New to rollerski - what skis to buy?

Hi! Just found this forum and am hoping it will save me from a poor
purchase... I've just got back from a weeks cross country skiing
in Finland and have decided to take up rollerski here in the UK in
order to work on my technique and fitness. I'm a pure beginner,
Finland being only my second week of cross country skiing. I'm OK on
classic, but can barely skate (and only then on a gentle down slope),
as my muscles are not up to managing the skating style yet.... My
normal exercise is cycling - usually 30-40 miles on-road at a weekend,
although I can do up to 60 miles. My longest run last week in Finland
was 23kilometers on what was classed as a medium-hard track.

So, I now need to decide what rollerskis to buy, and it is very
confusing! Can anyone help me out with suggestions for rollerskis for
a beginner? I'll be using mainly rural roads at home (not dirt, but
not smooth tarmac - they are often 'chip sealed' here), or housing
estate / business park roads if I decide to get some practice in around
work.

I'd really appreciate any advice you can give.

Thanks!


--
outdoorgirl
Please reply to the newsgroup or PM me at TRAVEL.com.

Outdoorgirl:

I think the recommendations will somewhat depend on the terrain you'll be
using. You'll need skis with speed reducers if you plan to rollerski in
fairly hilly terrain. You'll really only need slower skis if you plan to
ski on flatter or slightly rolling terrain. I'm not a pro but have been
roller skiing for a number of years. My experience is:

Hilly terrain means Jenex V2 150s (or 125s if you are lighter than 140lbs or
so). These RSs are fast skis unfortunately but they are also the only ones
that I know of that you can get speed reducers for. You can also purchase
brakes for them. When I ski my 150s I usually have the speed reducer set on
the 1st notch & keep tire pressures to about 85lbs. I set the reducers on
the 2nd/3rd notch for downhills. The disadvantage of the Jenex is that they
are pneumatic, meaning you'll need a shock pump & will eventuallyl have a
flat or two. The advantage is that they open a whole new world of RSing
opportunities if you live where the hills are bigger. These RSs have larger
wheels (4"+) so they tend to roll over most obstructions on/in the road.

Flat or rolling terrain means Marwe. These are a slower roller ski with
long lived wheels. A very comfortable ski that can be easily used in
rolling terrain. The wheel on the Marwe is about 4" in diameter so they
tend to roll over most obstructions in/on the road. This would be the only
RS I'd own if it wasn't for the terrain where I live.

There are other brands. I only have additional experience with Pro-Skis.
These are generally much faster than the Marwe's and also generally smaller
wheels. These skis stop on anything in the road, even pebbles sometime.
They feel good but IMO aren't worth the aggravation.

Good luck and have fun.

MOO,
Matt






"outdoorgirl" wrote in message
news

Hi! Just found this forum and am hoping it will save me from a poor
purchase... I've just got back from a weeks cross country skiing
in Finland and have decided to take up rollerski here in the UK in
order to work on my technique and fitness. I'm a pure beginner,
Finland being only my second week of cross country skiing. I'm OK on
classic, but can barely skate (and only then on a gentle down slope),
as my muscles are not up to managing the skating style yet.... My
normal exercise is cycling - usually 30-40 miles on-road at a weekend,
although I can do up to 60 miles. My longest run last week in Finland
was 23kilometers on what was classed as a medium-hard track.

So, I now need to decide what rollerskis to buy, and it is very
confusing! Can anyone help me out with suggestions for rollerskis for
a beginner? I'll be using mainly rural roads at home (not dirt, but
not smooth tarmac - they are often 'chip sealed' here), or housing
estate / business park roads if I decide to get some practice in around
work.

I'd really appreciate any advice you can give.

Thanks!


--
outdoorgirl
Please reply to the newsgroup or PM me at TRAVEL.com.

In article ,
Matt wrote:
These RSs are fast skis unfortunately but they are also the only ones
that I know of that you can get speed reducers for.

