XC Skiing

Shop for XC-Ski Equipment

The dynamic physical movement of the free-skiing or 'skating technique', evolving Nordic skiing and allowing the body to move on snow faster and more efficiently than ever.

Push yourself in one of the World's most physically challenging sports, or just trek and explore the back country - alone or with your friends.

Research & Development:

The XC Freestyle Ski Boot & Binding

In Cross-country (XC) skiing, the Nordic Norm method of binding the boot to the ski - using a front-only binding - has evolved in various modern bindings. Today's NNN, SNS Profil and SNS Pilot binding systems are all subtle variants of the Nordic Norm using semi-soft boots and pivot axes to achieve desired levels of ski control and plantar flexion - while remaining largely incompatible with each other. The "skating" or "free" technique of cross-country, the fastest and most effective movement pattern, has brought about refinements in design of skis and bindings.

Drawing on extensive klapskate, Nordic Blading and Speedskating experience, CadoMotus has developed a new style of boot and binding for XC free skiing.

Fitting on common binding mounting points (SNS/NNN), with no ski-modification required - the CadoMotus XC Binding accepts 165mm mount-length skate boots with 22mm fore/aft adjustment for biomechanically efficient positioning of the clap hinge under ball of the foot.

Binding specifications

Weight: 300g
Height: 50mm (rear platform to ski)
Pitch: 11mm
Engagement: Step-in
Release: Push-button, Step-out

CadoMotus unique Step-in system allows the user to literally switch ski's in seconds - enabling XC athletes to select the fastest ski setup they have pre-prepared for the event temperature and snow conditions - just moments before the start if necessary.

Video of the XC-C Free Binding System in action

A protective guard that snaps onto the bottom of the skate boot is under development. This allows walking on your skate boots, similar to walking on ice blades to and from an ice rink.

Testing the CadoMotus XC Binding

Preliminary testing of the Binding System took place together with a leading European ski manufacturer under controlled indoor conditions, as well as on a glacier in the Alpes. Tests were carried out with respect to step-in conditions and efficiency, control quality, speed, freedom and responsiveness of action, snow feel, and mechanism durability and suitability. Snow tests determined the boot/clap-binding combination improved ski behavior in terms of precision and energy transfer, with test skiiers identifying further potential improvements with modifications to be made prior to further testing.

Further testing programs were undertaken in Europe and North America, with input from Olympic Nordic athletes prior to final refinement of the CadoMotus XC Binding System. CadoMotus XC-C Free Binding System was a Finalist at the 2008 Winter ISPO in the Hardware Winter category.

Stage 2 Testing: Trondheim, Norway - 2009

The development of CadoMotus XCC binding continued this winter, with testing in Trondheim, Norway on the FIS worldcup circuit (March '09 WorldCup site).

In co-operation with coach Tord Hegdahl and under the authority of Øyvind Sandbakk, 4 world-class cross country skiers participated in testing at the circuit. Athletes switched between the conventional NIS and the Patent Pending CadoMotus XCC quick-release binding systems, with all skiers faster on the new CadoMotus XCC binding.

The Stage 2 testing focused on refining two of the benefits of the new system:

• The ability to switch skis in just a few seconds (thanks to a reliable and durable integrated Quick-Release system), and
• Maintaining the optimal low weight and platform height for the ball-bearing hinge system (biomechanically-derived technology that was previously unique to ice speedskating),

optimizing the function of the binding system that already significantly improves control and power transfer.

A design finalist at Stage 1 during Winter ISPO 2008, Diederik Hol explained the industry insider's perception of the XCC binding project: "We face that the Cross Country market is not used to carbon-shell boots and technical binding mechanisms", "they get a feeling that this is a system that is not one, but five steps ahead in the future", "...but when you ask people with recognized knowledge of the Cross Country industry, they will explain how this will be the system for the future."

The athletes who tested the stage 2 prototype are among the top 20 in Norway. Their response to the new system: very, very good, with enhanced stability & control and more power at the kick being confirmed by all skiers.

The testing program included laptime and segment recording, heartrate and blood lactate measurement – with the results of these in-depth tests currently under analysis.

As part of the Stage 2 development, FEM (finite element method) analyses were performed by Kees Douma of Caravell Engineering Design to examine material stresses on the binding design.

CadoMotus is also developing a special XCC boot in parallel with the binding project (below). The XCC boot will feature a special mount, shell, and upper developed specifically for XC sports, and made by Mariani for CadoMotus.

Later in 2009 the CadoMotus XCC binding system and boots will be made available on special terms, available only to FIS athletes. Athletes wanting to test the prototype boot/binding system can contact CadoMotus XC Research.

Expect to see CadoMotus catalyzing change in Nordic skiing - soon.

For more information on the CadoMotus XC Binding System read our article, and contact CadoMotus XC Research.

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