This week's tip:

Postseason Skate Tune-up

How to get your inline skates ready for next year
 

By Danny Frederick

For many outdoor skaters, autumn is the end of the season. The big inline races are over. The weather is turning cooler. And the days are shrinking.

It’s a natural time to take a break.

But before you hang up your skates for the season, do something for them. They’ve carried you over many miles of training and fun. Now it’s time to give them a thorough cleaning and tune-up.

This post-season ritual is a great way to put some closure on the season and get ready for next year:

1) Dismantle your skates.

Grab an Allen wrench and screwdriver and take everything apart.

• Unscrew your axles and remove your wheels.
• Pop your bearings out of your wheels and remove the spacers.
• Remove your frames. But first mark their position with tape so you will know where to put them when you reassemble your skates.
• Use an allen wrench to remove your frames. In case you are new to this, you will find they are secured by two bolts on standard frames and three bolts on Bont 3-point frames.
• Remove your laces … that is if they are removable. Laces on some modern fitness skates are not.
• You can also remove the buckles, especially on racing boots. But this is optional. The most important thing is to make sure they are securely fastened to the boot.

2) Clean everything.

Dirt is the enemy of your skate. It accelerates wear and tear and makes them look old and tired. Give everything a thorough cleaning.

• If your boots are made of cloth or plastic, scrub them with soapy water. Dish soap works well for this.
• If your boots are leather, clean them like you would a pair of dress shoes. First, wipe them clean with a wet cloth. Then polish them with leather conditioner or polish.
• Now clean your axles, frame bolts and spacers (those things that separate your bearings). A rag is usually all you need for this.
• While you are cleaning them, take a close look. Is there any wear? Are the heads or threads stripped? If so, toss them so they don’t cause you big headaches later.
• Inspect your bearings. You can wipe the dirt off of them. But be careful not to push the grime into the bearings. Hold each bearing between your thumb and index finger and spin it. If it doesn’t spin freely, it’s compromised. It either needs to be cleaned or replaced. I know lots of skaters who spend hours cleaning their bearings several times a year. But I don’t have that kind of time. If I find a bearing that spins even a little sluggishly, I replace it.
• Don’t forget to check your laces. If you find any wear on them, replace them. Worn laces don’t last long so it’s best to get new ones.
• If your skate has a brake, inspect that, too. If the brake pad is wearing low, replace it.
• Give your wheels a good cleaning. Most wheel wear is the result of dirt and dust building up on the urethane. So cleaning extends their life. Use some soapy water and a fingernail brush.

3) Order replacement parts.

Now that you’ve completed your inspection and cleaning, order all the required replacement parts. While you are at it, buy some extras to keep in your skate bag. That way you will be ready for emergencies next season.

4) Put it all back together.

After all your replacement parts arrive, put your skates back together. Don’t wait for next season to do this. Your memory of where everything goes might get a little foggy. So do it while it’s fresh in your mind.

Once you get your skates reassembled, you’re done. You can stow them away in the closet until spring.

But don’t be surprised if you can’t wait that long. Now that you’ve given your skates a tune-up, you’ll be itching to take them out for a spin.

...

Danny Frederick began inline skating several years ago in an effort to improve his performance on long-track ice. Apparently it worked. Last year, he set an age-group long-track world record in the 5000 meters. On inlines, he has risen to the top of the ranks of master skaters, winning his division in several marathons and the 2011 National Roller Cup. A member of the Adam's Inline Test Team, Danny says he has found lots to like about inline skating, including the tactics of road racing and the sense of freedom. "But most of all, I have found more friends to enjoy skating with," he says. Danny lives with his family in Maple Valley, WA, and works in Tacoma as a pediatric echocardiographer.

• Adams Inline

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