Rollerski Maintenance, Safety, and Repairs

The Essential Guide to Rollerski Maintenance, Safety, and Repairs

For Peak Performance and Peace of Mind

Rollerskiing offers incredible off-season training benefits, but unlike snow skis gliding on a forgiving surface, rollerskis endure significant stress on pavement. Consistent, thorough maintenance isn't just recommended – it's essential for your safety, the performance of your equipment, and maximizing the lifespan of your investment. This guide provides crucial checks and maintenance procedures for both individual skiers and the retailers and coaches who support them.

1. Safety First: Your Helmet – The Most Critical Component

While not physically attached to your skis, your helmet is paramount. Treat its inspection with the seriousness it deserves:

  • Age & Condition: Helmets degrade over time, even without impact. Most manufacturers recommend replacement every 3-5 years. Check the manufacturing date sticker inside. Is the outer shell cracked or heavily scratched? Are the internal pads deteriorating?
  • Fit & Straps: Ensure a snug, secure fit without pressure points. Adjust straps so the helmet sits level and doesn't rock excessively. Buckles and adjustment dials must function perfectly.
  • Impact History: This is non-negotiable. A helmet is designed for ONE significant impact. If you've fallen and your helmet hit the ground (even if it seems minor), its protective EPS foam liner has likely compressed and compromised its integrity. Replace it immediately. Think of it like a car's airbag – it's a single-use safety device. Prioritize your safety over cost.

2. The Rollerski Chassis: Frame and Bindings Inspection

High stress concentrates on the rollerski frame and binding mounts. Regular checks are vital:

  • Frame Integrity:
    • Aluminum Frames: Look for deep scrapes or gouges, especially on the underside and forks. Significant damage can create weak points that may lead to frame failure. Inspect bends or any signs of deformation.
    • Composite/Carbon Frames: Carefully check for impact fractures, delamination (layers separating), or splintering. Pay close attention around binding mounts and wheel forks.
    • General: Clean your frames regularly to make inspections easier. If you have any doubts about frame integrity, stop using the skis and seek professional assessment from a qualified retailer. A broken frame during use can cause serious accidents.
  • Binding Security:
    • Screw Check: Regularly (e.g., monthly or more often with high use) check that ALL binding mounting screws are tight. Use the correct screwdriver type (usually Pozidriv #3 for Salomon/Atomic, #3 Phillips for others) to avoid stripping heads. Each binding should be held on with five screws.
    • Stripped Screws/Holes: If a screw spins freely or won't tighten, the mounting hole may be stripped. Do not ski on this. This requires professional repair (often involving replacing the frame, regluing the screws or specialized techniques). Ignoring this can lead to the binding detaching catastrophically during use.
  • Mudflaps:
    • Screw Check: Check the mudflap screws are secure and retighten if necessary. Mudflaps are usually attached with #2 Philips screws.
    • Replace Broken Mudflaps: Replacement mudflaps can be purchased to prevent spray from ruining your ski boots.

3. Wheels and Bearings: The Heart of Performance and Longevity

Properly functioning wheels and bearings are crucial for a smooth, safe ride and preventing premature wear.

  • Pre-Ski Check: Before every session, spin each wheel. Listen for grinding noises and feel for roughness or excessive play (side-to-side wobble). Ensure wheels rotate freely. Check that each axle nut is tight.
  • Cleaning: Keep rollerskis clean, especially after skiing in wet or dirty conditions. Wipe down frames, wheels, and forks. Avoid storing them damp. Store at room temperature.
  • Lubrication - CRITICAL distinctions:
    • Standard Sealed Bearings (Most Swenor Models): Per Swenor's official guidance, these bearings are sealed and DO NOT require lubrication. Adding external oil or grease can actually damage the seals, attract dirt, and negatively affect performance and lifespan. Simply keep them clean externally.
    • Ceramic Bearings: These do require periodic cleaning and oiling. Swenor suggests products like WD-40, 5-56, or alternatively, a few drops of light bicycle oil after cleaning.
    • Ratchet Mechanisms (Classic Rear Wheel): While the bearing within the ratchet wheel follows the rules above, the internal ratchet mechanism itself (pawls/needles) may benefit from a very small amount of low-friction, water-repellent grease applied carefully only to the mechanism parts, not the bearing. Use sparingly, as too much or too viscous grease can cause slipping, especially in cold weather.
  • Bearing Health: Bearings are wear items. If they feel rough, gritty, noisy (even after cleaning for ceramic bearings), or have significant play, it's time to replace them. Riding on worn bearings reduces performance and can eventually damage wheels or axles.

Detailed Maintenance: Ratchet Wheels (Classic Skis)

The ratchet wheel (rear wheel on classic skis) allows forward motion only. Before winter storage, it is recommended to disassemble the wheel assembly to check for parts needing replacement and clean and lubricate the area around the axle, bushing and bearings.  

