Ski Bike Reviews: Brenter Snowbike C4 -- Enduro

Background:
Modern ski biking was introduced in Austria when Engelbert Brenter began commercially producing the ski-bob in 1949. Today, ski bikes go by a variety of names - foot ski bike, ski-bob, snow bike, and ski bike. While ski bikes have had inconsistent popularity in the USA, they are quite popular in Europe. They provide an extremely safe alternative to skiing and snowboarding with a minimal learning curve. Those with blown knees or are athletically challenged will enjoy its low center of gravity, low impact, and ease of control.

After a brief lesson it's not uncommon for beginners to find themselves riding intermediate ski trails in perfect control by the end of the day. It's a fun way for the novice snowslider to be able to comfortably follow the family around the ski hill. If you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a foot-ski snowbike. The Brenter ski bike is still produced in Austria by the Brenter family company.

Pros:
The Brenter C4 snowbike is a ton of fun. It's easy to learn to ride and get moving around the hill. It's lightweight and easy to get on and off with on the chair lift. It has quick turn initiation and remains stable throughout the turn. It provides a stable ride on packed powder, powder, and spring slush. Riding this bike in powder will leave you with an insane grin on your face for the next week. Bring on the fun!

Cons:
The first instinct when learning to ride a foot ski bike is to want to use the foot skis to turn with. Once you start leaning the bike over more to engage the ski edges to turn, you'll gain confidence and only use the foot skis to prevent your feet from dragging in the snow. The little foot skis are somewhat awkward in the lift line and getting on the chair lift with. They do make getting off the chair lift a breeze. If the chairlift you are riding on is not ski bike friendly, you'll need to carry the bike over your knees. As it is very lightweight, this is not an issue. You will not be able to put the bar down on the lift with it carried on your knees.

While the bike is very stable at high speeds and can really carve, it can be very bouncy in the bumps or on off-piste terrain. It can lead to a sore bum the next day. The C4 is a more mid-line product bike. If you are considering purchasing a bike you might want to demo other Brenter bikes to test their shock absorbing capacity. Other bikes in Brenter lineup offer upgraded shock absorbers and may provide a less bouncy ride.

Suggested improvements: Improve the rear suspension

Model: Brenter Snowbike C4 - Enduro
Country of origin: Austria
Ski Bike style: traditional ski bike with foot skis
Age range: 8 years and up
Rider weight capacity: dependent upon frame size
Sizes available: Junior, Small, Medium, Large, X Large
Colors available: yellow
Terrain use: all-mountain, found in most resort rental fleets

Detailed bike specifications:
Ski bike weight: 17.6 lbs (8 kg)
Suspension type:
Front suspension: elastomer/spring combo system
Rear suspension: rider activated spring/elastomer undersaddle suspension system
Frame construction: Bow-frame design, KTL and powder coated steel
Seat style: ergonomic moto style
Swingarm: not applicable
Bike-ski options: 89 cm parabolic skis
Foot ski options:
Snowbike® Foot ski FSP
plate binding - has powder straps, works with ski boots
Sizes: fits US 5 - 13, EU 35-48
- one set of foot skis included

Snowbike® Foot ski FSE
step in binding - has ski brakes, works with ski boots
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
- one set of foot skis included

Options: choice of one set of foot skis
Accessories: not included - transport ski bag, boots, helmet, jacket
Features: Adjustable seat height. Easy to disassemble and carry in a transport bag
Difficulty to learn: Easy to learn, similar to riding a bicycle, a beginner lesson is highly recommended
Recommended gear: standard ski equipment
Warranty: 2 year
Cost: $1399.00

Manufacturer contact:
Brenter Original Snowbike
Arnsdorferstr 19-23
5110 Oberndorf
Austria
Tel +43.6272.7777.2
Fax +43.6272.7777.22
Email: info@snowbike.com

USA contact:
Rocky Mountain Snowbike®
President Roger Hollenbeck
P.O. Box 5407,
Breckenridge CO 80424
Phone 970 453 5271
Fax 970 453 1632
usa@snowbike.com

Website: www.snowbike.com
YouTube videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf2F5TC5kjc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q03v3EUtO_E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dizhAM3KDcc

More on skibikes:
An Introduction to Ski Bikes and Board Bikes
Buyer's Guide to Ski Bikes: What's Important?
How to Ride a Traditional "foot ski" Ski Bike
The Best Places to Ski Bike in Colorado

Sources:
http://www.snowbike.us/w-usa.htm
http://www.snowbike.com/

Reviewer:
Height: 5'8" (1.74m)
Ability: Advanced skier
Expert snowboarder
Snowboard Instructor - AASI Certification Level 1
Resort certified to teach traditional foot ski bikes and "peg" ski bikes
Terrain tested on: beginner terrain, intermediate, expert terrain, jumps
Conditions tested under: powder, packed powder, spring conditions
Foot skis used: Snowbike® Foot ski FSP
Boot type used: ski