Power Kite Forum

Custom buggies.

Blitzhound - 17-7-2017 at 05:17 PM

Xxtreme Apexx or GT Rapide++ why?

eric67m - 17-7-2017 at 05:59 PM

Just buy both and try them out. Then out of your 4 buggies you could hook a brother up (me) with your least favorite buggy.

Blitzhound - 18-7-2017 at 05:48 AM

I'm sure some of the members here don't like the idea of me posing this question. To you I apologize for the discomfort. I am seriously considering a custom buggy. Strictly for fitment issues. I currently have an MG Croozer. I really love this buggy. But it's a little tight getting in and out of. And I find after about a half hour of riding I have to get out for a bit. And on long runs. If they're long enough. Towards the end it gets mighty uncomfortable. Most of this is due to injuries sustained earlier in life. So as much as I love the Croozer. I'm really thinking of getting one that fits more properly. I posed the question not because I think one might be better than the other. But rather. Which one do people with experience with these buggies prefer if either. This is a lot of money. I'm just trying to make the best decision possible.

ssayre - 18-7-2017 at 05:57 AM

hey blitz, check out this thread on gt. These guys love them last I checked. I haven't followed the thread lately.
http://www.extremekites.com.au/topic/15433-gt-race-buggies/

slapbasswoody - 18-7-2017 at 08:31 AM

Both of the buggys that you have mentioned are great buys.
They are fitted to your dimensions and are pretty much balanced and ready to race out of the box.
I have tried all of these buggys, including the Croozer and personally I would say that the Apex is the most comfortable for me.
This is pretty much a matter of taste and if you can get to try out each one as they have a slightly different feel to each other.

All the best

Woody

Blitzhound - 18-7-2017 at 08:52 AM

Ssayre: thank you. This is exactly the kind info I was looking for.

Slapbasswoody: Thanks for the input. Sadly I don't have the option to try them out. I have sat in Bobby's Apexx. It was definitely a nice buggy. It just didn't fit me. But that's the inherent problem. Non of them fit me. At 6'8" 310# most buggies don't fit. I can get them close but none of them are right. The Croozer is the closest I've come to a good fit. My issue with it is I sit so far back in the frame that the side rails push on my legs keeping them together with the foot pegs spread apart as far as they are with the Bigfoot front forks. It puts pressure on my hips and knees.

slapbasswoody - 18-7-2017 at 09:05 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Blitzhound  
Ssayre: thank you. This is exactly the kind info I was looking for.

Slapbasswoody: Thanks for the input. Sadly I don't have the option to try them out. I have sat in Bobby's Apexx. It was definitely a nice buggy. It just didn't fit me. But that's the inherent problem. Non of them fit me. At 6'8" 310# most buggies don't fit. I can get them close but none of them are right. The Croozer is the closest I've come to a good fit. My issue with it is I sit so far back in the frame that the side rails push on my legs keeping them together with the foot pegs spread apart as far as they are with the Bigfoot front forks. It puts pressure on my hips and knees.



Yep, you are dead right. With the pinch points on the new race buggies it is a problem that the legs can ache if not fitted correctly.

The pinch points are there so that you can lock yourself in when hovering in a tack or your kite tries to lift you.
The rules of racing are that you are not allowed to be captive in your buggy so the pinch points allow for you to spread your knees and stay in the buggy.
Before you are allowed to race there is a contraption that you are placed in to make sure you can release from your buggy.
Close your knees and out you pop.

Maarten at MG might be able to help you with getting your Croozer to fit better for you and might save some money.
Other than that, both GT and XXtreme will build a buggy for your size.
I hope you manage to get what you are looking for.

All the best

Woody

bigkid - 18-7-2017 at 11:19 AM

Blitz, I'm going out on a limb and saying you need to try out Eli's buggy the next time you guys are at the same spot. If he will let you try it you will find it will fit you better than you think. It's a medium sized Libre majestic.
Of all the buggies I have tried and owned and that I know about, Eli's is the closest to your build and size.
With all of the types of full size race buggies on the market, AND the type of kite you fly, will determine the correct setup only if you are able to tune the buggy to your needs.

