View Full Version : Ski Bike Development
RoostRider
11-07-2005, 02:13 PM
Two of my friends and I have built ski bikes using our full suspension Mtn Bike frames, some steel, some welding, and some old cut-off skis.
We have put in 2 seasons of intermeditate testing and have found a few things out.....
1st- no local ski hills will allow you to use them (but you can sneak them in until you get caught, 'cause the lift operators love to see new things)
2nd- Spirit Mtn will let you use them if you use a leash while on the lift.
3rd- Everyone, and I mean everyone is interested in them, and comes over to ask you questions.... (kids, ski patrols, moms and dads, old people, expert ski/boarders to novice... even the people at the gas station on the way to the hill)
4th- They make decent "junk yard" toys... you can push them up easy (pretty light without the wheels, gears, shifters, brakes, etc....) and they are fast as all get out, so building speed for jumps/hucks is no problem...
5th- They are LOTS of fun to ride, and, once you get used to them, quite easy to control. Every bit as fast as ski's and faster than a board, handle pretty tight (not as tight as skis though), they jump well (just like a bike), and you can carve roosts that blast....
If anyone is interested in trying one of these out, we will be doing more testing and romping at Spirit again this year. We are looking for reactions on them and suggestions. We would also like to get some footage of them on the hills with riders of all skill levels (if you're game for that)...
Post here or PM me for more information
eidt- photo of ski bike added
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/500/medium/skibike.jpg
rear ski tower assembly
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/500/medium/reartower.jpg
Front tower assembly
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/500/medium/Fronttower.jpg
drmrboyalex
11-07-2005, 02:21 PM
thats awesome....i have considered makin one of these myself. i was thinkin of leavin the wheel though so you could use it on flat ground too
Tetreves
11-07-2005, 02:40 PM
That's a great idea. Maybe use a pugsley, and a custom designed fork. Then you have a fat wheel for forward pedaling/traction, and a ski in the front. :D
You know that they do sell these at Pioneer Cycle in Blaine, ask for Brad. Super cool guy, I demo'd one last year when he came up to Spirit with them. They are super fun!!! I might just turn by DH bike into one, lol
L8R
Buck
manual63
11-07-2005, 02:51 PM
I have always wanted a ski bike. Hmmmm???
Maybe sometime. I hope some company makes a kit someday.
Aaroneous
11-07-2005, 03:12 PM
I have always wanted a ski bike. Hmmmm???
Maybe sometime. I hope some company makes a kit someday.
Consider your wish granted (http://www.skibikefun.com/)!!
http://www.skibikefun.com/images/bikes.jpg
manual63
11-07-2005, 03:15 PM
Sweet. Looks pretty simple. The kit with the skis looks pretty cool. They have a good width and looks like sidecut to them, which will make cornering pretty fun. Hmmmmm, now to come up with the money. Probably not this season, but maybe next winter.
Ski bike? Ah man, that's old news, even the paper boy in the movie "Better off dead" even had one. I want my two dollars!:scream:
http://www.xenafan.com/movies/bod/images/johnny13.jpg
Wolfchimp
11-07-2005, 06:18 PM
Great Movie!!!!
DM_rider
11-07-2005, 07:09 PM
I am seriously considering making my big hit into one this season. I'd just buy one of these kits, unless someone can make me one for cheaper :D
http://www.skibikefun.com/images/bikes.jpg
The Buckthorn Killer
11-07-2005, 10:36 PM
I built one 2 years ago out of an old BMX frame. It was a trip to home depot, a case of beer, and a drill. Many beers later, it worked. I have video footage some were. It's fun, but walking up the hill gets old.
drmrboyalex
11-08-2005, 12:15 AM
It's fun, but walking up the hill gets old.
thus, why i want to make one where you can use the wheels along with it:D
RoostRider
11-08-2005, 03:46 AM
For starters I am aware that these kits are available.... they are also expensive... mine is not.... (the Pioneer model is REALLY expensive as it is an entire bike frame too... which you already have... it also has clumbsy oversized skis).... and lets just say that the Pioneer guys were unwilling to test their bikes on the bike table tops at Spirit that we were hitting after just a few runs on our bikes... indicating that their bikes were not designed with this in mind
The total cost on my unit was about $10 in materials and 6 hours labor of love...
I have not ridden a factory made model, but I can tell you from my experience that the one pictured is too low to be practical. You will 'peg out' on any sharp turns causing 'high sidiing' and other problems that we experienced in working with our adjustable height model before concluding that a little more height is a good thing.
A rear wheel may sound like a good idea, until you try to turn it... lol... the rear ski is what steers this beast, and a rear wheel would not cut it on a real hill.... take the lift at Spirit instead and have as much or more fun than the skiers/boarders...
I have experimented with shaped skis on this and they do very little to help the carving. They carve like crazy with regular skis and carving any harder results in high siding the bike very often (which can be very painfull).
If anyone is interested in seeing one in action just let me know... if you are willing to put in a little effort and constructive critique (and sign a waiver), I will help you to build one.
I'm not trying to compete with manufacturers of ski bikes, I am pointing out a cheap alternative and offering to let people try it for free without buying a thing. If you just want to bash on the idea, then just put your bike away for the winter and I will ride with my other friends.... If you want to try something new and fun, let me know....
