Adjusting your Race-n-Roll removable wheel mounts is a matter of preference that will change over time as you gain experience. Here are some general guidelines that will help you determine the best settings for your ski training system.
1. The distance of the wheels from the bindings (wheelbase), the weight of the skier, and the stiffness of the ski affect the flex of the ski while turning.
2. The flex of the ski (how much the ski bends while turning) affects radius of the turn. Similar to using wedge risers on a skateboard, the more flex a ski has the smaller the turning radius making the skis turn tighter but at some point the stability will start to decrease.
3. The wheelbase also affects the responsiveness of the turn. The shorter wheelbase makes quicker SL turns and longer wheelbase makes smoother more gradual GS turns.
4. Tightening the nut on the kingpin makes the skis feel more stable but requires more tipping pressure to initiate a turn. Loosening the kingpin nut makes the ski more tippy and makes turning easier requiring less pressure to turn. If the nut is too loose, the skis will become unstable at higher speeds.
A good place to start adjusting the wheel mounts: Loosen the mounts and find the point where your skis flex 3/4 of an inch while standing on the binding of one ski also centering the midpoint of the boot bindings equally between the mounting plates. Tighten the plates there. Breaking in new wheels and bushings will take a few runs. You should reduce your speed accordingly until your turns become stable.
A good place to start adjusting the trucks: Tighten the kingpin nut on the front and back trucks snug with plenty of movement but not loose or sloppy. If the skis seem unstable tighten the nuts. For quicker turning response loosen the nuts equally starting with the front trucks.
The hand brakes are for coming to a complete stop and for slowing your descent down the hill. Applying both brakes (left and right) gradually with equal pressure will bring you to a complete stop. The best way to slow your descent until you are able to make it all of the way down the hill without using the brakes is to alternate pressure with the left and right brakes. While making a left turn slightly apply the right brake and while making a right turn slightly apply the left brake (outside ski). The alternate braking will also help train you to keep the inside half of your body forward while turning. The goal is to not use the hand brakes as you go downhill, but to use turning to slow your speed just as in snow skiing. If you need to stop to avoid an obstacle, straighten your descent and apply the hand brakes forcefully to come to a complete stop.
You should never use your Race-n-Roll training system in the rain. The slick wheels will lose traction and the distance for a complete stop will increase with the slightest moisture on the road.
REMEMBER Similar to skateboarding, Roller Ski Training is a dangerous sport and could result in serious injury or death. Train within your ability. Always wear a helmet and proper safety gear. Follow traffic and pedestrian safety rules. Use at your own risk. For more safety tips visit: