I've heard from a lot of skaters who are upgrading from their first pair of skates that they are going to use their old skates as "outdoor skates." From my experience, this rarely actually happens. Once you get used to your awesome new skates it is quite difficult, and often unnecessary, to go back to that old pair.
If you are bouting, scrimmaging, or doing some seriously heavy practicing on asphalt where you are going to be falling a lot, then I could see wanting to wear your less expensive boots...but if you are just going to be doing some trail skating or practicing on smooth concrete there really isn't a need to keep those old skates around.
What you will need, however, is some outdoor wheels. If you haven't had a proper set of outdoor wheels and have only tried skating outside with old indoor wheels, you are in for a treat! Outdoor wheels are about 78a hardness, which is super soft and will roll over cracks and rocks with ease. I recommend either Pulses, which come in a variety of colors, or Kryptonics, which not only come in a variety of colors but also 3 sizes to choose from. Here are the details:
Atom Pulse Wheels
Atom Pulse Green, Pink, Smoke, Blue, and Purple Wheels |
- 78a durometer (super soft)
- 65mm x 37mm
- Pink, Blue, Green, Purple, Smoke
- Weight-2 lbs for 8 wheels
Pulses are popular for a reason, not only will you roll over cracks and pebbles with ease, but they are also available in 5 sweet colors-they look like gummy Life Savers! They are shaped like regular indoor wheels (not slim or micro) so they are nice and stable for long trail skating sessions.
- 78a durometer (super soft)
- 62mm x 37mm available in Red, Black, Blue, or Clear
- 65mm x 40mm available in Red, Black, Blue, or Clear
- 70mm x 42mm available in Red, Blue, or Clear
- Weight-Route 62's 1.6 lbs, Route 65's 1.9 lbs and Route 70's 2.65 lbs
Kryptonic Route 62, 65, and 70 Wheels |
I have been skating on Kryptonics for years and love their unique shape which not only makes them lighter in weight than they would be with a normal edge, but pebbles ping out from under your skates instead of getting stuck and making you go flying (not fun!). The Route 70's are a bit on the heavy side, but they are super stable and nice for beginner skaters.
If you are used to slim or low wheels for indoor skating, the Route 62 or 65 wheels will work well for outdoor skating and shouldn't feel too different in terms of width or height when switching from indoor to outdoor and back again.
A few skaters have asked me what I think about skating outside with hybrid wheels (usually about an 84a durometer wheel). These wheels tend to lose their stickiness ability once you skate outside on them so I prefer to keep them really clean and use them for super slick floors; however, if you only have a choice between hybrid or indoor wheels, go with the hybrids...your feet will thank me when they don't go numb from the vibrations!
Cheezeballs Gouda Bearings |
If you are a new reader of the G Spot and would like to learn more about bearings, here is a post you may find helpful...Get Your Bearings.
187 Lock-In Recaps |
All we have left now is protective gear...you can (and probably should) use all the same equipment as when you skate inside, but will probably want to either use some old knee pads or get some that have knee caps you can easily replace such as the new 187 Pro Derby knee pads. Not only are the Lock-In Recaps easy to replace, but they lock in place (these babies are never accidentally falling off!) and also come in tons of colors. Before ordering, make sure you know if you have the old 187 knee pads or the new ones, and pay attention to the sizing chart because they come in two sizes.
Lastly, I'd like to give you a few tips I have had to learn the hard way...keep your knees bent when going over rocky or uneven terrain, keep one foot in front of the other when going fast (helps to keep you from doing a Superman), tuck-and-roll when you fall since it's hard to slide on asphalt, and always yield to vehicles, even if you have the right-of-way. You are now ready to get out there and start skating on your favorite bike trails or back roads!
For the next blog post I'm going to continue this topic. There are a few more items to discuss for outdoor skating such as: what to pack for long trail rides, what to wear, and helpful changes to your skates.
For the next blog post I'm going to continue this topic. There are a few more items to discuss for outdoor skating such as: what to pack for long trail rides, what to wear, and helpful changes to your skates.
Edit: I need a name (real/derby/whatev) to keep track of entries into the contest.
Until we skate again!
Shocker
Roller Derby Lass
ReplyDeleteCannot Write Nice Haiku Poem
Victim of High Block
Long time derby ref
ReplyDeleteNow sees pink knee pad recaps
super fabulous
The world is my track
ReplyDeleteI am fearless on the road
Oh shit no a twig
Thank you for the lovely haiku! Please leave your name (derby name is fine) so I can put it in the drawing :)
Deleteskate fast and turn left.
ReplyDeletewho knew going 'round in circles
would take me so far
Thank you for the lovely haiku! Please leave your name (derby name is fine) so I can put it in the drawing :)
DeleteRound and round we go.
ReplyDeleteHips, butts... elbows, forearms, NO!
Skate fast, hit harder.
I'm behind the pack
ReplyDeleteCannot seem to get a grip
Some new wheels might help :)!
Wheels are too pricey
ReplyDeleteI have student loans to pay
Pain is costly too
Come up hard and fast
ReplyDeleteThe blockers think they have you
And jump the apex
Lala LaBombsYa
ReplyDeleteMy derby wife, she hits me.
Then she gives me hugs.
Pulses are pretty,
ReplyDeleteBut I beat all the jammers
with ugly Street Hogs
Derby is my love.
ReplyDeleteNot my first love, but my greatest.
Until death takes me.
bruises are sexy
ReplyDeletepurple badges of honor
we wear them with pride
Poems for new wheels
ReplyDeleteDid Wookie's trip to Japan
Inspire the haiku?
rain, Sitka weather
ReplyDeleteoutdoor skating zipping by
wanting wheels to fly
Rain, sleet or snow won't keep me from staying low and to hit them hard, so they remember my name and number!! :-D
ReplyDeleteKommando Karen U812
Retired from derby
ReplyDeleteSummer trails calling my name
Time to lace up skates
Lascivious Lenabelle 24/7
Bear hot on my tail
ReplyDeleteSliding like the lazy tide
Summer roller ride
Crash, Sitka Sound Slayers
Memories of my first ever outdoor skate:
ReplyDeleteI am skating fast
faster than a hurricane
oh shit plows don't work
Wren E Gade
Hellfire Harlots, Nottingham UK
twenty four wheels outside
ReplyDeleteswerve, turn and spin around
muscles groam smiles shine
Dedicate to Cozy & Rebecca, it was so much fun the first outdoor skate of 2013!!
Pink Slammin'
Petersburg
Voodoo stalks my left
ReplyDeleteCreeping, chasing, breaking, right?
Watch me vanish...POOF!
By Ella
Rage City
Off Season?
ReplyDeleteThe change of season
Might see a change of my wheels
Never my focus
~Athena Latina
Daughter and I skate....
ReplyDeleteTogether we develop
Wicked Derby Skills!!!!
Siouxsie Queue
FBXRG/Gold Diggers
Keep eyes locked on hers
ReplyDeleteAs her skates dig, ours do too
INSIDE! Jammer Up!
I'm also adding this gem from my boyfriend which he made up with after watching me count on my fingers.
Haiku would be tough
Roller Derby is two words
But four syllables
Murdersella
AZRG/Hail Marys