How to choose the right roller skis. Roller skis Roller skis on a composite frame

The website catalog presents models for different riding styles:

ridge;
classic;
off-road.

In addition to the products of well-known brands SWIX, SWENOR, START, ELPEX, KV+, SRB, MARWe, whose equipment is used by professional athletes, the store has roller skis from the Russian manufacturer - the SHAMOV company.

Comparisons and differences

It is easy to distinguish classic roller skis from skate skis.

The following wheel sizes are popular:

70/80*30 mm;
100*24 mm - like roller skates.

Distinguish expressways And training roller skis.

If you don’t know which roller skates to choose, then give preference to high-speed ones. They are designed to achieve maximum riding pleasure. It is high-speed roller skis that are used in racing.

Training roller skis simulate snow skiing. Athletes train on them in the off-season in preparation for the ski season. Their riding speed is comparable to winter skiing.

How to choose roller skis

Beginner skiers have questions:

Which skis are best to buy?
What is the difference between classic and skate or off-road?
Is it possible to ride the same roller skis in different styles and use them as universal skis?
What is the difference between imported products and Russian ones? Why is foreign more expensive and why is it better?

Answers to these questions can be obtained from store managers. All of them are not just salesmen, but also active skiers. Their advice is based on personal experience and in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of the inventory being sold.

In the corresponding section of the catalog you will receive comprehensive information about the criteria for selecting equipment based on technical characteristics, manufacturer, level of training of the athlete and the planned use of roller skis.

Why us

Safety

(rubber). Polyurethane frames are harder and more wear-resistant and are preferable for good quality asphalt.

Rubber frames roll softer than polyurethane ones, and if the asphalt is not of very good quality, then they are more suitable.

Recently, roller skis with composite platforms have appeared, which can significantly absorb vibration from uneven roads, as well as roller skis with inflatable wheels for roads of any quality (for off-road). But the price of such roller skis can reach ten thousand rubles, so not every athlete can afford to buy such roller skis.
Roller skis are usually divided into two classes: rollers for classic and skating, and these, in turn, are divided into training rollers and racing (high-speed) roller skis, although there are also combined types that combine the advantages of both classes.
Training roller skis help an athlete master the ski stroke because roller ski wheels are typically made of rubber to reduce vibration and increase traction, allowing the athlete to focus on skiing technique.
Roller skis for racing (also known as high-speed roller skis) allow athletes to reach high speeds, so their design involves a rigid straight or upwardly curved platform to increase stability, and the wheels have a larger diameter for free passage of cracks and other obstacles on the road, and a smaller width for you were fast. Wheels can be made of polyurethane to increase rolling resistance.
Currently, with the deep penetration of the Internet in Russia, it is not difficult to buy a suitable roller ski model with an installed ski mount anywhere in our country. But how can you choose from the wide variety of roller ski models produced by global and Russian manufacturers (to which the company belongs) what suits you best?

INChoosing roller skis for classic skiing

The main difference between classic roller skis is a ratcheting mechanism installed on one of the pairs of wheels, which blocks backward rotation. The platform length of classic roller skates is longer (more than 68 cm) to stabilize the course when moving, and the rubber wheels are wider for increased stability (more than 4 cm). The wheels usually have a small diameter so that the height of the roller ski platform above the ground is insignificant, then it will be easier for the athlete to maintain his balance while riding. This configuration of roller skis provides the athlete with a comfortable ride while training on the classic course.

An example of classic roller skis are roller skis (Elpex type): a lightweight frame made of aluminum alloy 685 mm long, soft rubber wheels with an installed locking ratchet mechanism 40 mm wide and 70 mm high, supporting the weight of the athlete up to 90 kg.

Choosing roller skis for skating

Skate roller skis have narrower wheels and shorter frames than classic roller skis.
An example of skating roller skis are “Shamov” roller skis (type “Start” model): with wheels made of polyurethane 80x28 mm, or rubber 70x30 mm or 80x30 mm.
These skates have a lightweight aluminum frame (center distance 590 mm) and can support an athlete’s weight up to 90 kg. Also, these models have composite frames (with steel “forks”) that can support an athlete’s weight of over 90 kg.

The model of roller skis for skating (Marwe type) has the highest rubber wheels with a diameter of 100 mm and a width of only 24 mm, which reduce the total friction of the roller skis with the road. These rollers also have good grip on asphalt and are great for training.

They are seasonal. Adherents of any seasonal discipline often begin to get bored when the time of year comes that is unsuitable for, say, skiing.

However, there are shells that can make separation from your favorite equipment easier. For example, in order to ski even when there is no snow on the ground, there are roller skis, or roller skis.