You can get speed reducers for Ski Skett rollerskis, which
are somewhat lower cost and have different options for wheel
speed.
--
Melinda Shore - Software longa, hardware brevis -

Prouder than ever to be a member of the reality-based community

Marwe offers a variety of roller-skis: combi, skate, classic; I've
skied the first two for years. The combi is a very nice ski and more
stable than some I've owned. The wheels are long-lived if you switch
the ski from left foot to right foot, etc. each time you ski.
Hopefully, you have access to shops that will let you try out various
brands. And as an earlier message said, the terrain on which you ski
is an important consideration.
Good luck.

Russ

Matt is correct about terrain considerations. But before that,
consider that the learning curve of merely comfort on rollerskis is
typically in the 1-1.5 year range. Unless you are a comfortable
rollerblader or ice skater, i.e., used to pushing then gliding on one
leg with hard asphalt or ice underneath, I would suggest starting
conservatively. A fairly light weight ski with slower rubber wheels
and, if the terrain and your nerves demand, speed reducers. Consider
either a classic or combi model to start with, the latter allowing for
both skating and classic (note that in cold weather the bearings of
most rollerski wheels get slower). Absent other experience, basic
classic technique experience is effectively a prerequisite for
quicker success in learning skating (this has been the standard
finding and recommendation in ski schools/teaching programs for years).
A combi offers both options until the wheels get worn. Possibilities
include Jenex V2 (non-Aero) models, Ski Skett, Pro-Ski, Marwe combis
(slow), and some others that are slower and possibly accept speed
reducers. I would not suggest the bulky Aero 150s for anyone except in
some circumstances accomplished skaters who already have good technique
and have special needs in dealing with steep downhills and rough roads
or paths.

rm



"Matt" wrote:

Outdoorgirl:

I think the recommendations will somewhat depend on the terrain you'll be
using. You'll need skis with speed reducers if you plan to rollerski in
fairly hilly terrain. You'll really only need slower skis if you plan to
ski on flatter or slightly rolling terrain. I'm not a pro but have been
roller skiing for a number of years. My experience is:

Hilly terrain means Jenex V2 150s (or 125s if you are lighter than 140lbs or
so). These RSs are fast skis unfortunately but they are also the only ones
that I know of that you can get speed reducers for. You can also purchase
brakes for them. When I ski my 150s I usually have the speed reducer set on
the 1st notch & keep tire pressures to about 85lbs. I set the reducers on
the 2nd/3rd notch for downhills. The disadvantage of the Jenex is that they
are pneumatic, meaning you'll need a shock pump & will eventuallyl have a
flat or two. The advantage is that they open a whole new world of RSing
opportunities if you live where the hills are bigger. These RSs have larger
wheels (4"+) so they tend to roll over most obstructions on/in the road.

Flat or rolling terrain means Marwe. These are a slower roller ski with
long lived wheels. A very comfortable ski that can be easily used in
rolling terrain. The wheel on the Marwe is about 4" in diameter so they
tend to roll over most obstructions in/on the road. This would be the only
RS I'd own if it wasn't for the terrain where I live.

There are other brands. I only have additional experience with Pro-Skis.
These are generally much faster than the Marwe's and also generally smaller
wheels. These skis stop on anything in the road, even pebbles sometime.
They feel good but IMO aren't worth the aggravation.

Good luck and have fun.

MOO,
Matt






"outdoorgirl" wrote in message
news

Hi! Just found this forum and am hoping it will save me from a poor
purchase... I've just got back from a weeks cross country skiing
in Finland and have decided to take up rollerski here in the UK in
order to work on my technique and fitness. I'm a pure beginner,
Finland being only my second week of cross country skiing. I'm OK on
classic, but can barely skate (and only then on a gentle down slope),
as my muscles are not up to managing the skating style yet.... My
normal exercise is cycling - usually 30-40 miles on-road at a weekend,
although I can do up to 60 miles. My longest run last week in Finland
was 23kilometers on what was classed as a medium-hard track.

So, I now need to decide what rollerskis to buy, and it is very
confusing! Can anyone help me out with suggestions for rollerskis for
a beginner? I'll be using mainly rural roads at home (not dirt, but
not smooth tarmac - they are often 'chip sealed' here), or housing
estate / business park roads if I decide to get some practice in around
work.

I'd really appreciate any advice you can give.

Thanks!


--
outdoorgirl
Please reply to the newsgroup or PM me at TRAVEL.com.

