Skike information for figure skaters training off-ice

[nicklaszlo]

What is a skike?

skike.com

It's a variant on an inline skate.  The main takeaway is that they are good strength and endurance training for advanced skaters.

What are the advantages of skikes compared to inline skates?

Many.
 - Longer wheel base and larger wheels makes them work on a wider range of terrain.
 - Much better brakes.
 - For a strong figure skater, skikes are much more tiring because they are heavier and have more friction.  So it is a more efficient workout.
 - Easy sizing, as they just fit over your shoes.  If you are used to having figure skates fit, this is like magic.
 - If they break or you need to go somewhere it's not appropriate to wear them, you just take them off and walk.  No need to carry shoes with you while you skike.

What are the disadvantages of skikes compared to inline skates?
- Weight.  These are not for beginners.  It's like skating with weights on your feet.
- No possibility of adjusting wheel size to simulate a curved figure skating blade, as there are only two wheels per skike.
- Less maneuverable.
- Harder to find parts.  Parts may be discontinued for older models.
- Tires need re-inflation every two days.
- Wing nuts must be kept tight.

What are the advantages of skikes compared to figure skating?
- Works when the ice rink is closed.
- No need to pay for ice.
- Much easier sizing.
- More tiring.

Where should I skike? 

Ideally, a smooth surface that is flat or gently uphill.  Preferably at least several kilometers.

Is skiking more dangerous than figure skating?

Yes.

Specifications
Tires: pneumatic tires with tube, optionally PU wheels 125/24 or 145/24
Wheel diameter: 150 mm (125mm or 145mm PU wheels)
Weight per skike: approx 2,0 kg
Patented, adjustable braking system (officially confirmed deceleration value > 6.5 m/s ²)
TÜV-approved use up to a body weight of 120 kg

Most skike users have poles like cross country skiiers.  I did not try the poles.

[dlbritton]

Look much more like a summer substitute for cross country skiing.
If you use inlines for stroking and pure exercise this might be a good option over inlines.
I have an urban trail network nearby made for jogging/walking/biking that these might be good for. The trail is too rough for inlines and parts are mulch rather than hard surface.

[Query]

Do they have safety releases, like most skis do? That would be a big deal for me - I once got a bad muscle strain on early generation trick skis that didn't have any. If not, these are longer than skates, so if you fall backwards, the backs might touch and force your hips wide open. Also, if you run into something like a curb or rock, and stop suddenly a release would be good.

BTW, there are "off-road" and "all terrain" inline skates designed for off-road use. I guess they are sturdy, and they have bigger wheels. Some have safety releases.

And there are a lot of other brands of inline ski-substitutes.

I just watched someone running on "Kangoo" bounce and jumping shoes. She used them to do low impact running, because of joint problems. She went pretty fast with them too. Looked very cool.

I'm sure most of you can use search engines to find them, so I won't bother.

P.S. I haven't used any of them, and can not review their use.

I will say that ordinary inline and roller skates are substantially harder to stop and turn than ice skates, so you need to be careful. Also, some states and localities bar their use on roads and/or trails and/or sidewalks. You should check with local authorities or organizations. Also, remember that falls on pavement and hard ground can be a little tougher to do gently than on ice. Long sleeve shirts, long pants, gloves, Helmets, knee and elbow guards, maybe wrist protectors, and maybe pads elsewhere might be a good idea. On the plus side, I found that inline skating, like skate skiing, takes more strength than simple ice skating, so it's great exercise.

But they do look fun. 

P.P.S. Some people speculate the U.S. president may issue a nation-wide stay-at-home or shelter-in-place order. Some places in the U.S. and abroad already have one. I don't think these things would be a great idea for use in your living room - some might mar your floors, and you could run into things. So it might be a while before you could test them.

[nicklaszlo]

Do they have safety releases, like most skis do?

No!  The bindings on my skikes do not have a safety release.  Falling forward seems much more likely than falling backwards.  Oddly, in skikes, falling backwards tends to apply the bakes, which puts you upright again.

Here, outdoor exercise is explicitly allowed right now.