How to change roller derby skates to blades

Why convert your roller derby skates to blades?

While roller derby skates offer excellent maneuverability and stability due to their quad wheel configuration, inline skates, often called blades, provide a different skating experience. Inline skates tend to be faster, offer better glide, and are more efficient for long distances. Converting your roller derby skates allows you to enjoy the benefits of both without needing to purchase a completely separate set of skates.

Consider why you're making the switch. Do you want to improve your speed and endurance? Are you looking for a new challenge? Understanding your motivations will help you choose the right blade frame and adjust your skating technique accordingly.

Gathering the necessary equipment

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary equipment. This includes:

• Inline skate frames (choose a frame size appropriate for your boot size)
• Inline skate wheels (typically 72mm to 80mm for recreational skating)
• Bearings (ABEC 5 or higher recommended)
• Axles and bolts suitable for the frames
• Allen wrenches (size varies depending on the skate and frame)
• A skate tool (optional, but helpful)
• Work gloves (to protect your hands)
• Safety glasses (to protect your eyes from debris)

Choosing the right frame is crucial. Shorter frames offer better agility, while longer frames provide more stability at higher speeds. Also, research different wheel hardness levels ('A' rating) to find the perfect balance of grip and glide for your skating surface.

Removing the roller derby trucks and wheels

The first step in the conversion process is removing the existing roller derby trucks and wheels. Use your Allen wrenches to loosen and remove the axle nuts holding the wheels in place. Once the wheels are off, you can proceed to remove the trucks from the skate plate. This usually involves unscrewing four bolts that secure the truck to the plate.

Pay close attention to how the trucks are assembled before you remove them. Taking photos during disassembly can be helpful for reassembling later if you decide to switch back to roller derby configuration. Store all the removed parts in a safe place for future use.

Attaching the inline skate frames

With the roller derby trucks removed, you can now attach the inline skate frames to the skate plate. Most inline skate frames are designed to mount directly onto standard skate plates using the same bolt pattern. Align the mounting holes of the frame with the corresponding holes on the plate. Insert the appropriate bolts and tighten them securely using your Allen wrenches.

Ensure the frame is centered and aligned correctly on the plate. Misalignment can lead to instability and uneven wear on the wheels. Double-check that all bolts are tightened properly before proceeding. If your frame doesn't perfectly align with the plate, you might need adapter plates, which are sold separately.

Installing the wheels and bearings

The final step is to install the inline skate wheels and bearings. Each wheel requires two bearings - one on each side. Press the bearings into the wheel using a bearing press or carefully push them in by hand. Once the bearings are in place, slide the wheel onto the axle of the inline skate frame and secure it with an axle bolt.

Tighten the axle bolts just enough to hold the wheels securely, but not so tight that they restrict the wheels from spinning freely. Spin each wheel to ensure it rotates smoothly. If a wheel is not spinning freely, loosen the axle bolt slightly until it does. Regularly check the tightness of the axle bolts to prevent them from loosening during skating.

Remember to clean your bearings periodically to maintain optimal performance. Dirt and debris can accumulate inside the bearings, slowing them down and reducing their lifespan. A dedicated bearing cleaning kit can make this task easier.

Testing and adjusting your skates

Before hitting the streets or rink, test your newly converted inline skates in a safe and controlled environment. Practice basic skating maneuvers like forward skating, turning, and stopping. Pay attention to how the skates feel and make any necessary adjustments.

You may need to adjust the frame position slightly to find the optimal balance and control. Experiment with different wheel configurations or bearing types to fine-tune the performance of your skates. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, when skating.