For starters I am aware that these kits are available.... they are also expensive... mine is not.... (the Pioneer model is REALLY expensive as it is an entire bike frame too... which you already have... it also has clumbsy oversized skis).... and lets just say that the Pioneer guys were unwilling to test their bikes on the bike table tops at Spirit that we were hitting after just a few runs on our bikes... indicating that their bikes were not designed with this in mind
I find that funny, since I took the one I was demoing into the park with Brad from Pioneer and we were skyin' the tables.(I even have video of it somewhere) as for being clumbsy...have you tried one? I didn't find it clumbsy at all, I actually thought I had great control. Anyway I was posting it as an other option, sounds to me like you haven't tried it. Besides the fact that you SAW one and yes they expensive, just like a good mtn bike...
Anyway they are a cool and fun winter toy. A guy I know that used to live in Duluth(patrick) was making them alllloong time ago, and they rocked.
L8R
Buck
It sounds like a great winter project. It seems like every year someone decides to try and make a better ski bike. I've only ridden a few homemade contraptions in the past, and most of them were not the safest things to ride down the hill on. But none the less they were fun.
However. about ten years ago, there was a local frame builder here in the Twin Cities named Mark Zeh, who built up a ski bike out of Titanium. It had a fairly short and wide front ski (I'd guess about 18" long by 8" wide), and it used an ATV tire in back. It was a serious trip to ride, you could even go up hill with it. Then on one Saturday morning we were doing a winter fun race, and he was going downhill on it, and smacked right into a picnic table with it, and totaled it out. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
I even found a "official" ski bike website
http://www.ski-bike.org/
Trevize1138
11-08-2005, 11:08 AM
That's a great idea. Maybe use a pugsley, and a custom designed fork. Then you have a fat wheel for forward pedaling/traction, and a ski in the front. :D
I was thinking along the same lines a month ago! A ski in front and back is certainly fine for downhill, but it'd be cool to have a ski/bike hybrid for cross country just like you're saying. Just work out a linkage that fits onto the front fork, make the ski pivot and you're set.
But, you know, it'd be really fun if you took a long, really wide ski and put both feet on it, one in front of the other, and slid down the hill on that! You could call it a snow ...uh snow ... board! I bet that'd be WAY better than putting some stupid skis on a bike. :crazy:
drmrboyalex
11-08-2005, 11:26 AM
I was thinking along the same lines a month ago! A ski in front and back is certainly fine for downhill, but it'd be cool to have a ski/bike hybrid for cross country just like you're saying. Just work out a linkage that fits onto the front fork, make the ski pivot and you're set.
But, you know, it'd be really fun if you took a long, really wide ski and put both feet on it, one in front of the other, and slid down the hill on that! You could call it a snow ...uh snow ... board! I bet that'd be WAY better than putting some stupid skis on a bike. :crazy:
i know you were being sarcastic....but, if one found a snowboard and removed the wheels from the bike and mounted the board to it....you could have another type of downhill ski-bike
RoostRider
11-08-2005, 11:33 AM
I find that funny, since I took the one I was demoing into the park with Brad from Pioneer and we were skyin' the tables.
All I can tell you is that the couple of times I saw the guys from Pioneer out there testing thier bikes, they were not jumping anything on them.... even when egged on by us on our homemades.... and they indicated to me that they were not built for that... (that was last winter)
I haven't tried Pioneers model... I said that earlier... it looks and acts clumbsy, and it is expensive.... maybe it was just the people who were ridding it?.... but it seems as though thier skis are too wide (it is still in developement I think)... a ski that is too wide will not carve as well as a thinner ski... and it showed... it also didn't have anywhere near the suspension as on our FS DH bikes.
Fat Rick and I have been friends for a long time. I have tried Patricks (Fat Ricks) version, and he has tried mine... it is what inspired me to build my own... we worked off of his design and made an adjustable version in height and angle... we worked with that to determine the best height and angle and came up with a pretty good handeling machine...
It sounds like a great winter project. It seems like every year someone decides to try and make a better ski bike. I've only ridden a few homemade contraptions in the past, and most of them were not the safest things to ride down the hill on. But none the less they were fun.
I even found a "official" ski bike website
http://www.ski-bike.org/
I'm not trying to make a 'better' ski bike.... just an inexpensive one that works great.... and I have succeeded.... The ones we have built are pretty good handlers.... and they can handle anything your mountain bike frame can handle
built up a ski bike out of Titanium. It had a fairly short and wide front ski (I'd guess about 18" long by 8" wide), and it used an ATV tire in back. It was a serious trip to ride, you could even go up hill with it.
Thats all very well and good... until you need to carve (which is always when on a ski hill).... I'd gladly trade being able to climb (very very inefficiently) for being stable in the DH....
Just work out a linkage that fits onto the front fork, make the ski pivot and you're set.
lol... spoken as someone who hasn't thought it out very well....
One last time here.... The rear ski is how you steer this thing.... the front ski will just slide (not turning the bike) without the back end assisting the turn by 'scrubing'.... certainly any hard turns would be impossible without a berm, and the thing would be quite unstable.... making the ski pivot (I assume you mean side to side as front back pivot is a given) would worsen the problem, causing the ski to never catch an edge (which is how skis turn.... maybe if you had a wear rod on it, but even then it would trun like a snowmobile (not very hard)
and yes, we have run them with a tire in the back... it sucks... a snow bike is WAY better for CC (and yes, I know a builder of them too!!)...
I'm not some newb to the Mtn Bike scene... I have been around the block a few times and I have done a LOT of research and experimentation on this...
