If you buy a speed skate boot and a frame separately or want to upgrade your skate with larger wheels, you will quickly come across specifications such as "195 mm", "165 mm" or "Trinity". They describe how the frame is attached to the boot. If boot and frame do not match, the frame cannot be fitted. This guide explains the common mounting systems and what you should look out for when combining them.
What does the mounting distance mean?
On most speed skates the frame is attached to the boot with two screws: one in the forefoot area, one under the heel. The mounting distance (often simply called "mounting") is the distance between these two attachment points, measured from centre to centre. Two standard sizes have become established:
- 195 mm: the common size for adult speed skate boots
- 165 mm: a shorter distance found mainly on smaller boot sizes and shorter frames
Boot and frame must have the same distance – or the frame offers holes for both sizes. You will find an overview of suitable products in our 195/165 mm mounting category.
Examples of 195 mm from our range
According to the product descriptions, these boots and skates, among others, have a 195 mm mounting:
- Bont JET Boot only and Bont Semi Race Boot only
- Bont Vaypor CUSTOM MADE
- Powerslide Vi Pro Carbon II (195 mm, X-Slot)
- Powerslide X Skate (195 mm, X-Slot)
- Powerslide R4 195 mm
Among the frames, the Rollerblade 3WD Marathon frame 110 mm is designed for 195 mm. According to the product text, the Rollerblade 3WD Marathon Frame 125 mm allows both 195 mm and 165 mm mounting.
X-Slot: fine-tuning the frame
For some Powerslide boots, the product details mention "X-Slot mounting". This refers to slotted holes in the sole in which the frame can be moved within a certain range. This allows the frame to be aligned under the foot, for example slightly further inwards or outwards. A well-aligned frame makes it easier to stand cleanly on the wheels. If in doubt, start with a central position and only change it in small steps.
Trinity: three mounting points from Powerslide
Trinity is Powerslide's mounting system. Instead of two, there are three mounting points. According to the product text of the Powerslide off-road models, the Trinity frame is held at the front by a wide mounting plate with two mounting screws. According to the manufacturer, this allows a lower centre of gravity, which is meant to provide additional stability off-road.
Trinity frames fit boots with Trinity mounting. Examples from our range:
- Powerslide R2 Trinity: according to the description, the Trinity frame allows you to upgrade to 125 mm wheels at any time.
- Powerslide R4 Trinity: supplied with 3 × 110 mm, the Trinity Elite casted frame takes wheels up to 125 mm.
- Powerslide NEXT Edge 150 and NEXT Outback 150: off-road skates with Trinity mounting; according to the product text, you can switch to a normal inline frame with 3 or 4 wheels and the Trinity system.
- Powerslide Doop: step-in skate for normal shoes, also with Trinity mounting.
The system also matters for accessories: according to the description, the Powerslide Habs brake fits all Trinity frames. You will find all products for the system in the Trinity System category.
The systems at a glance
| System | Mounting points | Typical use | Examples from our range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 195 mm | 2 | adult speed skate boots | Bont JET, Bont Semi Race, Powerslide Vi Pro Carbon II |
| 165 mm | 2 | smaller boot sizes, shorter frames | Rollerblade 3WD Marathon frame 125 mm (195 or 165 mm) |
| Trinity | 3 | Powerslide skates from fitness to off-road | Powerslide R2 Trinity, R4 Trinity, NEXT 150, Doop |
What to look out for when combining
- Check the mounting distance on the boot: you will find it in the product description or on the sole. If in doubt, measure the distance between the two mounting points from centre to centre.
- Choose the matching system: 195 mm with 195 mm, 165 mm with 165 mm, Trinity with Trinity. Frames with two hole spacings offer more flexibility.
- Consider the frame length: the length is usually given in inches. It should match the boot size so that the frame does not protrude too far at the front and back.
- Check the maximum wheel size: every frame is built for certain wheel diameters, for example 3 × 110 mm or 3 × 125 mm. More on this in the guide Choosing the right inline skate wheels.
- Think about the brake and accessories: brakes and some spare parts are designed for specific frames.
- Check the screws regularly: mounting screws should be tight. Check them after the first few skates and then at regular intervals.
You will find a selection of frames in our Frames category.
Frame or boot: which comes first?
As a rule, the boot is chosen first, based on fit – because a boot that pinches remains uncomfortable even with the best frame. The frame then follows the boot's mounting distance, your boot size and the desired wheel size. If you stay with Powerslide, the Trinity system makes it comparatively easy to switch to other Trinity frames later.
We help you combine
Not sure whether your boot, frame and wheels go together? Tell us the model and size of your boot and we will be happy to check the combination. Call us on +49 (0) 77 20 / 34 70 6, write to us using the contact form or visit us in our shop in Villingen-Schwenningen.
