Skibobs Snowbikes Skibikes

Hi my name is Ron Mickelberry, I am setting up this page because I am an avid "skibobber," and have been riding bobs for over 25 years. As some of you know, thanks to the Brenter skibobs they are making a slow comeback. I have 16 bobs myself, which most were state of the art in 1972. (g)  I even have a Fritzmeyer from 1968 and a Apollo skibob both with wooden skies and no they ain't for sale.  (g)      Why the three names?  Skibobs are the original name and snowbikes is the registered name that Brenter has been using, so other manufactures have used the name skibikes and others to avoid copyright infringment. Hey they all mean the same.  No matter what you call them. They are one heck of a lot of fun.       This site will always be under construction and I will post pictures from other bobbers. For other links for other sites see below.  By the way for the best up to date site for which ski resorts allow skibobs check out the American Skibike Association, for which I am a member.  I have given up trying to list the resorts on the web site that I am an editor for. Email me if you would like to know all the gory details.     If you are interested in trying skibobs for the first time. I highly recommend you take a lesson. Once mastered you will be able to fly down the hill with me.  One of the hardest things to learn at first is to go up the hill on the lifts. Going down is the easy part. LOL  Also it is best call ahead at each ski resort, for each ski resort has different rules about where you can ride and some won't allow you to bring your own skibob. You have to rent their skibobs.      One of the exciting things about skibobbing today is there is a skibob for you.  Some with snowboards for skis, some you stand up on and my favorite ones you sit down on. Big ones, small ones.   etc. It really depends on what type of person you are and what kind of riding you like to do. Check the bottom of page for more ramblings.      Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at niteriderb@yahoo.com Last of all the annual skibike Festival is held at Durango Mountain Resort. This will be there third annual festival. If you want to try a skibike friendly resort this is it. These people are wonderful.  For the last two years we have had over 40 riders with all different types of skibikes.  It is a great time seeing friends from all over the states and having a beer or two and chatting about skibikes of course. I don't have the exact date but its held toward the end of Feburary. For more deatials check with Durango, formally know as Purgatory.

Links:

Here is where I will be putting my links to other skibob sites.  Just click on the arrow.

http://dmoz.org

Picture Gallery.

Click here for more pictures.  page two.

Michael Coulson and his collection of skibobs. They are from left to right. Shush-ka-bob, Snow-Bob, Snow-Bub,and Porsche 212. They look great Michael!

If you think I would try one of these going down the ski slopes Your nuts. hahaha>>>>

Here is a prototype of a bob that Michael was able to get from one of the manufatures in the Salt Lake City area.

This looks one looks like fun. Michael only has a picture of it. Anyone have any for sale. Smile

Here is a couple of skibobs that Kevin Leycraft made from Alberta. These two are a couple of his older models from the mid 80's. Got to test one of his bobs and really enjoyed it. Kevin has his web site up so be sure and check it out. It is the Canadian skibike association.  However the website hasn't been updated for at least a year. If you have gone up for the first time please let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you.

<<<Some skibobs that are made in Europe.>>>>

Learn something new everyday! The Jim Beam Company made a decantor in honor of the World Championships in Reno Nevada,in 1971.  At Mount Rose ski resort which does not allow skibobs, anymore.

Here is my Fritsmeyer, with its wooden skies.  It gives a surprising smooth ride. Notice  that the front ski and back ski are attached by a metal plate and a bolt. in the back of the front ski. This bob was made in the late 60's. Plus the shock aborber is part of the frame.

Here is one of the  last modells that Hari built for downhill racing. I believe it was the first attempt for some sort of shock for the front ski. Held together with two rubber straps to cusion the ride. There last downhill model was a complete failure. It weighed over 30 lbs.

Michael did it to me again. He found a copy of a 1969 skibob times from Littleton Co.  Thanks Michael  >>>>>>

Team of sled dogs anyone?

Comments and rants.

There is one thing that has been bugging me.  Some of the resorts have been talking about how skibobs are for the relaxed skier. DA HECK WITH THAT!  The main reason the I ride skibobs is to fly down the hill and beat down the slopes. It is true you can take it easy but you can do that to with skies to. Just give me a hill thats steep and lots of trees; I am in heaven. People ride skibobs for the jumps and to go off the main slopes away from other "skiers"   I haven't broken a couple of front skies for nothing.  Come to think of it, almost broke my head once.   LOL. oh yeah....I don't do jumps!   hahaha

Many have asked me which skibike/skibob should they get and that really depends on what you like to do riding the slopes and wether or not you very agressive or just like to take it easy.  I hope hear to make things easier for you. Right now there are two basic designs of skibikes.  Bikes with skis that have hinges where the skis can "float" over moguls but cannot hold high speed sharp turn. The X-bike and the Koiski monotrac are the two examples. For the  traditional skibikes the hinges are  more rigid and can hold a turn. The two skibikes available here in the states are the K-2 and Brenter.  Another basic difference is that traditional skibikes use footskis where the X-bike and the Monotrac are not designed with foot skis. All bikes are great for intermidate terrain and several skibikers even ride them in the terrain parks. However, the traditional skibikes are best for off trail and steep hills. I wouldn't even try some double diamond runs on anything other than "traditional "skibike. There is one more type of skibike that I haven't tried yet and thats skibikes designed with snowboards instead of skis. They don't turn that well on hard snow but turn great in deep snow. (duh!)   Most kids ride them in the terrain parks and because the snowboards are so wide you have to use a saftey strap for the bike, because it could slide down  the hill without stopping.

I would like to remind you once more. Before you go bobbing, be sure and check with the ski resort first if your not sure because they do change there mind on allowing skibobs, from time to time.  Again the American Skibike Association has the most up to date list. Last but not least remember when your riding let everyone else  (skiers and snowboarders) have the right away. Even if you have to bite your tounge from time to time, like I am prone to do. LOL. We still don't have the numbers yet to be as rude as the rest. (smile)  hey,  just kidding. Plus I don"t know many  ski resorts  that allows skibobs without foot skies. So be sure and bring yours along or check first with the resort.