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.

[TREACB]

First of all, the dude on the sled f-ing shreds. The snowmobile will out-climb the bike all day. But there is no doubt that the snowmobiler will be the one who really needs the hot tub when the day is over.

[seap]

I was born on a sled. When I was 3 my Dad planned to take me out on one of his rides. He had a gallbladder attack and was hospitalized so my Mom still took me out. Froze my hands solid. Here I am 50 years later Dad is gone but I'm still rippin! Never stop!

[joeyelton]

amazing the strengths of each pkatfirm....one day, we'll have the best of both maybe.

[sammiller]

Holy crap, the guy on the sled is fucking amazing, unbelievable how he was able to keep on going without dumping that damn thing or digging a hole and burying himself.

[coreykonkin]

Looks exactly like the riding we have here in the Kootenays in Southern BC... That's tough terrain on a sled for sure. Your buddy Felix has excellent sled control, I would have been stuck a few times and need a ski pull on my Alpha. I'm loving my Aro3 for this exact type of terrain! Would love to see you guys do a comparison between the CMX and Timbersled Aro3, Awesome times in the back country!!!

[theponderosa]

Never was into sleds. Always was a skier. But boy that sure looks like fun. I’ll take one of each…😀

[ktmsxstud]

This video just got me excited I'm putting together a KTM 300 TPI with the Riot 3 should be a blast

[KilometersRides]

Commenting to help your YouTube algorithm! Just picked up a insta360x2 camera and new sled. Can't wait to start filming again!

[rtrottier]

I think with the way sleds have devloped in the last ten years, this bike/sled ride day is allot mor possible. Both riders seem experienced, but neither is doing outragous moves. I am a two wheeled guy through and through, but when it comes to snow, I still prefer two skis. I think it goes to show how far sledsand riders have come for tree riding. If this was a first gen timbersled versus an old Polaris pro, I think the sled would have worked way harder tjust to be left behind. This vid goes to prove, in my old age I am sticking to two skis and watching you young bucks do this silly stuff. All in all, full respect to both riders. keep up the great vids!

[cybair]

For sidehilling, the bike has an edge over the sled, unless you are an exceptionally skilled sled driver.

[smokeandmirrors]

Both sweet but the 2 stroke sounds like heaven

[DDMV-veqf]

Snow Bikes are better in the trees smaller foot print. The snow bike is easier than the sled so I’ve been told by some older guys that I know that have transitioned from sleds to bikes. Personally I’ll stick with my sled.

[JasonMcMurray]

a good rider on both snowbike and sled can rip together.

[brandondougherty]

The guy on the sled is a really good rider. Those are hard lines. Riding the snow bike isn’t particularly hard to do. They just lug around all over the place.

[ChitFromChinola]

Ultimate would be an electric snow bike in the woods. Shredding in sound of silence . . . :-)

[andreyp]

Как легко работает движек на снегоходе и как надрывно на мото. Но плотный лес конечно не для снегохода тут не поспоришь.

[av]

Those snow bike look like fun what gear are you staying in the most

[cameronjuzda]

Sledding hands down. Biking looks lame