  1. Removal: Loosen and remove the axle nuts/bolts. Note the orientation of parts. Remove the wheel.
  2. Disassembly: Gently tap out the axle (soft mallet). Protect threads. Remove bearings if necessary for replacement (use proper tools).
  3. Cleaning: Wipe all parts (axle, hub, ratchet mechanism, exterior of sealed bearings) with a clean, dry cloth. For ceramic bearings, follow cleaning procedures and allow to dry before oiling. Avoid solvents on standard sealed bearings.
  4. Inspection: Check ratchet parts for wear. Inspect bearing smoothness (replace if rough/noisy/damaged).
  5. Lubrication (Follow rules above):
    • Standard Bearings: No lubrication needed.
    • Ceramic Bearings: Apply appropriate light oil.
    • Ratchet Mechanism: Apply a tiny amount of suitable grease only to the internal pawl/needle components if deemed necessary for smooth function, avoiding the bearing itself.
  6. Reassembly: Press bearings back in (if removed). Insert axle.
  7. Mounting: Place wheel back in frame correctly (direction arrow, spacers). Axle fully seated in slots.
  8. Tightening (CRITICAL STEP): Use TWO wrenches/tools simultaneously on each side of the axle. Tighten evenly and firmly. Failure to do so risks frame/axle damage.
  9. Final Check: Check correct ratchet function. Wipe excess lubricant off the rubber wheel surface.

Detailed Maintenance: Non-Ratchet Wheels (Skate Skis / Classic Front)

  1. Removal, Disassembly, Cleaning, Inspection: Follow steps 1, 2, 3, & 4 from Ratchet section, adapting bearing check/cleaning based on type (Sealed vs Ceramic).
  2. Lubrication (Follow rules above):
    • Standard Bearings: No lubrication needed.
    • Ceramic Bearings: Apply appropriate light oil.
  3. Reassembly & Mounting: Follow steps 6, 7, & 8 from Ratchet section (two-wrench technique still vital).
  4. Final Check: Ensure smooth, free spin.

4. Poles and Ferrules: Often Overlooked Safety Points

Your poles are also critical safety equipment:

  • Pole Shafts: Inspect for cracks, deep scratches, or damage. A broken pole can cause a fall.
  • Ferrules (Tips):
    • Security: Ensure ferrules are securely glued to the pole shaft; they should not twist or wobble. Check carbide tip is firm in the ferrule.
    • Sharpness: Rollerski tips must be sharp for pavement grip. Sharpen regularly (every 50km) with a diamond file.
    • Alignment: Ensure tip alignment with grip/strap.
  • Note on Competition Rules: Specific equipment regulations, such as minimum pole basket diameters (usually requiring ≥ 30 mm for baskets), may apply in organized training or competitions sanctioned by bodies like FIS or national federations. Always verify the current rules for any event you participate in.

5. Essential Safety Rules & Regulations (Based on Local Guidelines)

While local laws vary, these rules (adapted from Norwegian Ski Federation guidelines) represent best practices for rollerski safety everywhere:

  1. Full Command: You must be able to safely control, brake, and turn your rollerskis, especially in areas with potential traffic or obstacles.
  2. Traffic-Free Training Areas: All formal teaching and structured training should ideally occur in areas completely free from vehicle traffic.
  3. Youth Caution: Children under 15 are generally advised not to rollerski on busy roads.
  4. Road Positioning: When sharing roads, you are generally expected to use the right side of the road (Note: Always verify and follow your specific local traffic laws).
  5. Know Your Route: Only ski in places well-known to you. Avoid heavy traffic, dangerous descents, sharp turns, and busy junctions.
  6. Clear Communication: Use clear hand signals and make yourself understood by other road users (pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles).
  7. Be Visible: Dress in bright, visible clothing. Always use reflectors, especially in low light (though daylight skiing is strongly recommended).
  8. Helmet: Always wear a properly fitted helmet (see Section 1).
  9. Eye Protection: Glasses or visors are recommended to protect eyes from debris, insects, or precipitation.
  10. Full Focus: Avoid listening to music or using headphones; maintain full auditory and visual awareness of your surroundings.
  11. Equipment Check: Before every outing, ensure your equipment (skis, bindings, wheels, ferrules, poles, helmet) is well-maintained and in safe working order.

Conclusion: Invest Time Now, Ski Safely Later

Regular rollerski maintenance and adherence to safety practices are small investments that yield significant returns in safety, performance, and equipment life.

  • For Skiers: Be diligent. Seek professional help when needed. Your safety is paramount.
  • For Retailers & Coaches: Use this guide to educate. Stock necessary supplies. Offer expert service and reinforce safe practices.
  • Further Information: For detailed, model-specific instructions and diagrams, refer to the official Swenor Rollerski Manuals (PDF).

Happy (and safe) rollerskiing!