Fiziks are one of those rare frame companies that actually do something technically positive for rolling.
Fiziks created the first true suspension frame system that worked to absorb the shock of huge gaps and drops
off of rails or simply a smoother ride overall. The frames operate with each wheel attached to a rocker arm
which pivots against a urethane bushing. The rocker arm can absorb 200lbs of pressure per wheel which totals
1600lbs of pressure absorbed between eight wheels. Fiziks suspension frames were
made possible by two longterm skaters, Keith Longino and Tom Hyser. They worked together for years developing the frames
and eventually released their product to the aggressive skating market.
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Although Fiziks were a progressive move for rollerblading, they have officially
announced that Fiziks is out of business. Unfortunately the target market was too
small. Kids have been moving towards skating anti-rocker or with just 2 wheels per skate and the interest in a suspension
system faded quickly. It appealed to much of the older people in rollerblading, but this wasn't enough to keep Fiziks alive.
Now that Fiziks is officially out of business, Tom Hyser has announced that he has another frame project in the works.
Keep it on Havenskate.com for an interview with Tom Hyser about his new company
and the downfall of Fiziks Suspension Frames. If you'd like to order Fiziks frames
or want to stock up on replacable frames I recommend checking out SkatePile.com
for some great deals on Fiziks.
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