WTB First Buggy

I have a Flexifoil buggy for sale in the For Sale section.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=31803



I doubt anyone would hesitate to say this would be a perfect buggy for you. Miss this one and in a year you will be kicking yourself! More than me selling (I do not expect I will have much trouble) I invite others to weigh in on this recommendation.

It will be in Vegas in 2 weeks. You might even get someone to deliver to Oregon for you!

Or, even better, join us all March 25-April 2 for the premier Kite buggy event and we will all teach and show you how to ride it!

Drive down for the weekend (Mar 26-27) or (Apr 2-3) and pick it up yourself and have a LOT of fun while there.

Quote: Originally posted by Wind_dog

Still trying to understand value of the alternatives for newbie buggy rider. My use would be Oregon beach riding. Specific uncertainties: 1) Tire sizes Standard tires, wide tires, Bigfoot tires? 2) Axle length Standard or wide? 3) Possibly start with a used std buggy then upgrade or add second buggy to family as I get more experience and try other rides Used buggies or hard to find nearby. Maybe a used PL XR+ (found one near me $400) then have option of wider axle, wider tires, etc. That would add up over time but initial sticker shock would be easy. I'll definitely make it to SOBB but hope to have some riding in before then. I appreciate all feedback.

Dear Wind_dog, before I begin let me compliment you on your fine user name and even better Avatar. Outstanding! :saint:

That giant sucking sound you're starting to hear building in your ears isn't the receding tide, but rather the impending tempest within your bank account. Beware dipping your toe into this water as there is little help for you once you take the plunge. :karate:

Now... Onto your questions. BigFoot tires were pretty much invented for sand so take that as a cue. They work great on grass too BTW as they don't tear up the turf. I know lots of folks buggy on hardpacked sand with far more narrow tires provided it is truly compacted. Best for a beach buggy rider to weigh in here (I'm land locked).

In general, the wider the axle and longer the overall length of the buggy the more stable it will be and more resistant it will be to tipping over. Remember, the pull from the kite comes from the side. I've tipped a buggy at speed and let me tell you it isn't pretty.

I started with a used PL folding buggy, sold it, and bought a used PL Bigfoot+ With a wide rear axle and elongated down tube. This was a big step up in comfort, sturdiness, and overall ride. I just upgraded the BF with a VTT rail and seat kit. I never realized how uncomfortable the PL seat was until I took a ride in the VTT. I'm thrilled with the upgrade but please appreciate that I almost paid as much for the upgrade as I paid for the BF. Yeah, I bought new tires and rims too, but I'll shamelessly admit that this final upgrade was 100% pimping.

One thing I'd be wanting to know about the used PL buggy you mention is how much beach riding it had before you would be getting it. I'm heading down the train of thought about corrosion and sand-invasion into the bearings. Bearings are cheap and easy to replace but a rusted out frame could be a showstopper.

Good luck with your impending addiction, you're going to need it!

Quote: Originally posted by 3shot

Winstruck is spot on. If you start with the most basic of buggy's, you will probably some point in time upgrade something on it, or buy another buggy. Been there done that. I wanted something inexspenive with no bells and whistles at first. That lasted all of three or so months. Flexi is a first class buggy and this one already has the wide axles with the VTT seat upgrade. An awesome deal in my humble opinion. They dont pop up too often. I'm not plugging for jeepersjoey here, just calling this is a good buggyl. I doubt you'd be disappointed.

Gotta agree with Jason (3shot) here; jeeper's bug looks fantastic and at a very reasonable price. Frankly I'm surprised it's still "at-large". :saint:

Snooze and lose....

Quote: Originally posted by jeepersjoey

I just got confirmation that the Buggy I was selling is sold. I wish it could have gone to this newly so that he would have been setup right from day 1. Oh well...I do wish you luck in your endeavors!

Just like that! I knew this hot potatoe wouldn't last. See you on the playa! :karate:

Just that fast.. Sorry wind dog. A good one got away.
Typical fashion around this forum. The good deals only last a few days at most. You almost need to impulse buy those deals, and figure it out later lol. Our resident buggy builder here named Van temporarily suspended is production buggys I think, but give him a shout anyway. He may be able to whip up a Cricket buggy. A good intro buggy with his world famous seat and siderails at the price of a PL bug. Made of steel, but soap and water after the beach, and you will not have any issues.
Search his name in the profiles. His contacts and website are in his signature.

Zoom zoom

Quote: Originally posted by 3shot

Definatley try to make a kiting event.

like WWBB! Hmm Hmm .... Oct ober.... Kokopelli kiting crew.... Could be KRUISIN'.... Jason ? Rob ? You guys gotta go ride with the northeastern guys once.

Tire width?

Quote: Originally posted by crewl1

I saw this ad from a seller in San Luis Obispo with a Bigfoot for sale. Not my listing, just advising FYI. http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/spo/5471656089.html

Nice of you crew to have posted this. Finding a good used buggy is the quincencial needle in the haystack quest. I found my PL BigFoot on EBay and pounced on it. Guy selling it was a land sailor out of Las Vegas who had gotten the buggy from a friend who had gotten out of the sport. These things show up in the strangest of ways....

Quote: Originally posted by Wind_dog

How about midis? Is that a decent compromise between portability and beach performance?

I use PL Extra Wide tires, which I think are the same size as Midis. They are a really good allround size. I can ride all but the softest sand, and they are still great for the hard pack stuff and keep up with barrows just fine, although the thin speed wheels will definitely pull away. Those are very specialized though and you can only ride them on really hard packed sand or dry lake bed type surface.

Midis will be a great size for doing a little of everything.