More and more aggressive skaters are drawing attention to big wheels skating on a daily basis. Free, fast urban skating can also be a lot of fun, and what's more, it can significantly broaden our skating experiences. It only takes a few days on a proper urban skate with bigger wheels and a stiffer frame to make a come back to your everyday aggressive setup quite painful...
Personally, I have had a big wheel setup for last decade and I can honestly say it would be hard to get rid of it. I use it just as regularly as my main ones for aggressive ventures. The turning point for me was the introduction of a powerblading frame idea by Powerslide. The big wheel frame, compatible with UFS system. Before that, I did not pay attention to big wheel skates at all. Being a product from fitness/freeskate segment they were totally not “core”. Yet thanks to the first Kizer Advance frames, I could match my favourite aggressive boot with proper 80 mm wheels and I got into it pretty quick. There was no turning back. I switched a bike for big wheel skates immediately — random spot hunting around the city became even more fun and rewarding!
I started to use my skates more and more as a city mean of transport, perfecting my skating technique at the same time. Again, something that I did not pay attention to at all before. Skating meant only rolling for few meters to approach a handrail or a ledge. Over time, the 80 mm wheels, which I had treated as the big ones so far, began to be insufficient. I went through few bigger sizes to finally find the most optimal setting for my needs — long 4 x100 mm frames. The ease with which I was able to accelerate and maintain my speed with relatively little effort charmed me completely. In addition, regular big wheel sessions kept me in a good shape. My condition, was vastly improved which had substantial impact on my aggressive skating. Big wheel setup helped me with learning to skate fakie looking over my unnatural shoulder, rising my proficiency with 'full cab' spin tricks.
In many cases, skating big wheels can be a great introduction to flat setups — so feel free to experiment! The aggressive skate boot can be the perfect “base” for creating our first urban setup. A characteristic feature of an aggressive skate is a sturdy shell that protects the ankle well. Comparably stiff cuffs with the option of adjusting its height (e.g. Them skates), optional 45-degree straps to prevent a heel lift (e.g. Seba, Rollerblade) and it may turn out that our aggressive boot will be a great choice for a frame with bigger wheels. Currently, practically every frame manufacturer offers products of this type. So where to start?
First, let's answer the question: Will our big wheel setup be used strictly for urban skating? Or maybe we would like to try speed skating on longer distances? Maybe we just need more power at a skatepark or our favourite spot does not have a very good ground, and we constantly stumble over gaps in the pavement? The selection is hefty thus it is worth to focus on our personal requirements.
I need bigger wheels but I still want to do tricks!
In this case, let's look at the Ground Control HD 72 mm frames. Proportionally enlarged aggressive frame with replaceable H-Block (Metal or plastic) and a large split between the inner wheels. 72 mm wheels are perfectly “hidden” in the frame. HD frame is noticeably higher than the standard aggressive frame, but still easy to perform grinds with. Definitely one of the more universal solutions that will give us a taste of bigger wheels without sacrificing your favourite tricks. As the frame is made entirely of aluminium, it will work best with grinds on a coping and metal angles, i.e. simply designed for skatepark use. Yet if your skating is more street oriented, I recommend the plastic alternative Kizer Level 3.1 frames. Slightly shorter (one size fits all) but still with a well-protected groove and noticeably thicker side walls.
I need more speed! — (Beginner)
If we are looking for higher speeds, but we do not plan to grind, and we have not had experience with skating bigger wheels before, let's head towards the frames without H-block, with wheels in the size range of 80 mm and 90 mm. Basically, the frames with 80 mm wheels will still be quite short — which translates into good manoeuvrability and a fairly optimized centre of gravity. In short, it will be a comfortable setup for a skater transitioning from a super low aggressive frame. We definitely have the largest selection here. Ground Control offers three lengths of its FSK 80 frame set: M (240 mm), L (270 mm) and XL (280 mm). Big foot skaters with size EU 46 and up can therefore choose the longest variant to avoid the “cradle” effect, caused by too short frame.
However, if the higher and longer frame is not a problem , we can easily stick with the 90 mm version. Products from such brands as Kizer Element 90, Sola or the brand new IQON that provides the most variety. IQON AG Decode frames seem to be a unique solution in this case, because it offers the option of using 3x or 4x wheels in different positions. If we want to experiment with several settings at one go, AG Decode seems like a good start.
I need a lot of speed! — (Advanced)
If our skills are already at the appropriate level, and we do not mind a higher centre of gravity, do not have any resistance against the 100 mm, 110 mm or even 125 mm wheel frames. Skating with such large wheels is incredibly pleasant — maintaining the speed comes very easily, allowing us to cover longer distances effortlessly. Main representatives of this group are Kaltik Baats, IQON AG DECODE PRO 110 and available in 110 mm/125 mm versions, coloured Ground Control — Tri-Skate V3 frames.
I want to skate like Mushroom Blading guys!
Who doesn't know Todd and Joey? Two charismatic skate enthusiasts from Canada, who undoubtedly invented and has been constantly evolving the new style called Wizard skating. Artistic skating, full of self-expression and individual trick ideas involving only a perfect flat surface without the need of using cons or anything else. Frames dedicated to this type of skating are primarily created by Leon Basin and his Wizard brand. Getting more and more popular among worldwide blade scene, they are simply very stiff, one-piece frames with a unique rocker setting. Wizard frames are a bit pricey, yet high demand brought some competitors like Endless or Rockin frames, offering more affordable yet very close experience. For several months now, the Canadian crew has also been offering their own 90 mm and 100 mm wheels with a significantly reinforced core, which seem to be an excellent choice for Wizard setups. By choosing these products you actively support the phenomenon of Mushroom Blading!
3x, 4x or even x5 ?
When getting big wheel frame setup, we will certainly have to choose the number of wheels. Each of the setting gives a quite different experience. Three wheeled setup and its corresponding short frame surely will give us the most agility which may come handy while quick paced manoeuvring between pedestrians. Yet, having an aggressive skating background I am used to having a large space between the middle wheels. Triskate frames has a big wheel there so even a small thing like stopping by resting the centre of the frame against the curb can be tricky. Solely, I find 4x 100 mm wheels as the most versatile choice, which in a sense is more like standard flat aggressive setup just with cool rockering that helps with sharp turns. However, the big advantage of a triskate frame will be their good visual match with smaller sized skates. The length of the FR UFS frame is only 236 mm!
To get really funky, we can get even 5x wheel UFS frames nowadays. Wizard Advance and Rockin Mix5 are giving us a solution of very long wheel base for greater stability and much lower centre of gravity, that can make landing bigger gaps not so risky for our ankles.
Good wheels and bearings are essential!
As this entry is directed especially to the current aggressive skaters, it is worth mentioning the good selection of wheels and bearings is crucial. Intensive aggressive skating is known to quickly wear out the equipment and while in such case it may make sense to use weaker components, when choosing your setup of big wheels it is not worth getting shredded. A decent set of bearings and good quality wheels are a key element of the big wheels setup. Remember that with this style of skating, bearings are not used as intensely as it is with aggressive tricks. They will serve one or even two seasons without the need to replace them. Good quality wheels and fast bearings are essential for our experience to be incomparably better, and we will reach 100% of the potential hidden in the big wheels! Undercover is still the leading brand of urban skating wheels — excellent durability, great grip and a wide range of colours. Popular Rollerblade Hydrogen wheels are close behind, although if we are looking for slightly cheaper, but still trustworthy wheels, I highly recommend Spinner models by Powerslide. Definitely the best price-quality ratio!