I don't think you can find a commercial ski-bike product that will outperform a current FS Mtn Bike frame.... or one that is anywhere near as cheap to get into.... Why would you buy a whole ski-bike when the frame you already have is better for it?
If you just want to bash on the idea, make your own thread for that and I will leave it alone, and then you can show me the same respect.
Right on, Patrick's set up was rad! He had it on his FSR. Can you PM me a few pics, I'd be interested to see what you changed on Pat's design. He was going to make me a set but it never happened, I had offered to pay for it all too. Now he lives out west...lucky bastard. :D :cool:
THanks
L8R
Buck
RoostRider
11-08-2005, 12:23 PM
Right on, Patrick's set up was rad! He had it on his FSR. Can you PM me a few pics, I'd be interested to see what you changed on Pat's design. He was going to make me a set but it never happened, I had offered to pay for it all too. Now he lives out west...lucky bastard. :D :cool:
THanks
L8R
Buck
I don't have pics on this machine... I will try to find them on my other machine and get them to you... it may be awhile...
Heres what we changed....
the tower angle is more upright than Pats
the towers are taller
the skis are narrower and not shaped (he used ski boards we use cut offs for expense reasons.... old skis are cheap)
the skis are longer (can be cut to prefference)
They are lighter (after consulting with two engineers, we decided his were WAY overbuilt)
we made on unit adjustable so we could play with the head angle, height, and tower angle.
lastly, we radically changed his peg system, making it easier to install (no removing the bottom bracket), and far more stable.... the pegs we have would be more comparable to MX pegs, whereas he was using BMX trick pegs which were quite slippery, I'm sure you noted, and less than ideal... (ours have teeth to grip your boot and rotate with your foot on the peg)
We have run them on 4 different bikes (they are interchangeable between 20mm front axle bikes.... working on the conversion to standard)... a GT Idrive, an Enduro Comp (just like Pats), and two different Big Hits...
I PM'ed you my number (and real name... :) )... I will help you build a set if you are really interested....
I don't have pics on this machine... I will try to find them on my other machine and get them to you... it may be awhile...
Heres what we changed....
the tower angle is more upright than Pats
the towers are taller
the skis are narrower and not shaped (he used ski boards we use cut offs for expense reasons.... old skis are cheap)
the skis are longer (can be cut to prefference)
They are lighter (after consulting with two engineers, we decided his were WAY overbuilt)
we made on unit adjustable so we could play with the head angle, height, and tower angle.
lastly, we radically changed his peg system, making it easier to install (no removing the bottom bracket), and far more stable.... the pegs we have would be more comparable to MX pegs, whereas he was using BMX trick pegs which were quite slippery, I'm sure you noted, and less than ideal... (ours have teeth to grip your boot and rotate with your foot on the peg)
We have run them on 4 different bikes (they are interchangeable between 20mm front axle bikes.... working on the conversion to standard)... a GT Idrive, an Enduro Comp (just like Pats), and two different Big Hits...
I PM'ed you my number (and real name... :) )... I will help you build a set if you are really interested....
Kick @$$, I got the message, I'll call ya this afternoon! Yeah, if they are anything like pat's I know what they look like so no need for pics! I have a bigtsh!t myself. w00t!
L8R
Buck
steef
11-10-2005, 12:20 PM
I'd like to see some pics of these DIY contraptions.:crazy:
RoostRider
11-10-2005, 01:28 PM
well, I don't know the first thing about how to post a picture..... and I don't have any of it on this machine... but I'll see what I can do for you....
drmrboyalex
11-10-2005, 02:34 PM
well, I don't know the first thing about how to post a picture..... and I don't have any of it on this machine... but I'll see what I can do for you....
email em to someone...they would post em for ya
RoostRider
11-10-2005, 06:31 PM
I will email them to you when I get a chance from my other machine....
xbobeahenx
11-10-2005, 07:23 PM
lame. dont get me wrong, innovation brings us awesome things. but it also brings on the lame.
RoostRider
11-10-2005, 07:42 PM
innovation brings us awesome things. but it also brings on the lame.
:crazy2: LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL... that is seriously funny.... I'm gonna get a bumper sticker that reads that... just as dorky as it reads here.... lololollololol.... a little too much [place vice here] tonight?
Well, thanks for your input.... :)
BTW- you have obviously never tried one
xbobeahenx
11-12-2005, 01:57 AM
maybe I"'m also being a little harsh. maybe....:zzz:
xbobeahenx
11-12-2005, 01:59 AM
well I've also never tried that crappy 3 wheel razor scooter thing they sell on TV. BUt 3 wheeled (well...any scooter) is lame. sorry.
ps- ride your bikes and get off the computer. I"ve only posted twice and I'm bored.
RoostRider
11-12-2005, 06:24 PM
seriously though.... that is one funny saying....
and your point about the scooter is well taken.... but scooters don't carve!!!!
it certainly isn't for everyone or every occasion... it's bulky and hard to hold on the lift for one thing (hence the leash rule).... you might get cold riding it, or even get snow in your ear!!!... it doesn't taste very good... and it takes a bit of skill to ride....
I wouldn't put my grandma on one, and no one is going to try to make you ride one... in fact, once you start letting people try it, it's sometimes hard to get a ride yourself... so, yeah, whatever you think about this is cool with me... carry on
drmrboyalex
11-12-2005, 08:03 PM
that bothers me when people say crap about something they have never tried....try it....then say what you want...i have never tried one of these ski bikes but would love too.
RoostRider
11-13-2005, 11:21 PM
well, I'll make a post when we are going out on them.... then you can try one!!!
