Called a skibob in Europe where they originated, the skibike resembles a bicycle with skis instead of wheels. The Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) recognize the skibike as adaptive skiing equipment. Europe has embraced the skibike as an adaptive ski device through the British Limbless Ex-Serviceman's Association (BLESMA). Because you sit on the skibike and steer the skibike with your
whole body, people with disabilities such as brain injuries, amputations, balance problems, low sighted & blind, multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy, can easily learn to skibike. Because the forces of skiing are transferred through the bike rather than a prosthesis, BLESMA has found it the ideal adaptive ski device for amputees, virtually eliminating pain and sores on residual limbs. Traditionally, skibikes available for adaptive use are designed for skibike racing, or able bodied recreation. The greatest challenge for adaptive skibikers is loading and unloading ski lifts, carrying such skibikes. The iSkibike’s patented ski lift riding design solves this problem; with many additional adaptive innovations, the iSkibike is the world’s best skibike for adaptive skibikers. iSkibike® Agility 1.3 - Quality & Innovation
1) Chairlifts effortlessly load, carry & unload the Agility 1.3, with the skibiker standing straddling the skibike, or fully seated on the skibike’s seat.
2) Progressive rear suspension with 8 inches of seat travel, using either hydraulic or adjustable air shock absorbers, and a front suspension fork. Skiboards with downhill bindings quickly and easily attach onto ski boot mounts on the front fork and rear swing arm. More Info
4) Using the wide seat for leverage, centrifugal forces power the Agility 1.3’s ski edges into the snow surface, for instant skiing, even with some disabilities.
5) On slope runaway prevention is incorporated into the Agility 1.3’s suspension system for added safety.
6) Heel edge foot skis provide for balancing, and braking [simply by digging in the heel edge of the foot ski while seated on the Agility 1.3.]
7) Seat height and angulation is adjustable, and optional foot pegs can be mounted on the front fork (“easy rider” style), or on the swingarm axle (“pegger” style).
8) For transport or storage, the Agility 1.3 skibike can be easily folded, and carried in, for example, a BMW sports car’s trunk. iSkibike® Agility 1.3 - Components
The iSkibike frame uses readily available downhill bicycle components. The following components from other manufacturers are used on the Agility 1.3. Other components may work also, but proper fit should be determined in advance. Any of these Rock Shox Full Suspension Front Forks with 3/8 inch [9.5 mm] axle and 100 - 120 mm of suspension travel may be installed on the iSkibike Agility 1.3 [buyers should note preference for air or coil suspension]:
RockShox Recon Silver R 100 or 120 mm w/air
RockShox Recon Silver R 100 or 120 mm w/coil
RockShox Recon Silver TK 29er 120 mm w/air
RockShox XC 32 TK 100 0r 120 mm w/coil
For the rear suspension, any coil or air bicycle shock absorber with 8.5 inch eye spacing may be used. iSkibike has used Fox & Marzocchi air shock absorbers. Risse Racing Astro-5 Damper shock absorbers are now being used for the rear suspension on the iSkibike Agility 1.3. For Handle Bars, Grips & Stems, the iSkibike Agility 1.3 uses a variety of readily available brands and styles. To provide a variety of ski lengths & styles, the iSkibike Agility 1.3 uses skiboards and bindings from several manufacturers. Buyers can select equipment for their skiing style and terrain preference, or to adjust for changing conditions, from Spruce, Summit, Snowjam & Revel8. iSkibike® Agility 1.3 - Manufacture
The iSkibike Agility 1.3 is manufactured and then assembled in Bozeman, Montana. Machining and welding of the frame is done by Midwest Welding & Machine, of Bozeman, Montana; which has been in business since 1944. This experience, and their having previously built iSkibike frames, assures a top quality product.
