From Venice Beach to Karlstraße
It all began in 1990 with a few test laps at Venice Beach in California. Ralf Springer, a passionate athlete and founder of the Sportbörse, discovered the emerging sport of inline skating there – and was immediately thrilled by the freedom of movement on wheels.
This became the Speedskating-Shop: a specialist shop that skates, advises and wrenches itself – online and in our shop in Villingen-Schwenningen.
1 May 1992
In the beginning was the Sportbörse
Back in Germany, Ralf Springer founded the “Sportbörse – der andere Sportladen” (the other sports shop) at Karlstraße 60a in Villingen-Schwenningen. The idea: trading in used sporting goods – a real gap in the market.
Sports-loving customers welcomed the offer, and soon the first inline skates were in the range too. As demand for new goods grew, the focus shifted – and inline skates became the absolute bestseller.
What sets us apart
We know what we are talking about
Specialist advice
Our customers have valued our expertise and honest advice since 1995. We take our time for a consultation – you don't find the right skate in ten minutes.
Our own inline workshop
Conversions, fitting, cleaning and special requests: in our workshop you get the skate service that pure online shops cannot offer.
Custom-Made Boots
Even problem feet are no problem: we fit your boots exactly to your foot using a plaster cast.
Real retail store
We are not just an online shop. Visit us at Karlstraße 60a and see the products for yourself.
1990
Sweet home California
During a stay in California, Ralf Springer discovers inline skating at Venice Beach. Roller skates already existed – but this new way of getting around on wheels opens up enormous possibilities.
1992
The Sportbörse opens
On 1 May 1992 the “Sportbörse – der andere Sportladen” (the other sports shop) opens at Karlstraße 60a in Villingen-Schwenningen. At first with used sporting goods, soon with new inline skates.
1996
Inline boom and Hot Wheels
Inline skating becomes a mass movement. The aggressive skaters Daniel Springer and Tobias Bucher from Villingen-Schwenningen collect championship titles and top international placings. The Hot Wheels Skate Club Schwenningen e.V. is founded – with the Sportbörse as its hub and a mini ramp in the middle of the shop.
1999
The first website
The Sportbörse goes online: customers can already order by email from what was, at the time, a huge range of skate equipment.
2002
From aggressive to speed
The aggressive boom fades, and more and more speed skaters find their way into the club and the shop. By the end of 2002 the Hot Wheels Skate Club is a pure speed skating club.
2003
Speedskating-Shop.de
Demand for speed skating equipment grows – online too. Ralf Springer spins off the inline division: the Speedskating-Shop is born and meets with a great response.
2006
A registered trademark
“Speedskating-Shop” is registered as a word/figurative mark with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office – as a sign of how seriously we take what we do, and as a clear distinction from retailers who offer no advice.
Today
Still on Karlstraße
Speedskating-Shop and Sportbörse are still at home at Karlstraße 60a in Villingen-Schwenningen today – with shop, workshop and online shop under one roof.
Workshop
Conversions, fitting, cleaning, special requests and of course Custom-Made Boots are all in a day's work in our inline workshop.
Pictures of the ShopRange
Alongside speed skates, we stock recreational and fitness skates, Nordic skates and Skikes as well as a large selection of kids' inline skates, wheels and accessories.
View our rangeVisit us
Drop by, try things on and get personal advice. Bring a little time with you – good advice needs it.
Directions & opening hoursWinners buy here!
When we advise you, we know what we are talking about – because we are not just an online shop that only wants to sell you something. We advise you so that you can train and skate as well as possible and have fun doing it.