Having once appeared as a device for summer training of skiers, roller skis soon became so popular that they themselves turned into a seasonal discipline.

So, what is it?

Description

The principle of operation of such skis is not very different from the principle of using cross-country skis (except that they can be used without special poles). However, there are some differences in the design of these two projectiles.

The most important of them is the wheels. To enable roller skis to move even on snow-free asphalt, they are equipped with four rollers - two on each platform.

Material

Roller skis are not made of wood. They are made from rubber and polyurethane. The choice of a product from a particular material is usually determined by conditions.

If an athlete purchases an accessory for running on bad asphalt, he chooses soft rubber products. They don't vibrate as much. However, such platforms wear out faster.

Those who have the opportunity to exercise on smooth paths choose polyurethane. It is stiffer, which is why all the irregularities are felt more strongly. But this material is more resistant to wear.

It should be noted that roller skis did not always look the way they look now. In order to trace the evolution of this projectile, you need to understand its history.

Story

The first appeared in the thirties of the last century. The first to see them were residents of Northern Europe and Italy.

As we have already said, for forty years since their introduction, these products have been used exclusively for summer training of ski athletes.

However, in the seventies, the history of these devices took an unexpected turn. Riding on such devices has turned into a separate sport, in which small competitions have even begun to be held.

Number of wheels

Now the rider moves on four wheels. Previously, roller skiing required six wheels - three on each ski board.

One wheel was located at the front and two at the rear.

Material

At that time they weren’t made from wood, but they didn’t even get to the point of making them from polyurethane and rubber. The platforms were made of metal. People who grew up during Soviet times will probably remember the appearance of these shells.

Innovators

Gradually, experts realized that there was no need to run on three wheels. Much more exciting, challenging and interesting is running on platforms that have only two wheels attached to them. After all, then the device becomes no longer so stable, but more maneuverable.

The initiators of the changes in the design were the Italian Paolo Miorin and his like-minded person Scirollo.

The second, by the way, is considered the inventor of roller skis with two wheels. The most famous company producing these devices, Skirollo, is named in his honor.

Sport

When riding on such platforms became more interesting and difficult, the sport of roller ski racing became very popular. At first this discipline captured Italy, and then received an international resonance.

As a result, in the early 1980s, there was talk about the need to create a rollerskiing federation. And it was created in 1985.

Roller skiing strengthened its status as an international sport in 1993, when international competitions were held in The Hague.

In 2000, the World Wheel Ski Championships took place. The same projectile is used in various summer biathlon competitions.

Over time, individual disciplines in roller skiing began to stand out, which means that different types of equipment began to appear.

Kinds

Roller skis come in the following types:

classic;
racing;
ridge;
training;
mountain

Classic

Classic wheel skis are a platform with a length of seventy to one hundred centimeters; there is one wheel in front and behind each ski board.

Racing

Racing shells are characterized by their rigidity. They are designed for use on ideal surfaces, so they are not created using soft materials that dampen vibration.

The diameter of the wheels of such projectiles reaches one hundred millimeters.

Skate

Skating devices differ from classic ones in the length of the frame. It does not exceed 60–65 centimeters. Externally, such a projectile looks like a modified wheel skate.

Inline skating devices use plastic wheels, since rubber ones can lose their shape too quickly.

Training

Roller skis for beginners differ from classic ones in that they use the softest wheels that do not make a lot of noise when moving. Sometimes such products are equipped with a special device that prevents them from accelerating too quickly.

Mountain

The fact is that mountain roller skis as a type are a non-existent concept. Since there are no competitions for skiing down the slopes on wheel skis. To do this, it would be necessary to erect large-scale mountain scenery with a smooth surface suitable for driving on small ski wheels.

However, there are extreme sports enthusiasts who, on plastic platforms, are ready to conquer, if not mountain peaks, then certainly asphalt ones.

Since mountain roller skis are not sold in stores, such lovers of downhill skiing use, for example, skate or classic equipment.

Some people turn regular products into mountain ones by equipping them with additional heel mounts.

In isolated cases, athletes completely manufacture mountain equipment themselves. At the same time, they take into account that the mountain product must be longer and narrower than the classic one, and must also have additional fastenings.

Whatever branch of roller skiing you choose, take care of your safety: do not hesitate to use knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet. After all, even in the most adrenaline-pumping disciplines, you need to remember about your own health.

If you know interesting facts about wheel skis, please tell us about them in the comments.

Roller ski rollers are usually made from two materials: polyurethane and rubber (rubber). Polyurethane frames are harder and more wear-resistant and are preferable for good quality asphalt. Rubber frames roll softer than polyurethane ones, and if the asphalt is not of very good quality, then they are more suitable.

