Is 2015 the comeback year of 165 mm mounting?

After all… Why not?

In all fields, including skating, big brands make sure that you spend money in always releasing ‘better’ models than the former editions (the joys of marketing!)
Innovations are sometimes real, but some other times they can be purely anecdotal, even counterproductive. In a period when the skating market is not at its best, equipment prices keep on increasing, especially with 125 mm wheels.

Investing in a new diameter means:
• Buying new wheels
• Obviously getting new frames
• …And sometimes new boots!

That is a consequent investment.

Double interaxial distance, an alternate solution

For a technology to become popular (or rather for it to sell to a maximum of consumers) it is preferable that it is adjustable to as many existing products as possible, even if that means swaying a little from the initial market section.
This is where the principle of double interaxial distance (165 / 195 mm) becomes relevant. Frames can adjust to speed skates and to long distance fitness skates. You go from a niche market to a ‘mass’ market — all things being relative. The fact of having only 3 wheels makes the creation of a double interaxial distance frame easier. Indeed, the fixing points are naturally placed between the wheels.

The advantages of double interaxial distance

• The 3×125 mm frame can be adjusted to any pair of fitness or speed skates, no need to buy a second pair.
• The center of gravity remains (relatively) low despite the double set-up.

The drawbacks of double interaxial distance

• The reinforced frame is obviously a little heavier
• The centering may not be right for your size according to the frame design
• There will never be an hybrid 3×125 / 4×110 mm (the ground clearance would be too high)

Brands offer 3 wheel frames with 165 interaxial distance or double interaxial distance

They are still rare but they do exist…

Bont

The Australian company has been present on the 3×110 mm market for a long time with the A-Frame, a model initially destined to kids that can be mounted on fitness models with interaxial distance of 155 to 165 mm. We used this frame for a customized set-up with a Seba GTX boot.

Flyke

The Colombian brand releases the 3×125 mm Neutrino with double interaxial distance on the market. It has quite a compact length of 12.6 inches that make it more versatile. Stay tuned for the upcoming test on Online-Skating.com!

EOSkates

The French brand is currently working on a new 3×125 mm carbon frame. It will be available in 4 versions including a double interaxial distance version and 3 different sizes in May 2015. It will also be the subject of a test on Online-Skating.com in 2015.

Powerslide

The German brand is more active in terms of communication on the 3×125 mm. Moreover, in their 2015 catalog Powerslide releases the Pleasure Tool, a 3-wheel frame for speed slalom. It is available in 4 sizes and can enter 110 mm wheels. A couple of interesting set-ups for urban use with this frame can be easily imagined…

Powerslide also offers the whole Megacruiser 125 range with an interaxial distance of 165 mm. Designed for regular fitness use, these pressed frames are entry-level products compared to the other 3×125 mm models of the brand. With a length of 10 inches (255 mm), these frames are very compact and interesting for urban practice too.

As you will have realized, the comeback of 165 mm interaxial distance is real! It is the opportunity to resurrect your old skates and recycle them for a new life!

Useful links

Testing the 3×125 mm BJ Concept frames by Thierry Feutrier

Testing the 3×125 / 4×110 mm Cadomotus Comp frame for speed skating

From 4×100 mm to 3×125 mm: Which set-up is best for you?

Skate wheels: Will the diameter race ever stop?

110 mm: Muscle and joint stress

Testing the 3×125 mm set-up

By Alfathor
Translation: Chloe Seyres
Photos: ReL, Bont, Powerslide, Flyke, EOSkates