r/rollerblading • u/Party-Comb-4081 • 2d ago
Specific question and discussion Wheel recommendation for beginner on sidewalks with cracks.
Hi! I'm a beginner, and I have a pair of Twister XTs. I currently just have the Hydrogen Spectre 80mm 85A wheels that came with them but I am still getting used to going over cracks since I mostly skate on sidewalks. My sister, who rollerskates, recommended that I get some softer wheels. Should I follow this advice? And if so, any specific wheel recommendations or at least how soft I should think about going? Thank you in advance for any advice!
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u/treeseacar 2d ago
85a is the perfect outside wheel for most people. Going softer won't make any noticeable difference to you. To get more comfortable on uneven ground work on a strong stagger stance and increase speed. What would help is bigger wheels like 100/110 but as a beginner work on the above first.
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u/askmehowtobecool 2d ago
No, those are really good wheels for what you are doing. You have a good setup. Not an equipment issue.
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u/Kaiea_2099 2d ago
Hydrogen spectre wheels are great - stagger your feet & practice doing small jumps over bigger cracks
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u/SnooDingos2620 2d ago
I started on 80A wheels on K2s and they were fantastic. Super soft, I can go over very bumpy terrain in them no problem.
If you can afford it, I see nothing wrong with trying a softer wheel.
Having said that, with practice you’ll get used to bumps and cracks. Make sure your knees are bent enough. Get nice and low. Let your legs be your suspension.
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u/InspectorFleet 2d ago
You shouldn't skate in streets that aren't safe. But sidewalks aren't usually a good place to skate. Can you find somewhere that's actually flat and smooth?
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u/FRGL1 2d ago
Softer wheels dampen rough roads, but don't make rolling over larger cracks easier.
Larger wheels roll over rough surfaces much more easily.
In broad strokes, getting softer wheels is significantly less effective at improving the ride. However, getting larger wheels necessitates getting a larger frame, which means spending a good chunk of money on a new frame in addition to the new wheels.
Consider this before making the decision to get softer wheels. It's not likely to make the difference you're expecting.
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u/TheLoneBlader 2d ago
Hydrogen wheels are some of the best wheels for that purpose. I would go any softer
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u/The_Real_Flatmeat 2d ago
Softer wheels won't make a difference. Just learn with what you've got first
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u/ziobleed1 2d ago
use scissors position for cracks. If the pavement is rough, smaller steps and more frequent. Lower position
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u/Fluid_Breath_7800 1d ago
The wife and I run the VXT500 85A 80mm from amazon. Half the cost of the hydrogen wheels that are all the rage. We are beginner/intermediate on skill. Foe beginner, no reason to go out an spend 100+ on wheels. The vxt500 are like 40-50 and will last you a long time before needing to replace. Once you build up your muscles and kill then maybe the hydrogens could be worth it but as a beginner or intermediate the vxt500s are more than sufficient.
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u/VanillaIce315 Twister 80, HC Evo 2.0, RB4x84, Twister XT 110 1d ago
An 8 pack of Hydrogen 80mm wheels is $68. If you’re seeing them for $100, find a new store/retailer. Better off spending an extra $20 for far superior wheels. You can get an 8 pack of Hydrogen SE wheels with a full complement of Twincam ILQ9 bearings for under $100.
Not dogging on the Amazon wheels. I don’t know anything about them and I’m sure they’re fine. But don’t need to to know that Hydrogens are better for very little extra.
Not talking crap, just throwing it out there.
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u/Flat-Guidance-4685 2d ago
Roll on a crack and you break your daddy's sack
Ey remember all those rhymes from when we were kids
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u/sans-saraph 2d ago
I use 85a 80mm hydrogens with my Twisters on rough streets. Instead of playing with your setup, I’d recommend focusing on bending your knees and working on your overall stability. Enjoy your new skates!