Відео

Yes, i need to do that video. Very happy with it, but... quick feedback: Compared to the Bosch 85nm motor i used before I feel the pain on the uphill. It provides assistance but doesn't carry you. The brakes are so so... Much prefer my Shimano grx on my mechanical bike. Some quality issues with the spokes. I know it's normal for them to come loose on a new e-bike, but they went completely whack (one spoke broke). But i still recommend it! A great purchase:-)

@@SwissFamily2000 thanks for the reply! yes, I am thinking about whether the motor is powerful enough for me because I am not so fit and I have a few hills in my area... hope I can test it somewhere. Have fun with it!

@SwissFamily2000, je possède également un Dusty R et je partage tout à fait votre avis. Rem: sur chaque roue, un rayon n'était pas serré !! L'idéal est de vérifier tout le vélo à la clé dynamométrique. J'ai également dû recharger tous les logiciels. Actuellement, je suis satisfait du résultat :-)

The most annoying thing about the trailer is setting it up and fitting it into the back of the car when going to a destination. Also it can be quite bulky to carry when not in use... So both parents will be busy instead of looking out for the kids. On the flats you don't feel the weight of the trailer, only the uphills. So my thoughts would be to go for the double instead of the single. Of course, it depends how big the kids are. The double worked until my skinny kids were 6 and 3 (but barely) and left no extra space for storage. Two singles would be more comfortable for the kids and allow more storage... Hope that helps!

Also consider garage space and the size of your car. Both were limited for us....

@@SwissFamily2000 Thank you! So helpful!

Ha, this was cross country so no lift :-) otherwise it would not have been possible

Thoughts on getting a double bike trailer vs two singles? I would appreciate your thoughts.

Wondering the same

I would also like to know as I am thinking of getting these boots

I bit the bullet and bought them. They came from Denmark. Only place I can find my size and I'm in Canada lol. In all honesty I was surprised they fit good. Might be a tad to big for me, but I've been tying them tight. When they start to stretch I'll probably have to put another pair of socks on. So far I like them.

Sorry for the late reply! They held up great, no complaints :-) (both pairs)

Sorry i don't use them enough to give an accurate answer, but what i can say is the studs held up quite well.

Sorry, no idea :-( thanks for watching!

If recommend you do a Google search as the options are probably quite different for India. I bought mine on Sport Conrad, but it doesn't look like they have the full selection this year. I think the full package of skis, bindings, boots, poles was about 500-600 euros

This is a really tricky one as I haven't tried the 88s. I like to do long tours with my 98s (20+ km) and most of that is usually flattish. When there is a foot or more of light powder I am really happy to have them and I feel like anything smaller would sink. That said, I bought the 98 in large part because I felt it was the smallest size that would allow me to do turns on the downhill. If you are sure you will never be tempted by a little turn I think 88 is probably a good choice. If there is a small chance you could be tempted by a turn... and since you have already a pair of 68s, I feel like 98 would be the better choice. Sorry, it's bit of a judgement call.

FWIW, I'm looking at the S-Bound 98 as a more downhill-oriented ski for hitting the local ski slopes, dunes, etc., but still useful for some cross country backcountry work. For the rough and densely vegetated terrain we have here in Michigan, I'm also thinking something like the Altai Hoks may be necessary in my quiver.

I live in the UP, I got the 98s, they're awesome, I have yet to ever take them to a local ski resort, but I can tell you they won't be too fun during icy conditions, but they're fun in powder. I'm not a great skier, but I can go downhill as long as there's some form of powder out there (which is generally always accept in spring when the crust starts forming) fairly easily as long as it isn't super steep, really my main concern on the steep hills near my house is they are tree covered and I am not good enough to navigate them, but maybe at a proper ski resort with open runs I could, or I'd at least try.) And I do ski a lot of flatter areas, and I think they work fine for that, never feel like they're holding me back, but at the same time I would like to get at least one set of narrower skis for those days a 98 isn't required. I use 3 pins with crispi anarctic boots which are pretty supportive.

Just reread your message, iunno if you were looking for advice or just saying what you use the 98s for lol Well anyway, that's my opinion of them.

