An early attempt at roller skiing…a vetical bar is strapped to the leg belwo the knees“Skiers” in actionNext rendition – pneumatic wheels (3) and a braking mechanism on ski to the right (1940’s?)Braking mechanisms operated by long rod
Brakes on left skier and none on right skier
Another version – not truly skiing as there was no leg motionSpeed reducing roller on front wheelForward motion by pole pushHome built roller skis by Dave Rees – 1957 – first in Canada? Solid Canadian Tire wheels and ringer washing machine springfor shock absorption Ringer washing machine shock absorber system. Backslip brake is a wedge made from a hockey stick. When rolling forward the wedge rides up and jams when the ski is kicked down and back.Norwegian imports – late 60’s early 70’s pneumatic tires and no backslip brakesHomebuilt “gravel skis” – pneumatic tires and no backslip brakesThree wheelers with pneumatic tires… no backslip brakesFront wheel brake to slow speed …operated with a ski pole tipLight aluminum three wheeler from Finland– backslip brake in front wheel – late 70’sNorwegian three wheelers – backslip brake in front wheels – heavier aluminum bodyFour wheeler with a guide wheel out front – 70’sFront wheels contained a backslip brake mechanism – very stable – 70’sBack slip brake built into front wheelsFour wheelers in actionExperimental skis – flexible so the wheels of the boot platform touch and grab when the ski is kicked – displayed at the Masters World Cup in McCall IdahoThree wheeler with a wooden bodyThe first dual wheel modern ski with the backslip brake in the rear wheel – from Sweden– the SWED Ski– 80’sSecond generation SWED ski – shorter and lighter than the originalSWED Ski side viewThird generation Swed Ski – lighter still with single forksSWED Ski side view showing single forkWheel alignment on two wheelers was a problem – one solution was adjusters as above One of the first dedicated skating skis – V2 from the United States – three wheels in-line and no backslip brakesSide view showing the in-line wheelsRecent dedicated two wheeled skate ski – no backslip brakesOne style of braking devices to slow skis on downhills – operated by leaning leg backV2 classic skis – skis can be slowed by flipping a lever to force the small wheel onto the large wheel – small wheel slows the big wheelFischer roller ski brakeWith the advent of elite roller ski races organizers provide the same brand for everyone – special rack was invented to hold them
