 then go for 195 spacing. The 100m frames that fit the 165mm spacing are a nice compromise for those with an existing investment in boots, but if you are buying from scratch then why compromise? |
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fzurro
Joined: 09 Sep 2005
Posts: 796
Location: Middlesex
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 7:23 pm Subject: |
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| roger wrote: |
I would suggest that if you are going for new boots, and are committed to 4x100 then go for 195 spacing. The 100m frames that fit the 165mm spacing are a nice compromise for those with an existing investment in boots, but if you are buying from scratch then why compromise? |
So far I have tried 4x80,82 and am quite happy with the 4 wheel setup. Never tried the 5 wheel setup
Anyway. What you said makes a lot of sense. The only thing I could save is the frame from my lighting 5 and it's a 4x82 setup (pain in the a..e to find 82 mm wheels now anyway).
I've checked the Powerslide web page and it doesn't say if they are 165 or 195
Are the C4's for 165 or 195 frame ? I've seen the "S1 Conquest 100" being the only skate they have in there (full skate) with 100mm wheels. How's that one ? Doesn't look too pricey compared to others I've seen and not heat mouldable
Also, another question. Any shops in the UK for speed skates ? or just the internet ? Just seen these kind of skates in france/germany/usa 
PS: Any recomendation of skates you like is more than welcome
PS2: I'm amazed about all the stuff on this page http://www.nettracing.com/boots.htm |
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roger
Joined: 26 Feb 2004
Posts: 531
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 8:55 pm Subject: |
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| fzurro wrote: |
Also, another question. Any shops in the UK for speed skates ? or just the internet ? Just seen these kind of skates in france/germany/usa
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There's not any shops that I am aware of. Even in countries with a lot of skaters its still hard to find shops that carry much stock. If you are going to the Berlin marathon next week, like a lot of people here, then there is a trade show there where you can often try on a few boots. My partner Kay bought a pair of boots there last year, after trying 3 or 4 different models.
I recently bought a pair of custom Bont ZX5s with 195mm spacing from Vincent Henry (vincent.henry@btinternet.com), that I am very pleased with. Vincent is one of this country's top skaters, but also runs a sideline supplying skating kit, especially Bont for which he is the local agent. |
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merten
Joined: 05 Oct 2004
Posts: 1376
Location: Hamburg, N. Germany
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 9:20 pm Subject: |
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| fzurro wrote: |
| Anyway. What you said makes a lot of sense. The only thing I could save is the frame from my lighting 5 and it's a 4x82 setup (pain in the a..e to find 82 mm wheels now anyway). |
The lightning frame should be 165mm, as it is not that new and 195 is only around for about a year.
A lot of people went for 4x100mm this year, though in my opinion it depends a lot on what type of person you are and what type of events you want to go for. In track races 4x100 or 100-90-100-100-like combinations seem to be the setup for now. In street races over longer distances many people are happy with 5-wheel setups as they tend to be more stable at high speed and downhills. I for example am quite tall (1.87m) and not skinny and a long 5x90mm frame works very well for me.
Shops are a problem in the UK. If you consider racing and have time to wait, I can recommend the fairs at big marathons on the continent. I do not think you'll be in Berlin? This would have been a good opportunity. If not, you can try internet purchase, though speed boots just have to fit very well and it might be the second or third pair that does the job. Every manufacturer has different "standard feet" to which the boots are built. Maybe you can try the speed boots of some London-based skaters having your size to get an idea what manufacturer to go for.
Ah - if you are happy with your Lightning boots for now, why not get a used 5x84 frame for starters? These are occasionally present on ebay, and a lot cheaper than a brand new setup. Have a look at these for example: Rollerblade Lightning 5x84 frame kit, shipping 10 EUR to Europe. Manufacturer is Mogema which does pretty good frames. They should fit on your boots. |
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fzurro
Joined: 09 Sep 2005
Posts: 796
Location: Middlesex
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:41 pm Subject: |
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Nope. I'm not going to the Berlin event. 2 small issues there. Just found out about it last week and it's my Girlfriends birtday (I don't think she would be very happy about me not showing up, hehe)
Got some good recomendations so far. Either spend the big bucks and get boot/frame for 195 or stay with mines for a bit longer and try some 5 wheel setup (I think I might end up doing both) Try some 5 wheel setup now and then buy something else from a marathon event or something ...
