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#1
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Roller Ski Question
I am a real rank beginner nordic skiier, but I am absolutely and totally =
in love with this sport. I really love the exercise, and the snow is all = but gone here, so I'm thinking about roller skis since I read about them = here. Really, how hard it is to adapt to roller skis? They look pretty narrow. = How hard is it to balance on them? Is it harder than skis (which I think = are pretty easy in terms of balance at least)? How easy is it to stop = when using them? I'd be using them on the streets in the subdivision = where I live (or maybe the sidewalks). If I had to stop fast, could I? = Are they easier to stay up on than skis? (because I'd hate to fall down = on the concrete as many times as I have fallen on icy trails). I've done = some reading on different types, and I am getting more confused than = anything, I apologize for the simple-mindedness of these questions -- if they = strike you that way. I am trying to decide if they are worth the expense = and to make sure that I get the right equipment if I decide to go for = it. I have a nordic ski machine, but that is so boring. I want to be = outside getting exercise if possible. Thanks in advance, June |
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#2
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Roller Ski Question
Rollerskis are fun, too. Despite of what you think snow skis
are much harder to balance properly than rollerskis. Snow is very forgiving and when your ski is not "flat" you'll slow down but still slide. On rollerskis you HAVE to keep balance and that is easier to learn. Very good that you are getting confused - you should! Rollerski market is an interesting one. There is so much crap, it is mind boggling. Stay away from anything less than 100mm wheel. Stay away from pneumatic wheels - don't get me wrong - concept is good, but there are flats, worn (and expensive) wheels and such. Stay away from racing rollerskis - they are too fast and, in my opinion, just a little too short. A lot of how rollerski feels is in the wheels, the beam itself is not that important, but I would choose aluminum for lightness, durability and price. 4-wheel (80mm) rollerskiis might be OK for training as long as wheels are not too fast (inline wheels almost always are). Having fenders is very important - your nice ski boots will turn very dirty once you hit the wet road, and, believe me, you will. Forget about using concrete surface - your poles will not "bite", choose grainy asphalt instead. You don't stop reliably on rollerskis - not abrupt, anyway. Rollerski is go anywhere tool as long as you now where the hell you are going. Choose downhills with safe roll-outs before you get confident. And last, but not the least - to get the feel, try rollerblades with poles first, but don't stop there - it is not the same! |
#3
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Roller Ski Question
Hi June:
Here are a couple links to help you get started. There are several different brands and some others may want to chime in here. I like the Jenex aeros because they have bigger wheels and therefore don't come to a screeching halt everytime they hit a log or boulder (my wife calls these items twigs and pebbles.) http://www.xcskiworld.com/ http://www.skinnyski.com/training/ar...kiing2003.html http://www.jenex.com/rollerskis/index.html Hope this helps, Dave "Diva" wrote in message ... I am a real rank beginner nordic skiier, but I am absolutely and totally in love with this sport. I really love the exercise, and the snow is all but gone here, so I'm thinking about roller skis since I read about them here. Really, how hard it is to adapt to roller skis? They look pretty narrow. How hard is it to balance on them? Is it harder than skis (which I think are pretty easy in terms of balance at least)? How easy is it to stop when using them? I'd be using them on the streets in the subdivision where I live (or maybe the sidewalks). If I had to stop fast, could I? Are they easier to stay up on than skis? (because I'd hate to fall down on the concrete as many times as I have fallen on icy trails). I've done some reading on different types, and I am getting more confused than anything, I apologize for the simple-mindedness of these questions -- if they strike you that way. I am trying to decide if they are worth the expense and to make sure that I get the right equipment if I decide to go for it. I have a nordic ski machine, but that is so boring. I want to be outside getting exercise if possible. Thanks in advance, June |
#4
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Roller Ski Question
Some simple 'rules'
