Skibobbing

'''Skibob''' (also called '''skibob''' or '''snowbiking''') is a winter sport involving a bicycle-type frame attached to skis instead of wheels and sometimes a set of foot skis. The use of foot skis is what defines "skibob".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://t.me/ArceusXCommunity/570id=HDytu6Z6yvcC&pg=PA92|date=January 1970|pages=92–94|issn=0037-6159}}</ref>

Although skibobs are often called ski bikes or snow bikes,<ref name=skibob>{{cite web|title=SkiBob|url=http://www.holz-schlitten.de/SkiBob_idQQ1ZZmodeQQartlistZZcatQQ7|publisher=www.holz-schlitten.de|accessdate=19 May 2013}}</ref> they are different, and the sport should also not be confused with snowbiking,<ref name=skibob /> which is the sport or recreation of bicycling on snow.

Type-1 skibob have minimal to no suspension. The rider sits on the seat and foot skis are used for control.

Type-2 bikes, also known as "peggers", are similar in design to a mountain bike which usually has full suspension but utilizes the foot pegs and are generally operated standing up. Also called "freestyle" ski bikes.

Type-3 bikes, or 'Trikes' have 1 ski in the front and 2 in the back and are considered more stable and easier to ride.

==History== Although the original idea for a bicycle with skis was patented as early as 1892, and skibobbing had been a form of transportation in the Alps, it was not until 1954 that the first international race was held. Seven years later, the FISB (Fédération Internationále de Skibob) was formed, which since 1967 has held an annual Skibobbing World Championship.<ref>[https://www.skibike.net/history-of-skibiking Skibike.net]</ref>

Originally, skibobbing was one of the very few methods by which {{clarify span|text=people without strength in their knees|date=December 2019}} could alpine ski, but it soon became a popular sport amongst the physically able, too. The main attractions are said to be the speeds attained (in some skibob giant slalom races, speeds of {{convert|120|mph}} or more{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} can be reached) and the feeling of jet skiing on snow.

Austrian skibobber Erich Brenter is noted for setting the first world record for downhill skibobbing speed in 1964, at {{Convert|102|mph}}.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121024014244/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,836821,00.html?promoid=googlep Time (magazine): 1967]</ref>

==Gallery== <gallery mode="packed"> File:1949 - Brenter Sitzski 10 März 1949 Pat Nr 178275.jpg|A 1949 skibob File:Snow bike.JPG|A Lenz Sport Ski Bike which is considered a Type-2 or "Pegger" ski bike File:1976 - bernd and harry brenter 1976.JPG|1976 skibobs File:SMX Snowbike Laax.webm|SMX Type-3 (Trike) ski bike </gallery>

==See also== * Jack jumping * Sit-ski, used in Para-alpine skiing

==References== {{Commons category|Snowbike}} {{Reflist}}

Category:Snow sports Category:Articles containing video clips