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Sorry but the Crosskate Product is no longer
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We Now have the TrailSkate By
GateSkate
More Detailed Information on the Crosskate
Stopping
Crosskate Backcountry skates have dual cable-activated disc brakes.
When you lean the boot cuffs backwards, a cables activate calipers
housed inside the rear wheel that grab the brake disc. Unlike an inline
skate, you don’t have to lift the front of the skate up, and there is
nothing dragging
on the ground that causes you to brake. Braking is achieved by leaning
both
boot cuffs backwards at once. This is possible due to the long
wheelbase.
Stopping power approaches that of mountain bikes when technique is
mastered.
Brakes are easily adjustable, and can even be set as drag brakes for
long
descents.
Going Uphill
Crosskate skates don’t roll backwards – you can climb steep hills as if
you were hiking. Crosskates use a roller-clutch that is a bearing with
a special one-way feature. It is similar to a ratchet or a bicycle
freewheel, except that it makes no noise.
Stability
The 616mm wheelbase is substantially longer than any in-line skate.
This helps you keep it rubber side down whether you’re gliding over a
rough trail or braking hard. It also makes them easier to learn.
Terrain Croskates can Handle
Technically, ANY terrain that can be done on a bike can be handled
with some technique. If the going gets really steep, really rocky, or
really muddy, you can use a hiking motion while wearing the skates, or
these objects can be sidestepped over, in a similar fashion to hiking
with skis on. Hard pack dirt trails with some roots and rocks would be
considered ideal terrain. Grass is a little slower, yet provides a
great workout. They also soak up broken pavement and sidewalks like a
dream, and you’re a lot less likely to have your backside hit the
pavement than on a pair of in-line skates.
PowerCarveTM Steering System
The unique steering system lets you carve turns as if you were using
shape skis. When you lean on the skates, you turn. It’s accomplished
through a carefully engineered linkage tucked away inside the front
wheel. This
system also includes an air filled damping system to provide crisp
predictable
handling at high speed. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen on a
skate.
Poles
Poles are helpful under most conditions, especially off-road in which
they add a lot to your speed and stability (like x-c and downhill
skiing). When on pavement, poles are not necessary, but many people
enjoy using them. Poles also allow a full body workout, which is
difficult to get outside of the gym. Available carbide tips easily dig
into dirt, as well as pavement.
Motion used with Crosskates
You can either use a skating motion (similar to in-line skating, and
exactly like cross-country skate-skiing), or you can use a diagonal
striding motion, which is like classic cross-country skiing. When
you’re going
downhill, you can just glide and carve turns as if on downhill skis.
Boot Heel
The boots pivot forward on a spring-loaded axle. The pivot is under the
toe of the boot, and the spring ensures that the rear wheel lifts up
off the ground when the skate is picked up. When you stride or climb
hills, the heel can pivot upward to allow for a smooth stride. When you
go downhill, the free heel does not interfere with carving because your
weight keeps it in place. Also, if you bite it, your heels can come
forward allowing you
to fall and roll very naturally, with less stress on your knees.
