kiteballoon - 28-8-2012 at 10:15 AM
I've been learning the joys of buggying from pbc, and the first time I flew it became evident I had longer legs than pbc and needed more room :-) We
adjusted the stem out as far as it would go and off I went. Fast forward a few months, and I'm now wondering if perhaps I do indeed need more legroom
in the buggy than I have now. I did some much more technical flying on an inland field and really felt like I wanted some more room in the buggy. I
have been using a PL Comp XR+, adjusted all the way out. Heh, in fact, I even broke the straps holding the seat to the front rail for another inch of
room inadvertently while buggying.
So, I'm 6'3", with a 34" inseam. I guess it's the longer legs that get me in trouble here ;-) Since I'm new to the sport and as of yet haven't gotten
any gear, I want to make sure my first buggy fits me ;-) Any suggestions? I understand proper buggy form should be quite similar to cycling -- at
wheel lock, my knee should be only slightly bent. That's not the case atm. When recommending, if it matters, I fly on squirrelly wind grass fields and
beach.
awindofchange - 28-8-2012 at 11:05 AM
Just purchase the Peter Lynn extended downtube. This will give you more adjustment and fit perfectly onto your existing Comp XR+.
More info and to purchase:
http://www.awindofchange.com/product/peterlynn-downtube.html
kiteballoon - 28-8-2012 at 11:12 AM
Ahh, interesting to see they make an extra long downtube for PL buggies. However, I should note I don't own a buggy; I'm only borrowing the XR+ from
pbc when he goes flying.. So, would you suggest I simply get whichever bug I like, and plan to get an extended downtube?
rocfighter - 28-8-2012 at 03:48 PM
Your the same hight as me. I CAN ride TheKidds PL std. But it's not comfy. I don't know how he does it at 6'5" My Libre is just right. So unless you
want to buy a bigger ride go with the longer tubes. Or contact Van to make you a set.
DAKITEZ - 29-8-2012 at 01:43 PM
Just a note on this ... you can keep extending the down tube to as long as you want but it will make the buggy out of balance so it will not perform
correctly. If you get it too long you will have trouble steering. When you come into a turn you will have too much weight on the rear axle and the
front will just slide. Also while tracking in a straight line you will find yourself having to steer away from the kite instead of steering straight.
Under alot of pull you might find it impossible to hold a line at all and drift more down wind than you go forward.
If you have to extend it that far I would suggest finding a way to mount some weight on the front to try and keep you sort of balanced.
ChrisH - 29-8-2012 at 02:42 PM
If you have the cash, buy a Libre on barrows or something similar. Sounds like you've got enough experience to hop in a heavier/bigger bug. If I had
the cash right now I would be in a Libre Hardcore.
Tibi - 30-8-2012 at 08:58 AM
I'm 6'4 and I do have long legs. I'm very confortable in my Big Foot PL and it's not even assembled to the longest configuration.
awindofchange - 30-8-2012 at 10:54 AM
Depending on how long you put the buggy, you should be just fine with the extended downtube without any issues. If you were to add to the extended
downtube then you would start to feel the issues that Dakitez is explaining. To compensate for that, you can order in extended frame rails that will
help keep the buggy at the optimum triangulation.
The extended frame rails are the same that is used on the Big Foot buggies (like what Tibi has).
If you need a customized buggy, give me a call and we can work out a deal for you. I have all the pieces in stock and can put together a buggy that
will work for you.