Roller skis are usually divided into two classes: rollers for classic and skating, and these, in turn, are divided into training rollers and racing (high-speed) roller skis, although there are also combined types that combine the advantages of both classes.

Training roller skis help an athlete master the ski stroke because roller ski wheels are typically made of rubber to reduce vibration and increase traction, allowing the athlete to focus on skiing technique.

Roller skis for racing (also known as high-speed roller skis) allow athletes to reach high speeds, so their design involves a rigid straight or upwardly curved platform to increase stability, and the wheels have a larger diameter for free passage of cracks and other obstacles on the road, and a smaller width for you were fast. Wheels can be made of polyurethane to increase rolling resistance.

Model selection
On roller skates, the athlete stands on a platform several centimeters higher than on skis. Therefore, when choosing roller skates, great importance should be given to the need to maintain balance. If racing rollers are designed for uncompromising maximum speed, then for long training it is advisable to have rollers on which it is easier to maintain balance - this will save strength and help avoid injuries.

Choosing a model for the classic move
For classical training, roller skis must provide sufficient stability and stability when pushing and rolling. For this reason, training classic roller skis have rather long frames (70 cm or more in length) and wide wheels made of relatively soft rubber. This design provides a soft ride with a long roll. An excellent example of classic training roller skis are the Elpex Wasa 610 and SkiSkett Bull models.

A faster option is classic roller skis with smaller wheels and harder tires. For example, Elpex Team 610 and SkiSkett Nord. These models are quite suitable for participation in competitions. For sprint racing on classic roller skis (such races are not very common at the moment) and for competitions on slopes with steep climbs, it is recommended to use three-wheeled models of classic roller skis, for example SkiSkett BITURBO. The three-wheel design provides high stability under strong impacts. And the use of polyurethane wheels with high rigidity ensures low friction.

All roller skis are equipped with a pair of wheels with a ratchet for a classic ride. The ratchet is a rather expensive mechanism and replacing wheels with a ratchet can cost more than half the cost of assembled roller skates. Therefore, it is recommended to choose roller skis with waterproof bearings or install such bearings yourself.

Choosing a model for skating.
For the vast majority of riders, skating provides the fastest speed. Roller ski models for racing typically have two narrow, large-diameter wheels that can provide the best skating performance.

For skating, it is better to choose roller skis with polyurethane wheels. Skate wheels are narrow, no more than 4 centimeters. The skate roller platform is slightly shorter than for the classic skate, approximately 60 cm between the axles. The most common model in Russia is Start Skating 71, which was used for All-Russian roller ski competitions. The SkiSkett Fire model, which is similar in characteristics, has a larger range of delivery options - with rubber or polyurethane wheels on a metal or plastic rim.

Racing models are characterized by narrow wheels, usually about 2 cm wide, which reduces friction with asphalt. The diameter is about 100 mm, the maximum allowed by international regulations. The length of the platform is 530 mm (again, the minimum permissible by international rules), which allows you to achieve maximum cadence.

The most widely used racing model among SkiSkett roller skates is the Cobra model. There are various configuration options for them, from different types of bearings to wheels with different hardnesses. The appropriate options are selected depending on the specific conditions of the race - asphalt condition, weather conditions, etc. The Elpex Race model is widely known.

In racing models, the bindings are not installed in the center of gravity of the platform, as is done when installing bindings on skis. Instead, the bindings are placed in such a way that the center of gravity of the roller ski coincides with the center of the foot of the ski boot, where the maximum load is created when pushing. Thus, the load is evenly distributed between the two wheels. A load evenly distributed across the wheels creates the least total resistance and ensures the highest speed.

High-speed roller skis with a short platform, high wheels and a mount that is not installed at the center of gravity of the ski require a special pushing technique. This technique is somewhat different from skiing technique. However, high speeds increase the risk of injury. For this reason, it is not recommended to buy racing roller ski models for everyday training unless you plan to compete.

Special roller skis.
Roller skating workouts last a long time - up to 3 hours or more. In this case, the athlete may experience significant inconvenience and discomfort from vibrations coming from the wheels. For long training sessions and training on poor quality asphalt, the Elpex F1, with large diameter soft rubber wheels, can be an excellent choice. The next step in this direction is the Elpex OFF ROAD model. These roller skis allow you to train on tracks with any hard surface. Elpex OFF ROAD wheels have a diameter of more than 150mm. and covered with soft solid rubber.

Soviet industry at one time produced roller skis for off-road travel with inflatable wheels with a diameter of about 20 cm. These structures weighed quite a lot - about 4 kg, but drove perfectly on roads of any quality. Some Western companies produce similar models, but finding them on sale is quite difficult.