Christmas Break Project

[Thunderchild]

I have been wanting a snow bike (Pugsley, Fatback, Mukluk, etc.) for awhile, but would rather have a portable ski that I could pack until I neede it.  I finally jumped on my project during Christmas vacation.  I found a cheap pair of kids skis.  When I arrived at the seller's home, I found that they also had a yellow pair of kids K2 skis for sale, so I ended up matching the bike.  I tell people (non bikers ) that it was an option with the bike
In summary, the project failed as the ski would not stay on tight enough so the edges would grab.  The front just skated away as I would lean slightly trying to pedal.  I am not done though as plan B is materializing as you read this.  Anyway, I will let the pictures talk.  There are more in the gallery. 

Thunderchild

[Colin]

Brilliant* / Insane*

* Delete as appropriate!

So what stops the wheel rotating when you catch "Big Air" over a ski Jump? (other than grabbing the brake)

Love the idea of the "strap-on" Fnarr-Fnarr!

Maybe you need to use some Snow Blade / Big-foot type skis that will carve easier in the turn?

and put one on the back as well for "downhilling"!

Also maybe need some Panaracer Spike tyres for grip in the snow?
http://www.bikepro.com/products/tires/pana_spike.shtml


All good stuff, keep up the insanity!

Right then! I'm off to Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Austria to do some real skiing!
(or maybe I should take the bikes! I have threatened to re-visit in the summer as the biking looks good!)

See you in 10 days time!

Col.

[Thunderchild]

Also maybe need some Panaracer Spike tyres for grip in the snow?
http://www.bikepro.com/products/tires/pana_spike.shtml

Colin you are a psychic  The rear tire I used on the 5000 with the ski is indeed a Panaracer Rear SPIKE!!.  Hard to tell from the pictures though.   I decided to go with a digger vs. a bigger tire for float. 

I was just planning on staying on flat stuff or some powder.  If I needed to lock the front wheel, I would put a strap on the brake lever.  The long ski kept the tire from rolling.  Catching air would, ahh, interesting...

Here is the best bike ski mod design IMHO.

http://4dsnowbike.com/meetTheDman.php

I have been in contact with the maker of the 4d.  He doesn't have any in production yet...
Thunderchild

[Thunderchild]

I tested plan B today.  Changes:  shortened the ski, moved the mounts forward and added a keel.  I fabed the keel out of a piece of oak.  It worked great; nor more lack of edging.  I need to make the keel more streamlined, but it worked!  The shorter ski was easily packed on my camelbak as well.  Snow was lousy as temperatures were in the upper 40s and snow was turning to slush.  



Ski shortened and mounts moved



Oak keel


Thunderchild

[shovelon]

Hmmmm.

Get some sled dogs and you are set.

[Thunderchild]

See a classic 5000 tear up the snow!!   

Ski needs a bit more refinement on the ski/tire connection.  Will be using sections of an old roof rack tire tray to try and get more support.   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSKDV75eNYg

Thunderchild

[Colin]

Great Fun!

You've heard of "train-spotters"? maybe I'm a "Tyre-Spotter"! <GRIN>

I've been waiitng for a use for my "Spike" tyres, and I thought about putting them on during our recent "deep" snow in the UK, but in the event, my Panaracer Fire XC's and WTB Velociraptors's were pretty good.

I'm just back from skiing in Austria, and I've got a few thoughts for your consideration.......sorry for any "egg-sucking" tuition!

Skis initiate a turn by angling over onto their edges, thus a traditional ski's profile is curved due to the weight on it. A modern carver ski has a profile that increases it's propensity to turn when leant over.
So for bike use, it's really about leaning the front tyre to get the ski onto it's edge to allow it to carve the turn?
This would require more speed.......
Also, I think it might have been a mistake to cut the ski down, I'd have gone for a longer ski with the weight of the tyre more centrally on the ski? IMHO! <GRIN>

Keep up the bonkers mad scientist ideas!

P.S. Fresh snow in Saalbach-Hinterglemm last week was very enjoyable!

Col.

[shovelon]

How about a hinge center of tire attachment so it will pivot horizontally?

[Thunderchild]

How about a hinge center of tire attachment so it will pivot horizontally?

Pivots are important for the fixed skis.  I have a friends K-trak front ski to play around with that pivots and has a spring to keep the tip up if you lift it up.  My ski moves pretty well just from the tire rotating a bit fore and aft with the terrain contour.  At first I was planning on locking the front brake with a strap, but haven't needed to.  

Thunderchild