Anything is possible if you have the skills. I'd make sure to have skins though and I'd probably go down on the groomed side. Personally I would rather take out the backcountry skis (prefer those than even the 98s on la dole)

careful to check your bindings because I think the Spider 62 comes by default with NIS. The boots in this video are both NNN BC. I believe the OTX comes in an NIS binding version.

I've never asked in the alaska bc, but I tried them on in the store and I am thinking of switching to them for my next pair. It seems like you can tighten the alaska better

@@SwissFamily2000 what makes you want to switch to the Alpina Alaska from the Fischer's?

@@calvinminer4365 the fact that the Fischer is difficult to tighten (maybe also because I have skinny ankles). I tried the alpina alaska in the store and it felt more secure around the foot. But again, I haven't tried skiing with the alpina s

Ha!... That's Jura :-)

Thanks!

Thanks! I used my 10 year old Fischer wax superlight skis (classic). I think the modern equivalent are the sppedmax 3d, but not sure.

Ha! Small world :-) thanks. definitely a nice little outing from our area. Sometimes I'll do small loops at the top near Cabane de Rochefort to get some turns. Glad the temperature has dropped a bit these days, but looking forward to some more snow, maybe we still have a few runs this season!

Hi there. Thank you :-) I generally wear my OTX with the 68s and the BCX with the 98. BCX can feel like overkill on the 68s, but I do wear them sometimes if I know I'm going down some narrow trails and want a bit more control over my ski. Hope this helps!

I have been on the Outbacks 68's now for 7 years and only ski fresh tracks with them. The second day I try to set the track and pack it better and find you need a lot of ankle support to do this. I love the Rossignol BC X10 boots. The fisher The Fisher OTX boots are just too too soft and ofter no ankle support. They felt like slippers and might be nice for a groomed set track and NOT for fresh snow. Off Track stick with the stiffer boots so you can drive the skis forward (Fisher BCX tour or beefer BCX Transnordic) for 12 in plus powder days. Get out there and enjoy.🎿

Hehe, true indeed. But that is especially true on the downhill, on the uphill the grip was limit even with the skins on. Anything steeper and I would have wanted full skins.

No XC ski is going to carve downhill. It's going to be all skidded turns until you're crazy wide. Ski like this could start carving at 30 mph, like an old straight ski at best. So might as well stay skinny, unless it sinks in deep snow.

Thanks for the feedback. I looked up your runs on Strava and it looks like a lovely area. I'm still figuring it all out with this youtube channel, but I recently upgraded my camera and the software I use that makes it a lot easier to make videos. Until now it's been mostly ski, but in the summer it will transition to mountain bike and trail running (probably mostly in the same area)

Same!!

What kind of skiing are you going to do mostly? And what skis do you have? In terms of stability, you want to consider both the stiffness of the shoe, as well as the width of the base in relation to your ski. Regarding the stiffness, the less stiff is the OTX 5 (I don't think I will buy that model again), followed by the RC5 Combi and the BCX 6. In terms of the width of the base, NNN-BC bindings/shoes will be wider and give you more control. There isn't a jack of all trades (i.e. these boots and bindings are really mean for different kinds of ski), but I would say that with my NNN-BC bindings/boots I can sometimes do a little of groomed track... whereas I can not do any offtrack with my regular NNN bindings with RC5 boots...

@@SwissFamily2000 Actually I don't have the skis yet but I think I have decided on a pair of Åsnes Mountain Race 48. I will use them on snowmobile tracks (and other kinds of packed surfaces), in groomed tracks and sometimes offtrack in "not that deep snow". I did get inspiration from altabackcountry.com/2019/04/17/gear-review-asnes-mountain-race-48-cross-country-skis/ who suggests using a combi boot. What kind of skis are you using with the RC5?

