Crosskate 616 Backcountry Frequently Asked Questions

Q0: Do you have any Instructional Videos? A0: Oh Yeah! Check out our HOW TO VIDEOS: A brief look at Skating and Boot Installation Instructions

Q1: How the $#@% do I stop? A1: 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.

Q2: Can I go uphill?? A2: Yes. Crosskate skates don’t roll backwards – you can climb steep hills as if you were hiking. We 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.

Q3: Are they stable? A3: 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.

Q4: What kinds of terrain can I handle on Crosskate all-terrain skates? A4: 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.

Q5: What is PowerCarveTM Steering? A5: It’s our unique steering system that 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.

Q6: Do you always use poles with Crosskate Backcountry skates? A6: 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.

Q7: What kind of motion is used with Crosskate Backcountry skates? A7: 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.

Q8: Is the heel of the boot fixed down, or can it lift up? A8: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.