Why Do Rollerblades Have Different Wheel Sizes?

Size

• Rollerblade wheels are measured in millimeters to help skaters identify which set will best suit their needs. The size is measured along the diameter, or height, of the wheel. If you choose a larger wheel, you will be able to skate faster than if you select a smaller wheel. This is because of the reduction in rolling resistance. But the increase in size comes at a price. The larger the wheel, the less maneuverability an in-line skater has compared to that of smaller wheels.

Large Wheels

• Larger wheels are usually favored by speed skaters who need to squeeze as much speed as possible out of their skates. In an interview with speed skating champion Eddie Matzger on The Inline Planet, he was described as being "perched atop in-line skates with wheels the size of glazed doughnuts" because of the large size of his wheels. You can find wheels in sizes up to 100 mm, which will give a lot of speed once the skater gets going. But the force a skater needs to accelerate from a full stop to full speed is far greater the larger the wheel. Speed skaters will usually prefer a wheel around 76 mm in size for a sprint race to find the best compromise between acceleration and speed. On longer races, a wheel size of around 82 mm is usually favored to take advantage of the faster speeds once at full acceleration.

Small Wheels

• Rollerbladers who want fast acceleration and better control will opt for smaller wheels. Skaters who play street hockey rely on quick changes in direction and sudden bursts of speed, so need a wheel which can accommodate this. Wheels around 70 mm offer a balance of speed and a lower center of gravity to ensure stability at high speeds. This level of control is essential in hockey, where quick reactions and fast action combine.

  Aggressive skaters who want to perform tricks in the skate park or on the street can find wheels in even smaller sizes. Whether grinding over rails or performing hand-grabs on the half-pipe ramp, control is essential which is why smaller wheels under 60 mm are preferred. Most skate manufacturers design skates that only fit smaller wheels. A spokesman for Create Originals confirmed on eRolling.com that some of their frames that hold the wheels in place are specifically designed so they only fit wheels smaller than 59mm. Aggressive skaters can also use wheels as small as 40 mm in the middle of their skates to make it easier to lock on to a rail when grinding.

Recreational Skating

• Although different-sized wheels can serve a variety of purposes, skaters who Rollerblade for recreation or fitness should not be too concerned with the multitude of sizes on offer. Any size between 70 mm and 80 mm will suit most skaters who just want to have fun in their local park.

Considerations

• When shopping for your perfect set of wheels, there are many other considerations to make other than the size. The shape of the wheel can also affect speed and control. The profile of some wheels will dome when looking at them head on, while others will be flat. How much the wheel tapers will determine how much of the wheel is in contact with the ground. This can determine the level of control and amount of speed the wheels will provide. Each wheel also contains a core made up of ball-bearings. These can come in a variety of materials and types which can also contribute to speed. Finally, the material the wheel is made out of can also be a factor when choosing a set of wheels for your Rollerblades. A harder material will mean less wearing down, but can affect how smooth your ride is and the grip between your skates and the ground.