Swedski Popular roller skis

[Colin Blackburn]

I was interested in the recent posts on grinding down wheels as I too
have a pair of second hand classic skis that have seen to much skating.
What's worse is that one side was very dominant. I've tried to locate a
source of spare wheels but to no avail. If anyone knows of a source of
these rather big classic wheels I'd be pleased to hear from them. They
measure about 80mmx65mm (80 being the wheel diameter).

It might also be possible to fit narrower wheels though I'm obviously
reticent to invest in expensive alternatives unless I know they can be
somehow adapted. Anyone out there still running these roller skis?

Colin

[Bob Schwartz]

I hear the grinding wheel calling...

If you can resist the call, one guy that I described the grinding
wheel method to told me about converting that roller ski for skating.
He then sold them to someone for whom I am guessing cost was a big
issue.

At any rate, those skis have very long shafts. Way longer than anything
that is sold currently. He removed the wheels and wheel mounts (which
are quite a bit wider than the shaft) and cut the shafts down. Then he
machined a cavity into the shaft and fitted them with inline skate
wheels.

Even if you didn't want to do the conversion to skating I'll bet that
technique would work for a narrower ratcheted wheel. But the soft rubber
on those wheels will sculpt like butter. The grinding wheel is calling.

Bob Schwartz