Ski Bike Reviews: Geary Storm

Background:
In October 2002 Brad Geary introduced the Geary Storm ski bike at the Interbike Expo in Las Vegas. It immediately caught the interest of the winter-sport industry. The Storm ski bike offers a unique chair lift loading design and handlebars that rotate 360 degrees for freestyle riders. Since 2002, Kaysville, Utah-based Geary Snow Bikes has refined the design and is working to expand the ski bike industry in North America.

Pros:
The Geary Storm is an all-mountain, full-suspension, stand up "foot peg" ski bike. It's patented collapse-able toptube design allows for easy chair lift loading and allows the bar to be put down on the chair. It works even if the lift sits low to the ground. When loading, just let the bike stay forward of the chair. As the chair lifts away, hook it over the front edge of the chair between your legs. No need to carry it or lift the bike.

The frame is made with a durable steel construction. The full suspension system gives a steady ride no matter what terrain you take it on. This bike however, really loves the powder. A smooth, stable, ride. The pedals provide a generous platform to stand on and a low center of gravity. The Storm offers a terrific value in a peg ski bike and a really fun ride.

Cons:
While the stock wide skis work great in powder, they seemed to skid more on packed powder. Boilerplate wasn't fun to ride on at all. It would be good to have skis that could carve better for those conditions.

The steel frame adds durability but it also adds a great deal of weight. The bike would probably be too heavy for most women. It's perfect for big, beefy, riders. If you typically overpower most ski bikes, this is probably a good bike for you.

The Storm only comes in one adult size. I found that I had to hunch over while riding it. It became painful to ride after a few hours. I think a larger available frame size might have alleviated this.

The Storm uses a standard bicycle seat. I found it to be a bit awkward. It would jiggle loose and would not remain in a level position. I think a moto style seat would offer more riding options and would stay in place.

Suggested improvements: Offer several adult frame sizes, lighter frame weight, moto style seat

Model: 2009 Geary Storm
Country of origin: Utah, USA
Ski Bike style: All mountain, foot peg, full-suspension
Age range: 14 years and up
Rider weight capacity: unknown but can handle beefy riders
Sizes available: Adult
Colors available: Red, white, blue, black
Terrain use: on-piste, off-piste, terrain park

Detailed bike specifications:
Ski bike weight: 35 lbs (15.9 kg)
Suspension type:
Front suspension: Adjustable Lockout Marzocchi Bomber, 100mm Travel Forks
Rear suspension: 5" Travel rear swingarm w/ adjustable shock, 6061 Aluminum Swingarm

Frame construction: steel
Seat style: standard bicycle seat
Swingarm: 5" Travel rear swingarm w/ adjustable shock
Bike-ski options: Snow bike specific boards
Foot ski options: not required
Options: on-piste or fat powder bike skis, frame color
Accessories: none
Features: fold down toptube for easy chairlift transport
Difficulty to learn: Lessons highly recommended
Recommended gear: Full face downhill mountain bike helmet or ski helmet
Warranty: 1 year warranty on frame, 30 day warranty on skis and components
Cost: 2009 Model Price - $1295.00 + shipping/handling. US Orders only!
Where to buy: Buy direct from Geary Snow bikes

Manufacturer contact:
Geary Snow Bikes
Geary Technologies
931 E 300 N, Kaysville, UT 84037-1756
Phone: 801.593.6811
Fax: 801.593.1965
E-Mail: info@gearysnowbikes.com

Website: www.gearysnowbikes.com

YouTube videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzzi8TZublw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tscrnOUt3EE

More on Associated Content:
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

Reviewer:
Height: 5'8" (1.74m)
Ability: Advanced skier
Expert snowboarder
Snowboard Instructor - AASI Certification 1
Resort certified to teach traditional foot-ski bikes and "peg" ski bikes
Conditions tested under: powder, packed powder, spring conditions
Terrain tested on: beginner, intermediate slopes
Foot skis used: none used
Boot type used: snowboard