Wear protective gear while you learn. Knee pads may save you some wear&tear. If you inline skate you've probably got them in a closet somewhere anyway. Always wear a helmet. Period. Learn to stop effectively. Learn to run off the trail into the grass. If you check skinnyski.com, there are a couple of video clips on stopping. Marwe 610s... - light, simple, fenders, and different speed wheels they can be 'tuned' to your needs. Marsh Jones new brighton, mn Serge wrote: Rollerskis are fun, too. Despite of what you think snow skis are much harder to balance properly than rollerskis. Snow is very forgiving and when your ski is not "flat" you'll slow down but still slide. On rollerskis you HAVE to keep balance and that is easier to learn. Very good that you are getting confused - you should! Rollerski market is an interesting one. There is so much crap, it is mind boggling. Stay away from anything less than 100mm wheel. Stay away from pneumatic wheels - don't get me wrong - concept is good, but there are flats, worn (and expensive) wheels and such. Stay away from racing rollerskis - they are too fast and, in my opinion, just a little too short. A lot of how rollerski feels is in the wheels, the beam itself is not that important, but I would choose aluminum for lightness, durability and price. 4-wheel (80mm) rollerskiis might be OK for training as long as wheels are not too fast (inline wheels almost always are). Having fenders is very important - your nice ski boots will turn very dirty once you hit the wet road, and, believe me, you will. Forget about using concrete surface - your poles will not "bite", choose grainy asphalt instead. You don't stop reliably on rollerskis - not abrupt, anyway. Rollerski is go anywhere tool as long as you now where the hell you are going. Choose downhills with safe roll-outs before you get confident. And last, but not the least - to get the feel, try rollerblades with poles first, but don't stop there - it is not the same! |
#5
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Roller Ski Question
I remember starting as a beginner, not all that long ago. Lots of
people were once beginners but have long forgotten what it was like (true of snow skiers, too). Rolling along on one leg on asphalt is a different experience, especially if you aren't a blader or ice skater, and takes some time to get comfortable with. Consider opinions and ideas you receive in that context. Here are some things I would suggest to consider: 1)First, you need to decide is whether you want to skate, classic, or both, and whether you want a pair for each or one for both. While dedicated skis are better, there are good combi choices, such as the Marwe Combi (with the inexpensive add-on classic wheels) and the Jenex V2-940. Jenex also has big wheel (Aero) combi, I think, but I'd be hesitant to go there to start. For a new skier, I suggest a safe approach is to choose a combi, then later when you feel comfortable and your interest is established, purchase a skate ski (Marwe 610, Aero, Elpex F1, etc.). The combi can then be your dedicated classical ski (note that skating and striding wear the wheels differently). 2)Decide where you are going to rollerski, i.e., the terrain, quality and cleanliness of roads and shoulders, how much traffic and stopping will be necessary, downhill railroad crossings, etc. If speed control is a concern, then choose a model with speed reducers, such as the Jenex/V2 lever style (best) or one of those with screw-in controllers (Pro Ski, or those from NordicSkater store). The Marwe models don't have speed reducers, but their wheels do have built-in governors for some downhill control. The advice others have given here about ways to stop is worth learning, but as a beginner it is not the place to start in looking at speed control (if you can do those things easily, you aren't a beginner). 3)Choose safety eqpt. While for the first several years I didn't use a helmet, even in traffic, it is a very good idea. Knee and elbow pads are basic for anyone less than an advanced skier. Remember, the goal is to be able ski on snow, not to rollerski. Protection doen't have to be fancy or expensive, just something to protect you on first contact. Wrist guards are unnecessary, but full-fingered gloves are a good idea for hand protection, because you will end up on your hands occasionally. Toko sells rollerski gloves, but a thinner bike glove, or even a hardware store variety one, will do and are usually less expensive. Also, due to some rear end falls on downhills in the first few years of learning, I started to use "crash pads," snowboard/skateboarders' shorts with foam in all the right places. Email me if you want more info on those. 4)Drive around and check out possible trails and routes. Where are you located? Maybe there are others nearby on rsn who can help, or maybe some routes in your area are posted at jenex.com under 'Where to ski.' 5)Fifth, expect a learning curve 12-18 months to get comfortable on rollerskis. Thus, mix your persistence with some patience. As soon as possible, get some lessons, whether on snow or on rollerskis, even if you have to travel somewhere to get that help. The benefits will be great. Good luck, Gene Goldenfeld Diva wrote: I am a real rank beginner nordic skiier, but I am absolutely and totally in love with this sport. I really love the exercise, and the snow is all but gone here, so I'm thinking about roller skis since I read about them here. |
#6
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Roller Ski Question
Cool. The Birkie is over, so it's time to start those roller ski threads. Get it on!