The MG you have is a good candidate if you are able to tune it to your needs.
The guy who originally owns it was your size and he flew PKD Combats. In my opinion the physical parameters is only half of the issue of a correct buggy for your needs.
As for the captive system requirements, were not racing in Europe. Of course if you lived in Europe you could hit any buggy shop and try out any buggy you want.

Blitzhound - 18-7-2017 at 02:20 PM

BigKid. I do love the Croozer. I tried your suggestion of moving the pegs forward and sliding the front back. Not going to work. I've been thinking of attempting to widen the side rails a bit. With spacers. I have sat in Eli's Majestic. It was a good fit. I have also looked into the majestic. That's just too much money for a buggy that is not custom.

I've had reconstructive surgery on my knee and hip. They both have pins and screws in them and a plate in my hip. With the Croozer not fitting properly. It hurts too much to buggy for more than about 30-45 min at a time. Which truly sucks because I love it so much that if it didn't hurt I would probably go for hours. At SOBB I finally got a good long run up to the shipwreck and back from the entrance. By the time I got back to base. I hurt so bad I almost couldn't get out of the buggy. I've been looking at some of the race buggies like the GT and Apexx and from what I can tell the side rails flare out a bit at the pinch point. That's exactly what I feel I need. Enough so that I'm considering selling off the two buggies I have and having one made.

JimSSI - 18-7-2017 at 03:36 PM

Blitz -

Van's Black Widow's side rails adjust in and out ~2 inches each side - user-defined 'pinch.' With swan neck downtube full extension, and the seat in the default position, two different peg positions (high/low - I'm in 'low') I can barely touch the pegs with toes pointed, straight leg (and I'm 6'2")

I could easily position the seat a few inches further back.

It's an amazing bug.

I think his Stinger is designed for more 'pinch.'

http://www.vantantech.com/VTT%20Gallery/Kite%20Buggies/index...

and I believe there's a high degree of customization possible:

http://www.vantantech.com/VTT%20Gallery/Customer%20Galleries...

I believe he may be getting back into the Texas buggy buildin' bidniss.

Buy 'murican.

shehatesmyhobbies - 18-7-2017 at 03:48 PM

I have tried the Apexx, and I own a GT Rapide. I love the Rapide and can ride hours in it comfortably. I usually GT tired from flying before I ache in it. I know two more are being made right now to end up on the east Coast of North America, one in PA and the other in Canada.
There are other nice buggies out there and performance wise they are close, comfort, well that is all personal to each rider. I didn't choose the Rapide, it chose me. I love the comfort and its stable ride. It has a great backrest that doesn't make you sore. The side rails are low enough, yet high enough for comfort without pain as well. I can easily slide forward in my buggy seat when I need to prepare for a situation that may get dicey and prepare for an escape, yet I can keep pressure on the pegs to hold on for the ride when needed to stay in "control" Overall the Rapide gave me the confidence to go for higher speeds more comfortably given its overall stability and comfort.

Would love to have given the Apexx more of a test out, but many others wanted to give it a go. The Apexx has proven itself as well as we all know.

As Jeff stated, the Libre is also a great buggy, I know Many that own them and swear by them. I haven't seen much of the majestic on the east coast though.

At WBB we also have an MG and and a couple other "race" type buggies, and no complaints from their owners either.

Having the ability to get a buggy custom made for your demensions and style is where you will find the real benefits that will end up leading to comfort.

Good luck

sand flea - 18-7-2017 at 06:26 PM

I shaved the foam padding to the frame rails under and on the sides to give a little more room.

GT would be my choice.

Windstruck - 19-7-2017 at 08:11 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JimSSI  


Buy 'murican.


I gots to second that emotion! I'm the very happy owner of one of Van's upgrade kits that got me half way towards enjoying one of his full builds. Importantly, everyone I've met or spoken to that owns one of his rigs is thrilled with it. When I spoke with Van a couple of months ago he told me he was planning a move out to the country and would have the setup to fire up his buggy business again, so there's good hope that you could get him to build one for you to your custom specifications.