​@@henriksimugunnarsson2660 Ok, this helps a lot. As a start, I'd point out that a similar Fischer ski (Fischer Adventure 62) comes with a regular NNN (not NNN-BC) binding. Those skis are also the same as my wife's Fischer Spider 62 (Same as the adventure but with metal edges)... and she has the regular NNN (not NNN-BC). My personal opinion is to stick with the regular NNN binding for that width of ski. NNN-BC would be overkill and probably even look a bit strange passing over the edges of your ski. The only reason I would consider NNN-BC bindings on those skis is if I was hardly ever in tracks and/or doing long days and wanted the extra comfort/control. When it comes to the boots, if you stick to regular NNN, you could either get a boot like the RC5 Combi or a boot like the OTX 5 which comes in both regular NNN and NNN-BC form. You will have a lot more control with a boot like the RC5 combi because of the stiffness, but if you are going for long days then you might prefer the comfort of the OTX 5. Finally, if you decide to go for NNN-BC, I would not recommend the BCX 6 for that width of ski. I use my BCX Ski on slightly wider skis (Outback 68). It works but is overkill. Hope this helps!

@@SwissFamily2000 Thank you so much. Your answer is really helpful for my understanding of how to think about the use of different skis, boots and bindnings. I'm leaning towards the RC5 but I've also seen they have another model called RC3. Have you tried that one? Also, have you considered any other boot (or maybe other brands) when deciding for the RC5 and what were the main reasons for you buying this boot?

@@henriksimugunnarsson2660 the rc3 doesn't have an ankle cuff, so that is why I got the rc5. I never tried the rc3, but I imagine they would just feel a bit too loose when going faster or when doing the occasional skate ski. I imagine you would also have less control over your ski. My wife has Alpina shoes that look like the Fischer RC3. She loves them, and even did some 27km outings in the backcountry with them (on her Fischer Spider 62). They were fine, but she did have issues with snow coming in because of the lower profile.

Thank you for the kind words! Looks from strava like the area you are in is perfect for this kind of ski. Enjoy!

They are not too stiff. I am teaching my 5-year old how to downhill ski, and using these boots on the groomed slopes. If anything I'd want them to be even stiffer. The more challenging part of groomed slopes is more the ski. If you're using the OTX line of Fischer skis they are really not meant for groomed slopes. Coming back to the boots, I nearly never use my OTX Boots anymore... only if I am doing a very chill outing with kids. Otherwise I find them too soft and not enough control on the downhill.

Swiss Family thanks for that info. I should have said groomed Nordic trails. Have you used either of these on groomed Nordic runs? How are they at striding? (Particularly the BCX6. I’m sure the OTX5 strides well)

​@@ryanperham4486 Ha, sorry. So I use the BCX6 with the S-Bound 98 that don't fit in tracks. That said, I do pass a lot of cross country tracks and end up "striding" with the BCX6 quite a bit. It is perfectly fine for a couple of km and is flexible enough, but if you are going to be doing mostly groomed XC tracks then I'd go for a different combination. I recently bought the Fischer RC5 Combi. I am really happy with those, in terms of flex I think they fit somewhere between the OTX and the BCX. I've been working on a review for those, just not sure when I'll be able to post it. note that the RC5 Combi are for NNN NIS bindings... so not the right kind if you're going at all off track. I use the RC5 only when I know it will be 100% groomed tracks

How are the OTX on the turns? Do you telemark down? This is where I find they are not firm enough. Interesting to hear about the durability. My soles are still good, but the BCX that I use more frequently is starting to get worn on the inner side. At first I thought I was touching the boots when striding, but after more careful observation I am starting to think it's just wear at the flex of the shoe. It's still superficial for the time being, but keeping an eye out for it.

@@SwissFamily2000 I don't telemark on them as I don't have suitable slopes on my way. I make plow turns when needed and it is ok. But I agree that they are not stiff enough for it. Honorable backcountry youtuber Tom M says the same about OTX and even showed it in one of his videos. But again, in combination with my 210 cm fischer e99 crown they are making good job on flats. p.s. I reglued my boot in bootservice for cheap and it looks like new now:) +60km after regluing and going to add 25km tomorrow, looks solid. I watched your videos last year while choosing my first backcountry set. Thank you!

Not an issue with sunglasses once the are on. Don't even feel them. But I need to be careful when taking off the aeropex to not take off the glasses. One thing which is annoying though is covid mask + aeropex. This keep getting tangled and it is very annoying!

@@SwissFamily2000 awesome mate, thanks for the reply. Much appreciated ;)

Thanks!

Thanks. I never used the old version so can't compare, but they are definitely warm!

Thanks!

Merci !

Thank you!

