Things I learned fixing Sarah’s baby stroller

Recently, I found myself in an unexpected repair job. My friend Sarah reached out with a request to fix her 5-year-old stroller as it’s wheel had broken. Knowing I run a wheel-related business, she figured I might be able to help. As I dove into the repair, I realized that the frustrations I faced were surprisingly similar to the issues many cyclists encounter when dealing with bikes.

1. The Challenge of Identifying Models

Just like some bikes, strollers don’t make it easy to identify a specific model. To a non-expert, they all look pretty much the same, with barely distinguishable model names and no clear year markers. Is it a 2018 or a 2019? Without clear labelling, it’s nearly impossible to tell—and that’s a problem that plagues the bike

2. Compatibility Issues Galore

On Sarah’s stroller, the 2018 model uses a 10″ wheel, but the 2019 model bumped up to a 12″ wheel. Sound familiar? Just as we’ve seen with the gradual up-sizing of bike wheels, strollers are following the same path. And the problem? Not only are the newer wheels not backward-compatible with the old models but the whole assembly—wheel, suspension, you name it—was a no-go. Unfortunately, this lack of compatibility leaves owners with a lack of repair options. 

3. Mixing Metric and Imperial Measurements

This stroller came with 10 inch wheels and the wheel bearings used a hybrid bearing with a metric outer diameter but an imperial internal diameter. If this sounds complicated, that’s because it is. These bearings might be cheap for manufacturers, but they’re almost impossible to replace. It’s a reminder of the complexities we sometimes see in the bike industry too.

4. Short Lifespans for “End-of-Life” Parts

The stroller’s manufacturer stopped making spare parts for this 5-year-old model. Apparently, strollers are meant to “wear out” after a few years, which just doesn’t sit right with me. Why should any well-built piece of equipment be rendered obsolete so quickly? Sadly, we often see this in the bike world, too, where finding parts for older models can be a real challenge.

5. Lack of a Plan for End-of-Life

Without the option of a replacement wheel, this stroller would have ended up in the landfill. So, I took matters into my own hands—literally. I removed the old tire from the broken wheel (not a simple task, thanks to co-molding that lowers production costs but makes repairs tough), designed a new wheel, and 3D-printed it. I even had to make a new axle on the lathe. It’s a lot of work for one small part, but it felt good to give this stroller a second life.

A Costly Repair Solution

This whole process—from removing the old wheel to designing, testing, and printing a replacement—took about 18 hours, a 3D design software suite, and specialised equipment. It’s not a feasible option for most people, it’s certainly not possible for a business. It’s disheartening to think that many strollers, like bike parts, end up in the landfill simply because of a single unserviceable component.

At Wheelworks, We’re Committed to Serviceability

Experiences like this remind us why we place such an emphasis on long-term serviceability. Every component we choose, every wheel we build, is designed with an eye toward lasting quality and compatibility.

Every wheel we’ve ever built has a unique number so we can ID it.  Our Dial hubs have a part number laser etched onto every component, and one of the best service websites in the industry.  We know that whether it’s a stroller or a bike, equipment shouldn’t be disposable after a few short years. It’s why we focus on designing parts and building wheels that allow repairs, replacements, and long lifespans—so that, hopefully, fewer things end up collecting dust at the back of the garage or heading to landfill.

-Tristan
tristan@wheelworks.co.nz | 04 387 3592