XC skiing

[SloMoJo]

Well, I don't imagine this snow will leave until April. I better learn to have fun with it.

Any suggestions on bargain XC ski setup?
Things to consider when buying XC ski setup, etc?
Thx
- MoJo

[MMcG]

All these questions from you lately SloMoJo!

I must be wearing off on you or something! ;D

Just be careful if Jolly Time invites you for a cross country ski adventure, because his version of the sport is a little different than most people's interpretation from what I understand (helmet, body armor etc. etc. are involved!).

Send me some more feedback on that Loco Moto buddy!

Take care,

Mark

[johnnyt]

Buy used and do not pay more then $100 for skis boots and bindings. Buy boots based on how they fit, make sure the skis don't have any scratches down to the base, have the shop either sell you poles the right size, or hae them cu to the right size. Be sure the boots are compatible with the bindings since there are several different systems. Do NOT buy the kind of xc skis that require wax!!!!

Other then that, you should be all set. The beauty of xc is that you do not need to spend big $$ for a great set-up. My set was $50 for the entire package and I can use them as telemark skis to boot! Happy hunting!
JT

[SloMoJo]

Good info JT.
Tell me what you mean by "also used as telemark skis".
Go to XC ski rental place then?

I'll date myself here, but the last time I own XC skis I had a wax pair and a mohair pair. Skis are little better now, eh?

MMG...check your PM.

Who else got advice on this?
Where to start looking?

[AA]

Do NOT buy the kind of xc skis that require wax!!!!




JT,

Before you steer someone away from a waxable ski you should ask them how they intend to use the ski.

Here in my .02

If you want simplicity go waxless, if you have any intention of going fast go with waxable skis.

A lot of places near me get tracked by all the xc ski use so a fast waxable ski works great. If you are breaking new trail and trudging through the woods you are going to get minimal glide so it dosent really matter. Any groomed xc trail is better with waxable. I have waxless skis and use a rub on glide wax (on the non grip part) and they still dont perform like waxable skis.

AA

[johnnyt]

Good info JT.
Tell me what you mean by "also used as telemark skis".
Go to XC ski rental place then?

I'll date myself here, but the last time I own XC skis I had a wax pair and a mohair pair. Skis are little better now, eh?



My xc skis are for back country skiing and have a metal edge along both edges. The boots are heavy duty leather boots. This set-up can be used to tele in the backwoods, and at resorts on mild to intermediate terrain. They are very versitile skis. Most xc skis do not have a metal edge since they don't really need it for going along on relatively flat ground. It also makes them heavier. I personally like the metal edges since I ted to do more then just ski on relatively level ground.

Most xc skis are waxless which means that they have ridges cut into the bottom of the ski. The ridges allow you to push off to move forward, but a ramped so they allow you to glide. They are slower then the wax type if you are a xc racer, but so long as you are not on the racing circuit, waxless is the way to go. My skis were the wax type until I took my Dremel tool to the based to make them waxless!

Check out Play-it Again Sports or something like that. In Vernon CT is a shop called Ski and Scuba that sells leftovers and used stuff. Just don't pay alot cause good inexpensive gear should be easy to find.

[johnnyt]

Do NOT buy the kind of xc skis that require wax!!!!




JT,

Before you steer someone away from a waxable ski you should ask them how they intend to use the ski.


I feel so small...

[AA]

I feel so small...


You should ;)

The reason I commented on your suggestion is that waxless was recommended to me when I first bought my skis and I really wanted waxable but didnt know better.

[SloMoJo]

Haha
Thanks again...that's enough good info to go on.

I would not do wax skis again, for one simple reason...
I'm lazy!

p.s. I assume I can use these for waterskiing in the summer.., true? :)

[MMcG]

What if you were going to use the XC skis for skijoring (a dog in harness helping pull you)

Wax on or Wax off? ;D

http://www.chinooks.org/ski1.jpg

[Adam]

I'd rent a couple of times to determine what type of XC skiing you're most comfortable with. If you're looking @ new gear, REI has some packages in the $2-300 range for skis, boots, bindings, & poles. I bought a set there recently & got a free 1 day XC trail pass along with free binding mounting labor with purchase.
-Adam

[EVIL BOTA]

Slomojo Is going nuts. New bike ,xc sking .Whats next snow shoeing.oh ya John already showed you that.. Damm Dude you ever home.lol j/k. I think I'm gonna go the snow shoe route. Saw some last night at olympia sports, but they were $90 and seemed cheap. I think I'll check out cabelas and see what they have.. Good luck to ya mister.

Where's that frickin ground hog...argh!!!!!!!!

