I've been green lighted to buy a bug for awhile but we had some family stuff come up that put that on hold temporarily while we figured out if we were going to be buying a new house or not. Now that things have settled I'm back in the market for a bug and the one I was looking at is no longer available since VTT is out of the market.

I'm 6'2" and 240lbs so I need something long enough that will hold me and strong enough that it won't break under my weight over a rough grassy surface (There are very few beaches in Nebraska lol). I see that Peter Lynn has a reputation as "Peter Thin" from a lot of older forum posts on here but I've seen on some websites that they have improved the thickness of the parts on the Comp XR+ and Bigfoot and I was wondering if this moniker is still applicable today or if it's old news.

If Peter Lynn isn't a good option and VTT is out of the market then my only other options I've seen are full blown race buggies which I don't need as a beginner. If you don't recommend Peter Lynn then what do you recommend?

Look for a good used Libre buggy.

There is another forum member with similar body dimensions and he snapped the downtube on his bigfoot. More than once I believe. Libre buggies have the durability you are looking for.

Do you know of any U.S. distributors?

I'd say go for an XR, order the VTT rail kit (Van still sells those) and an extra long PL downtube. I think Big Mike can order it piece meal for you. Then you get the length you will need from both the VTT rail kit and extra long downtube... and its a pretty durable bug IMHO.

What about kite trike 3 compared to xr? I like my xr but are kite trikes any good. More durable or less durable? Just curious because they are inexpensive.

The ones by cloud 9

I'm with soliver on this one too. Big Mike Kites would be the place I'd start. I've not met Mike face to face but have corresponded quite a bit via email. Buggying is his personal favorite of the traction kite riding styles, and at least from the videos I've seen of him he appears to have your stature or he may even be taller. He is extremely knowledgable about all things Traction Kiting and has proven himself to be great to do business with.

Congratulations on the "green light" too. I think we all know how important that is. Many a man has walked before you on this path, and with personal experience over the years I have found it to be an extremely costly party foul to not talk these sorts of purchases through with my bride first. Payback is a $&@?! as you know and you don't want to be laid bare and defenseless when she starts strutting around in new exotic skin cowboy boots (dang you're thinking, there's an 11M DP, new bar and harness that just walked by).

I think BigKid was handling Libre, but not sure if he still is. He did have a few used ones a while back. I only ever saw the kite trike when Rockwell was making them, they had a few issues.

Looks like all the used ones BigKid had were sold, there was this one http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=30130 , but it was for delivery after the Ivanpah Event, and the guy is in Haifa (Isreal, I think), so IDK if it would be worth it.

I don't know your budget of course, but this one looks sweet:

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=29985

@swesting & @soliver on PL & Big Mike's Kites:

I'll trust you guys on this since soliver has never steered me wrong yet & Big Mike has gotten almost all of my business shy of what little I bought from intothewind.com for my daughter. I just wanted to hear from the general public on this. I have an e-mail into Big Mike asking if he still has any XR+ VTT rail kits since his website basically no longer gives the option to buy anything VTT, maybe it just hasn't been updated recently.


@swesting on for sale thread:

look in that thread 1 post before your post

Gotcha! I think you must have been posting that as I was writing mine. Don't have a clue if that one would have been good for you but it sure looked sweet and was based off of PLs beefier frame set. Good luck with finding just the right ride!

I'm going go with what Cheezy said. With your height, and weight, Bigfoot may not be your best choice, even with the VTT side rail kit. Even with an extended down tube, you may get uncomfortable pretty quick, not to mention have an issue with the downtube. Maybe look into a libre or something similar. Kite Trike entry level buggies a while back were not a great buggy, rust issues, axle bolt issues, seat issues....
They work for the occasional rider, but if you really plan on spending some good seat time, spend the extra bucks and get a buggy that will last.

I wouldn't rush in, look for something that may be more comfortable in the long run. I'm 6' tall, weigh 195-200 run a home made custom buggy that is almost 7' long and 7' wide and ride in total comfort for the most part (need to update my side rails).

This of course is my opinion, and take it for what you will.

