Temperature Effects on Wheels & Bearings

[Konig von Kuhlem 0]

This is my first off-season that I'm trying to get into roller hockey outdoors for training. I was wondering how long I could go into the fall before it's too cold to skate outdoors. Are there any temperature effects on the wheels & bearings? Just intuitively, I was thinking that in the cold the wheels would get harder, and the grease in the bearings would get thicker (more viscous) and slower.

[top-shelf 1]

Well, I guess it would depend on where you're playing. Unless you're playing in, like, Alaska or Montana, I wouldn't take temperature into account. I've played in some pretty cold weather (18 degrees) and it didn't affect my skating at all, barring the fact it was as cold as the dickens outside... But yeah, wheel hardness shouldn't be an issue either. I'm going strictly off experience here, so if a scientist on the board wants to come and disprove me, then have at it :)

[Konig von Kuhlem 0]

I was thinking of temperatures between -2 and 5°C (28.4-41°F) before the snow starts to fly (ah... winter). :)

[DamnLocust 0]

Colder temps make your wheels act like they're harder. this means less grip and also less wear. It also means more speed. I've never noticed any loss of speed or performance from the bearings. After a few laps the bearings will warm up and loosen up the grease anyway.

warmer temps do the opposite. on a hot summer day, i can go through a set one wheels in one skate.

[kukakid 0]

I don't think you will have any problem. Our old rink here in Ohio used to be "outdoors", it was just covered by a huge tent. It got pretty cold some days in the winter and we skated no problem.

[Konig von Kuhlem 0]

Colder temps make your wheels act like they're harder. this means less grip and also less wear. It also means more speed. I've never noticed any loss of speed or performance from the bearings. After a few laps the bearings will warm up and loosen up the grease anyway.

warmer temps do the opposite. on a hot summer day, i can go through a set one wheels in one skate.

Good point. Now that I think about it, I guess the bearings would warm up.

[Sprungster 5]

I've skated beside Lake Michigan when it was a snow field as far as you can see, and the only problem was frostbite.

The bearings used on skates are INDUSTRIAL. Skate wheels were made to fit an existing size. Cold, as we know it, isn't a problem.

However, when your bearings do freeze up and your wheels shatter from the cold, you will follow very shortly. :lol: