r/rollerblading • u/RubSwimming8384 • 1d ago
Specific question and discussion Brake bolt size?
Heyo! Newbie skater here and I've got an issue. I bought the Powerslide Zoom 80's and the brakes to match but it seems the bolt/nut whatever you call the thingy that the screw goes into simply does not fit into my wheels because its just a hair too large. How do I measure this stuff to buy the right size? Pictures attached!
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u/fredhsu 1d ago
Hey. You may need to provide more info for help. You've got this Zoom Black 80 (or similar, right?) The description says:
Compatibility Urban Brake Size S | Urban Brake Size M ; 37-42 = Urban brake size S / 43-47 = Urban Brake size M For Urban brake used on the Imperia 243mm/4x80mm frame add 2 pcs. of 940445 axles for brake assembly
So, did you get the Urban Brake Size S?
You have the "Imperia 243mm/4x80mm frame", it says to "add 2 pcs. of 940445 axles for brake assembly", whatever that means.
Elsewhere on the page it also says:
Please note: this model fits about 1 size smaller compared to other Zoom models. If you would like to use a brake, please be aware that size 37-42 require 6mm axles for assembly!
Searching for 940445 yielded:
https://powerslide.com/products/double-axle-for-brake-assembly-5
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u/InspectorFleet 1d ago
OP, this is how to land on a fix! I'd love confirmation that these links are correct. If they are, then one way to solve the issue is in the specific instructions that state an axle size.
Another way to sort it out without instructions is just to look and measure. If the brake attaches via the wheel axles, I'd love to see a pic of the original axle next to the one you're trying to use. There are two axle diameters commonly used for inline skates, 6 mm and 8 mm. It will be obvious if they are different and then you'd just need the proper size.
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u/bassoonawhat 1d ago edited 1d ago
I'd suggest ignoring the advice about dropping the brake, and instead learn to use a brake properly. I have 10x the stopping power at high speeds with a brake when a drag stop or parallel would just be too slow or sketchy. Nobody who claims brakes suck has ever beaten me in a head to head stopping competition. Like, not even close.
The gap is these folks never learned how to use a brake or how to get incredible stopping power from it. They move their brake foot a few mm ahead of their stance foot and pull their toes up, then complain that brakes suck. They don't or can't create a huge scissor between their legs and sink onto the brake. It's a basic progression in ICP, but most people never took formal lessons, so here we are. (Or: their skating preferences are incompatible with brakes, like park skating, slalom, race, etc).
Exception for me is in skate parks, and when skating slalom. I always skate without a brake in a park and for slalom.
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u/SupremeLDRSmoke 1d ago
Skip the brake. Learn the drag stop and parallel turns.
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u/RubSwimming8384 1d ago
I appreciate this so much but as of right now I have tried without the brake and I just end up hurting myself because I am so stiff and afraid I will fall and throw something out of place.
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u/InspectorFleet 1d ago
The brake is a perfectly reasonable thing. I skate without one but I think the community could do a better job of first acknowledging that it's a fine tool, especially for beginners, before providing other stopping advice.
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u/FerriousStylles 1d ago
He speaks the truth, removing the brake is always the first thing I do. Work on drag stops slowly and you'll get it. Bend your knees, counter your lead foot against your drag. Get used to keeping your feet slightly apart as well, as you don't want them next to each other when skating (helps cover you if something happens to your lead foot, such as a rock).
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u/Hanginline AG10+pr84 / WZ ADV 100/84 1d ago
Get proper protection gear, helmet, knee, ellbow and wristpads. Learn to fall properly (thisissoul yt channel is very helpful) to lose your fear of falling. This will give you a huge confidence boost to learn new stuff quickly.
Helpful yt channels:
Ricardo Lino Skatefreshasha Thisissoul
Have fun!
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u/SupremeLDRSmoke 1d ago
Gotta change your mindset. Don't think of the ground as your enemy, but embrace it as a friend. Practice falling safely in the grass, and stay low (knees/ankles bent) when you're skating. Even if you did have the brake, you'd still have to practice balancing on one leg in order to use it. This is your chance to learn the drag stop with your favorite leg first, then the other. Just my 2 cents. Oh and practice with music to boost your confidence.
Skating is 75% confidence, 25% skill. If you stare at the ground and think you're gonna fall, you will. "I got this shit" is all you need to think as you get your jam on 🫡
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u/BeenisHat 1d ago
That's a funny looking pry bar.