It's amazing how one doesn't post for almost a year, once real skiing begins and then transitions into biking season. The spiel on wheels fell apart, since the snow started to fall.
But, since the basics were posted, and it is now "high holy rollerskiing season" (again...), I had better finish it. I mentioned Material, Durometer (think "durable"), Size, and Shape. Here's what it all means:
Size + Shape =: Bigger wheels--especially inline wheels vs. true rollerski wheels--have more "taper"; that is, if you look at their profile head on (front to back), they look like they are "V-ing" at the top and bottom. This is less stable/solid, but makes you work on balance. And, of course, big = fast. These are great for dry days and flat terrain.
However, if your rollerski has no brake, you had really better know how to stop them, or be comfortable rolling off into the grass (and maybe falling down...). I use 100mm for things like the Northshore Inline Marathon--one of the only rollerski marathons in the country. The other is in Grand Marais, MI...today, incidentally. Oh well...maybe next year...
Durometer + Size = An Important Relationship: This is really the most important thing, especially if you are going to use inline wheels on rollerskis. Composition and durometer are intimately linked. That is a given, but since I don't know the breakdown of polyurethane vs. whatever else, I will not go there.
But, I can go into size and its relationship to durometer. If you go too soft, the wheel will break down quickly outside. However, that is more an issue with something like roller hockey, where you do a lot of tight turns and quick stops.
I have found that using a little softer wheel--say, a 77A--gives me a lot less "feedback" (vibration) from the road than a harder wheel. But, were I to use that with a big wheel, I would probably be losing chunks from the wheel left and right, thanks to rocks, twigs, etc. That crap could easily bite into the softer compound.
So, I went to Goodwill, and for $10 bought a lightly used pair of inlines, took the wheels off (78mm with 77A durometer) and gave them a try. Bazinga. I not only got less road chatter, but I lost little speed (averaging 10-12 mph on a steady-pace day, vs. 12-14), and I got a LOT more control--especially on the "big" hills at the local park.
Whereas before, I would have to go down 6% trail hills with one foot in the grass (since I don't always have a brake on my skis), I can "snowplow" these suckers the whole way down, and maintain control. Amazingly enough, they aren't worn to shreds, either. My husband used to aggressive inline at skate parks, and I had him take a look. He said they are fine.
I will say that it looks like the front wears down a little faster than the rear, which doesn't happen with bigger wheels. That's easy enough: rotate the rears to the front and vice versa, when you notice too much wear. My guess is this is from the front-leaning position we skiers use.
So Why Use Inline Wheels on Rollerskis? Basically, I like to go farther and see more in the time I rollerski. I get super bored, seeing the same terrain all the time, and find it ridiculous to have to drive somewhere just to get different scenery (though I will do it to get more and bigger hills, or ski with other people). With rollerski wheels, pushing hard, you will average maybe 10-12 mph (unless you are Matt Liebsch...). But, I can use less energy and get the same (or faster) speed with inline wheels, while working on my balance. And, occasionally I can talk my dad or husband into biking next to me if they want an easy workout (since I am WAY faster than the hubby on rollerskis, and my Dad doesn't use them at all). Give them a try. You just might like them!
Good Places to Buy Wheels:
Inline Warehouse This is my go-to site. Very helpful people who seem intrigued by the use I put to their wheels.
Inline Skates Have never bought from them, but they seem pretty cool.
Adam's Inline This guy is Minneapolis Local--my friend skates for his team, and she rocks, so I'll give him a plug.
Pierce Skate and Ski This is on the opposite end of Minneapolis from me, but I bought my ice speed skates from them, and the guy who heads up the skate department know his s*it. (Ted Petroskey)
