There are many ways to effectively test equipment, some things are simple, some are not so simple to test.
I thought for the benifit of most skaters that it would be worth posting some information on how to effectively test things such as different wheels, frames and bearings.
As with testing equipment there are lots of variables, these variables are;
Track surface,
Track temperature,
Wind,
Track shape,
How you feel.
A few other things worth considering are what distance races are you most likely to use the equipment in along with how these races are likely to be run. (ie time trial vs points race vs elimination vs straight distance race)
You should generally test all equipment without changing anything else apart from that single piece of equipment.
ie; if you are testing wheels use the same boots, bearings and frames.
ie; testing frames; use the same wheels, bearings and boots
All comparative testing should be done with timing but you should also take into consideration as to how you feel with the equipment you are testing.
You should also see how they feel under things like acceleration, top speed, turning.
ALL TESTING TIME COMPARISONS SHOULD BE DONE ON THE SAME DAY AND SOLO!!
A massive difference in times of testing is how you feel on the day. you can't test the equipment for times effectively if you are with other people as they will greatly influence your speed.
If you are testing different size wheels you should use the same type of wheels, ie; if you are testing on one size with an answer "One" with black hubs then the other size you test should be the exact same wheels.
A very important method of testing is to see how the equipment goes in race simulation, often the speeds can be faster or slower or more inconsistant than what you will test solo. some size wheels and lengths of frames are easier to get moving at speed and some are harder, the wheels that are harder to get to speed may be faster at top speed but are not neccesarily easier to skate on at race pace for something longer and can fatigue you more than other wheels.
RACE PACE AND SIMULATION ARE ALSO JUST AS ESSENTIAL AS TIMES, UNLESS YOU ONLY PLAN ON RACING IN TIME TRIALS
I hope that this has given you all an insight into testing your equipment for future race meets.
Andy
I thought for the benifit of most skaters that it would be worth posting some information on how to effectively test things such as different wheels, frames and bearings.
As with testing equipment there are lots of variables, these variables are;
Track surface,
Track temperature,
Wind,
Track shape,
How you feel.
A few other things worth considering are what distance races are you most likely to use the equipment in along with how these races are likely to be run. (ie time trial vs points race vs elimination vs straight distance race)
You should generally test all equipment without changing anything else apart from that single piece of equipment.
ie; if you are testing wheels use the same boots, bearings and frames.
ie; testing frames; use the same wheels, bearings and boots
All comparative testing should be done with timing but you should also take into consideration as to how you feel with the equipment you are testing.
You should also see how they feel under things like acceleration, top speed, turning.
ALL TESTING TIME COMPARISONS SHOULD BE DONE ON THE SAME DAY AND SOLO!!
A massive difference in times of testing is how you feel on the day. you can't test the equipment for times effectively if you are with other people as they will greatly influence your speed.
If you are testing different size wheels you should use the same type of wheels, ie; if you are testing on one size with an answer "One" with black hubs then the other size you test should be the exact same wheels.
A very important method of testing is to see how the equipment goes in race simulation, often the speeds can be faster or slower or more inconsistant than what you will test solo. some size wheels and lengths of frames are easier to get moving at speed and some are harder, the wheels that are harder to get to speed may be faster at top speed but are not neccesarily easier to skate on at race pace for something longer and can fatigue you more than other wheels.
RACE PACE AND SIMULATION ARE ALSO JUST AS ESSENTIAL AS TIMES, UNLESS YOU ONLY PLAN ON RACING IN TIME TRIALS
I hope that this has given you all an insight into testing your equipment for future race meets.
Andy