Need to ride!

[splat]

Oh Great , that means I have to break my XC skis out and teach him yet another sport.

[Mt.A TODD]

What is up with you guys? Whey don't we just call ourselves NEMBXCSKIA. For the record I rode indoors at Rye last night, and tonight me and the gang are going on a "freeze your ass off" ride in two feet of snow! You guys are wimps and traitors to your bike! XC skiing, give me a break!

[MMcG]

What is up with you guys? Whey don't we just call ourselves NEMBXCSKIA. For the record I rode indoors at Rye last night, and tonight me and the gang are going on a "freeze your ass off" ride in two feet of snow! You guys are wimps and traitors to your bike! XC skiing, give me a break!


Todd,

Way to keep us all in check and knock us all back into our senses! Although not on a trail I'm thinking of a late night road ride on my NOS Univega Supra Sport Roadie that I picked up recently from Scott's in Willimantic. If the moon is as bright as it was the last couple it should be a fun cold ride!

How was the skate park last night? And how was it pedaling a MTB in there?

[SloMoJo]

Ha :)

Yes a bit O cabin fever, Evil.

Splat if it was not for you, I would fish in the summer and get fat in the winter. As it is my fishing gear is in a tangled mess somewhere in the shed, and I want to ride a bike in January. Your insanity is indeed contagious.

Todd....you're probably right. I may never get the skis, cuz at lunch I drove by a nearby lake which is full of activity. Snowmobile tracks and ice fisherman. We'll be bikin' out there this week.

By the way, I found pedaling in more than 4 inches of snow you actually die of heat exaustion not freezing. Good luck.
-SloMo

ps Todd, throw us pics of the Rye AF with bikes in there sometime.

[AA]

What is up with you guys? Whey don't we just call ourselves NEMBXCSKIA. For the record I rode indoors at Rye last night, and tonight me and the gang are going on a "freeze your ass off" ride in two feet of snow! You guys are wimps and traitors to your bike! XC skiing, give me a break!


If that is the case no more snowboard stories :-X

[Mt.A TODD]

Mark, Riding a big bike in the skatepark is a little tricky. The biggest thing you need to get used to is all the smooth slick surfaces and the feeling of being vert on a ramp. Took a while to get used to the jumps, but it's one of those things where the more you do it, the more comfortable get. I was surprised on what a workout it was, I was spent by closing time. Only had one crash, but its easy with all the pads on, you just slide. The jury is still out on platform or clipless pedals, I need some practice with platforms. Super Cool to watch Bill, he RIPS! Warning! Up close inspection of his bike will make you uncontrollably drool!

Do I need to add something about XC skiing? Umm....I like it when they carry tricked out .22's on there back, and shoot at targets.

[EVIL BOTA]

Damm Todd,I guess I'll just ride my trainer and wait for the weather to break. Riding in the cold isn't bad ,but riding through 10 inches of snow just down right sucks. That indoor place sounds cool. Is it crowded there or did you guys have the run of the place?
The reason I ask is it would be a long drive for me and I don't want to have to wait in lines or get aggravated cause theirs a hundred bmx kids all over the place.

Should ski bindings match the color of skis? Should the boots match my "shell"?


Todd - check your PM

[MMcG]

Todd,

Sounds like you need to sell one of your many bikes and pick up a Ridge frame!

Thanks for the recap of the night. Did you feel old there amongst all the BMXers, skateboarders and rollerbladers or was this a bike only night?

[MMcG]

Should ski bindings match the color of skis? Should the boots match my "shell"?


Todd - check your PM


Hey I resemble those questions, but even I McAskalot wouldn't ask lame-o questions as those NOO!

But am I insane for spending over a $150 for a 1980s era Univega Roadie? Not sure if I want an answer to that one though! ;D

Ha :)
I would fish in the summer and get fat in the winter.


Spincast or flyfish?

This toy was introduced this past summer and makes a fine personal fishing vessel. As you can see it is pedal powered...pretty cool actually....turns on a dime....no can holders though.

[Big Game]

I bought a pair of very old x-c skis at Play-It-Again-Sports in Milford CT a couple fo years ago. I think they may have been the pair that Charles "Lucky" Lindburgh used to club back an over-excited mob when he landed in France. Either that or the skis were laminated together sometime in the 15th century by Gregorian monks from the remaining pieces of the true cross.

Ha :)
I would fish in the summer and get fat in the winter.


Spincast or flyfish?

This toy was introduced this past summer and makes a fine personal fishing vessel. As you can see it is pedal powered...pretty cool actually....turns on a dime....no can holders though.