Tricky one, because it depends also on your skiing style and the snow conditions. My two cents is that weight is more important than height here, since you want to have grip going up. If you're weighing less than 84kg on a 189 then you will be slipping a lot on the way up, unless you have an aggressive stride uphill (nearly running). Shorter skis will also be easier to control in tighter areas like forests. Unless you're planning to be regularly loaded with gear on your back, I would tend towards the shorter. But it's close, a judgment call. Rent them first if you can. FYI I weight 85kg for 186cm and I use the 189. Like I say in the video I am considering going for shorter and wider for heavy powder days.

@@catatonik82 Thanks for your input! I just weighed myself today with a typical backpack/clothes - 88kg. After a 16km hike today, I feel like I should/could trim off 2-4 kilos of gear. But, as a photographer I think will almost always pack a little too heavy ;) I think I will be skiing in very varied conditions, but mostly offtrack open areas and small trails in the woods. The terrain here is a lot of ups and downs. I will probably take a bus to the top, to enjoy more downhill. Unfortunately I can't rent the gear, I have to get it specially ordered.

The 62 are for my wife who is shorter and lighter. I use the 68 only.

Hi there. Ive only researched online and the consensus in terms of stability seems to be the Crispi Svartisen. If I can afford it I might look for a pair end of this season. I'm also considering the Alpina Alaska. There is definitely a big difference from the 68s (my wife has the 62s) and it was definitely worth getting both. In terms of width, for my personal situation I think I should have gone for the 112 instead of the 98 because this season has been either hard packed or heavy powder snowfalls. For short outings in heavy powder 112 would have been ever so slightly better (hard packed is no outing or the 68s) That said, I did do a longer 20ish km outing with the 98s, and what was nice is that about a third of that outing was on a flat road. If I had the 112s for that outing I think they would have been too heavy or unwieldy. So if I were to summarize, if you're going to do shorter outings get the 112. If you're looking for more of a traverse ski get the 98. Hope that helps! Best, G.

@@catatonik82: I'll check out the Crispi Svartisen nordic touring boots. I always wonder what the sweet spot for ski width is on the NNNBC bindings? I often see more 3-pin on wider skis. Watching your videos is helpful. Curious to know if the Fischer OTX S-Bound 98 skis over the limits of the NNN BC. Hope you post updates in the future as you get a chance.

@@catatonik82 : I'm curious if the 98's are outside of the range of the NNN-BC binding (even with more structure in the boot). Are those running Crispi Svartisen moving over to 3 pin ? or having success with NNNBC on something as wide as the 98's? I break a lot of my own trails in 6" -8" of fresh powder and wanted some stability but still be able to traverse the trails (once completed) with ease. The 98's sound like a sweet spot. Just not sure that my NNNBC bindings can handle the 90's even with a beefier boot. You have some great shot of the downhill here.

@@Jeffipookins Sorry, I am seeing this message just now. I have not tried stiffer boots, but a friend of mine who is more experienced in telemark style skiing tried my boots and skis last season. At the end of a pretty aggressive ski session, he commented that in his opinion the NNNBC bindings were good but not stiff enough for more aggressive turns on the downhill. Just one opinion, but wanted to share.

Thanks!

I would not recommend the bcx for a quick casual outing. They are harder to put on (laces! Annoying with cold dry hands) and the stability is really more important where you really need to control your ski (so in a more powdery hors piste OR on a steep and narrow downhill). I now also own the 98 width as well. I use the 98 with the bcx for anything longer (see replies to comment below) and the 68 with the otx for anything shorter than 2 hours and more casual outings with the family.

But... If you think you are going to buy more than one pair of skis, and only one pair of shoes,... Then I'd recommend the bcx as the better choice. Otx shoes on 98 skis would not work!

Yes, I think this is a good beginner ski. You can start in the tracks or even out of the tracks but still on the groomed area for xc skating, and then go slightly off track into the back country. They are super light and make for an enjoyable outing. If you are not going to do tracks at all, then I'd recommend going for something wider. But then you need to consider the extra weight. I bought the 98 this season and find them better for floatation, but considerably heavier that I only use them for longer backcountry outings. I use my 68 for anything shorter than 2 hours, 98 for anything longer 4 hours to full day.

@@catatonik82 your advices are pretty useful, thanks! :)