About Skibiking:

The name skibike is a relatively new term for what traditionally used to be called a "Ski-Bob".
If you have ever watched, the Beatles film "Help", you may well know the answer to the above question, as the film has a short sequence, where John, Paul, George and Ringo can be seen riding early examples of skibikes.

The skibike can best be described as a bicycle with the wheels removed and short skis added in their place. It's height is approximately 24" (60 cm) and its length, depending on the type of skis fitted, can be up to 7 feet (213 cm). The weight of a skibike varies considerably and is dependant on its intended purpose, a light weight touring model would weight around 15 lbs (7 kg), a racing model can weight up to 40 lbs (20 kg). Most skibikes have some form of suspension system, usually in the form of light weight shock absorbers. Brenter Snowbikes have their own unique and (patented) suspension system.

The name Snowbike is unique to the manufacturer Brenter and is patented by them, the general look and ride of a Brenter bike however is very similar to skibikes manufactured by other companies.

Small skis, called foot-skis, with an approximate length of 22" (55 cm) are clipped to the feet, using standard ski boots and bindings. These foot-skis provide additional stability when riding, and aid turning.

When the sport was in its infancy, there was a tendency by some to ride without foot-skis, and use their feet to aid turning and speed control. This method is extremely hazardous, and can cause considerable damage to the pistes. All resorts that we know of now forbid this practice.

History.

The Guinness Book of Records, state that the first record of the skibike dates back to, 1891, when a gentleman by the name of: J. C. Stevenson of Hartford, Connecticut, USA, invented what he called a "bicycle with ski runners", and patented the device on the 19th April 1892, patent number (47334). We are not aware that the invention ever went in to production though.

We feel the true roots of the skibike, lay much closer to home, Salzburg in Austria to be precise, where a gentleman by the name of: Englebert Brenter, invented what he called the "Sit-Ski" back in 1949. His descendants the Brenter brothers, Erich and Willie, continue to produce some of the finest Snowbikes to be purchased to date.

Versatility.

Skibikes can be ridden on all types of terrain, and in most weather conditions, they can be transported on most of the current lift systems to be found in ski resorts. We have found it possible to skibike with ease in conditions that have proved to be difficult for both skiers and snowboarders.

There are resorts where the use of skibikes is restricted or forbidden. These restrictions are usually applied by the resort management, and it is not an indication of the resorts unsuitability for skibikes.

About us.

Hi all,

I first became involved in skibiking in the mid 70's when it was a relatively new sport in the UK. I was fortunate really because my younger brother Brett had been an instructor in the sport for quite a few years prior to that, and had the reputation of being probably one of the best skibikers in the UK; when it came to style and technique there were few who could match him, I learned a lot from him (many thanks Brett).

My parents Don & Joan, were for many years active members of the SAGB and my father was one of there chief instructors.

I went on to get my SAGB instructor's licence, and at that time, the new Swiss Gold Proficiency Medal.

I ride a skibike that was custom made for Tony Marsh, a well known figure on the World Cup skibike circuit (Europe) in days gone by.

My dreams for the future are: to skiBike in Canada and America, only to see if they have moguls as big as in Europe of course!

Regards.

Mervyn Charlton.

Hello everybody,

My first experience of winter sports and ski-bobbing as it was known then was back in 1983 in Saalbach/Hinterglemm Austria, I hated every minute of it and could not get out of the resort quick enough.

I reluctantly returned to the sport in 1987 after much persuasion from my new partner Mervyn. He taught me the correct procedures and all the little tricks he had picked up over the years, and gave me the confidence to carry on where others had failed in the past.

I have gone on to be a competent skibiker on all types of piste and in all weather conditions, and have had the pleasure of instructing many a beginner since then. My most recent pupil was 'Brian the Boarders' girl friend Sharon, I had her skibiking down red runs within two days of her first lesson, which by pure coincidence happened to be in the resort of Saalbach/Hinterglemm Austria (March 2002.)

I ride a Brenter Downhill Snowbike and love every minute of my annual excursion to the winter slopes of Europe, and look forward to trying the slopes of America and Canada in the not too distant future.

Happy Skibiking.

Gail Charlton.