LondonSkaters Speed Team - Speed Skating & Rollerblading Club in London

ed! · Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:51 pm Subject: Using "indoor wheels" outside

Hi all,

I was just wondering if anyone knows the implications of using wheels designed for indoor use outside.

I used to think that softer durometers = indoor wheel, but have now noticed that some indoor wheels have durometers of around 89a. So now I'm a bit confused.

The wheels in question are the Hyper SGB. I was thinking about getting some, but not sure how they'd perform.

Thanks,

Ed

Gav · Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 2:25 pm Subject:

well - a higher durometer generally means a harder wheel. Pretty much all of us skate on 85a, some on 84a. Harder wheels also have less 'rebound' on them.

So... harder, and less rebound. Means that the surface is going to have to be beautifully smooth (like a wooden indoor surface Wink

) to get maximum grip from the wheel.

You can use them no problem, what you'll probably find is you'll have not great grip (especially if it's not perfectly dry), and they will be pretty bad on rough surfaces.

Rick · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 5914

Wierd most indoor wheels I have used have a durometer rating of 76A or less. They would last about 4 hours with my weight on them at the Albert Memorial. Some have done well over 100 hours indoors and I can still see the seams. I don't slide indoors though.

ed! · Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 2:39 pm Subject:

I agree Rick, most of the indoor labelled wheels that I've seen were always of a low durometer, hence my confusion.

Thanks Gav for clearing that up. I'm currently on 85a +Grip wheels on my aggro skates, and so if I use them, the comfort impact should be minimal despite it being a harder wheel - bit worried about the grip factor though.

I'll give them a go and post some feedback.

Now, just a question of finding some super smooth surfaces!

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

It's a bit different to hockey. Hockey indoor wheels tend to be super soft and very sticky, but slow as a result. Speed indoor wheels, on the other hand, are super hard and designed for use on smooth indoor surfaces with a grip "paint" applied like Roll-On. 89A is probably on the soft side for indoor, I've heard of 90-95A too.

If you enjoy your fillings staying where they are supposed to, then you probably don't want to skate on these wheels outside. Ask Caz, he used some for a while.

merten · Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:40 pm Subject:

Quick summary of another discussion I've read on another forum:

- Stay away from US indoor speed wheels for outdoor use. They might grip well on some surfaces, but will slip instantly on others. Not a good idea in races where surfaces might change without notice. Also the hardness can cause trouble to joints etc.

- Some people recommended track wheels like the blue Matters (Fxxxt).

Dunno, I'll stick with Star Wheels, best wheel I've had so far.

ed! · Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 4:46 pm Subject:

Thanks for the added info.

I wasn't seriously thinking about using the wheels for races, more recreational use - sliding, street skates etc, so don't worry, I won't be racing in them (if I actually start racing). :)
Although based on further details, I'm not sure if it's something I'll go into (thanks for the horror, but true stories Mike)

I've not tried the Star wheels, do they come in a "small", i.e. 80mm and 84mm? If so, how do they compare to the Hyper +Grip?

kim · Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Posts: 143 Location: London

Indoor wheels are indeed very hard. I was given a set from some US chap once but was also told that you can't use them outside or they will be torn to shreds very quickly. In fact, they are mainly only useful on wooden indoor places, probably need to be treated as well.

Kim