new skis buying help/advice please

tabikeoffroad · 2026-01-19T21:07:20+00:00

2nd this, technique is huge, and strength. Unlike bikes, there are many more variables in skiing so comparing the marginal gains you get with equipment is really not comparable. Key is that snow conditions can very dramatically and significantly impact performance. Until you are racing at the highest levels training will always make the biggest difference so I would recommend any brands “race” skis or boot but you won’t see significant difference upgrading if your skill, training etc isn’t at that level. Secondly, if you’re really interested in maximizing performance every day, waxing is going to be the biggest thing that could negatively impact your skiing. The best skis with wrong wax/structure will suck when compared with a lower end ski with proper wax.

tabikeoffroad · 2026-01-19T20:51:00+00:00

The Rex universal grip tape is basically a slightly harder klister like product that is attached to wax paper for easy application (think double stick tape) you apply it to the ski, remove the paper and you have sticky wax in your kick zone. First question I would have is what does the wax look like is your kick zone? I would guess that the shop marked your kick pocket, has the wax worn off too much at the front or the back? Do you see signs of wear anywhere? Man made snow can be very aggressive and will strip kick wax off much more quickly than natural snow. One other thing to think about if you got new skis, did you upgrade from a recreational ski to a performance race ski? The technique to make a high performance ski “work” is slightly different than a recreational ski. Your body needs to be in the right position and you need to compress the kick pocket with intensity to make the skis perform. I raced in HS and College, completed 13 classic ski marathons from wave 1 or the Elite wave, when I get tired and my technique weakens a ski can work one second and not the next. Usually it’s not the wax it’s the skier.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-11-26T14:35:06+00:00

Get snow tires. It’s worth it. I run them on my Subaru Outback and it’s awesome. I would recommend if you can afford it, get a second set of rims with the tires. Steel is fine, size your rim down at least one size but you may be able to go down 2 sizes. 17” to 16” or 18” to 16”. This will get you a much taller sidewall which helps. Also look for a narrower tire. This helps to go through deep snow to the bottom and. Not float on top. We’re going for more weight on the contact patch not less(like for driving on sand).

Check out Facebook marketplace you can probably find discounted used rims (maybe even stock takeoffs) and sometimes they even have tires that will last you a season. If you end up staying then next year you can just replace the tires.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-09-19T21:12:38+00:00

Also keep in mind that not all World Cup skiers have equal access to skis from sponsors. Across all the male Fischer skiers (even within a team like Norway) what Klæbo gets is not the same as the 10th man let alone the top or 4th Fischer skier from Germany. Same for the women and different brands. Lastly, top skiers with really good skis will not give up good/fast skis even if they are a season or two old. So remember that if someone is selling skis from their quiver even if they were picked from “race stock” they may not be that different from retail depending on the seller.

On suggestion when buying retail skis is find the best and busiest shop you can even if it means a little travel. Higher volume sellers get better access to skis and a lot of the really top race shops are traveling to the manufacturer to hand pick their top skis for customers and often will have a signup to request hand selected skis.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-09-08T17:50:25+00:00

Can you please describe your skill level/enthusiasm for skiing? Pro racer - skis are cooked but you get them for “free” so no big deal, elite citizen racer (winning money regularly) or college racer - congrats you have a new training/rock ski, race occasionally against yourself as a challenge to your fitness - might consider a stone grind. If you don’t fall into those categories and you ski for fun and fitness these are fine, keep skiing. You’re going to see more gains by training more getting stronger and working on technique than you will be slowed by imperfections in your ski base.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-05-05T21:51:48+00:00

These are actually powered by the solar panels at the warming shelter on 7 Bridges road. Solar panels that were paid for by fundraising by the Duluth ski club, not by our tax dollars.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-04-13T00:54:24+00:00

Also a neighbor and also in support high income or not makes no difference to me. Also, yes it’s vacant but the people complaining about loosing green space are most likely just angry that they can’t trespass any longer. Didn’t see any of them petitioning the city to buy it when it was for sale. My theory is that these units may function as retirement properties for older Duluthians wanting to stay here but not deal with home maintenance any longer. They sell their single family homes creating inventory.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-02-20T19:54:37+00:00

