Testing the MPC Big Black Magic 125 mm Speed Skating Wheels

MPC Big Black Magic X-Firm Wheels

Here we are, in possession of the much talked about MPC Big Black Magic speed skating wheels, a 125 mm model we bought ourselves since the manufacturer, that we had contacted, didn’t keep their promise of sending us a set.

We also got a second X-Firm set and a XX-Firm set.

Description

The MPC Big Black Magics have the brand’s signature 9-spoke black hub. The printing on the white/grey on-core PU varies according to hardnesses. The overall looks is pretty sober.

Measurements

Mounting the bearings is easy, you don’t need to press much to insert them. The second wheel enters under the boots, no risks of friction.

Test Protocole

3 different skaters have tested these wheel sets: A street skater with a 3×125 set-up, an amateur speed skater, and a former world champion. Thierry Feutrier (the second tester) always skates with the same equipment (molded Sierra boots, with Cadomotus TR5 frame and Ninja bearings) and only changes wheels to compare sessions on the two circuits he’s used to train.

Rebound

The rebound test is conclusive, with both hardnesses, X-Firm and XX-Firm, getting back up to a good height. Both wheels have very good resiliency. Yet the rebound of the XX-Firm is faster and more reactive than that of the X-Firm.

Rolling

The first sensation you notice is the wheels’ inertia when you launch them. You can feel that they need energy to be set in motion. When you reach 30 kph, the wheels start giving the inertia back and skating becomes easier. The tone is set, those wheels are rather designed for straight and rolling routes, not for speed-changing routes.

At high speed, Thierry Feutrier felt a small difference compared to the 2016 One20Five, of 1 or 2 kph on the Garmin GPS according to circuits.

Grip

The X-Firm version of the MPC Big Black Magics has good grip in varied conditions, you can use your edges and your bodyweight without fearing to skid. The grip becomes all the more strong in the heat, especially with the X-Firm model.
On roads that are still wet from the previous night’s rain, no problem either, they grip, and in my opinion, better than the Matters.

The XX-Firm keeps a great grip, although not quite as good as that of the X-Firm at the end of the push.

Wear & Tear

The MPC Big Black Magics have a slow and very even wear. Despite many T-Stops on damaged surfaces and lots of edge taking, the on-core remains homogeneous. You feel that you get your money’s worth.

With Use

The MPC X-Firm are pretty quiet. And provide a feeling of control. Outside edging and cross-overs to the right work well at moderate and high speed, even on very bad grounds.

Additional Opinion from an Elite Skater

« On several marathons, I’ve got the sensation that they are a bit hard to set and keep in motion, but they are a little faster than the Matters at top speed. They are stable at high speed and their wear is slow. »

Quality-Price Ratio

At 180€ the set of wheels, you get your money’s worth even if it remains very expensive. But if you are a leisure skater and use your wheels to the hub, you’ll have time to cover a good bunch of kilometers.

Conclusion

MPC offers excellent quality wheels for the practice of marathon skating in competition. It’s surprising not to see them more often on French marathons, all the more as they’ve been spotted at the feet of many skaters at the 2016 Marathon Worlds in Nankin, China.

The X-Firm will suit smaller skaters looking for a compromise between rolling and grip. The XX-Firm will be perfect for marathon skaters, heavier and more powerful, who want to get a maximum of rolling.

Strong Points & Points To Be Improved

Pluses + Comfy, Quiet + Rolling + Even Wear + Grip On Varied Grounds

Minuses – Price – Inertia at Start

Technical Facts

Brand: MPC
Model: X-Firm and XX-Firm Big Black Magic
Year: 2016
Made in: the USA
Hardness: X-Firm (86A) and XX-Firm (88A)
Available Diameter: 125 mm
Hub Diameter: 83.5 mm
Weight: 201 grams in 125 mm
Bearings: 608, or 688 with adaptor
Public Price: 30 to 33 €/u.
Recommended Use: Speed Skating in Competition, Especially Marathons.

Useful Links

– Testing the MPC Turbon Training 110 mm Wheels (2015)
– Testing the MPC PM XT-02 Speed Skating Wheel (2016)
– Testing the MPC Black Widow Wheels (100 & 110 mm) (2012)
– Testing the MPC Road War Firm 110 mm Wheels (2011)
– Testing the MPC Road War 100 mm Wheels (2009)
– Testing the MPC VT (Variable Traction) 100 mm Wheels (2007)

le poids du corps sans craindre de pete d’adhérence.
> perte

La X-Firm conviendra bien aux petits gabarits en recherche d’un compromis entre roulage et d’accroche.
> entre roulage et accroche

Test des roues MPC Turbo training 110 mn (2015)
> 110 mm
> le lien vers l’article n’est pas le bon.

Test : Roues MPC VT (Variable Traction) 100 m (2007)
> 100 mm