In some ways there are parallels between telemark ski equipment and gravel bikes. In the early 80s telemark was what we toured on. Alpine touring equipment was heavy and not that reliable. Like Iser bindings. Telemark was light and simple although the three pin bindings weren’t great for many skiers. But the. Cable bindings came to be that were actually reliable. And plastic shelled double boots, oh the control. And even releasable bindings that weighed more that what had become the alpine standard of Dynafit bindings. It looked as though telemark was reinventing alpine skiing. Gravel bikes with suspension, wider bars, droppers. Next we’ll see wider bars yet that have bolt on "drops" that are just old school bar ends.
There is a fun aspect to riding or skiing on equipment that isn’t optimal for conditions.
June 8, 2022, 7:50 a.m. - Andy Eunson
In some ways there are parallels between telemark ski equipment and gravel bikes. In the early 80s telemark was what we toured on. Alpine touring equipment was heavy and not that reliable. Like Iser bindings. Telemark was light and simple although the three pin bindings weren’t great for many skiers. But the. Cable bindings came to be that were actually reliable. And plastic shelled double boots, oh the control. And even releasable bindings that weighed more that what had become the alpine standard of Dynafit bindings. It looked as though telemark was reinventing alpine skiing. Gravel bikes with suspension, wider bars, droppers. Next we’ll see wider bars yet that have bolt on "drops" that are just old school bar ends. There is a fun aspect to riding or skiing on equipment that isn’t optimal for conditions.