wheel sizes

Question
Hello. I was wondering if you could help me.

I have recently bought some new 80mm 'Kryptonic' wheels for my 'Bladerunner pro xt' skates and have been unable to fit them. My current wheels are 78mm but I read online that people change wheel sizes all the time. The ABEC 7 ball bearings will not fit inside the wheel of my new wheels. Am I doing something wrong ?

The ball bearings are brand new and I don't know if you have to buy ones that correspond to the size of the wheels. I am a little confused as the wheel themselves do fit the frame nicely.

Can I only buy 78mm wheels ?

Your advice would be a big help.

Many thanks

Paul  

Answer
Hi Paul,
You should be able to interchange 78mm & 80mm with no problem & since you are telling me the wheels do fit the frame the only problem, as I understand it, is getting the bearings into the wheels. I would guess that you are trying to hand press them into the wheel & are not using a bearing press. There is nothing wrong with the match between the ABEC 7s & your new wheels - bearing size is standard - you just need the right tool to press them into the wheel. The solution is simple - bring the wheels & bearings into the store where you bought them, or any skate shop for that matter & ask them to press your ABEC 7s into the wheel for you - it should take all of 5 minutes & I'd be suprised if they'd charge you for that.
On the other hand, it wouldn't hurt to invest in an inexpensive bearing press if this is something you will be doing with any regularity. You would also find this helpful to be able to pull your bearings when they need cleaning & lube.
Enjoy your new wheels & ROLL ON! - Lezly  (Lezly Skate  School - NYC - estab. 1979) [email protected]