LondonSkaters Speed Team - Speed Skating & Rollerblading Club in London

skatersmom · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Perth, Australia

hi everyone. Ive been reading lots on frames sizing etc, and want to ask something else in regards to this.
I have a 14 year old daughter whom is 6 foot approx 11 half stone ( not an inch of fat) and has mens 10half feet.
At present she is skating in a bont sharkie boot on a powerslide hi low 100mm frame and mach 2 wheels..Due to problems with the frame she has temporarily gone back to a 5 x 80mm frame. I have noticed that there is no loss of speed in fact she is still knocking out the same times, which to me suggests she is not using the 100mm efficiently. She has also been hospitalised recently with excessive wear and tear in her ankle joint.
what i want to know, would someone of her build actually be better off with 90mm wheels. I have ordered some to try on her powerslide frame, but actually wonder if she would benefit from a 5 x 90mm. Can all you tall people out their tell me what they find best to skate in and what issues do tall people have whilst skating. She skates on both road and wooden and concrete floors.

brandbarth · Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Posts: 43 Location: 30 km NW of Hamburg

lemming · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 693 Location: Reading, UK

I'm no expert, but am just over 6 foot 1. I couldn't get to grips with a 5 * 84 frame (although I still have it and intend to try again) and am now on 4 * 100 which I find really easy to use.

I think it's probably more to the person than how tall they are. Others are likely to be along soon to give some better advice.

skatersmom · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Perth, Australia

Hi Bradbarth,
I agree with you , I was very concerned to find out that she has excessive wear and tear on the joint, She had actually been admitted to hospital with bad cellulitis caused by her eczema. The wear and tear was a "by the way did you know" from the doctors. She has always had loose ligaments that do not support her joints properly. In the beginning she used to wear support bandages but she now refuses. She is well known for her dipping ankles. In fact she refuses to wear wheels that stop her dipping. She uses this dipping action to push off the corners. I had never intended putting her on 100's, but when we were at Nationals she begged and begged to have them. We were looking for new frames at the time , and as powerslide 100's were more affordable the the 84's ( we had originallyintended to buy) I let her have the 100,s.
Most people in Western Australia are now on 100's even 9 year olds, so I didnt really think it would be an issue and her coach said she would be able to cope on them. The reason I am looking at 5 x 90's is because I am wondering if they will be more stable , especially on the ankle. I am going to get her to try the 4x 90's to see how she copes. She does not want to go back to 80's. The damage to her ankle is far more exessive then one would expect from the amount of training she does, I can see why people might assume I am pushing her, but I am not. The doctors do agree that her dipping her ankles are probubly causing the damage.
I have given her the ultimatum that she goes back to the support bandages changes her technique and learns to use the wheels that wont allow her to dip, otherwise she is out of speed skating. Speed skating is not worth risking her mobility for .
I was asking for opinions on this site because I find you do seem to take your advice seriously and are helpful. I have been told by people over here to let her continue on the 100's as she will get used to them.
Sorry I have waffled on too long, but appriciate any advice /opinions you can give me. Very Happy

Mikey-two-Names · Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 4108

I think your best bet would be to find a knowledgeable coach who can see her skate in person, and give advice then. The internet is probably only the place for getting ideas, but no more than that, especially with something as serious at this.

Why not go on the Bont message board at www.bont.com and ask there, I'm sure someone will be able to recommend a quality coach who knows his or her stuff near to you.

Gav · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 3:56 pm Subject:

Hey skatersmom, just a quick comment on the 5x90s... my personal opinion is you need to be minimum 6ft, and quite strong to use them. They are a lot heavier than a 4x100 setup! I don't think I'd suggest them for a youngster, I reckon there's a chance it'd slow them down/tire them out because of the weight increase.

skatersmom · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Perth, Australia

Thanks for the advice everyone.
The replacement powerslide frames arrived and I took the plunge and purchased some 90mm (3x90, 1x80) wheels and got her to try them. Well she hasnt looked back. I did get her to go back on the 100 set up, but after one training session she was complaining of a very sore ankle, so I put her straight back on the 90's. We were also lucky in being able to purchase a near new boot that is higher and gives her heaps of ankle support.She finds the setup very comfortable and a huge improvement on the old setup.
This weekend she competed in the State Championships and got 5 silvers and more importantly, beat her personal best times. She is one very happy girl.(and Im one proud mother). Hopefully her times will continue to improve now her ankles are stable , and she will one day be able to attend oceanias and worlds ( her dream not mine) .