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Roller Ski Question



 
 
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  #1  
Old February 27th 04, 03:57 AM
Diva
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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  
Old February 27th 04, 07:00 AM
Serge
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Posts: n/a
Default 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  
Old February 27th 04, 03:02 PM
dware
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Posts: n/a
Default 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  
Old February 27th 04, 03:08 PM
Marsh Jones
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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  
Old February 27th 04, 04:39 PM
Gene Goldenfeld
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Posts: n/a
Default 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  
Old February 27th 04, 07:03 PM
Mark
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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  
Old February 27th 04, 09:28 PM
Serge
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Posts: n/a
Default 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  
Old February 27th 04, 09:35 PM
Diva
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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  
Old February 28th 04, 12:06 AM
Erik Brooks
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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  
Old February 28th 04, 01:00 AM
Marsh Jones
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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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