Mark (looking at about 3 months more of great skiing) (Serge) wrote in message . com... Rollerskis are fun, too. Despite of what you think snow skis are much harder to balance properly than rollerskis. Snow is very forgiving and when your ski is not "flat" you'll slow down but still slide. On rollerskis you HAVE to keep balance and that is easier to learn. |
#7
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Roller Ski Question
Jenex dominates US market and has a lot of models to choose.
I've read stories about warranty repairs though and some models go for up almost to $400 w/out bindings. European makes are a lot cheaper ( I remember paying $187 for skis, Salomon pilot, extra wheels w/bearings and shipping) Here is a link to more than a dozen European rollerski manufactures: http://www.skiroll.it/attrezzi/costruttori_skiroll.htm Some info: racing rollerskis - 530mm length, Polyurethane wheels, no fenders straight, concave or convex beam. training rollerskis - about 610mm length, rubber wheels or slow PU wheels, fenders, straight or convex (bent down) beam. off-road rollerskis convex beam and 125 - 150mm tiers, pneumatic or solid. |
#8
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Roller Ski Question
Thanks, Serge, Dave, Marsh and Gene, for the valuable information. I =
will now fess up -- I am 52 years old. I'm thin and fit -- probably = better shape than any time in my life -- but hell I'm 52 freaking years = old. When I classic Nordic skied 4 times this past month (I just = discovered the sport), I must've fallen about 25 times -- particularly = on one day when the trails were extremely icy. Everytime I fell, I just = scrambled back up and continued on. I seem to bounce around pretty well = still -- not brittle or anything s. But, the idea of crashing down on = asphalt doesn't sound like fun at all. I have been in-line skating for 9 = years. I'm not good at it -- I mean I wouldn't want to go down any hills = or anything.(At this point I don't even like to xc ski down big hills = and so far just stick to the gradual grades.) I just skate around or = down a biking trail nearby. I only fell once, and that was 9 years ago. = The thought of crashing all over creation on asphalt is real scary to = me. Maybe I should just keep jogging, inline skating, walking and = exercising on my nordic track machine instead of roller skiing. From = what I'm reading, it sounds like a real crash and bang sort of sport. Am = I correct? I always wear knee pads and wrist pads along with a helmet when I am = inline skating just in case. I'm really torn about this sport. If I = really did take it up it would be on the streets around a nearby = subdivision which are asphalt and where there is some, but not much, = traffic. The terrain is flat there. The other place I would go is an = asphalt biking trail I would drive to, and there I would have to know = how to stop as it crosses roads. I'm north of Detroit and just south of = Port Huron, MI. I called three very well-known and popular ski shops in = the metro area, and they sounded totally astounded that anyone would be = inquiring about roller skis. In fact, I really think one place didn't = even know what I was talking about. Michigan is a great place for = skiing, but apparently not around THIS part of the state. I would never buy a pair without at least standing on one first. I can't = figure out how to accomplish that or where to search for them around = here. Are they that highly specialized? Is it similar to inline skating = in the way that it feels? In the way that they stop? (or don't? -- I = mean rolleblades at least have the rubber brake and it seems that the = roller skis only have a device that causes resistance to speed). If I = sound totally ignorant, it's probably because I am. I haven't gone to = the suggested websites in this thread yet because I just got home from = work. I will though. I was even cheating at work today and visiting = sites I found on Google to read about this intriguing sport. Mostly what = I want is to build up a technique for good classic Nordic skiing, and to = continue the work-outs I so love getting when I ski in the snow. Funds = are another thing. I just don't have much right now, as I just bought my = ski stuff and I'm just a lowly school teacher/musician. I can't really = go out of state to get lessons in this right now.