Roller ski maintenance essentials
Ensuring your equipment is in tip-top condition before you hit the pavement is essential. Proper maintenance of your roller skis is critical to maximizing performance and extending their lifespan. This ProXCskiing.com article will discuss useful tips and insights to help you maintain your roller skis.
Earlier this week, ProXCskiing.com published our Roller Ski Guide 2024 – YOU CAN FIND IT HERE
CLEANING
The first and foremost step in maintaining your equipment is cleaning it after every use. Dirt, sand, and debris can accumulate on your equipment, causing damage and hindering performance. Use a brush or a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris accumulated on the roller skis after each use.
CHECK WHEELS
Next, check the wheels regularly for wear and tear and cracks or other damage on the frame. The wheels and frames are critical components; any damage can significantly affect performance or cause injuries. If the wheels show signs of wear or damage, it’s time to replace them. Additionally, ensure that the wheels are spinning freely and are not wobbling.
Also Read: When should roller ski training begin after winter?
CHECK BINDINGS
Check the bindings as well, as they are an essential part of your roller skis. Ensure they are in good condition and securely attached to the roller skis. Regularly lubricating moving parts, such as axles and bearings, is also a good idea to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
In a recent interview with ProXCskiing.com for our Roller Ski Guide 2024, former roller ski World Champion Ragnar Bragvin Andresen explained the importance of safe bindings.
Roller skis should be safe: ensure the bindings are not too old or worn out. Bragvin Andresen fully understands why people inherit roller skis from others or buy used ones. But he urges those who do so to take extra care with their bindings.
Bindings wear out when used. However, there have also been cases where they have not worked properly and, in some cases, come loose while the skis are in use. At high speeds and in traffic, this is dangerous. That’s why it’s important to check the bindings and ensure they are properly fitted, regardless of the age and brand of the equipment.
“A good way to test the binding is to make sure there is no ‘looseness’ when you have tightened the ski and then shake your foot vigorously in all directions,” says Bragvin Andresen.
PROPER STORAGE
Proper storage is crucial in maintaining the good conditions of your roller skis. Store them in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight, and avoid stacking them on top of each other. A protective cover or a bag can also be helpful to keep your roller skis clean and protected.
SEEK FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Lastly, if you’re not confident in maintaining your equipment or notice any significant damage, seek help from a professional ski shop or a roller ski technician.
Maintaining your equipment is an essential part of the sport. By following these tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your roller skis and reduce the chances of any unexpected issues while on the road. So, get ready to hit the pavement and enjoy an excellent roller skiing season!
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