Frequently Asked Questions | |
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The questions about the Trailskate
+ What are the differences between the models ?
The structure is always the same (so each model can evolve into another) :
On the Standard, Road and Street Models, only the wheels differ, but applications are very different :
- Standard can roll everywhere
- The Road has a 80% road (even dented roads)
- The Street, like any inline skate, is only for the city (bitumen)
- On Skating models, the bindings are a little different: they are designed to allow more freedom of movement in the ankle, and allow a slight loosening of the heel, for a practice closer to the cross country skiing.
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+ Do I need a model with brakes ?
The Trailskate is not as handy as inline skates. Also, it is more difficult to slow down or stop. Therefore, when there is raids, the brake is indispensable (except grass skiing, where you go back up the slope to stop making a big turn).
In contrast, for pulled applications (Kite, roller-Joering), the brake has no interest.
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+ Off-road skates, what for ?
Much more than just a roller with large wheels, the Trailskate is the most versatile athletic product in the world. It is :
- A means of travel, with which you are not blocked by the lower edge of the ground ;
- Another way of approaching the skate, less manoeuvrability but more flexibility and "playing field" ;
- A very effective way of training in endurance and muscular work ;
- A very powerful tool to replace the roller-ski on roads or paths dented / trails ;
- An extreme sport for the followers of raids in the mountains ;
- A product much more "freeride" and playful as tracked skis for grass-skiing ;
- An alternative to Land Boards for the Power-Kite.
- A way to ski joëring (pulled by a horse) without snow.
It is merely a product that remains in the trunk of the car, because wherever we are we will certainly have a chance to use it !
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+ What kind of shoes should I use ?
In most cases, a pair of Basket will nicely.
For practices which require high maintain of the foot (Kiting / grass-Skiing), mountain shoes are preferable.
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+ Is it easy to use ?
The "Street" model, just share in the range, is easier to use than traditional skates, because much more stable.
For other models (with inflated wheels), it depends on your athletic profile. If you are skier, rollerblader or ice skater, familiarity will be quick. You will need more time if this is not the case. Anyway, whatever your starting level, the speed of progression is impressive (this being due notably to the stability of the equipment). Even from scratch, pleasure and feelings come very quickly.
In addition, the higher the level increases, the more we take pleasure and we discover the enormous potential of this product.
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+ Is this not too heavy ?
The "Street" is very light.
For other models, the weight seems to be a handicap at the beginning, because as the user is not accustomed to the Trailskate, he uses so reckless force to advance or turn (which is totally unnecessary, but which is a "normal" reflex). Once you begin to become familiar with the product, it is clear that there is nothing so difficult ... And as progress, kilometres follow more easily.
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+ How does the brake work ?
It is an hydraulic system: a handle (attached to the belt supplied or in your hand) command the 2 drums, located on each rear wheel. The drums act on the rims extremely efficiently :
the brake is progressive (mix the handle) and very powerful.
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+ Wear and maintenance of the brake ?
The Trailskate brake system is high-end equipment, with high reliability components. Also, the life of drums is very long (several years).
There is no maintenance to do, except to check from time to time that the screws are tight (if not, some air could enter in the system and generate a loss of efficiency).
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+ Is the brake effective ?
The brake system is extremely effective, as progressive, powerful and enduring. It is the only system in the world on this type of products which allows consideration of raids (even very steep) for miles !
Once you have learned to use it (very bent and slightly backward, and mix of the handle with 2 fingers), you can quite embarking on steep slopes, even over long distances on the same principle that a bicycle : regular slowdowns / braking before the turn...
On the downhill mountain passes, it is recommended to simply stop after a few kilometres to verify that the wheels do not heat too, and if so let cool slightly before exiting (as on all brake systems, where it heats too, braking quality is impaired). However, experience shows that it is very rare to have to stop due to overheating. We are talking about passes to 10% for miles !
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+ What inflation for tires ?
Tire pressure is crucial because the performance and all-terrain capabilities depend directly of it ! The more tires are inflated, the more Trailskate "roll easily". The less they are inflated, the more they swallow the irregularities of the ground. The pressure must therefore be very different (from 1 to 6 bar) depending on the application
- Very little inflated (1 to 2 bar) for towed applications (Kite, roller-Joëring) or downhill terrain to optimize comfort ;
- Extremely inflated (5 to 6 bar) if you skate, to optimize performance.
This is not a detail ! Skating, even on flat, with 1 bar in tires is a real test of strength! At 6 bars it is a treat...