Sorry to learn about all the Orthopaedic hardware; that sucks. Best of luck John getting this whole deal worked out. I want you comfy for those long park and rides under your very own Session Saver. :karate:

Blitzhound - 19-7-2017 at 10:15 PM

Don't take this wrong guys. I'm all for made in merica. But...I'm not gonna wait around for someone to maybe decide to possibly. Build a few buggies. Then wait for ever to finally get one. Thanks but I'll pass. I really like the Croozer. Aside from the discomfort I have zero complaints. I've come to the decision that I'm going to try to tweak the Croozer. See if I can't make it a little more comfortable. If I can't. Then I guess I start shopping. Lots of great input here guys thank you. I couldn't have done it with out you all.

I think I'm going to start my attempting to widen the siderails a bit. See if that makes a difference.

bigkid - 20-7-2017 at 04:47 AM

That's what I would do. Be careful because of the lower rail of the side rail. Also the connection point where the back rest meets the top of the side rail.

BeamerBob - 20-7-2017 at 06:53 AM

The brand doesn't matter so much. I've been in maybe 3 buggies that fit me well. I was lucky that Ozzy's Apexx fit me perfectly or as near perfect as I can discern. I've been in 8-10 other Apexx buggies and none of them fit like mine. If I had not ever been in my buggy I'd have no idea an Apexx could be so great. Getting a buggy that fits you perfectly is worth more than you can imagine. Only getting close cant compare.

slapbasswoody - 20-7-2017 at 07:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BeamerBob  
The brand doesn't matter so much. I've been in maybe 3 buggies that fit me well. I was lucky that Ozzy's Apexx fit me perfectly or as near perfect as I can discern. I've been in 8-10 other Apexx buggies and none of them fit like mine. If I had not ever been in my buggy I'd have no idea an Apexx could be so great. Getting a buggy that fits you perfectly is worth more than you can imagine. Only getting close cant compare.


Absolutely right there Bob.
When one fits it fits and you will never want to part with it no matter what.
That is one of the reasons why I have not changed from my XXRacer to an Apex.

bigkid - 20-7-2017 at 06:36 PM

That's what I would do. Be careful because of the lower rail of the side rail. Also the connection point where the back rest meets the top of the side rail.

bigkid - 20-7-2017 at 06:37 PM

That's what I would do. Be careful because of the lower rail of the side rail. Also the connection point where the back rest meets the top of the side rail.

Blitzhound - 20-7-2017 at 06:47 PM

Thanks Jeff. I'll made sure I address these points. I widened it by half an inch. I put 1/4" spacers in from at the clamps on the down tube and made spacers for the rest of the connection points. It feels much better sitting in it in the garage but I'll have to get out and try it tomorrow.

bigkid - 21-7-2017 at 05:13 AM

Blitz, nice to hear your going at the alterations in little steps.:thumbup:
I owned the MG after it was delivered to the US. One of my problems is the desire to tinker with an already great idea. I've even redesigned the hardcore to eliminate the high spot under the back of the legs so you sit less like a recliner type chair. I've even redone a couple blokarts for a paraplegic and his buddy's blokart. Try getting into a Blokart without using your legs is hard enough. Getting out is much harder. Solution is a break away side supporting bracket. Only took 3 weeks of trial and error to get it right. Should patent the idea. :cool:

My guess is the front clamp at the downtube will need to open about /2 to 3/4 of an inch on both sides to work for your need. Keep the back rest at the same point. You only need to open the distance between your legs, not your hips. There should be more than enough give at the down tube connection to fix the problem your having. More than likely the bolts will need to be replaced with longer ones by about 1 1/2 to 2 inches. The use of a flat bar spacer on each side (both sides to keep the rear axle square to the down tube, only 1 side will change the direction the front wheel thinks is straight ahead.
Good luck.

Blitzhound - 21-7-2017 at 07:23 AM

Yeah Jeff. I put 1/4" plate upfront one on each side and I moved the back to the outside of the axle mounts. So the side rails stayed true. I added spacers to the back support. I didn't think about sucking it in up top. That's not a bad idea. I'm gonna go spend some time in the seat this afternoon if the wind cooperates.

eric45 - 8-8-2017 at 08:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre  
hey blitz, check out this thread on gt. These guys love them last I checked. I haven't followed the thread lately.
http://www.extremekites.com.au/topic/15433-gt-race-buggies/


That is totally cool build! Can't wait to start planning on mine right after I finished installing the Smittybilt parts on my current Jeep project. I will surely get some good ideas there.