WHICH WHEELS TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR ROLLERSKIS?

Whether you're training for cross-country skiing or discovering a new way to ski outside the snow season, rollerskis are gaining in popularity. Find out how to choose wheels for your rollerskis!

Description of rollerski wheels

Placed at each end of the ski, rollerski wheels consist of a spoke rim made of composite or aluminium. This allows for easy replacement of the rubber in case of wear & tear. There are two main types of rubber on the market for rollerski wheels:

• Rubber rollerski wheels: a softer material that enhances grip on even wet roads.
• The rollerski wheels made of polyurethane (PU): a more resistant material that is more suitable for skating rollerskis.

The diameter of these rollerski wheels is usually between 75 and 100 mm, and their width is about 25 mm, i.e. about the same as skates wheels. Note that the diameter of a rollerski wheel affects its speed. Thus, larger diameter wheels are faster, while smaller wheels will give you better balance by keeping your centre of gravity lower.

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Rollerski wheel hardness index

One of the main things to consider when buying wheels for a rollerski is their hardness. This is measured in Shore and is indicated by a number usually between 74 and 100, followed by an A. The closer the number is to 0, the softer the wheel will be, the closer it is to 100, the harder it will be.

Your feeling on the road depends on this index. Indeed, the softer a wheel is (around 75A for instance), the more comfortable it will be and the more you will feel the vibrations on the road. However, it will tend to wear out more quickly. Conversely, the harder a ski wheel is, the more durable it will be and the less grip it will have, which increases power and speed.

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What criteria should you consider when choosing wheeled ski wheels?

The choice of your rollerski wheels, and more specifically their hardness, depends on several factors:

• Your weight: just like cross-country ski bindings, the hardness of rollerski wheels depends on your weight. The greater the load on the ski, the harder the rubber should be.
• Your level: if you are an already experienced wheeled ski skier and able to control your skis at high speed, you will opt for a high hardness index for your rollerski wheels. If you are still a beginner or want a more physical exercise to improve your endurance, it is better to use softer rubber.
• The type of road: for riding on tarmac or a smooth road, hard wheels will help you gain speed. If you are used to riding on more uneven or grainy roads, you will need to opt for softer rollerski wheels, offering more grip.

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Choosing your wheeled ski wheels according to your technique

Depending on whether you practice classic or skating roller skiing, the choice of your wheels will be different. The classic technique indeed requires wider (between 24 and 65 mm) and slower - and therefore softer - wheels in order to gain more stability. Skating, on the other hand, requires harder wheels, which allow you to reach higher speeds and to skid better - and therefore slide - on the ground.

If you are still unsure about which type of wheels to choose for your ski wheel, don't hesitate to ask a professional for advice before making your purchase!