Otang have the best Google-able names
They kicked off strong in 2008 by having us Google "Orangatang In Heat".
4President was also up there (did that wish come true? There's certainly orange involved), there's the Dad Bod...
Let's not think too hard about Orangatang Kegels.
But today's newsletter is thankfully not about the Dog's anything, but the Bee's Knees.
Having been sceptical of anything over 75mm for years - having skated the length of the UK on In Heats, why would anyone need anything more? - I can now happily admit I was wrong to judge.
The things I didn't like about big wheels were something like this:
- Wheelbite
- Extra weight - more effort to slow down and speed up again
- Horrible to slide
- Super serious race focused marketing
- I didn't have any
All of which are easily resolved with the Bee's Knees.
- Probably don't ride them on a topmount
- No problem if you're just rolling and rolling
- Rounded lips for a slightly friendlier slide
- The antidote to super seriousness
- I actually rode a set
The rounded lips and centreset core really set these apart from anything else in the 90mm+ range.
Sure, the Seismic urethane may be a little faster, and the Pantheon wheels have had every millimetre of the design sculpted to offer the absolute best energy return possible when pushing and pumping...
..But why are you out skating in the first place?
If it's anything like me, it isn't to be too formulaic or focused but as a release from exactly that.
Wind in your hair, mates by your side, smile on your face.
And Orangatang offers that in spades.
Now if only the sun would come out for a moment, because actually I've had a little too much wind in my hair lately!
Keep the stoke,
Matt @ Vandem
Mega speed...
...or mega fun?