Outdoor wheels and bearings for older skaters

Question
I am 58 years old and an artistic skater but there isn't really anywhere here where there is dedicated artistic time where you don't have to fight for room with kids so I was thinking about street skating for the exercise but all I have is artistic wheels.  What would be a good wheel and do you know a good web site to order them? Also do you need to order the bearings separately like we did for my artistic wheels?

Answer
Hi Gwen,
  I would suggest you go to your local roller rink first before buying wheels and bearings online.  Gather info first, then shop for price.

  Yes, you would need to purchase outdoor wheels and bearings separately unless your bought an entire new skate that comes completely put together already.

  One thing I'm not sure about is if the outdoor wheels would fit on your artistic skates axle.  The outdoor wheels are wider and softer than your art wheels.  That's a good question to ask at your local rink when checking prices.  Then you'll know if you can just buy wheels and bearings or if you have to buy an entire new skate.

  If you find you have to order a complete skate, I would order it through the roller rink.  They can measure your foot to make sure you get the right size and fit.  Some websites, depending on what you order, send the boot, plate, wheels and bearings separately and if you have them mounted and try to return them, they won't take them back...so be careful.

  Some rinks will match or come very close to online prices so first find out if the outdoor wheels would fit on your art skates axle, see what wheel they recommend for outdoor skating then see what kind of deal they can give you.  Tell them you'll think about it, shop online, then you'll know where to buy them.

  I have used a web site called  backstreetinline.com so you can check prices there too if you like.

  Make sure if you skate outside you wear knee pads and wrist guards.  Better safe than sorry, right?

  Another thought would be to see if any of your local rinks have artistic clubs.  If so, perhaps you could join the club and practice during their scheduled practice times.  That way the floor wouldn't be as crowded with kids, you'd make new friends and get your exercise also.

 Good Luck and if I can help with anything further, feel free to write again.

Pat