The Way To Become A Good Skate

Urethane, ultra-smooth and quiet though it may be, does not get all the credit for the revival in roller skating. The two ball bearings inside each of the new wheels are a big factor in the performance of modern skates, too. The most efficient bearings are those that have been sealed or semi-sealed. The latter are closed only on one side and require cleaning and lubrication from time to time, whereas the sealed bearings are lubricated and then completely sealed in by a thin piece of metal, keeping them free of grime and dirt and permanently oiled. They are not expensive; the best are made by Fafnir, but all bearings cost about $32 for a set of 16.

Toe guards or toe stops do just that, guard and stop. They act as brakes to keep a skater from careening into walls, pizza parlors and cruising patrol cars. They also help prolong the life of the skate. Indoor toe guards are usually wider and made of rubber. Those used outdoors can be of urethane, but longer-wearing hard rubber is preferable. Toe guards range in price from $3 to $12.

After selecting skate parts from the extraordinary range of components available, it's wise to turn to an expert to assemble them. The mounting and aligning of the boot and the plate, the fine tuning of the trucks, which determines edging and turning ability, and the adjusting of the wheels are all extremely delicate operations. Observe the expert closely to learn how to make minor adjustments. It's time to turn in your skate key for an open-end wrench.