Power Kite Forum

xr or bigfoot?

mougl - 10-10-2009 at 09:44 AM

After several buggy videos and reading how much fun bugs are, I've decided its time to save for a bug. My main question is what size tires should I get on the bug? I have a couple fields I could possibly ride on (maybe) and a pristine stretch of beach that has about 1-2" of loose sand over a good hard pack. Logic tells me bigfoot, but I was wondering if anyone has piloted a bug with standard tires in such conditions. Also, I drive a 92 corvette convertible so yeah I know I'm going to have to buy a different car or suv. How much storage space is going to be needed for said buggy? Thanks in advance for the input!

revpaul - 10-10-2009 at 10:01 AM

We have PL's Race, XR+, and an ST. All PL buggies are on standard(small) tires and rims. We also a Libre Super Truck on Kadcat rims with big balloon tires.
The PL Race has extended axles and side rails and has a suspension system. The PL Race is my favorite PL buggy since I just cruise. I do not do jumps/trick/freestyle riding.
The PL Race (on standard tires/rims) provides very a cadillac-ish ride on grass fields and even on some 'cropped' cultivated fields.
The non-suspension equipped Super Truck, with it's large tires offers the same cadillac-ish comfort but also has the capability of buggying through some pretty heavy grass/weeds that would "grab" standard size rim/tires. The balloon tires also have the float needed on loose sand as well.
You're planning for grass and beach so I recommend balloons.
It's been said that buggys equipped to run with balloons are under more strain so you have a possible durability issue.
A weld here or there every year or two is worth the day to day comfort and multi terrain ability i think.
Paul

DAKITEZ - 10-10-2009 at 11:02 AM

I don't know if there is a bicycle carrier made for your car, but if there is a rack available there is a good chance you can modify it to hold a bug. Even better, but again I don't know if they make it, put a hitch on your car and you can use many different styles of racks to carry your buggy without having to store a trailer. It would be best if they made a hide-a-hitch for your car that hides behind the license plate so you don't have to see the reciever when you don't have anything on the hitch.

You definitely get dedication points of the day. Buy a new ride to carry your new ride :) :thumbup:

There was a thread on the forum awhile back about how people carry their buggies. I will see if I can find it. You might get some ideas

DAKITEZ - 10-10-2009 at 11:16 AM

ok .. they do make a hitch for your car.

This is a pic of my modified bike rack to hold my Libre



I hope I can have my bug hanging off the back of this one day ;-)


mougl - 10-10-2009 at 11:17 AM

Ok so far I'm leaning to the bigfoot set up. As for mods to the vette, nah...ill just trade her in :) besides, I'm planning to buy more kites and I think a mid size car or small to mid size suv is in my future. Trade one speed machine for another and save gas!

DAKITEZ - 10-10-2009 at 11:24 AM

ok ... then its a no brainer to go with a bigfoot. You can always have a set of standard tires to put on for your field days etc. But its not so easy to just throw bigfoots on a standard fork. On the beach you will be extremely thankful for the BF's.

I switch back and forth. The BF's are a must for the beach's here unless you like running a 10ft line all day. But the BF's have too much drag for the grass that I ride on 99% of the time

mougl - 10-10-2009 at 11:48 AM

I better make some dough at work this season then! Shooting for the new bug, couple of new kites, and the new four wheeled hobby hauler by the time JIBE comes!

BeamerBob - 10-10-2009 at 05:33 PM

I say go for the bigfoot too. But you won't need them at JIBE. Very hard flat smooth sand there. They will increase the ride comfort though if you find a little ditchlet of something. Smooth modulated slides too.

dylanj423 - 10-10-2009 at 10:31 PM

as far as a car goes.... i think a honda element would be PERFECT for a kitemobile.... my suzuki sx4 is small, gets good mileage, and handles well, but i think a little more room would make a lot of difference...

as it is, i can pack all my gear and camping stuff for a long weekend, but it is totally full when i do... a little more room would be awesome

ripsessionkites - 11-10-2009 at 04:33 AM

my vote is for the Bigfoot+

already comes with the extended pieces (15cm extra on the side rail / 30cm extra on the rear axle). if you need to change to Regular tires you just need a smaller fork or just get spacers

the BF tires come on STD Rims, so you could change tires to Std Ribbed / Slick / Midi

whether you're going over grass / soft sand / hard pack the BF rolls faster. If you never plan to use STD Tires, i'd pay for the upgrade to Beach Racer Rear Tires on AS Rims. The Beach Racers provide a lighter footprint in the sand / and helps reduce side slide (drift). With the AS Rims, you can flip them to move the tires closer or further from the rear axle.