As always I'm trying to rush things up. I think I need to learn a bit more first and try some different setups before I buy my main setup ...
I just need to learn how to break with the 5 wheel setup and no heel brake (buff, I wouldn't want to be a pedestrian when I'm trying that, hehehe)
Will get more feedback,recomendations from you guys and decide from There ... |
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xsfred
Joined: 21 Apr 2004
Posts: 125
Location: Paris
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:13 pm Subject: |
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It seems our highly technical friends have already forgotten their younger days...
1. Buying your first carbon boot : you cannot just pick a model you like and buy it. Carbon boots do not conform to your foot with time, problems only get worse.
What you do is : you try many boots on, and you buy the one that does not hurt, regardless of price, color and brand.
Unless excellent bargain like -50%, completely avoid the 2005 Rollerblade series, which are the only ones in 190 mm, which is soon to disappear. Same with the Mogema frames, same reason. Too bad, they were so good looking, eh ? Mogema frames also are the heaviest on the market, and Rollerblade justly decided to ban them next year.
2. When you have found a boot that fits your foot (lucky man) you buy the frame that fits it, that is :
- 5*84 if 165 mm, or
- 4*100 if 195 mm.
Brand name has no importance at your stage ; buying a used frame is a good idea - provided it fits your boot.
You arrive on the market at the very moment when there is a large revolution on the standards, and most vendors do not have a clue about what is what - actually they do not care provided you help them get rid of this year's stock.
I am sure you have perceived now that things are not that easy, so :
3. When buying your first equipment, come with a speed skater who can advise you. Never mail-order a carbon boot.
I do not know any other sport where you can buy so many pieces of shiny beautiful hi-tech expensive equipment, which you will never manage to use. |
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peterc
Joined: 10 Mar 2004
Posts: 1284
Location: M3 somewhere
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| Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 4:38 pm Subject: |
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| fzurro wrote: |
Anyway. What you said makes a lot of sense. The only thing I could save is the frame from my lighting 5 and it's a 4x82 setup (pain in the a..e to find 82 mm wheels now anyway).
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Not too sure about the exact frame you have but a little while with a metal file and you may be able to make your 82mm frame fit the much more easily aquired 84mm wheels.
The only shop I've found with speed skating stock is Skate Attack in North London |
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Michi
Joined: 11 Jun 2005
Posts: 658
Location: Hamburg
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| Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:03 pm Subject: |
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What I've done starting speedskating is the following: I've bought a pair of K2 Power 7.0 which is a semi speed boot (with no carbon at all). The good thing about this was that you can remove the frame from this boot.
So I started with 4*84 which was ok... than I switched to 5*80 which I really liked. After some weeks I bought a second hand Powerslide frame which has 5*84. And this one rocks. I really love it!
Maybe you have the opportunity to try some frames before making a decision.
And about the thing of being too fast: I started speedskating in April, on Friday I will do some moulding for my first carbon skates (custom).
Cheers
Michi |
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Mikey-two-Names
Joined: 24 Feb 2004
Posts: 4107
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| Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:47 pm Subject: |
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| Yup, you can defo mod the Lightning 5 frame for 84mm, at least the ones from 2002 and 2003, so I imagine the same for 2004 and 2005 frames is likely. |
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fzurro
Joined: 09 Sep 2005
Posts: 796
Location: Middlesex
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| Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 10:28 pm Subject: |
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Michi, I don't even know how to skate properly(ish) and am already thinking about the carbon boots (hehe). I love my toys, Can't help it Anyway. Yes. I do want to try the 5 wheel setup as well and see what happens. Problem is finding places where to buy the stuff (as you all know)
ls_mike, I have the 2003 model. I'll have a look and see how I can do this (I might end up breaking it and having to buy new skates ) |
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Natasha
Joined: 09 Jul 2004
Posts: 2973
Location: Basingstoke
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| Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 11:09 am Subject: |
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| ls_mike wrote: |
| Yup, you can defo mod the Lightning 5 frame for 84mm, at least the ones from 2002 and 2003, so I imagine the same for 2004 and 2005 frames is likely. |
Talk to Hans, he's done it to his. Also PeterC, he can probably do adjustments in his sleep. |
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