It's no big deal that some people bash it (some people bash anything)... it's not like it's my concept and I've been trying to promote it all my life... I just like doing it, and I know it has gotten a lot of attention from people who wanted to try it at the hills... So I thought I'd offer up what I have on it...
Would you preffer to go out junkyarding locally, or take it to Spirit?... we will be doing both.... (Spirit is a better way to get a good feel on it because the ride is longer and you don't have to puch it anywhere.... but you have to buy a lift ticket)
My friend just put his together tonight....
PS- where can I find fork seals for my Bomber? gotta get mine up and ready
drmrboyalex
11-13-2005, 11:57 PM
MN is in a winter storm watch! possibility of significant snowfall
drmrboyalex
11-14-2005, 12:32 AM
see, i want to try to create a ski-bike like this:
http://www.bikefilms.com/cool_stuff.htm (http://www.bikefilms.com/cool_stuff.htm)
but that isnt 20k and i dont need 6 shocks....how does 6 shock even work....i think standard FS bike are enuf
i havent watched the vid on this bike tho
xbobeahenx
11-14-2005, 11:44 AM
true enough. just my 2 cents. no harsh feelings, well....no long lasting harsh feeling anyway.....only kidding. but you guys better put some pegs on those things if you want to be taken seriously. hehe......ski bike grinding.... :eyeroll:
drmrboyalex
11-14-2005, 01:36 PM
in my last post i put in the wrong link....sorry...it has been edited
Thewavebb
11-14-2005, 02:10 PM
I see he is using skiboards for the skis on the front. I used to have a pair of those back in the day. That bike looks a little over the top.
drmrboyalex
11-14-2005, 02:16 PM
it is definatley over the top
RoostRider
11-14-2005, 06:48 PM
That is an interesting design that I have never seen before.... nice pluck... it might be a little heavier than my model.... :jumpy: and $20,000 USD.... :crazy2: ... I'm thinking mine is a little more practical than that....
but it's still a good pluck...
thanks for showing us that
drmrboyalex
11-14-2005, 06:50 PM
yea its a beast, an expensive beast at that....give em some slack tho....20K or best offer:p
mountaincyclerulz
11-14-2005, 07:13 PM
Make sure you post up here before you come to spirit. I live close and would like to try your design. I've only tried one other which is brad's from pioneer at this past springs dh snow race. I was was awsome but, I don't wan't to spend6 bills on one though. Or 300 on a ski kit that won't fit my front end. That would be sweet if we could build something to fit my rig(03 mountain cycle shockwave9.5 w/04super t forks). Could compensate you well w/ bike parts, beer, money, etc. :laugh: :beer_yum:
drmrboyalex
11-14-2005, 11:09 PM
got bored....checked ebay...another pluck
if u like bmx: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Crighton-SNOWMOTO-28ST-Skiing-BMX-Ski-Bike-240_W0QQitemZ7197140704QQcategoryZ1303QQrdZ1QQcmdZ ViewItem
RoostRider
11-16-2005, 03:34 PM
Make sure you post up here before you come to spirit. ..... I've only tried one other which is brad's from pioneer at this past springs dh snow race. I was was awsome but, I don't wan't to spend6 bills on one though. Or 300 on a ski kit that won't fit my front end. That would be sweet if we could build something to fit my rig(03 mountain cycle shockwave9.5 w/04super t forks). Could compensate you well w/ bike parts, beer, money, etc. :laugh: :beer_yum:
well, for starters, I intend to post here and get a few folks who are interested up to SPirit for a bit of a "demo" sometime this winter.... ALSO I will be taking them to a local park (St Paul, Mpls) here and there, and I may post here looking for anyone who wants to try them to come give it a shot.... but they are definately more fun on Spirit (longer drops and a lift!!)
Next- I would LOVE to see how people think they compare to the Pioneer model (which is an entire bike, which explains the expense)... so I encourage you to try one... hopefully we'll have at least 4 bikes to test in less than a month... (we have 2 now, one partway done... and hopefully another soon)
lastly- we build each set individualy, so fitting your rig, whatever it may be, should be no problem (we have 2 of them set up for 20mm already).... you dont even need a dedicated axle, if you are willing to swap them out....
So far Buck has indicated that he wants to buidl a pair for sure, and many others have expressed a strong interest.... I will be making arrangements with Buck, and I will post here when we are going to build them, if anyone else wants to join us, keep an eye on this thread and you will be welcome to build a set too....
Just to get this straight, I am NOT offering to build these for people... I am offering to help people who want to build them... I can provide a shop, the proper tools, and my experience with the design, welding and structural... I would encourage anyone interested to make changes and improvements/suggestions...
We have a good design, but improvement is always welcome
RoostRider
11-16-2005, 03:39 PM
got bored....checked ebay...another pluck
if u like bmx: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Crighton-SNOWMOTO-28ST-Skiing-BMX-Ski-Bike-240_W0QQitemZ7197140704QQcategoryZ1303QQrdZ1QQcmdZ ViewItem
I have seen those in the past... they are usually WAY more expensive than that... while they are probably lighter than my model, they also lack suspension for the big hits, and seem a little low to the ground.... I would love to try one.... buy it and let me take it for a ride....LOLOLOLOL
xbobeahenx
11-16-2005, 03:53 PM
that bothers me when people say crap about something they have never tried....try it....then say what you want...i have never tried one of these ski bikes but would love too.