=20 Thanks again for all the info. I am saving all these posts to refer to = as necessary. June "Serge" wrote in message = om... Rollerskis are fun, too. Despite of what you think snow skis=20 are much harder to balance properly than rollerskis. Snow is very=20 forgiving and when your ski is not "flat" you'll slow down but still = slide. On rollerskis you HAVE to keep balance and that is easier to learn. Very good that you are getting confused - you should! Rollerski market is an interesting one. There is so much crap, it is mind boggling. Stay away from anything less than 100mm wheel. Stay away from pneumatic wheels - don't get me wrong - concept=20 is good, but there are flats, worn (and expensive) wheels and such. Stay away from racing rollerskis - they are too fast and, in my opinion, just a little too short. A lot of how rollerski feels is in the wheels, the beam itself is=20 not that important, but I would choose aluminum for lightness, = durability and price. 4-wheel (80mm) rollerskiis might be OK for training as long as wheels = are=20 not too fast (inline wheels almost always are). Having fenders is very important - your nice ski boots will turn very dirty once you hit the wet road, and, believe me, you will. Forget about using concrete surface - your poles will not "bite", choose grainy asphalt instead. You don't stop reliably on rollerskis - not abrupt, anyway. Rollerski is go anywhere tool as long as you now where the=20 hell you are going. Choose downhills with safe roll-outs before you get confident. And last, but not the least - to get the feel, try rollerblades with poles first, but don't stop there - it is not the same! |
#9
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Roller Ski Question
From: "Diva"
Thanks, Serge, Dave, Marsh and Gene, for the valuable information. I = will now fess up -- I am 52 years old. Diva - I'm a 51yo male, a fairly serious racer, and I don't use rollerskis. I've used them, and owned a pair and sold them. They ARE very good for very serious racers, but IMHO, not needed for all serious skiers. If you want mostly to improve your technique, lessons are the best option. They are very good for conditioning, but it sounds like that's not your major problem. From what I'm reading, it sounds like a real crash and bang sort of sport. Am I correct? I DO train with roller blades and poles, which I feel are safer for an older guy with limited terrain choices. I suffered a broken thumb from a crash on a paved bike trail - the metal ferrule in the pole tip fell out during a strong push, and the pole no longer grabbed - my arm shot backwards and I went down fast, landing on my thumb, which I'd put out to 'save myself' - HA! I'm really intrigued with this new option - the CAT ski - classic ski on grass and dirt and many other surfaces. I've inspected these skis and spoken with the inventor, and I'm impressed, tho I did not get the opportunity to actually try them. But if I were in the market for a ski imitation device, this is what I'd buy. Cost is similar to conventional roller skis. I know that Dale (the inventor), does demo clinics, mostly in Wisconsin - perhaps you could get to one? Dale's site http://www.planetxc.com/ A newspaper article on Dale and his ski: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/7253259.htm If I = really did take it up it would be on the streets around a nearby = subdivision which are asphalt and where there is some, but not much, = traffic. With Cat skis, you'd probably be able to find some grassy park or trail. Hope this helps, Erik Brooks, Seattle |
#10
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Roller Ski Question
Diva wrote:
OK, the cat's out of the bag, and we now turn you over to that infamous Michigander Jeff Potter to set you up on a roller ski trial next spring:-) So for starts, just use your inlines and add poles. They'll roll a little easier, but the timing isn't that much different. Michigan *does* have ski shops that know about rollerskiing, and certainly a pretty decent web site in http://www.nordicskiracer.com that can give you some great guidance and contacts. BTW, A number of us who regularly blather on this site are well on the high side of 45 or so, and mostly manage to rollerski without doing too much bodily harm. It's just a matter of practice, starting easy, and building up your comfort level. Enjoy this great sport! Marsh Thanks, Serge, Dave, Marsh and Gene, for the valuable information. I will now fess up -- I am 52 years old. I'm thin and fit -- probably better shape than any time in my life -- but hell I'm 52 freaking years old. When I classic Nordic skied 4 times this past month (I just discovered the sport), I must've fallen about 25 times -- particularly on one day when the trails were extremely icy. Everytime I fell, I just scrambled back up and continued on. I seem to bounce around pretty well still -- not brittle or anything s. But, the idea of crashing down on asphalt doesn't sound like fun at all. I have been in-line skating for 9 years. I'm not good at it -- I mean I wouldn't want to go down any hills or anything.