Roller Ski User Guide

SAFETY AND WARNINGS

  • Roller skiing can be a hazardous activity. Roller ski inspection and maintenance performed by the user and/or an authorized retailer helps reduce the risk of injury.
  • Roller skis are designed exclusively for roller skiing. Roller ski wheels, frames, bindings, and all other roller ski components may become damaged if used for non-cross country ski-like movements and activities.
  • Roller skis are not indestructible. Like all sports equipment, roller ski reliability and performance degrade with use over time.
  • Roller ski route planning is essential for safe roller skiing. Avoid routes with steep hills, sharp turns, or any other route features that are beyond the skillset of the roller skier.
  • Dirty and/or damaged pavement present safety hazards. Potholes, cracks, tar-filled cracks, stones, sticks, and other debris are common tripping hazards. Sand, dirt, salt, small stones, pine needles, and leaves are common slipping hazards.
  • Roller skiers should understand and obey all applicable local traffic laws.
  • Rundle roller skis do not have brakes. Learning proper braking technique is essential for roller skiing safely in most areas.
  • Rundle roller skis are designed for users up to 90kg in weight.
  • Damaged or broken roller ski components should be replaced immediately.

 

USE

  • Wearing a bicycle helmet while roller skiing is strongly recommended. Wearing hand, knee, and elbow protection can further reduce the risk of injury.
  • Do not roller ski on unpaved surfaces.
  • In low-light environments it is strongly recommended to wear high visibility-clothing.
  • It is strongly recommended to roller ski on roads with low speed limits and low volumes of motor vehicle traffic.
  • When roller skiing on roads open to motor vehicle traffic it is recommended to avoid roller skiing side-by-side with other roller skiers.
  • The rubber surface of new roller ski wheels is very smooth and offers less traction than wheels that have been worn in. It is recommended to roller ski cautiously and in dry conditions when using new roller skis or new roller ski wheels. New wheels have full traction after approximately 5km of use.
  • Do not roller ski if physically unfit to do so.

 

BINDING INSTALLATION

  • Rundle roller ski frames have pre-drilled holes for many common roller ski-compatible bindings. Consult with an authorized retailer if the holes in your bindings do not align with Rundle’s pre-drilled binding hole pattern.
  • Only install bindings that screw directly into the roller ski frame. Bindings that slide onto binding plates should not be used for roller skiing.
  • Bindings should be installed according to the user’s foot size. The sole of the skier’s boot should not extend past the back of the binding.
  • Minimize the number of times bindings are installed and reinstalled into the same holes on the roller ski frame.

 

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

When to inspect roller skis:

  • Roller skis should be inspected in frequent regular intervals;
  • After any roller ski crash;
  • If the roller skis suddenly begin behaving differently or in unexpected ways;
  • If the roller skis make unusual noises or clicking noises.

What to look for:

  • Loose bolts: Loose bolts should be immediately tightened. Roller skis should never be used with loose or missing bolts.
  • Bearing wear: Bearings that are seized, feel gritty when spun, or feel loose should be replaced. Damage to bearings is almost always hidden behind the bearing seal and can’t be seen visually.
  • Bindings: Loose binding screws should be immediately tightened. Cracked binding components should be immediately replaced.
  • Wheels:
    • Skate: Rundle skate wheels have a diameter of 100mm when new. Skate wheels should be replaced when the wheel diameter is 90-95mm. The exact time a wheel should be replaced depends on the condition of the wheel. A wheel should be replaced if there are signs of cracking rubber, rubber delamination from the rim, or spoke damage. Wheels with cracked spokes make an audible clicking sound and should be immediately replaced.
    • Classic: Rundle classic wheels have a diameter of 72mm when new. The exact time a wheel should be replaced depends on the condition of the wheel. A wheel should be replaced if there are signs of cracking rubber, rubber delamination from the rim, or spoke damage. Wheels with cracked spokes make an audible clicking sound and should be immediately replaced.
  • Frame damage: Scratches, gouges, dents, and cracks all create weak points that can affect the structural integrity of the roller ski. Roller skis are designed to withstand general use including scratches from low impact ground strikes. Dents and cracks indicate significant frame damage. Any roller ski frame with a dent or crack should be immediately replaced.

Cleaning and storage:

  • Roller skis should be stored in a dry environment and wet roller skis should be dried before storage.
  • Long term exposure to UV light may fade the roller ski paint and graphics.
  • Roller skis can be washed with water and mild soap. Do not clean Rundle roller skis with solvents or harsh chemicals.

 

60 SECOND SAFETY CHECK BEFORE EACH ROLLER SKI SESSION

  • Hold the roller ski frame in one hand and one of the wheels in the other. Twist the wheel side to side to check for excessive play or side-to-side movement. Do this for all 4 wheels.
  • Push and pull the bindings in multiple directions to verify they feel securely fastened.
  • Visually inspect each bolt to see if any are missing and/or if any appear loose.
  • Spin each wheel to verify the bearings spin smoothly.
  • Visually inspect each wheel for delamination or spoke damage.

 

WHEN IN DOUBT

If you are unsure about something related to safety and/or maintenance, contact Rundle directly or your local authorized retailer.