I'm not saying you shouldnt try it. go for it dude. and I'm sure you'll be the raddest d00d on the SLOPES! shred on.
RoostRider
11-16-2005, 03:56 PM
I'm not saying you shouldnt try it. go for it dude. and I'm sure you'll be the raddest d00d on the SLOPES! shred on.
we all know where you're at with it... now please just quit responding to this thread... some of us are using it to get some things done... we don't need your discord or your approval...
Thanks
drmrboyalex
11-16-2005, 03:56 PM
buy it and let me take it for a ride....LOLOLOLOL
will do...lol
if i get lazy and dont wanna make one at some point i might try it...doubt it but maybe
soupboy
11-16-2005, 10:18 PM
A SID with a reinforced riser bar.
Consider your wish granted (http://www.skibikefun.com/)!!
http://www.skibikefun.com/images/bikes.jpg
stoneage
11-17-2005, 10:11 AM
thus, why i want to make one where you can use the wheels along with it:D
Mark Zeh (past local frame builder) and his buddy (can't remember his name), both made one-off titanium snow bikes for the 'Hank Williams Country Style Fitness Showdown' years ago. They had rear wheels with studs and a rigid front end with a carving ski that also had an ice blade in the center. Do you remember that race Tex? Man, I would love to resurrect those races from years gone by. No pretention, just fun and really hard racing. The 12 Hours of Honor is a step in the right direction.
The Don Shelby Bassmaster Classic and Cyclocross
The Glen Campbell Celebrity Open (including the icy steep wall of danger)
Jeez, we had fun!!!!
Yeah Bobba, as I recall they had big ol' fat studded ATV tires on those things. And as I recall, Zeh crashed into a picinic table going downhill to the lake at the Hank William's race. Oh the good old days of "the Dirt Posse" and Mountain Biker's Guru Forum.
I also just remembered, that I did that race wearing a neon yellow women's jog bra... needless to say I won the bet:D
xbobeahenx
11-17-2005, 02:02 PM
we all know where you're at with it... now please just quit responding to this thread... some of us are using it to get some things done... we don't need your discord or your approval...
Thanks
anyone reading my posts: realize I'm being sarcastic. open forums allow for disagreement and the occasional heckling. didn't realize this is the place that doesn't allow for such. and I apologize for the utter discord of the forums. but for real, I'm not being serious about it at all. even other dudes on these posts laughed about it. thats what I'm getting at. Its the same thing with people getting down on 26ers for riding at skateparks, riding with single speeds and pegs etc. MTBers get the razz for a lot of stuff and yet where does the best technology come from? US!! We all have an opinion. We all should share it. I'm just playing the proverbial devil's advocate for the sake of messing around. Its kidding around with "fellow" riders. Like I said, innovation brings us the best. suspension used to be scoughed at. look now. Maybe the ski bike will take off and be huge, and we'll have you guys to thank. But for now, I'm kidding around and never meant to piss anyone off. So, despite feathers being properly ruffled, I hope you guys aren't seriously upset. peace ;)
drmrboyalex
11-17-2005, 05:03 PM
anyone reading my posts: realize I'm being sarcastic. open forums allow for disagreement and the occasional heckling. didn't realize this is the place that doesn't allow for such. and I apologize for the utter discord of the forums. but for real, I'm not being serious about it at all. even other dudes on these posts laughed about it. thats what I'm getting at. Its the same thing with people getting down on 26ers for riding at skateparks, riding with single speeds and pegs etc. MTBers get the razz for a lot of stuff and yet where does the best technology come from? US!! We all have an opinion. We all should share it. I'm just playing the proverbial devil's advocate for the sake of messing around. Its kidding around with "fellow" riders. Like I said, innovation brings us the best. suspension used to be scoughed at. look now. Maybe the ski bike will take off and be huge, and we'll have you guys to thank. But for now, I'm kidding around and never meant to piss anyone off. So, despite feathers being properly ruffled, I hope you guys aren't seriously upset. peace ;)
youre forgiven:)
lol
its true that a lot of innovation and ideas are from mountain bikers:D
its true that a lot of innovation and ideas are from mountain bikers:D
Yeah, like a bong that's made out of a seat post. Only a mountain biker would come up with something like that :scream:
drmrboyalex
11-17-2005, 05:14 PM
Yeah, like a bong that's made out of a seat post. Only a mountain biker would come up with something like that :scream:
is that from experience?:etard:--wrong thing but u get the idea<wrong thing....but="" ya="" get="" the="" idea=""></wrong>
stoneage
11-18-2005, 03:12 PM
a bong that's made out of a seat post
The original Jethro Tule (the SS front wheel nut wrench) by Surly had a hole drilled in the end so it could be used as a hash pipe. Original ones are rare, because QBP stopped making them that way, for liability reasons. You could still 'drill your own', if you wanted.
xbobeahenx
11-18-2005, 07:28 PM
youre forgiven:)
lol
its true that a lot of innovation and ideas are from mountain bikers:D
awesome, good luck. hopefully I'll see you guys when I'm out snowboarding! ps- I want to see decade airs, tailwhips, superman seat grabs etc! That would be insane. peace:cool:
drmrboyalex
11-18-2005, 08:19 PM
I want to see decade airs, tailwhips, superman seat grabs etc! That would be insane. peace:cool:
haha...yea
hey roostrider....you pull any big tricks like that on yours?:jumpy:
RoostRider
11-21-2005, 03:03 PM
ummm.... no.... but I am sure the ski towers could handle it.... if you're feeling bold......
