TAGS: #rollerblading
The RipStik is a popular caster-board created by the “Razor” company (known for their successful Razor Scooter.) Two separate small platforms are conjoined by a bar which rotates using a heavy duty spring. Each platform or “deck” hosts a rotating wheel identical to a roller blade wheel.
The construction of the board allows a person to propel themselves using a twisting motion of the body and legs to move the two decks and wheels. The feeling of riding a caster board has been attributed to being like riding a snowboard or surfboard.
Repairing a standard RipStik wheel is a simple process which is not unlike replacing a roller blade or skateboard wheel.
To begin you will need a few things. You will need a pair of needle drivers (or similar) which will act as a crowbar to remove the bearing from the wheel, a new roller 76mm blade wheel (which are the same as RipStik Wheels), or two, if your going to be replacing the front and back wheel. You will also need two alan wrenches (also know has alan keys) 3/15th in size.
First of all, you will need to remove the wheel out from the RipStik truck. Place one alan key on the right side of the wheel, inside the bolt, the other on the left hand side of the bolt. Now, twist one alan key anti-clockwise to un-screw the bolt while holding the other side to keep it from twisting. Continue rotating the alan key until you have completely un-screwed the bolt.
Once the wheels is out your going to take the needle drivers and pry out the bearing away from the inside of the wheel. Once the two bearings are out you will be able to place the bearings inside the new RipStik wheel. Put the bearings in the middle part of the wheel (taking care it does not fall over while it is inside the wheel) and press in the bearing.
Once you have both bearings in the new wheel, take your wheel and place it in the truck. Now place your bolt in through the truck, the wheel and the bearing. Tighten the bolts until they are very firm to make sure they are secure. Be careful not to over tighten your bolt as this could cause your bearings to seize. Once you have got your RipStik Wheels tightened you’ll be good to go and you will have a new RipStik Wheel to race along with.