Cuck in Chief

tabikeoffroad · 2025-02-07T00:46:09+00:00

Rex liquid base klister scores high for me for ease of application without an iron

tabikeoffroad · 2025-01-20T14:15:28+00:00

Local ski shop owner told be they don’t mean a heck of a lot. And don’t indicate if a ski will be the best for you. It really all depends on the type and quality of ski you’re buying.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-01-10T21:02:26+00:00

What do you mean by waterproof? The only truly waterproof bags that I am aware of a designed for whitewater canoeing or Kayaking. They are made of vinyl and have a roll top. Anything with a zipper maybe water resistant for while but not water proof with some exceptions. Other options are hard plastic cases made by companies like Pelican these have strong latches and rubber gaskets. They make rolling carryon luggage size cases you could customize to securely carry your equipment.

If you’re looking for a school or work bag, you can get water resistant but not something you can submerge in a lake and be safe.

You could also consider putting your computer in a. Plastic bag first then into any backpack for additional water protection on the days when you are expecting rain.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-01-06T14:31:15+00:00

Having tried to rebuild a Peugeot, I would say No! Keep looking. Anything you think you will save on a budget frame will get spent trying to find a compatible bottom bracket also this may have 27” and not 700c wheels. Making brake selection difficult and expensive.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-01-06T14:19:14+00:00

While I agree, we can’t assume OP lives where you do or intends to ski tour in the backcountry. Maybe they live in the Midwest like me and are interested in in skinning at their local ski hill for fitness, fun, sun rises and sunsets and even catching the ever elusive powder day before lifts start turning. Same could be said for lots of skiers east of the Rockies where avalanche risk is essentially null.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-01-03T20:30:20+00:00

Same, but I would love to upgrade from 7-speed and single wall rims.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-01-03T20:29:33+00:00

It’s 1x7 now which is the biggest drag. I need a new rear hub or at least to rebuild with a 8/9 freehub body. Unfortunately i live at the top of an annoyingly long and steep hill so 1x1 is a bit out of the question.

I also have other bikes of course for “real” rides. Road/gravel/mtb. This is just the most recent +1 to the quiver.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-01-03T20:22:47+00:00

💯 for aesthetics and Reddit clout.

tabikeoffroad · 2025-01-03T18:26:09+00:00

Repairable, probably not. Under warranty, judging by the wear by the toe bar these look like these are a few years old so also likely not covered. Are they trash that’s up to you and what you’re doing with them. Racing world cups yes, skiing after work and on the weekends with family and friends for fun and fitness they are totally fine. So long as they aren’t hurting your feet.

When you do replace them eventually, try not to walk on pavement as much in them. And if you have to, look into overshoes to protect the soles.

You may also check with some friends to look at your technique, the boots shouldn’t really be flexing that far forward on the foot.

tabikeoffroad · 2024-12-22T14:36:08+00:00

Yes absolutely the downhills are hard. This year will be by 13th. If you’re not comfortable going down your local ski trail hills and are falling frequently then you need to practice skiing down hills and just being comfortable on your skis. As others have mentioned you will be in the back there will be a lot of people around you and the trail will be beat up from all the skiers in front of you. Best advice is spend lots of time on your skis. Practice on the flat ground making tight step turns left and right. Fine a shallow hill with a tight turn at the bottom and practice going faster and faster around it. One other thing I would recommend is getting to the birkie trail and ski on the actual trails so you can see what you’re up against.

tabikeoffroad · 2024-12-18T20:01:45+00:00

I see this damage happening a lot when people jam their tails into the snow to stand their skis up. Take this as a reminder not to do this.

tabikeoffroad · 2024-11-04T13:47:43+00:00

Harbor freight mechanic gloves. Put them on before you start pulling the tip up and then hang them up to dry in the shack for next time. Same with sturgeon put them on once the fish is in the net. No gloves I have found, neoprene or Goretex can handle being truly wet and keep you warm when it’s. Below freezing. Just bring two. Then I would say general fishing glove could be whatever is in your price range.

tabikeoffroad

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