Snowbike vs. Snowmobile 

Riding snowbikes with sledders can be fun…if you pick the right sledder.
Last week a bro I used to ride sleds with back in the day posted an invite for “a day of adventure in a new zone.” Our bike crew was all busy with other things that day so I responded with a comment “Does this adventure involve traversing steep woods?" Felix from Revolution PowerSports in Whistler answered back “sure does”. It was at that point both of our minds began to imagine what it would be like to ride together, snowbike vs. sled, both of us knowing Felix has the sledding skills to pull bike lines.
Well, the day exceeded our expectations with an early spring reset the night before producing great snow conditions. You may notice in the video where the snow depth and quality improves as we climb the north facing aspect. The CMX 120 handles the pull well, to be fair there is a traction layer below. I think this edit really shows the strengths and differences between sleds and bikes. While I can blaze the woods line with ease, waiting for him to catch up, it takes a hell of a lot of technique to make the sled go where you want to. Both machines are loads of fun, and I have to say that watching Felix ride woods on two skis kinda makes me want the new Polaris turbo (prototype) we saw rolling down from the glacier at the end of the day. Impressive stuff Polaris.
Head to head climbing obviously the sled spanks me like a baby. All good, this baby’s ski is in the air at the the top, basking in sun wheelie glory. I love how Felix looks over at me checking how my climb is going, then utterly destroys me with the sleds insane power and traction. Nice “can can” over the popper bud, LOL. Is that what you call that move? Anyone got another name for that spread eagle thing he did at the top of the climb?
Then I find myself behind the sled, full pitted in his roost. I think this was one of the most fun days I’ve ever had riding my bike….surprisingly with a sledder. Maybe these powersport companionships don’t need to end after all !
If you’re looking at CMX kits for next year, I have some things I would like to share based on my first 100 hours on my 2020 kit. In steep terrain the 120 kit requires a different riding technique with constant throttle control. I hear comments from guys who have difficulty keeping the ski down when they loose momentum and need to turn out in gnarly situations. This happens, its plain physics. After all, Its a very short bike with crazy ski lift. I’ve learned to ride this setup differently, coming into an obstacle, bump, pillow etc with throttle foresight, coming in hot. Then right before I’m on the bump I let off, get the ski over, then follow up with full throttle saw through. This is the glory I find riding the 120 in the woods. Its fun like nothing else I’ve experienced. At times I’ve found myself using wheelie turns as a way to get through many tight woods situations. While it is possible to lengthen the strut rod and increase ski pressure, I don’t want to push that too much. I enjoy the throttle control technique too much and am having the time of my life developing this new skill. Coming from a skateboarding / surfing / snowboarding background, I look at snowbiking much the same. But now, flowing through zones on the most incredible new weapon.
While I like a light ski, at times loosing momentum, other guys like more forward drive. In that case I would recommend the CMX 129 as the better climbing setup. Still the true CMX experience making amazing track speed and easy ski lift, with considerably more traction and climbing capability. Malcolm Watson chose the CMX 129 for this reason.
But hey, if deep snow climbing is your number one priority I would look at the CMX 137. I quote Mark Hoffman as saying it will be “The last word in deep snow and climbing performance.” I imagine it will take a guy first to the top of the mountain, while still offering excellent handling considering its length.
My question when I weigh all the options is….what sport are we trying to do here? After all we are riding MOTORCYCLES in the snow, often in terrain previously only "skiable". For me, this is not sledding and I’ll stick with my CMX shorty... for that full "wheel" feel.
Experienced riders, hit me up for a ride around Whistler BC anytime.