90mm of happiness
For anyone who didn't know - Orangatang's urethane is called "Happy thane".
To be pedantic, there is less than 90mm of it if you take the core into account... but still, these new wheels still offer a solid kilo of happiness!
The Orangatang Bees Knees are now in stock ready to go at Vandem.
At 90mm, you'll want some risers if you're riding a topmount - and be ready to feel that extra ride height as you push.
Loaded are making it work on the Ballona with half an inch of riser:
As wheels, the Bees Knees sit right next to:
- the 90mm Seismic Megawatt
- and 92mm Pantheon Karma.
The big difference - rounded lips.
Less unsupported urethane in the lip means less chunking and more importantly, a smoother transition between grip and slide.
So if you're looking for a race-winning wheel, there's still a good argument for the super-fast urethane of the Seismics.
If you're wanting to pump long miles on your Supersonic you'll appreciate the grippy square lips of the Karmas.
But if you're wanting to purely enjoy a big wheel?
The Bees Knees offer a playfulness the others don't - they'll scrub and slide, and won't complain if taken for a dirt ride - without sacrificing the comfort and rollover of a 90mm wheel.
In fact, if I was going to skate the length of the country (again), the Bees Knees would be my new wheel of choice.
I'm not planning on that any time soon.
I will, however, go to the skatepark where these 56mm Powell Dragon Formula Nano Rats would do me just right.
64mm 88a also available for the closest thing to a good hard/soft wheel that exists - an epic one for pumptracks and crusty spots.
I'll leave you to ponder that over what looks to be a weekend of solace for anyone who's overdone it in the sunshine lately.
Me? I would never!
Matt @ Vandem