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I am Nordic skier and I wonder about the Trailskate
+ Which model to choose for off-road skating ?
With regard to the practice of off-road skating, we must move towards the Standard Model (8”), because serrated wheels are indispensable! Indeed, with a 7" (Skating or Road), it you can roll without problem on paths, but when you will need to save for power, especially in climbs, the tires will slip to each step. So the 8" model, although heavier, will be much more appropriate !
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+ Can I go skating on all types of terrain with Trailskate ?
The video "skating" on our site, give you a good indication of this practice. This video was shot with 8" models (Standard). On the video, you will see passages mounted on very rough roads. It is clear that it's going, but it requires a specific technique: very seated, the less support possible, very short steps, and we could not consider making some kms like that... However, on trails or roads relatively steady, it is a real treat! So in conclusion, when it comes to skate, there must be usable roads. Very rugged passages are not problems, provided they are not the main course.
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+ Will I find the movement of Nordic skiing with Trailskate ?
What you must understand is that it is impossible to go skating "off-road" by strictly tracing the movement of skiing. Indeed, for this practice, some materials prerequisites are essential :
- Inflated wheels, without which any road becomes a torment ;
- And serrated tires, without which you would slip to each step.
Therefore, for this practice, you need a heavier product, on which a mounting bindings skiing is difficult. This implies that the gesture will necessarily be somewhat different from that practiced skiing.
So in conclusion, if you want an exact reproduction of skiing movement, you unfortunately have no other choice but to ski in the middle of cars, and not in downhill if you want to stay alive...
However, if you accept some differences with the act of skiing, you can take great pleasure in Trailskate and use your technique, both on country roads than on roads in undergrowth, including descent (with the model with brake, of course).
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+ Can I practise the “alternative step” with the Trailskate ?
No. For reasons of weight (associated with large wheels required for any practice field), the foot must be maintained. Therefore, "alternative step" is not feasible.
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+ How to use the brake with my sticks ?
The brake remains attached to the belt, so it does not inconvenience. When you need to slow down, just simply squeeze the handle with 2 fingers (a low pressure is enough!), while holding your stick. This poses no problem.
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The Kite in Trailskate
+ Does the Trailskate roll everywhere ?
Due to its design and method of use, Trailskate is more “all terrain” than a land-board. Fields, mountains, beaches... no problem. But it provided to control the equipment. Indeed, someone who is not accustomed to this type of position most divides its support and evil stumbling over obstacles or sinking into the sand. In contrast, a "seasoned" user (who uses to play the Trailskate or practices the Kite-Skiing) will have a very "flexible" attitude (bent, broken support on the 4-wheel) and will be able to swallow easily unevenness in the ground and pass through soft sand. Everything is a matter of training! The more you progress, the more you realize the enormous potential of this product !
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+ What wing should I use ?
The same as for a practice in Land-Board. Asked size, between 5 and 12 m² according to the wind in your area.
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+ In what wind range can I use Trailskate ?
Since the wing is flying, you can start! Either 5 or 6 knots (especially since you can skate to support the start).
As at most, depending on your level. The Trailskate is lightweight and its "resistance on the ground" is very low, therefore the speed is very fast. At 12 knots it is already fast !
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+ Is Learning fast ?
It is very difficult to answer this question because it depends on the athletic profile of each user. A regular Kite-skier will need 10 minutes to "tame" the Trailskate. Someone who is never mounted on skis or skates will need several sessions to familiarize himself with the equipment.
In all cases, the speed of progression is impressive.
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+ What is the interest in Trailskate-Kiting ?
The Trailskate can be used everywhere: beach, mountains, fields...
The sensations and technology are virtually identical to those of Snow-kiting. The Trailskate thus allows to practise the Kite-ski without snow.
It requires very little wind.
It allows you to be very different from what we can do in Land-board.
It takes very little space in the trunk of your car...
And it can be used in other applications (rollerblading, skating...), or simply to buy your bread...
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I want to lose weight or get back in shape
+ Does the Trailskate can agree to that ?
If the Trailskate can be used in intensive training for athletes already very powerful, it can obviously be used in "light" version, for users who seek little sports a way to regain stamina and tone lost over the years.
This activity can increase endurance and invites many muscles. Used with sticks (cross country skiing) is the entire body works, the top as the down! Guarantee efficiency, while taking pleasure! Used only 2 or 3 times a week, without being unduly suffer, the results are conclusive !
Add to this that, unlike the footing, the Trailskate does not trauma, either at knee or back.
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