(At this point I don't even like to xc ski down big hills and so far just stick to the gradual grades.) I just skate around or down a biking trail nearby. I only fell once, and that was 9 years ago. The thought of crashing all over creation on asphalt is real scary t o me. Maybe I should just keep jogging, inline skating, walking and exercising on my nordic track machine instead of roller skiing. From what I'm reading, it sounds like a real crash and bang sort of sport. Am I correct? I always wear knee pads and wrist pads along with a helmet when I am inline skating just in case. I'm really torn about this sport. If I really did take it up it would be on the streets around a nearby subdivision which are asphalt and where there is some, but not much, traffic. The terrain is flat there. The other place I would go is an asphalt biking trail I would drive to, and there I would have to know how to stop as it crosses roads. I'm north of Detroit and just south of Port Huron, MI. I called three very well-known and popular ski shops in the metro area, and they sounded totally astounded that anyone would be inquiring about roller skis. In fact, I really think one place didn't even know what I was talking about. Michigan is a great place for skiing, but apparently not around THIS part of the state. I would never buy a pair without at least standing on one first. I can't figure out how to accomplish that or where to search for them around here. Are they that highly specialized? Is it similar to inline skating in the way that it feels? In the way that they stop? (or don't? -- I mean rolleblades at least have the rubber brake and it seems that the roller skis only have a device that causes resistance to speed). If I sound totally ignorant, it's probably because I am. I haven't gone to the suggested websites in this thread yet because I just got home from work. I will though. I was even cheating at work today and visiting sites I found on Google to read about this intriguing sport. Mostly what I want is to build up a technique for good classic Nordic skiing, and to continue the work-outs I so love getting when I ski in the snow. Funds are another thing. I just don't have much right now, as I just bought my ski stuff and I'm just a lowly school teacher/musician. I can't r eally go out of state to get lessons in this right now. Thanks again for all the info. I am saving all these posts to refer to as necessary. June "Serge" wrote in message om... Rollerskis are fun, too. Despite of what you think snow skis are much harder to balance properly than rollerskis. Snow is very forgiving and when your ski is not "flat" you'll slow down but still slide. On rollerskis you HAVE to keep balance and that is easier to learn. Very good that you are getting confused - you should! Rollerski market is an interesting one. There is so much crap, it is mind boggling. Stay away from anything less than 100mm wheel. Stay away from pneumatic wheels - don't get me wrong - concept is good, but there are flats, worn (and expensive) wheels and such. Stay away from racing rollerskis - they are too fast and, in my opinion, just a little too short. A lot of how rollerski feels is in the wheels, the beam itself is not that important, but I would choose aluminum for lightness, durability and price. 4-wheel (80mm) rollerskiis might be OK for training as long as wheels are not too fast (inline wheels almost always are). Having fenders is very important - your nice ski boots will turn very dirty once you hit the wet road, and, believe me, you will. Forget about using concrete surface - your poles will not "bite", choose grainy asphalt instead. You don't stop reliably on rollerskis - not abrupt, anyway. Rollerski is go anywhere tool as long as you now where the hell you are going. Choose downhills with safe roll-outs before you get confident. And last, but not the least - to get the feel, try rollerblades with poles first, but don't stop there - it is not the same! |
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