I am NOT the dork in the Kayak...I'm a different dork.

[splat]

But am I insane for spending over a $150 for a 1980s era Univega Roadie? Not sure if I want an answer to that one though! ;D


depends on the frame ? and Componets, I know quite a few people who had/have Uni's from then , they were very good bikes.

[MMcG]

Black cromoly main frame with nice detailing....suntour components, Araya wheelset, I think Araya hubs too.....new tubes, new tires, shifters on the stem, foam on the handlebars, It would have been a total non shimano bike accept they pulled of the Suntour cassette to put on some other bike and replaced it witha six speed Shimano cassette so I'm running an old school 12 speed.

It rides fine, shifts fine, and fits well. So I'm gonna ride it and see if I like the road thing....if so I can go bigger and better in the future and still have a retro bike to use in the winter and to tool around the neighborhood with the kids. If I don't like the road thing, I still have a winter beater bike, tooling around the neighborhood bike. Hey it pedals well and that's what really counts right!? It can also fit cyclocross wheels if I want to ride it on rail trails or something, which is kind of cool.

If only I could have found an 80s era water bottle holder to go with the frame, but I went new with that one.

What other 80s memorabelia to I need to complement this roadie? Maybe one of those orange flags on a fiberglass pole or something!?

Hey I resemble those questions, but even I McAskalot wouldn't ask lame-o questions as those NOO!



Wasn't directed at you Sir Askalot! This one goes back a bit.

But I do have other questions... Do you guys 8 or 9 speed?, What is the best Fork? Baggies or Lycra? Mac or PC? Starbucks or local haunt? ;D

I'm bored...

[SloMoJo]

Noo...you just goofing?
Cuz when I fish...I'm usually in my kayak.
Both fresh and salty.

[AA]

<'///>< <'///>< <'//>< <'//>< <'///>< <'///><

Woo hoo fishing, one of my other favorite things to do.

Freshwater: 12' alum semi v w/ 20 HP outboard
salt water: wade the inlet rivers for stripers spinning gear and fly rod
trout fishing: fly rod

Todd do you like to fish?

[Mt.A TODD]

ARRGH!! Too many questions! This post is all over the place! I will say this, if we could get like 30 MTBers interested and willing to commit, we could rent this place out some night and have it all to ourselves for about $10 bucks each. That would be a hoot! Bug Clysdale (Dave) he knows all the details. Put all your insecurities away! If you can ride a Bike in the woods, then you can certainly ride on smooth plywood and cement.

Noo, I don't know about that boat thing, but once again Mr.Angry says, save the fishing for when you get old and fat too ride.

XC skiing-Shoes should definitely match the skis, as well as your day glow skintight Swix suit. When the snow melts all you wieners should sell your bikes and buy a pair those roller blade ski things to keep your ass in shape.

No matter how hard I try, I just can't sound as ignorant as KnuckleBuster.

I really have to go now and try to get some work done.

[EVIL BOTA]

OK Todd is gonna go off the deep end now..

Talking about fishing on our mtn bike forum..

[MMcG]

Hey I resemble those questions, but even I McAskalot wouldn't ask lame-o questions as those NOO!



Wasn't directed at you Sir Askalot! This one goes back a bit.

But I do have other questions... Do you guys 8 or 9 speed?, What is the best Fork? Baggies or Lycra? Mac or PC? Starbucks or local haunt? ;D

I'm bored...


I'm a little bored too so here are my thoughts:

According to BG 9 speed is just plain gay.......but I'm 9 speeding now and may 9 speed with the future full suspension rig as well if I have a full bike built up...if I do with assistance from fellow NEMBA-ites than it may be an 8speeder....we'll see. If I do go 9 speed and it makes me gay according to BG, well dammit, I've been through enough **** in the last few months that I can deal with it. But maybe my retro six speed roadie will keep me safe from carrying that lable anyway. ;D

Best fork seems to go to Marzocchis at their various levels, especially here in New England. This I learned from reading many posts here on the NEMBA forum. :) Plus you can find some great deals on them right now via the web or through bike shops that use the web to serve customers. Look into Hammerhead bikes in Texas if you need a Marzocchi since the guy gets them real cheap-like because of that custom Hammerhead 100X frame that he sells (which is pretty damned sweet if you ask me)
Fox Forks gaining ground quickly do you think/agree?

I'm a baggy guy, but with some lycra and a chammy underneath.

I'm a PC guy but only because I haven't had a chance to use a Mac since way back in the early Apple days! :o

I prefer a local haunt over starbucks... but in this instance a Big S company will do the trick if I'm in need of some good quality java! Our Origins coffee shops on campus make some damned fined Joe so it's all good here at UConn.