We have cleared all the table tops at Spirit with them.... overcleared in fact.... as attested to by my friends crooked colar bone... (but the bike handled it with grace....lol)... he just walked up to the ski patrol and pulled off his shirt and said "My colar bone is broken. They told me I should report it here"...the guys at the ski patrol said that it was the best they had ever seen anyone handle a broken colar bone ... we credit this to experience...
minnesota_freerider
11-30-2005, 09:25 PM
So far I have two of these parts completed for my ski bike. The mounts are somewhat heavy, but with all the components off the bike, it should stay about the same weight. I'm hoping to throw a couple blocks of aluminum into the cnc tomorrow and get the rest of it finished before christmas break. Sorry for the crappy pics.
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=11/33320352136.jpg&s=x12
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=11/33320350317.jpg&s=x12
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=11/33320344617.jpg&s=x12
RoostRider
12-05-2005, 02:44 PM
that looks sweet.... but no towers?.... will your CNC hold big enough stock to put on integrated towers? are you going to weld towers on, or how do you plan on handeling it?
YOU HAVE A CNC MACHINE?..... jealous.... thats what I am.....
As you can tell, it is about time to take out the ski bikes and ROMP.... are you interested in coming with on some test runs?...
thanks for the Pic's.... and yes, they look overbuilt (which is WAY better than underbuilt).... why the space under the middle of the mount?... I would think you could make that mount a LOT thinner if you just had it go right down to the ski.....
PM me with your phone number, I would like to discuss some design concepts with you...
minnesota_freerider
12-05-2005, 09:20 PM
that looks sweet.... but no towers?.... will your CNC hold big enough stock to put on integrated towers? are you going to weld towers on, or how do you plan on handeling it?
YOU HAVE A CNC MACHINE?..... jealous.... thats what I am.....
As you can tell, it is about time to take out the ski bikes and ROMP.... are you interested in coming with on some test runs?...
thanks for the Pic's.... and yes, they look overbuilt (which is WAY better than underbuilt).... why the space under the middle of the mount?... I would think you could make that mount a LOT thinner if you just had it go right down to the ski.....
PM me with your phone number, I would like to discuss some design concepts with you...
i have my towers designed in SolidWorks presently, I just have to import it into MasterCam and then put it in the CNC. I'm going to college to be a machinist so that is how I have access to the mills, lathes and cnc machines. Its also cool that I'm getting points for doing this instead of other pointless projects. For the towers, I will be bolting it to the part that was in the pictures. The reason for the gap is so that I will ride a little bit higher.
Dusty
RoostRider
12-08-2005, 03:29 AM
I gotta say that they look pretty cool..... cooler than mine... :(
but mine can be made by a mere mortal... lol...
if you want some help in figuring out the height to make your towers, I have a set that is adjustable in height... you can pounce around for a while, adjust it, and try it some more.... I think it varies by about 6", in 1" increments, which is substantial in how it performs in my experience...
I have found that a little lower on the rear handles better.... but your frame geometry will play into this as well... what are you putting them on?
I can also help you with some pegs if you need some advice on them too....(cranks and pedals dont cut it)... it would be sweet to have some machined aluminum ones for my ride.... how much effort would it take to make 2 sets of pegs once you're set up for one?
I got your PM, I'll give you a call
RoostRider
12-08-2005, 03:38 AM
ALSO, to those who expressed interest in building a pair of these things...
Adam Buck and I are planning on starting work on some next week sometime... maybe Tuesday or Thursday evening....
anyone else who is interested in joining us should PM me here with a phone number and I will call you to set up when and where and whatnot... I am hoping we can all get together at once and make it easier on everyone that way...
you will need a few bucks for steel and a set of crapped out skiis (I have a thrift store near my house that sells them for about $5-$10/pair, if you can't find any)... we will no doubt end up having to run after a couple parts here and there to make it all work (each set ends up a little different... lol... R&D).... if you have skis, remove the bindings but bring them with and be sure to keep the screws...
I have a heated garage with all the ammenities to get the job done....
wanderingrobots
12-09-2005, 05:12 PM
Yes I will definently be in for building the ski bike. My number is 952-542-8924. I will pick up the skis this weekend, and I will bring the $10 for the scrap metal. So call me when you and Buck decide what day. Thanks again,
jeff
I should have my schedule tonight...been a super hectic week for me I have no idea what next week holds...:hit: :jumpy:
L8R
Buck
RoostRider
12-16-2005, 04:49 PM
Buck has been busy, so we haven't gotten up and building yet....
but I did take one out on a good sleding hill a couple days ago.... when we have a build date set I will get ahold of everyone who wants in...
Buck has been busy, so we haven't gotten up and building yet....
but I did take one out on a good sleding hill a couple days ago.... when we have a build date set I will get ahold of everyone who wants in...
yo Roost,
Might be easier to do the build date that works with everyone else. and let me get in on it if I can...my schedule is going to be wack for a loooong time...
L8R
Buck
RoostRider
12-21-2005, 03:40 AM
slacker.... lol... what works for people here?
my best days are Tuesday and Thrusday evenings.... but not until aftre New Years at this point...
minnesota_freerider
12-21-2005, 02:13 PM
I'm on x-mas break til the 9th of january so anytime before that will work for me.
RoostRider
12-24-2005, 01:33 AM
well, whats a good Tuesday and or Thursday evening before then?
we could do it on a weekend, if it all works into my kinda weird schedule...
