Endless Slalom Pro Frame Setup Guide

This guide explains how to properly mount and align your new Endless Slalom Pro or Slalom Pro 80•72 frames to your 165 or Trinity boot, and how to install the aluminum Ultra Axles. Special attention is required when using aluminum axles in aluminum frames so please read the instructions below carefully.

Frame Mounting

We include four (4) pink Ultra Washers for frame mounting on 165 boots. These should be installed under the head of the frame mounting bolts that came with your boots before you torque down the bolts. Washers are important for distributing the load of the threaded fastener. The bolted joint will have its best performance when washers are used. Use these in place of any washers that may have come with your boots. Use a high quality skate tool to avoid stripping your frame bolts.

Please note: The Ultra washers are not included with the Trinity version of this frame because they are too large to fit.

165 (Raised Heel Mount)

Align the lateral mounting slots on the frame with the threaded holes on your boot to achieve the most centered front-back alignment. Some boots have 7-hole or 5-hole mounting blocks. In general, using the center threaded hole will achieve most optimal alignment.

If you require lateral adjustment to correct anatomical issues like pronation or misalignment on carbon boots, the offset holes on 7-hole and 5-hole mounts may be useful. We recommend always using a washer with your frame bolts, and applying fresh blue loctite every time you change your frame. This will give you the strongest and most reliable joint between the frame and boot.

Trinity

Align the frame to achieve the desired front-back and lateral alignment. We have noticed that some handmade carbon boots like the Powerslide HC Evo may require different frame positions between left and right boots due to manufacturing tolerance. It’s perfectly normal to slide the first frame all the way forward for one boot and then slide the second frame backward on the other boot to achieve a similar alignment visually. Use your best judgment and readjust after skating if necessary.

We recommend always using a washer with your frame bolts, and applying fresh blue loctite every time you change your frame. This will give you the strongest and most reliable joint between the frame and boot.

Ultra Axle Installation

Each Endless Slalom Pro and Slalom Pro 80•72 Frame set includes eight (8) aluminum Ultra Axles. These high performance axles provide about 40 grams of weight savings per skate compared to steel axles. Some frame sets will include Titanium Gray axles and others will include Cyberpunk Pink axles. Refer to the product pages for colorway details.

Special attention must be paid when installing these axles. Aluminum axles tend to be self-locking when used in aluminum frames due to a phenomenon called galling. High friction develops between the two parts which keep the axles from backing out during skating. However, the downside is that if they are over-tightened, they can get stuck. Please read the following instructions carefully.

Axle Installation

1. Prior to wheel installation it's good to verify that all axles can be fully threaded by hand into each threaded hole in the frames. If the axles gets stuck when threading by hand, stop and inspect the threads for damage or burrs. Never use a tool to force an axle. Each axle should smoothly thread in by hand without tools. By forcing the axle you risk damaging the threads. Please contact us if you notice any issues.
2. Slide the wheel into the frame channel.
3. Align the bearings, spacer, and frame hole using a skate tool or a wooden pencil (see video).  We recommend the Sonic Sports skate tool, which has a bearing alignment feature.  When all these features are aligned, it will make inserting the axles much easier.
4. By hand, carefully start threading the axle into the frame.
5. Use a skate tool to continue installing the axle. Turn lightly until the axle stops spinning freely. Once it stops turning easily, snug the axle no more than an extra 1/8th turn (see video on our Instagram and YouTube channel).  Do not over-tighten. This could result in the axle getting stuck. Stripped or stuck axles are not be covered by product warranty.
6. Do not use power tools to tighten the axles. Repeat for each wheel and axle.

Note: when removing axles it's not uncommon to hear a "screech" or "pop" sound as you overcome the friction in the threaded joint.

Very important: Never apply Loctite on the threads of axles. Since Loctite is a liquid it can get all over the axle shaft and bond the axle to the bearing, which is very bad.

The following video demonstrates how to install the axles:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGv9Iv5Sfbo/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Wheel Selection

The larger Slalom Pro frames use 84 mm wheels in positions 1 and 4, and 76 mm wheels in positions 2 and 3. The smaller Slalom Pro 80•72 frames use 80 mm wheels in positions 1 and 4, and 72 mm wheels in positions 2 and 3. This mix of wheels gives a low ride height, a tight turning radius, and unmatched control. 

Through extensive testing we have concluded that the best rocker experience occurs when all four wheels have the same profile. We highly recommend that all four wheels either have a matched bullet profile, or a matched round profile.   Do NOT mix wheel profiles.  For example, if your 84 mm wheels are bullet profile, and your 76 mm wheels are round profile the rocker will be unpredictable and inconsistent as you transition through your edges.  Matched sets of wheels can be purchased through our online store.  We also recommend that the durometer (hardness) for all wheels be similar if possible.

Round profile wheels provide a little more stability at the expense of speed.  Edges feel wide and continuous.  Conversely, bullet profile wheels provide snappier edge transitions and faster speed.

It’s important to note that the Undercover “full” profile is different than bullet and round profiles. It has tapered side walls with a compound radius that transitions from a smaller radius on the inside/outside edges to a bigger radius on the center edge. We do not recommend mixing Undercover “full” profile with round or bullet profiles.  

Recommended 84/76 mm wheel sets: 

• Bullet: Endless 84/76mm (85A); Rollerblade Hydrogen 84/76 mm (85A)
• Round: Endless Round 84/76 mm (85A); FR Street Invader 84/76 mm (84A)

Recommended 80/72 mm wheel sets: 

• Bullet: Endless 80/72mm (85A)
• Round: Endless Round 80/72 mm (85A); FR Street Invader 80/72 mm (84A)

Wheel Rotation

Wheel wear will always be unique to the way each individual uses their skates, and no two skaters will ever have wheels that looks the same after skating the same distance.  The goal is to rotate wheels so that a consistent rocker and edge wear pattern is maintained before needing to replace the wheels.  The more often the wheels are rotated, the more consistent the feel of the rocker will be between rotations.  We recommend one of the following wheel rotation schemes:

1. Flip each wheel in place to wear inside and outside edges evenly.  This scheme may slightly exaggerate the rocker over time, as most skaters tend to wear their outer wheels more heavily.
2. Swap 1L (front left) with 4R (4th right) and flip; swap 1R with 4L and flip; swap 2L with 3R and flip; swap 2R with 3L and flip.  This scheme will balance wear between left and right frames, and between the front and back of each frame.