Now if only the warm weather would return so I could see more hotties sporting their shorts, tight jeans and belly shirts all over campus! Spring can't get here soon enough for me! ;D

Noo...you just goofing?
Cuz when I fish...I'm usually in my kayak.
Both fresh and salty.


SMJ -

I am dead serious. When I am out solo, I fish out the above kayak or a two person with one seat removed. I'll see if I can find a digital pix to post.

Most of my fishing is on Lake Winnipesaukee. Also fish Lamprey River for trout.

Various spincasters.

6 weigth fly rod.

[Mt.A TODD]

This is a sports chatroom for retards!

[SloMoJo]

Cool Noo.
I'll PM you another time on this kayak thing.

Todd...get back to work for Christ sake's!
You gonna get anything done today?

This is a sports chatroom for retards!


I'll get some kneeboard / wakeboard pics up asap. Also a few shots of the hoop league, some skiing...many other bike related activities.

Todd - do you play cribbage? Dominoes?

You pedal that kayak and you too will cool like me...I understand your jealous.

<'///>< <'///>< <'//>< <'//>< <'///>< <'///><

Woo hoo fishing, one of my other favorite things to do.

Freshwater: 12' alum semi v w/ 20 HP outboard
salt water: wade the inlet rivers for stripers spinning gear and fly rod
trout fishing: fly rod

Todd do you like to fish?


Nice. I took some big bass last summer on topwater crankbaits. Also with poppers on the flyrod.

I think Todd digs for clams.

[MMcG]

Ha :)
I would fish in the summer and get fat in the winter.


Spincast or flyfish?

This toy was introduced this past summer and makes a fine personal fishing vessel. As you can see it is pedal powered...pretty cool actually....turns on a dime....no can holders though.


NOO,

Just curious but are those platform, toe clip, or clipless pedals on that Kayak? And if so are you running Eggbeaters, Times, or shimanos on it?

Loved the Clam digger one liner! Great stuff.

[EVIL BOTA]

Well it does say"GENERAL DISCUSSION" For this forum..
Who's right and Who's wrong? Because its a mtn bike site does that mean we have to talk about mtn **** or Do we go by the title of this section and talk about whatever. Big Game could answer this best I think.

[johnnyt]

Now if only the warm weather would return so I could see more hotties sporting their shorts, tight jeans and belly shirts all over campus! Spring can't get here soon enough for me! ;D


Spoken like a true heterosexual. That six speed did keep you on the straight and narrow! :)

[Mt.A TODD]

Too late to get any work done, it's miller time! I'm speeding home to go for a bike ride and burn off some steam! You guys do remember what a BIKE looks like, don't you?! I don't care if I have to hike around with my ride on my back in knee deep snow all night, at least I'm not fishing!

Later, GRUMPY TODD (but soon to be cold and happy)

[SloMoJo]

Thinks he's grumpy now.
Wait until he's tries pedaling in a foot of that Maine snow.

Heh, there will be some swearing in the woods.
Hope his bike is light. ;)

Ha :)
I would fish in the summer and get fat in the winter.


Spincast or flyfish?

This toy was introduced this past summer and makes a fine personal fishing vessel. As you can see it is pedal powered...pretty cool actually....turns on a dime....no can holders though.


NOO,

Just curious but are those platform, toe clip, or clipless pedals on that Kayak? And if so are you running Eggbeaters, Times, or shimanos on it?

Loved the Clam digger one liner! Great stuff.


Great question! They are platforms with a strap (like on a stationary bike at a gym). I should note, you do not pedal that kayak like a bike. It is more of a push and pull linear motion. It is a good burn!

[Mt.A TODD]

I would like to give a Big Shout Out, to all the XCskis and snowshoes who packed the trail for me! Thanks.

[Mt.A TODD]

;D

[Mt.A TODD]

::)

[AA]

Wow Todd that is a nice smallmouth you got there. Did you catch him on a Jig? I like to fish for smallies with a 5" rubber worm w/ a light bullet head weight. It does seem kind of odd that you fish with your bike helmet on, are you afraid that you are going to get hit in the head with a fishing rod?

[SloMoJo]

Good show Todd!
Glad it worked out for a nice ride.

Wow Todd that is a nice smallmouth you got there. Did you catch him on a Jig? I like to fish for smallies with a 5" rubber worm w/ a light bullet head weight. It does seem kind of odd that you fish with your bike helmet on, are you afraid that you are going to get hit in the head with a fishing rod?


A fun exercise but I have removed the pics of Todd and AA...

I chuckled all morning....