SKI RACK - the story

We asked CYCLITE founder Christoph how the idea of developing a rack for attaching skis to a bike originally came about.  

Find out how he developed the first prototypes in the basement, tested them and why the SKI RACK is the best way to get to the starting point of the ski tour or the cross-country ski trail. 

How did the idea originally come about?

As an avid ski tourer lucky enough to live close to the mountains, I have always cycled to the snow. For many years we used webbing to attach the skis to the frames. If the way was short, I sometimes attached them to my backpack and drove to the ski slope like that. However, that was not very satisfactory and, above all, not comfortable.

With the purchase of a new 3D printer, we then considered what possibilities there were to solve the assembly more intelligently.

How did it go after that?

I first thought about the best place to attach the skis to a bike. At the beginning there were still quite radical variants, such as behind the saddle. However, this assembly was limited to bikes that do not have rear suspension. Since e-bikes are a good way to get to the next ski area even through deep snow, this option wasn't ideal. The next best assembly was then, as is the case with the current SKI RACK - attaching the skis along the top tube.

How was the first prototype created?

Thanks to CAD and 3D printing, the ideas could be quickly converted into functional models. After some time and 25 different variants, a well-functioning system was created.

How did you test the SKI RACK?

In winter 2021, the conditions in the Chiemgau were ideal for testing the SKI RACK extensively. Some of my friends travel a lot and quite extreme, so I made some samples and had them tested.

What is the advantage of the SKI RACK?

The biggest advantage is the attachment of the skis. In just a few seconds and with a few simple steps, the skis can be firmly attached to the frame. In contrast to mounting with straps, the SKI RACK can also be mounted alone without any problems. With the SKI RACK, you no longer run the risk of damaging your frame.

Why should you buy a SKI RACK?

For one thing, it's trendy and sensible to cycle to the ski resort instead of driving. This means that the tedious search for a parking space is no longer necessary. In addition, you are much more flexible with a bike, especially in spring, when the snow line is higher. This saves you having to carry your skis for a long time and you can cycle straight to the snow.

A Bike2Ski story from the Covid lockdown

Hendrik Reschke, Head of Marketing at Ortovox, gave us 2021, during the heights of the Covid pandemic, an insight into a Bike2Ski adventure. 

Never published before, we would now like to share the text with you and inspire you to try something similar:

It is how it is. And it's mid-February. lockdown The tempting border to Tyrol remains closed - although good snow conditions await only a few kilometers south of my home in Tölz. At home, the reality is a little different. In the Bavarian foothills of the Alps, the snow line is increasing every day. And the days in February have up to 20 degrees and have been for three weeks now. I no longer counted the fitness sessions at Brauneck. With hundreds of other ski tourers who flee the home office madness of the big city every day and are looking for solitude in the mountains, I have pushed myself many times over the artificial snow slopes towards the summit.

I was able to share many happy years at ORTOVOX with Christoph and Max. I still enjoy working for the brand today. But the boys wanted to discover something new. go your own way. Realize your own ideas. Fortunately. So at the beginning of February, after two years of little contact, the long-awaited reunion took place. At first we followed our tradition, which came from the times when Christoph was still a neighbor in nearby Wackersberg and we plowed up and down the Brauneck in the morning before, or often after work. He then proudly presented to me what he had been working on for the past two years. Great, super light and very sexy looking bike bags - but what excited me even more: a ski rack, which we attached to my bike together.  

The Dürrach is fed by various small streams that originate in the Vorkarwendel. The tour options are as varied as the streams. It's not exactly the Munich classic tours that start here.

From the starting point it's a matter of cycling - actually a pretty good mass filter. It's a little after six in the morning. We are finally looking for lonely ski tours that we missed so much this winter. We're not completely alone, but at least I'm the only one with a bike rack. After many spring ski tours that started at the end of long Karwendel valleys, into which I had towed my skis attached to my backpack, I am now - a few weeks before my 40th birthday -  arrived in a new comfort league. Two handles. Skis and poles are securely fixed parallel to the top tube. Nothing that scratches, grinds or impedes steering. I am extremely excited. From the rack, just as from this day, which gave us a piece "before Corona", with the greatest possible solitude and carefree cruising over butter-soft firn slopes.