Hello and welcome!

One of the reasons that there is so much choice is that different
rollerskis are good for different things. The best option is to try a
few out. Some rollerskis are best suited to complete beginners and
those with poor balance. However they tend not to be the choice of
better skiers. Whether you need a beginners ski or you can already
cope with a more advanced one is best found out by trying. I have
first hand reports that many of the top racers in Europe use Marwe
610s, and they are the favourite rollerski of the racers I know. They
will cope with rough tarmac like you describe. However, a lot of
beginners struggle on them and they are no good for classic. Start with
slow wheels while you are learning. Maybe start with something else if
your balance is not good yet.

If you are keen to learn, you should make contact with a club. You are
likely to find advice, someone to train with, maybe even a loan of
rollers while you get started. Snowsport England -
http://www.escnordic.org.uk/ and Snowsport Scotland -
http://www.snsc.demon.co.uk/index.htm have links to the registered
clubs. The Snowsport England site has a lot of useful info.

You should also have a look at this site - http://www.rollerski.co.uk/
There is lots of advice and you may be able to arrange to attend a
course and try out rollers.

If your main aim is to train skating muscles then you can train by
skating! It doesn't have to be on rollerskis. I have also found
biking while standing on the pedals is useful.

One of the drawbacks of rollerski-ing is that it is possible for an
uncoached novice to develop a technique that doesn't transfer well to
snow. It is therefore possibly more use to you to get more snow time
and learn to skate on snow, or learn in a rollerski class, until you
are reasonably proficient.

Oh and wear hi-viz clothing, and a helmet, if you are on road. Knee and
elbow pads are not a bad idea while you are getting the hang of them.
Tarmac is a bit harder than snow.

Have fun
Alex




outdoorgirl wrote:
Hi! Just found this forum and am hoping it will save me from a poor
purchase... I've just got back from a weeks cross country skiing
in Finland and have decided to take up rollerski here in the UK in
order to work on my technique and fitness. I'm a pure beginner,
Finland being only my second week of cross country skiing. I'm OK on
classic, but can barely skate (and only then on a gentle down slope),
as my muscles are not up to managing the skating style yet.... My
normal exercise is cycling - usually 30-40 miles on-road at a weekend,
although I can do up to 60 miles. My longest run last week in Finland
was 23kilometers on what was classed as a medium-hard track.

So, I now need to decide what rollerskis to buy, and it is very
confusing! Can anyone help me out with suggestions for rollerskis for
a beginner? I'll be using mainly rural roads at home (not dirt, but
not smooth tarmac - they are often 'chip sealed' here), or housing
estate / business park roads if I decide to get some practice in around
work.

I'd really appreciate any advice you can give.

Thanks!


--
outdoorgirl
Please reply to the newsgroup or PM me at TRAVEL.com.

outdoorgirl wrote:
So, I now need to decide what rollerskis to buy, and it is very
confusing! Can anyone help me out with suggestions for rollerskis for
a beginner?

Its not just the rollerskis, and whether for classic or skate, its the boots and bindings as well that you need to consider.
Sorry to burden you with this but there are so many permutations to consider when making your purchase.

Initially you need equipment for use on rollerskis now and for use on snow skis later on. Rollerski boots used say by the Italians are light with mesh sides to cope with the heat, in UK they need to be stronger and more waterproof. When you look at the catalogues you'll see different shapes of boot for classic on snow and for skate on snow, but they will all have the same sole. You need to choose which type of sole will meet your needs, and that will decide the type of binding to be bought.

I presume you hired kit in Finland, so you know already how the boot and binding work together.
That was probably a Combi hire boot, a compromise for use in classic or skate technique, that might suit your needs.

My suggestion would be for you to talk to these guys in London and perhaps even go for lessons with them, in Hyde Park for example. That way you'd get to see hold and perhaps even try alternative skis boots and bindings.
http://www.rollerski.co.uk/about.html

Good Luck
Mike

Dear Outdoorgirl:

Let me add my two cents (pence?) to the opinions already set forth hee.

