Rollerblade Speedmachine 10.0

[lifeorange]

Does anyone own a pair of these? They look very promising. I love my custom fit Bont apaches, but want a comfy skate with ankle support for training/touring sessions. I've never really liked the way K2's fit. I tried a pair of Bont's semi-race which were very fast and supportive, but just not as comfy as I would like for casual 20 mile skates around town or on bike trails. I would appreciate any comments or a short review of these skates if anyone would like to share. Thanks.

[arnellb]

I didn't find mine that comfortable or supportive so I just recently sold them on eBay. I also noticed that I tended to over-pronate with them and have observed this with some other people wearing the Speedmachine 10.0, and 8.0. I'm going back to my old Lightnings which are the same as the current Speedmachine 6.0. This is just my opinion and I can't speak for everyone who has them.

[gem]

I throught I'd bring back this post back as Rß has updated this model for 2009 now called SpeedMachine 110. The biggest change is from the almost non existant of using 104mm wheels on a standard 4x100 frame to a much better choice of 4x110 wheels. It also changed from a Bumble Bee yellow to Hallowe’en orange. The boot is still carbon fiber, light and fast, racing type skate but surely a fast skate. From what Skate.com says, they will be out in Feb 2009. IMO, I think Rß has made a real improvment. BTW is it me, as I don't see any ventilation?

[jayssss]

I realize my info is a bit late in coming. I have the Speedmachine 10.0 skates, and have skated part-time on them for the last year. As I see it, except for the frame and brake, they are mechanically exactly the same as the Marathon Carbon TF from 2007. I consistently buy Rollerblade because their boots fit me well. Basically, they are good fitness/casual race skates if they fit your foot well. I see two problems with the Speedmachines 10.0:

1. The 104mm frame - I have not been able to find replacement 104mm wheels. I think RB really screwed the pooch here by offering a relatively high priced set of skates, and didn't make sure there were replacement wheels out there. No one in the US carried 104mm outdoor wheels for all of 2008. It is my understanding that Hyper is offering 104mm wheels this year (see http://www.hyper-race.com/Product_Detail.aspx?Id=1029), but at 13.25 a wheel, not a good deal for training. Yes, I'll probably get a set for events, but it just burns me that I can't get a decent 104mm training wheel for <$10. RB got smart this year, and are offering models with 100mm and 110mm, but no 104mm.

2. My big beef with RB in general - they don't sell replacement boot liners. I rarely get more than one year's wear out of a set of RB liners. The boot shells and frames stand up well and can last for at least 2-3 years, but the liners pack out and start to fall apart after about 2/3 of a season (I skate 1200-1500 miles a year). i really wish I could find replacement liners.

Jay

[gem]

I recently got my "Rß SpeedMachine 110's". I've only been able to use them a few times so far an I am happy I got them. I changed from 4x100mm to 4x110mm and the physical change is minimal and waz easy to adjust to. I have knowest the difference of first starting off takes a lil longer to get up to speed but the roll when up to speed is a lil faster and my times to finish the same distance is less, only a few min's but still less time for same distance.


Copy this link to see pic of them Rß Speedmachine 110's
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36617052@N04/3374059101/" title="SpeedMachine 110e by gem_069, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3374059101_ec257122aa_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="SpeedMachine 110e" /></a>