Groomed Hardpack

[thewwkayaker]

Nothing I hate more than groomed hardpack. Really hard to turn the bike, have to use a lot of "English" and it feels awful - like the bike is doing what it wants and not flowing with me.

Advice on dealing with the groomed hardpack?

I noticed the groomed softpack is fine, not fun but much easier to control the bike.

Perhaps I need some adjustments? Too much pressure on the ski perhaps? Maybe make the fixed strut shorter to make the bike a bit V shaped for more turnability? What works for others? I'm on a 2022 Timbersled Aro3 Pro 129 track with fixed strut, 2014 yz450f - all stock

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

Best bet is get a sled.

Next is a TS backcountry ski with dually carbide.

Less ski pressure helps a little but nothing really is fun on hard crusty with a snowbike.

 

[Dr._Z]

I had a 2017 Timbersled kit. It was soso on trail with the slightly narrower ski. I rode my friends bike with 20 ARO 3 and Mtn Top ski. World of difference! I bought a 23 ARO 3S Pro and tried his Timbersled ski with triple point on the first ride to see if I liked it. Worse than my old ski on trail. Went and boutght a Mtn Top ski the next day. It does not follow the ruts like the Timbersled ski. My brand new Timbersled ski is still sitting on the shelf in the garage. That's my two pennies of thought.

 

[dooman92]

Yeah, those conditions suck. more down pressure at front shock or shorter strut rod will reduce ski pressure and help. shortly I will be using the MTN top ski but no experience yet. I've tried most of the skis, ts, moto trax, cmx, yeti. Same as sheet metal, I found the ts Backcountry to be the best option for that condition. I found the triple point carbide helped all those skis on ice or pavement or hardpack.

 

[needpowder]

Yeah, those conditions suck. more down pressure at front shock or shorter strut rod will reduce ski pressure and help. shortly I will be using the MTN top ski but no experience yet. I've tried most of the skis, ts, moto trax, cmx, yeti. Same as sheet metal, I found the ts Backcountry to be the best option for that condition. I found the triple point carbide helped all those skis on ice or pavement or hardpack.

I have heard the newer ski rubber makes a difference on the trail. Not sure if the 22 kit has the updated rubber. Worth looking into I guess. Do you have Good riding at the end of the trail?

 

[teal_210]

As others have mentioned, the Mtn. Top ski is quite a bit better in the conditions that most ski's aren't good. The new skinny mtn top is quite nice on the hardpack.

 

[thewwkayaker]

I have heard the newer ski rubber makes a difference on the trail. Not sure if the 22 kit has the updated rubber. Worth looking into I guess. Do you have Good riding at the end of the trail?

Yes the riding is great in the cut blocks. Just wanted to see if I can reduce the unpleasant ride up - often I've arrived and they haven't groomed yet so it's great even on the roads. I'll try adjusting my suspension stiffness front/rear and the strut length to see if I can make a difference. I watched a video where it's suggested a slight V shape between bike and track for better turning which would lighten the fork as well. Thanx for the suggestions everyone.