Wednesdays are the only day that is out for sure...
RoostRider
01-04-2006, 06:30 PM
Who here could do this tommorow night?
I know it's short notice, but I have a few hours open,if anyone can make it we could give it a try.... I can pick up the steel if I know how many are in....
Me and Cody have ridden them for a few years.
shourtt
01-04-2006, 08:20 PM
I can make it if the time is after 6 PM.
frosty857
01-04-2006, 08:32 PM
Hi all. I am the guy from Pioneer cycle. Now i have seen other sno bikes going to the trade shows and other creations that people have made. granted the design i sell is expensive $650.00. but the other ones are using bikes as there base. now the average full suspension is going to be upwards of $1000 or more., and than add skis . well your up to the price of my design already. but you have to take everything off your bike - shifters, cables, derailleurs, chain, cranks. and than when you want to ride you have to put your bike back togethor. the Storm is already for the hills as it site. it comes standard with 5" rear travel and 4" front travel. the bigest advantage is the drop seat. i do not have to have the lift slow down for me to get on or off and i can ride up with other people with no problem.
now as far as "roost rider and his bike i have only seen one other design on the hills of spirit and that was over a year ago. i am out every weekend playing hard with the storm. it is fast, manuable, i can take it through any type of run with no problem. And jumps are no problem. i love taking it to the terrain park and hit the table tops and grind boxes. if any one would like to try it out i am more than willing to let people try the storm. just give me a call at the shop. Pioneer cycle in blaine. oh, i also have been allowed to ride the bike at "coffee mill". i was down there last year for the down hill race. but i was having so much fun on the storm that i did not bring the bike out.
Two of my friends and I have built ski bikes using our full suspension Mtn Bike frames, some steel, some welding, and some old cut-off skis.
We have put in 2 seasons of intermeditate testing and have found a few things out.....
1st- no local ski hills will allow you to use them (but you can sneak them in until you get caught, 'cause the lift operators love to see new things)
2nd- Spirit Mtn will let you use them if you use a leash while on the lift.
3rd- Everyone, and I mean everyone is interested in them, and comes over to ask you questions.... (kids, ski patrols, moms and dads, old people, expert ski/boarders to novice... even the people at the gas station on the way to the hill)
4th- They make decent "junk yard" toys... you can push them up easy (pretty light without the wheels, gears, shifters, brakes, etc....) and they are fast as all get out, so building speed for jumps/hucks is no problem...
5th- They are LOTS of fun to ride, and, once you get used to them, quite easy to control. Every bit as fast as ski's and faster than a board, handle pretty tight (not as tight as skis though), they jump well (just like a bike), and you can carve roosts that blast....
If anyone is interested in trying one of these out, we will be doing more testing and romping at Spirit again this year. We are looking for reactions on them and suggestions. We would also like to get some footage of them on the hills with riders of all skill levels (if you're game for that)...
Post here or PM me for more information
Brad- Yours is cool, but I don't like the "sportbike" stance you're in while on the bike. Plus, most people building ski-bikes already have a bike, so it isn't really close to $650 to swap. I personally like my bike to sit up just like my bike normally would. Also at the same height with the cranks and not pegs. Handles nicely and you don't drag as much in the deeper snow.
One feature your's has is the ability to drop the seat for getting on the lift, that's nice.
minnesota_freerider
01-04-2006, 09:06 PM
Who here could do this tommorow night?
I know it's short notice, but I have a few hours open,if anyone can make it we could give it a try.... I can pick up the steel if I know how many are in....
I don't work at all tomorrow so I could come anytime. I finally got mine finished so i'll probably just come to ride if someone else has one to ride or what ever. I'll try and post some pics up tonight.
RoostRider
01-05-2006, 02:42 AM
Hi all. I am the guy from Pioneer cycle.
eeeeexxxccceeellllleeeeennnnnttttt..... I have a LOT of questions for you... :) ... I'm not sure if it's you I ran into on Spirit on the Pioneer design , but whoever it was was more interested in dissing my design than in talking about concept, handling, improvements, the weather, or anything really. Whoever it was came off as pretty cocky about our "cheapo" ski bikes, instead of happy to see someone else enjoying the sport.
Likely it wasn't you, because the guys we ran into (2 adult guys) wouldn't take them off of anything... and I mean anything....
When we began making these, we had no resources and just winged it based on something we had already tried (ours are very similar in design to the ones we rode, with a couple of improvements, and I don't take credit for the design, but it functions quite well and is affordable to say the least)
Now i have seen other sno bikes going to the trade shows and other creations that people have made. granted the design i sell is expensive $650.00. but the other ones are using bikes as there base. now the average full suspension is going to be upwards of $1000 or more., and than add skis . well your up to the price of my design already.
as previously noted, we already HAVE mtn bike frames, so the cost is SUBSTANTIALY less... esspecialy when you consider that "chop off" ski's cost nothing if you're lucky, and about $10 if you're not.
but you have to take everything off your bike - shifters, cables, derailleurs, chain, cranks. and than when you want to ride you have to put your bike back togethor. the Storm is already for the hills as it sit[s].
This is a GOOD thing to the typical Mtn Biker.... lol... seriously though, as a bike shop owner you know that this NEEDS to be done AT LEAST once a year anyways, why not do it while you are riding your ski bike.
If I had the cash, you can bet that I would have a bike for each, but I simply don't.
it comes standard with 5" rear travel and 4" front travel.
