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Author: Subject: Right Length for Down Tube
leebrianh
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[*] posted on 8-11-2006 at 08:53 AM
Right Length for Down Tube


Ok, I just got my Libre Vmax. Why my legs are too short? I can't reach front foot peg. I tried a couple of things to adjust it.

1. Pull the down tube closer. This makes me nervous as the shap edge gets closer to my "private part." If I hit something then let's say that my girlfriend would probably leave me

2. Pull the down tube closer under the seat. This seems to be ok but now seat's too high. Every single line that adjust seat is too tight and too tense.

3. I am thinking cutting the down tube short. Well, this is my first buggy and I don't have that much experience. If I cut it not knowing what I am doing, It will cost me another down tube.

So, my questions is, what do you guys normaly do when down tube is "too" long? If I cut it, how do I measure the right length so I don't regret it?

Thanks for any input. - Brian
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popeyethewelder
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[*] posted on 8-11-2006 at 11:09 AM


well, I have never heard of a down tube being too long, normally the other way round, how tall are you....over 6'6"...there should be no problem with the down tube, find other buggiers in your area, so they can show you how to set it up properly, maybe, your seat is not strapped on correctly. Cant really comment too much unless we see a picture of how you have set your buggy up.
The down tube normally goes well under the front part of the seat....if thats any help, ideally, your seat needs to be about half way between your rear axle and your front wheel, can take quite a bit of adjusting, with the seat to get that, then the down tube in the correct position

DO NOT CUT the down tube....
Carl



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leebrianh
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[*] posted on 8-11-2006 at 12:22 PM


Thanks Carl. I am 5'6". Ye, short, short! I will put my seat on top of the down tube for now. I am attending NABX next year and can get experts opinions then.

During El Mirage event this year, Corey mentioned that I should be able to push one side foot peg all the way. If that's correct measuremant, the I probably have to cut more than 1/3 of the down tube. Is that correct measurement?
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coreykite
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[*] posted on 8-11-2006 at 12:30 PM


Brian,
I think the Libre has adjustable foot pegs.
Mine does.

The position that brings the pegs closest to you should work.

Your comment that the down-tube is becoming a widow-maker makes me pause.
Perhaps the buggy is mis-assembled?

Any digital photos you can post here?

My comment about seating postion is this:
Full-lock on the front fork should allow your feet to remain on the foot pegs.
Particularly your outside foot.
With the fork turned all the way to the stop, the instep of your outside foot needs to be on the peg.

Power is NOTHING without control.

Like Popeye said - Don't Cut Anything!


Safen Up! Buggy On!

"Often wrong... Never in doubt"

the coreylama
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leebrianh
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[*] posted on 9-11-2006 at 01:32 PM


I finally have a chance to test drive Vmax on the field and took a picture. This is my first time to upload a picture and hope it work.

Down tube is pulled under the seat about 5 inches already but still my legs are stratched out. Actually, turning wasn't too bad. I wasn't able to lock either side all the way but managed to turn by pulling inside foot at the same time pushing outside with my tip toe.

Unfortunately, there is no adjustment on my foot pegs. I saw Libre Full Race foot pegs with "L" shape that I think can bring my feet closer. Question is, would Full Race foot pegs fit into Vmax? - Brian

DSCN1819.jpg - 367kB
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action jackson
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[*] posted on 9-11-2006 at 01:53 PM


Hey thats my style but hey i am different, just add a pillow to axle and your ready for bed.........aj
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goreo95033
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[*] posted on 9-11-2006 at 05:33 PM


Brian -

I'm also 5'6" with a Full-Race. Something looks funny about the seat straps in your picture. Mine don't have slack in them when I sit in the seat like I see in your picture.

The little strap in the front near the down-tube should be sinched all the way. The others get adjusted so the seat rides just below the top of the side rails... kind of hard to explain. I like to keep my CG as low as possible, but leave a couple inches clearence from the ground for rocks, drift wood, land mines... you get the idea.

I'll see about taking a picture or two and clear things up.
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jonesing4wind
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[*] posted on 9-11-2006 at 11:27 PM


Brian,
that is a beautiful field you have!! I am jealous!! email sent with close-ups of the race pegs...

Seany

Shiny new buggy, too! Have a blast!!
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leebrianh
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[*] posted on 10-11-2006 at 07:31 AM


It looks like a good field but actually not at all. See all the trees? They cause turbulance and wind is gusty all the time. Besides, it is designated for model airplane flying field and quite often, I have to pack up and leave when even only person shows up to fly.

Greg, Thanks for the tip regarding seat position. That really helps. I plan to go out to the field again this weekend (if nobody is flying) to try out new seat postion.

By the way, does anybody know if I can use Libre Full Race foot peg on Vmax? Are they interchangable? Thank you guys - Brian
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