It's funny this topic came up. I had a bad tumble on my roadbike in November and haven't had inspiration to get back out much since then - especially since it's winter and all that. I used to be big on using an indoor trainer using zwift but I'm just drained on that. I've been into cycling in some form since 2008. I want to keep an active lifestyle, used to crit race, road race, triathlon, even some 5k, half marathon and full marathons. I would like to get into something that I can compete in that isn't running (my shins, feet and hips suffer badly when I run). The last few days - inspired from watching cross country skiing on tv - I wondered if there's a way to do that kind of sport without snow (we don't get much snow in central IL). Lo and behold I found suggestions for V2 Aero XL 150S as a great piece of equipment. I've been doing some research and I'm not sure where to start. I read about classic vs skate style. Reading about hitting a tiny pebble and getting your face mangled up. I want to avoid that. I have never skied in my life. I've always been interested in highly technical sports - like swimming - and I'm reading that this type of thing is technical (if you want to get a good workout in - or compete). So, I don't have any gear - besides bike helmets laying around. I would like some suggestions on where to start! I'm considering selling the components from my road bike that I biffed. I feel like the switch to a new sport will help getting rid of some of my over-use cycling related pains (chronic right knee pain on the outer side of the joint on every pedal downstroke). I figure a break in cycling and doing a sport like cross country/roller skiing can give my joints the break it needs - while still having a sport that i can still compete in some way (i think - in/near illinois?). Thanks for hearing me out. I've been in a funk lately and need to get out of it. Weight is increasing - not sleeping as well - etc. it all sucks. So, suggestions on gear (which roller skis, boots, even clothing) suggestions would be helpful!