Swix recalls rollerski wheels after crashes

Tue, Sep  3, 2019 - By Mike Muha

Swix has ordered a recall of the wheels on the Swix S5 Pro and Triac Carbon Skate rollerskis after at least 10 elite rollerskiers had problems at the Toppidrettsveka 25km roller ski race in Norway. Swedish star Frida Karlsson crashed, taking another rollerskier with her as she rolled into a ditch. All rollerskiers were on identical skis provided by Swix for the race.

According to Swix's Bjornar Byhren,

The rubber came loose from the rim, so it is definitiely a production fault.

Swix has posted a "Replacement of roller ski wheels" news release on their global website with instructions for getting wheels replaced:

During Toppidrettsveka in Norway, SWIX experienced the rubber separated from the rim on some of our roller skis for skating, which unfortunately led to some athletes being exposed to dangerous situations, falling and getting the competition ruined. SWIX regrets this and takes full responsibility for this incident. The wheels in question are from a production lot that not has been in regular sales, and there are no wheels from this lot in the market.

After this incident, we received reports that a few customers have had problems with the wheels from the same subcontractor. We therefore encourage everyone who has purchased the roller skis SWIX S5 Pro or SWIX Triac Carbon Skate to change to new wheels at our expense.

New wheels will be shipped to sports shops in Norway and abroad as soon as possible. Contact the store where you bought the skis, who will assist in changing to new wheels. Of course, this is free of charge.

We are in dialogue with the manufacturer of the wheels and have started the process ensuring better standards and quality control.

SWIX take this very seriously and apologize to those who have experienced problems. SWIX's roller skis should be safe and our customers' safety is our highest priority.

Questions? Please contact [email protected]