thats the product info off checkersport. But i can't seem to find what the differences are between semi-race and alphas! Just says these are more recreational skates, but still can't seem much of a difference!
Could anyone elaborate?
thanks
[mod note: resized image and made it into a link]
Post edited by: dogsbody, at: 20:11 15 Apr 08
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lemming
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Posts: 3044
Re:Taking up speed skating - 18:36 15 Apr 08No clue at all I'm afraid. I hate to repeat myself, but either ask Vincent Henry (at Checkersport) or try a post at lsst - someone there may have a set and will be able to say.
A friend of mine has also just bought some Bont Jets. His final comment was For me, they are never going to be as perfectly fitting as custom boots, but for someone on a budget or purely testing the water of speed skating, would do well to start on something like these.
I need to check with the website owner before giving you full access to his review, although it is on the same site as the review above, so hunt a bit and you may be able to find it.! Skate Monkey !
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adramshaw
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Re:Taking up speed skating - 20:54 15 Apr 08aaah, i've already read most of the reviews on that site in search of the perfect skate!
I've emailed the owner of checker sport (vincent), and before coming here spoke with the owner of londonskaters.
I've decided it would probably be best to go with your advice and try to buy a pair over here in the UK just for the returnability!
Just wish there was a BONT store over in London or something as i've always preferred to try things on >.<
Ooh well! I guess i'll have to sort this out independently now!
Thanks for all your help!
Maybe i'll see some of you soon if i get my act together
thanks!!
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lemming
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Re:Taking up speed skating - 21:19 15 Apr 08Mike's a big advocate of Bonts, plus he knows a lot about teh subject.
I hope we do see you at Goodwood or somewhere. It's not a big sport, so support is good!
Best of luck with your purchases.! Skate Monkey !
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MCS
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Re:Taking up speed skating - 22:01 15 Apr 08adramshaw wrote: Have looked around, and how do the Bont alphas fare? thats the product info off checkersport. But i can't seem to find what the differences are between semi-race and alphas! Just says these are more recreational skates, but still can't seem much of a difference!
Could anyone elaborate?
Wheel size.
The semi-race uses 100mm wheels, whereas the Alpha uses 90mm or 84mm wheels. That is more like rec size. Some speed frames use 90mm wheels, but they have five of them on each skate.
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Red
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Re:Taking up speed skating - 15:46 16 Apr 08Hey according to WOW this week ......you can go to the track at Tatem Park in Enfield this Sunday (20th), where the LondonSkaters Speed Team will be hosting the first outdoor race of the year. FISS-registered racers are split into categories and compete over distances between 300m and 5km, but for the rest of us there are "RAT" races (turn up and go: cost in region of £3, expect two races of probably about 3-4 laps length), or there's spectating.
The bit you're interested in......
You can also meet LSST members (not all of them scary) and pick up tips, and if you're thinking about buying speedskates it's an opportunity to try on other people's and see what brands fit your feet best.
Have fun if you go.
Post edited by: Red, at: 17:24 16 Apr 08
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MCS
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Re:Taking up speed skating - 18:03 16 Apr 08The other bit from WOW if you were thinking of going to Enfield:- Bring a lid (and wrist protection if under 13) if you're planning on skating - that's an insurance requirement.
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adramshaw
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Re:Taking up speed skating - 18:50 16 Apr 08I'm nearly 17, so the wrist guards shouldn't be a problem, but will try and find a helmet lying around somehwere if i do end up going!
I used to wear guards, etc. but don't see the need anymore when i'm confident in my ability, and due to the non excessive nature of my skating, haven't had a problem in 5 years or so accident wise.
The alphas seem to be within my price range, so think i may transfer Vincent £150 and whack on a pair of those to test out!
Hope the extra 10mm in the wheels (between alpha and semi race) won't make too much of a difference.
If i do get into the technicals, can i mix and match in the future (i.e. buy a new frame and bigger wheels and fix them onto the alpha boots?)
Post edited by: adramshaw, at: 19:51 16 Apr 08
I just looked at the skates, and i'm pretty sure they're :
Salomon FSK Detonator Price £90
Washable Memofit liner and footbed with Sensi tongue. Frame: FSK composite 238 junior Wheels: Salomon FSK wheels 70mm/80A rounded profile wheels for easy skating. Quick lace Reinforced buckle Bearings: Abec 1 608Z Hardware: 8mm Speed axles (steel) Dual shock absorber Brake in the box
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They have amazingly small wheels compared to the Bonts i've been looking at!
Would those above be classed as rec skates?
It's so hard to tell :'(
Post edited by: adramshaw, at: 20:29 16 Apr 08
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Larger wheels generally mean: 1. Less hassle on the flat / down hill. 2. Slightly harder work up hill 3. More tension on your lower back.
As a starting point, the 90 mm wheels may do you. Note that longer frames generally allow more push, so what you'd be getting (given 4 * 90) is more of a rec boot than a race boot, but again I wouldn't say this will cause you any difficulties.
Ref wrist guards, I agree - I hardly ever fall now, but I still wear them (actually powerslide glove type things rather than bona fide big wristguards) because you never know what some other idiot is going to do in front of you.
Note if you do go to Tatem, and want to race, you will need a helmet. Just in case that wasn't obvious above.! Skate Monkey !
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