TRI-Skates / 3WD / TRIO and 3-Wheeler Inline Skates

THE DEVELOPMENT TO TRI-SKATES

For a long time, inline skates had only one clear construction concept, except for aggressive and downhill skates. An upper shoe, a frame, four wheels and the inline skate is finished. For a long time, the development of inline skates looked something like this. But in recent years, a new trend has conquered the skate market: TRI-SKATES, 3WD-SKATES, TRIO'S or simply called 3-Rollers.

HOW DID THE INLINESKATES WITH THREE ROLLERS EVOLVE? From 4x110mm to 3x125mm.

2006-2007 - LEGALIZE MY 110mm!

The brand Powerslide was the first to equippe its race team with larger wheels for the first time in 2006 & 2007 and launched the "LEGALIZE MY 110mm" campaign at various inline skate races. Contrary to the fears and doubts of many skaters, the change to the large 110mm wheels has been accepted by both women and men and 4x110mm setups became the rule until...

2014 - FIRST TIME A SKATE WITH A 125mm SETUP

This year Powerslide introduced a fitness skate with a 3x125mm setup for the first time in its catalogue and exhibited a speed skate with 3x125mm wheels at the Berlin Marathon trade fair.

But why 3x125mm and not 4x125mm?

The frames with a 4x110mm already had a length of 13.2", which corresponds to 335mm. This made cornering and transitioning increasingly difficult, especially for smaller skaters. The next logical step was to shorten the frame and increase the wheel size, so even more skaters had access to the large wheels and their advantages. The development took its course, 125mm wheels were approved for racing and the elite in professional skating made a start. The first races were won on 3x125mm, and the advantages of the 3-WHEELERS outweighed the disadvantages. After the pros, the fitness, urban and even Nordic skaters followed. Soon Powerslide was no longer the only brand with TRI skates. Rollerblade, K2, Cado Motus and Bont also introduced their first TRI skates.

AGILITY

When steering and navigating inline skates with four wheels, the two middle wheels work against each other. The steering forces have to be transmitted over a significantly larger contact area, which makes steering more difficult, especially with larger wheel sizes. With TRISKATES, the middle wheel forms a pivot point. This makes cornering easier, comparable to spinning a coin on a table. In addition to steering and turning, skating in a straight line becomes easier because it is easier to find the outside and inside edges. This helps especially with skating techniques like the double push.

SPEED

Bigger wheels can be compared to a higher gear on a bicycle. The top speed is higher and is also easier to maintain because the glide phases between the steps are longer.

The bigger wheels also result in a larger footprint to the the ground, which means more energy is transferred per push. In combination with the increased manoeuvrability, the speed is also easier to control.

WEIGHT ADVANTAGE

Even though larger wheels are used for a TRISKATE, the weight is actually less. The frames are shorter and the weight of a wheel, two bearings, a spacer and an axle is saved.

In the end, the total weight is lower and you can enjoy your skating sessions longer.

SKATING COMFORT

Bigger wheels have more PU and a larger core, so bumps and vibrations are handled better. Small branches, dirt or very rough asphalt can be skated much more comfortably this way.

The extra comfort also ensures that you can skate longer, as the muscles do not tire as quickly.

LONG-DISTANCE CAPABILITY

Due to the combination of agility, speed and comfort, TRISKATES have the best all-round characteristics. For example, a skate with a 3x100mm setup has enough manoeuvrability to skate fast through the city, but the larger wheels also provide long glides and high comfort. The bigger wheels also ensure long gliding phases and a high level of comfort, so most TRISKATES are suitable for both the city skating and for longer tours.

LOW CENTER OF GRAVITY

A 3×100mm setup is of course slightly higher than a frame with 4x80mm wheels, but in relation to a 4x100mm frame, a skate with 3 wheels is actually lower. This is due to the optimised mounting position of the middle wheel. This sits very low in the arch of the upper shoe and thus lowers the centre of gravity. A flat centre of gravity is the essential prerequisite for more stability when skating.

ARE INLINE SKATES WITH 3 WHEELS SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?

TRISKATES with 100mm wheels and smaller, are only minimally higher than a skate with 4x80mm wheels, therefore these skates are ideal for beginners as they benefit from the above mentioned advantages of TRISKATES. As a beginner, you should make sure that the upper boot gives you plenty of stability to support your ankles. Your ankle should not bend inwards. For complete beginners, it may make sense to use slower wheels or slower bearings. Another way to slow down your skates is to take out the spacers and tighten the axles. This way the wheels do not roll as fast and learning to skate is easier.

Especially at the beginning, the center of gravity on the skates should be as low as possible, to be as stable as possible, therefore TRISKATES with wheels over 100mm are more suitable for experienced skaters.

THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOUR NEW TRISKATES

Whether TRISKATE or classic 4-wheelers, choosing the right size is the most important criterion so that you can enjoy your new skate for a long time. The statement: "Just buy inline skates one size bigger" still persists, which is why we have explained in our fit-guide, how to find the right size for your new inline skates.

TO THE FITTING GUIDE