This comes with whatever you have on your Mtn Bike, or whatever type of bike you want to put it on. I think this is an advantage to anyone who rides Mtn Bike regularily. Your frame, being small, is light and manuable, but it also seems small, I'd like to give it a try sometime.
the bigest advantage is the drop seat. i do not have to have the lift slow down for me to get on or off and i can ride up with other people with no problem.
I'll give you that the drop seat seems nice, but I have NEVER had to have the lift slow down for me or one of my friends boarding OR disembarking. Not even the first time. We easily ride four on the quad, and I don't know how many more people you manage to fit on there. And we just ride right off the lift, no stopping and tweaking the seat. Granted, some people will not be as comfortable as we are with them, and they are bulkier than yours, quantifying this problem.
These things are cumbersome on the lift. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who can't hold a little weight on thier legs while on the lift. But it is pretty quick and you find a way to rest most of the weight.
now as far as "roost rider and his bike i have only seen one other design on the hills of spirit and that was over a year ago. i am out every weekend playing hard with the storm.
We certainly don't get out every weekend with them, which is likely why we weren't willing to lay down any big cash for one.
We have had them built for 2 seasons, this being the third, we have done some 'junkyarding' with them, been to Wild Mountain with them (until they politely asked us to leave), been to Afton (same result), and have been to Spirit REPEATEDLY (because they are cool with them), more than once we saw people on your machines.
it is fast, manuable, i can take it through any type of run with no problem. And jumps are no problem. i love taking it to the terrain park and hit the table tops and grind boxes.
Race ya?..... lol.... little levity there... your design looks like it is pretty manuable (good word!),
if any one would like to try it out i am more than willing to let people try the storm. just give me a call at the shop. Pioneer cycle in blaine.
raises hand!!!!!
oh, i also have been allowed to ride the bike at "coffee mill". i was down there last year for the down hill race. but i was having so much fun on the storm that i did not bring the bike out.
can we try it out at Coffee Mill on this Saturday? I would be more than willing to let you have a go on the Specialized Big Hit with the skis, if you're interested....
I'm not in competition with you, in fact, I would think that encouraging 'free designers' only stands to give the sport more exposure and therefore more people looking for a comercial model. (which I don't sell!!!)... Most people won't want to build there own, and most people won't be hardcore Mtn Bikers like these guys... your model will look quite appealing to them....
IF you are willing to throw down some answers for some questions I have-
what are the advantages/disadvantages of your wider skis?
have you considered I higher peg height? I 'peg out' even with this design, which sits a bit higher than yours.
what fork oils do you run? something special for the cold?
have you tried/had problems with air shocks on the rear? we had an air shock collapse in the extreme cold at Spirit one day, it about blew my hand off when I went to disassemble it because it had pressure in the negative side. I can only assume that the seals failed under the cold and the pressure from the compression side leaked over to the negative side. The shock worked fine after reassembly, but we never used that shock on a ski bike again.
Have you considered a conversion kit to sell? I know some others make some, but I don't know if there are patents pending and whatnot. Any idea? I think local Mtn Bikers would be interested in this more than a specific bike, whereas the general public would be more interested in a specific bike. (yours has considerable advantage over these models in weight, ease of use, and likely on the lift as well)
PS- your price is pretty decent, I thought they would cost more than that...
RoostRider
01-05-2006, 02:59 AM
I don't work at all tomorrow so I could come anytime. I finally got mine finished so i'll probably just come to ride if someone else has one to ride or what ever. I'll try and post some pics up tonight.
going to Coffee Mill on Saturday to ride.... you have yours all built? if so you should join us... If not you should join us for the build....
I won't be getting crazy on mine cause I will have my son skiing and I will need to spend some time with him.... but I would love to get together with some other riders and make a go of it...
Anyone who wants to try one of these things -!!!!!
Coffee Mill ski area (http://www.coffeemillski.com/), south of the cities, Saturday 1/7/06, sometime in the late morning to early afternoon till whenever.... we will have at least two of these rigs out there for people to romp on.... bring your skis or boards in case there are a bunch of people and you need to kill some time between tries... hopefully we can get Pioneer to bring out a couple of thiers as well?
If you're interested PM me and I will try to get back to you with contact information and details as they develop...
To everyone who PM'ed me about building- check your PM's... I'm trying to make this happen tonight... get back to me (by phone) if you need me to grab steel for you too....
Word of warning. Chopping skii's off get's dangerous. I ate **** the first ride of the year and received a chest full of handlebar, a face full of tar and all the wind knocked right out. Ended up breaking both skii's (tore them right out of the skii!) and my body.
The skii's don't flex enough, and you need that. Those little ski blades work the best.
bikemike
01-06-2006, 11:11 AM
Yea that didn't look fun Beau.:hit: Listen to Beau. Cody later that day even broke a pair of small kids skies.
RoostRider
01-12-2006, 12:29 AM
here is a picture of my ski bike... complete with tether for chairlift
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/500/medium/skibike.jpg
height adjustable rear tower assembly
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/500/medium/reartower.jpg
front tower assembly
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/500/medium/Fronttower.jpg
the original configuration had a turnbuckle on each side running from the tower to the binding pad, to make the rake adjustable, and was adjustable in height so that we could experiment.
The turnbuckles eventually failed, the tower collapsed to the ski, and I removed them and set the angle the way it seemed to handle best and welded it solid, leaving them only adjustable in height. (the angle really only affected how far out your fork raked, realistically its handling charachteristics can be changed in the same way by moving the binding pad)
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