Review of Raps Evolve Frame

By Anne-Jelmer Drent

You know the thing with first production runs? The second run is always a bit better.

I had been in contact with the Raps people because a crack started forming in my Raps Eracer 5x90 frame. The frame was replaced and at the same time we started talk about the benefits of longer frames and bigger wheels. The end of the conversation was that I was given the opportunity to test their latest addition to the Raps product family: the Raps Evolve.

The Raps Evolve is a value for money frame, so the frame hasn’t been anodized but painted. Also the frame isn’t ultra lightweight, so the milling operations could be minimized. Together with the Stork boot the set is available from €349,- (GBP238).

The set I got didn’t have a brand name (stickers hadn’t arrived). And the look was kind of strange. One side dull black and the other aluminum. And the black paint that was sprayed on the frame had also landed in the mid section. Not a nice look but not really important.

The first mistake in the frame was the second wheel which is placed a bit lower to fit a smaller wheel. Two small points were not milled away enough and were touching the wheel. A small file solved that problem. And an email to Raps solved it for the future production.

The second annoying bit arrived when I wanted to mount the frame onto my boots. The rear slot couldn’t be reached with a T-style Allen key. A bridge was blocking the position of the bolt. I had to use a special Allen key to reach the rear bolt. I also reported this annoying feature Raps. And I do believe they adjusted their design. So second production run will be better!

Skating on the Evolve came as a pleasant surprise. Comparing these skates to the 5x90 the Evolves with 3x100/1x90 provided excellent steering and easy and aggressive crossovers on the curves. On one occasion when I was skating uphill I found that the the skate was turning with so much ease that I had to remain focussed on my technique. Keep pushing to the side with the heel. Don’t let the skate determine its way. The 5x90 are more stable in going in a straight line but the Evolves proved easier in shifting into a lighter gear for example going uphill. Also crossing over and sprints felt much easier. One wheel less makes a big difference.

The ultimate test was during a 5000m timetrial on a 2.5km course. First starting on the Eracer 5x90 and after a break for 45 minutes two laps lap on the Evolve 3x100/1x90. The 5000 on the 5x90 was terrible. Working with my technique all the way… a struggle. On the Evolves the lap went by like a dream. Fast uphill and smooth pushoffs. This was going to be the fastest lap… The results: The 5000 on the 5x90 was faster! 8’51” on the Evolve: 9:04. Who would have thought! That makes the decision even harder.

Well in the end the final decision is not that hard. I have been skating on 5x90 a lot longer then the Evolves. So it might take a little more time to get used to the shorter frame. But these skates are a pleasure to skate on. And it gives a rock solid impression. I am not worried that this frame might start to crack. A decently priced, rock solid pleasure to skate on. An excellent choice for everybody who’s doesn’t need to have the fourth 100 and already has a pair of excellent shoes with a 165mm mount.

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