v7 Fix Cross Skike International has continued developing skike products. New models were announced in late January 2014 and scheduled to be released 1 May 2014. Skike Australia has locked in orders so that we will again be amongst the first markets worldwide to have them available. In advance of the new product announcement we have been trialling the new models and a few of the Melbourne Skike Force have put them through their paces.
The new models look very good. We are pleased with their improved features and ride and their quality and finish. The v07-PLUS will continue including with Road Star tyres but will have new brake pads (aluminium instead of brass) and a change in the velcro belts (the pad over the forefoot will no longer be there).
The new v7 FIX is a revised version of the v07-PLUS with quite a number of improved features including new wheel bearings and new design wheel rims, improved belts, new quick releases and new brakes. The velcro belts now have end tabs so that threading is made easier and rethreading constantly is no longer required. The brake shoe material has been made lighter and our testing has found an improved feel and control on a dry track. Brake wear seems to be just as good if not better than with the previous models. The improved quick releases make it easier to change wheels and adjust the brake position. They also add to the improved design and lock down of the orthotic adjustment that is available on the calf cuff. The redesigned wheels, apart from having a new stylish spoke pattern and new bearings, also have an improved fitting / locking of the tube valve into the wheel rim.
The new models look very good. We are pleased with their improved features and ride and their quality and finish. The v07-PLUS will continue including with Road Star tyres but will have new brake pads (aluminium instead of brass) and a change in the velcro belts (the pad over the forefoot will no longer be there).
The new v7 FIX is a revised version of the v07-PLUS with quite a number of improved features including new wheel bearings and new design wheel rims, improved belts, new quick releases and new brakes. The velcro belts now have end tabs so that threading is made easier and rethreading constantly is no longer required. The brake shoe material has been made lighter and our testing has found an improved feel and control on a dry track. Brake wear seems to be just as good if not better than with the previous models. The improved quick releases make it easier to change wheels and adjust the brake position. They also add to the improved design and lock down of the orthotic adjustment that is available on the calf cuff. The redesigned wheels, apart from having a new stylish spoke pattern and new bearings, also have an improved fitting / locking of the tube valve into the wheel rim.
v8 Lift Cross 2R The v8 LIFT is the other main new model release for 2014. It is more related to the VX-TWIN, the
first skike model available with a free heel that can be lifted. The v8 LIFT has the new features and improvements of the v7 FIX as well as having a redesigned and longer chassis (to improve ride
and accommodate larger shoe sizes) and a permanent free heel that suits both classic and skating cross country skiing techniques. Although the v8 LIFT has been targeted for those wanting to do classic technique, we really enjoy the v8 LIFT for skating and think that it is an even closer replication of skating on skis on snow, which is done with a free heel.
The other big news is that both of these models have a choice of wheels. There is the improved version of pneumatic wheels that we love to use to CROSS both sealed and unsealed surfaces. Now there is also available poly urethane (PU) wheels for SPEED which come in two sizes (145/24 and 125/24). The small and large PU wheels are a skike real alternative to the speed and performance of PU wheels on roller skis, rollerblades and inline skates. They go fast and we really enjoy them. We can’t wait to see how well skikes with the PU wheels will perform in roller ski races. The PU wheels are not intended for off track use but we were surprised how well they performed on the bush single tracks.
Yet another improvement is a new reverse control wheel that can be used on the v7 and v8 skike models, They enable classic (stride) technique as well as provide help to climb inclines (especially when the track is too narrow for skating) and assist new starters (including children) to learn skating. For those that are interested and want to be amongst the first to own or trial the new models, get in touch with us via our website or enquiries@skike.com.au
first skike model available with a free heel that can be lifted. The v8 LIFT has the new features and improvements of the v7 FIX as well as having a redesigned and longer chassis (to improve ride
and accommodate larger shoe sizes) and a permanent free heel that suits both classic and skating cross country skiing techniques. Although the v8 LIFT has been targeted for those wanting to do classic technique, we really enjoy the v8 LIFT for skating and think that it is an even closer replication of skating on skis on snow, which is done with a free heel.
The other big news is that both of these models have a choice of wheels. There is the improved version of pneumatic wheels that we love to use to CROSS both sealed and unsealed surfaces. Now there is also available poly urethane (PU) wheels for SPEED which come in two sizes (145/24 and 125/24). The small and large PU wheels are a skike real alternative to the speed and performance of PU wheels on roller skis, rollerblades and inline skates. They go fast and we really enjoy them. We can’t wait to see how well skikes with the PU wheels will perform in roller ski races. The PU wheels are not intended for off track use but we were surprised how well they performed on the bush single tracks.
Yet another improvement is a new reverse control wheel that can be used on the v7 and v8 skike models, They enable classic (stride) technique as well as provide help to climb inclines (especially when the track is too narrow for skating) and assist new starters (including children) to learn skating. For those that are interested and want to be amongst the first to own or trial the new models, get in touch with us via our website or enquiries@skike.com.au
