Trikes
Trikes in their modern format are the newest edition to the ski-biking family. Referred to as Trikes due to there 3-ski nature, one ski located on the front and two on the rear with some form of parallel linkage which allows the bike to be tilted from side to side while all three skis maintain contact with the snow. There is also a version with two skis at the front and one trailing ski at the rear, often these ski-bikes are referred to as hybrid designs and are not to be confused with rigid 3-ski sleds like the ‘GT Snow Racer’ which is no more than a steering sled.
Modern Trikes provide a unique 3-ski platform with no need for foot skis and no immediate need to balance for effective riding. They also offer 1/3 more ground contact for greater floatation in soft snow conditions and 1/3 more edge hold for firmer snow conditions. Modern designs also provide ample traversing articulation meaning they can be used on all but extremely steep terrain.
Two main known brands of Trikes are 3ski and North Legion with the difference being 3ski offers a foot on ski design (non attached) while North Legion uses a foot peg much like those seen on motor bikes. Soft boots such as Sorels or snow board boots are recommended.
How To
Although they can be used seated Trikes perform best in a standing riding position. Due to the parallel linkage and short, large radius side cut skis, performance is greatly enhanced meaning the bike can be turned by simply steering or leaning to create a carved edge turn and also by using weight transfer between the rear skis much like an advanced skier. In-fact any combination of these techniques can be used depending on the terrain, speed and desired turning affect required by the rider. The only golden rule is to at all times keep the skis at least flat or on an uphill edge exactly as you do with skiing and snow boards so not to catch a downhill edge thus high siding the rider.
Steering
The key to safe riding of any ski-bike is speed control and riding within your ability. It is best to take a lesson where these are available however as a simple guide speed control is easily achieved through effective turning and applying the correct degree of cornering to scrub off any unwanted speed. With a 3ski bike all you need to do is look in the direction you want to go, turn the handle bar slightly in that direction, lean the bike into the corner (just like riding a bike) and as required apply pressure by transferring weight to your outside foot maximizing the edge hold performance of the down hill ski (just like skiing). Without weight transfer the bike will usually have a tendency to over steer meaning that a bit of a drifting effect or speedway slide may occur as you exit corners.
Stopping
Because of the ease of turning, stopping is also very simple and effective. A quick combination of tight turns or turning to an uphill angle will bring the bike to a prompt stop. In an emergency situation a hockey stop can be achieved by leaning into the hill and flicking the bike sideways on its access. As the bike can turn within its own length, with practice, it is relatively easy to turn the bike completely side on at any stage.
Loading the lift
Both 3ski and North Legion load and unload chair lifts in similar manor. The bike has an open back and a seat (or stunt bar) set at the correct height to sit above the approaching chair allowing the bike to hook the chairlift and hang underneath thus supporting its weight on the chairlift base. The rider needs only to manouvre the bike into the loading position, stand across the bike with both feet firmly on the ground. When the chairlift approaches place one hand on the handle bar near the stem, simultaneously sit on the chairlift seat and pull the bike towards you so it does not get pushed away as the chair swings after initial loading. If required use your free hand to steady your body on the chairlift and to lower the safety bar. Most resorts require a safety leash be attached between the bike and the chairlift; it is recommended this is attached to the safety bar that way you will not forget to detach it before unloading.
Unloading
Prepare to unload by detaching the safety leash and raising the safety bar. Place both hands on the handle bar, raise the front end and move the bike slightly forward ensuring it is still supported on the chairlift and so you have at least one foot on the foot tread. As the bike touches down on the platform push the bike forward and step onto the bike, if required, scoot the bike ahead of the chair with your free foot and slide along the exit ramp until clear of the lift. 3ski snow bikes are also compatible with all surface lift types and operations remain the same as existing users on these.