V2 Aeros are somewhat heavy, especially the 150s, but excel in rough
and debris strewn pavement. Skis with small, hard compound wheels get
stopped easily by sticks and stones, resulting in falls. (Whatever you
end up with, use knee and elbow pads, and gloves, and consider a
helmet.) I disagree that V2 Aeros are fast. The speed is variable
with tire pressure as well as the speed reducers. I run my 150s at 50
psi and get plenty of resistance without the speed reducers. The Marwe
610s are also nice for skating, but are not as versatile when it comes
to terrain, pavement, speed reducers, and the available brake. The new
V2 105 may be similar in feel to the Marwe, with the added benefit of
speed reducers and brake, but poor tie wear was a issue when they were
first introduced, and you might want to make sure that's been improved
first.

For classic, I wouldn't reccomend the Aeros for a beginner. The
standard 900 small wheel models or something similar would be easier to
learn on. V2 makes a version with a 105 clutched front wheel and a
standard wider rubber rear wheel that I find intriguing, and may be
fine for a beginner. They also make a few three wheel models that
should be very stable, but I don't know how they really handle. I
would guess they feel a lot less like skis than the two wheeled models.

You might consider calling V2-Jenex and tell them what you're looking
for. If you get the right person on the phone, they can be very
helpful. Try asking for Robin (I think) or Len.

Don't get the impression that V2-Jenex is the only company out there
making good roller skis. It's just what I have the most experience
with, because they're the only ones making pneumatic tired skis that I
need for the rather rough country roads I favor.

Randy

outdoorgirl wrote:
Hi! Just found this forum and am hoping it will save me from a poor
purchase... I've just got back from a weeks cross country skiing
in Finland and have decided to take up rollerski here in the UK in
order to work on my technique and fitness. I'm a pure beginner,
Finland being only my second week of cross country skiing. I'm OK on
classic, but can barely skate (and only then on a gentle down slope),
as my muscles are not up to managing the skating style yet.... My
normal exercise is cycling - usually 30-40 miles on-road at a weekend,
although I can do up to 60 miles. My longest run last week in Finland
was 23kilometers on what was classed as a medium-hard track.

So, I now need to decide what rollerskis to buy, and it is very
confusing! Can anyone help me out with suggestions for rollerskis for
a beginner? I'll be using mainly rural roads at home (not dirt, but
not smooth tarmac - they are often 'chip sealed' here), or housing
estate / business park roads if I decide to get some practice in around
work.

I'd really appreciate any advice you can give.

Thanks!


--
outdoorgirl
Please reply to the newsgroup or PM me at TRAVEL.com.

Dear Outdoorgirl:

I just reread your post and saw your description of your roads as
"chip-seal". I'm regret that sorry excuse for real pavement has
infected your part of the world as well. Chip-seal is one of the
primary reasons I eventually switched to the pneumatic-tired Aeros, and
they have opened up vast territory for me that I could never have
attempted on my old small-and-hard wheeled skis.

Randy
outdoorgirl wrote:
Hi! Just found this forum and am hoping it will save me from a poor
purchase... I've just got back from a weeks cross country skiing
in Finland and have decided to take up rollerski here in the UK in
order to work on my technique and fitness. I'm a pure beginner,
Finland being only my second week of cross country skiing. I'm OK on
classic, but can barely skate (and only then on a gentle down slope),
as my muscles are not up to managing the skating style yet.... My
normal exercise is cycling - usually 30-40 miles on-road at a weekend,
although I can do up to 60 miles. My longest run last week in Finland
was 23kilometers on what was classed as a medium-hard track.

So, I now need to decide what rollerskis to buy, and it is very
confusing! Can anyone help me out with suggestions for rollerskis for
a beginner? I'll be using mainly rural roads at home (not dirt, but
not smooth tarmac - they are often 'chip sealed' here), or housing
estate / business park roads if I decide to get some practice in around
work.

I'd really appreciate any advice you can give.

Thanks!


--
outdoorgirl
Please reply to the newsgroup or PM me at TRAVEL.com.

(Whatever you
end up with, use knee and elbow pads, and gloves, and consider a
helmet.)

I would put in a different way:

Whatever you end up with, use a helmet, and consider knee and elbow
pads, and gloves.

Wrists/knees heal. Brain may not.