If I'm not mistaken (forgive me if I am) Davis Cheek had a trike and he replaced the tires with big foot tires. Darn bug looked SWEET !! Even rode well when I rode it 2 years ago at Jekyll Island... I recall burning up the beaches with that one. I actually like the bug, but at 180# I feel as though I will run into the same issues.

but...

I recall it having problems with design in the bearing set up (steering). Seemed the thing would loosen up and wasn't really a way to tighten it without binding it beyond reality. It was set up much like a bicycle front end.

If there was a way to reinforce the inner tube with steel and retro-fit some bearings...then maybe it would be something to hold a larger payload.

lol

I would look at a Sysmic Buggy...

http://www.buggykiteshop.com/index.php/buggy/sysmic-s2.html

or a Libre

Check here for Libre prices:

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=8381645795...

I'm noticing a pattern, it seams like anybody at my height or weight is kinda up a creek right now in America for buggy choices unless there is some compromise. A lot of the bugs recommended are from overseas vendors which means big time shipping charges. It's kind of a shame because it's inhibiting my ability to get into this hobby without either A) buying something possibly junky or B) overspending on something that is potentially overkill for a casual flyer.

Here is where I stand so far, I trust Soliver and Big Mike because they have given me good advice in the past. So I'm leaning towards the PL XR+ with the VTT rail kit and long down tube because frankly I can't find many options from distributors here with a real web presence. I also know my wife's patience for this hobby is thin so this purchase better last at minimum 5 years or have a lot of available parts from distributors which PL has going for them. If anyone thinks this thing won't even last that long give me examples with rider height, weight, winds, and ground conditions so I can make an educated choice.

@RTZ I thought KBSS aka Mr Clean was closed for business when I read a forum thread about Libre on here from 2011.

I bought an xr and it has lasted well for a year and a half of fairly heavy use on rough grass fields. I'm 235 and 5'10". The most important modification I have had to make was a back rest but it was easy. The most important thing is you get whatever you can and work from there.

just thinking out loud here..
Maybe while you are getting your buggy figured out, search out a welding shop or make friends with a person whom you trust their work to weld stainless (if you get a stainless buggy) , then if you have a break or need a modification they might be able to help you out...
Good luck!

Is the Peter Lynn 'Outlaw' available in the U.S? One of our local riders has one and it's certainly a better build than the smaller PL's.

Peter Lynn Outlaw Buggy

@SSAYRE:

Thanks for the input and giving some testimony on the bug in question

@1oldkid:

I actually know quite a few welders who can handle steel, aluminum, and stainless steel so I'm probably good in that regard but I'd rather not have to go down that road too often if possible.

@John Holgate:

To be honest that's the first I've ever heard of that buggy. Maybe someone else knows more about it or why it's here or not here?

I have been kicking around the carbon fiber avenue for developing my own bug. I have a very cool design and will eventually build when I am able. I am in the process of 3D design now (going slow due to work etc..)

However I DID find one bad looking bug I think will stir a little spark..

http://www.uwid.uni-wuppertal.de/projekte/ss-2011/kite/arina...


All I know is .. well it's awwwwwwsome.

Huskers, we would all love to have some kick ass buggies here in the states, problem is the same for retailers as it is for consumers, shipping is high, not to mention overhead if you decide to try and bring more than one here and hope for a buyer.

Jon at KBSS is back in business with Libre now and ready to roll.

Michael - that carbon fiber bug is beyond beautiful. That would be one incredibly cool ride. Good luck with making that a reality!

Quote:

Jon at KBSS is back in business with Libre now and ready to roll.

If you can get a Libre, then I can't say enough about my Vmax. She's ticked over 8000km and not a single problem. IMK has the Libre Zebra which is about the same price point as the PL here in Aus, and that's a really good value buggy too. The Libre Majestic is awesome, comfy and huge - a bit pricey, but one mean piece of kit.

Sysmic is pretty well thought of here too - I find them a little less comfy than the Vmax with a heavier front end, but well put together and extremely stable bugs. Just don't get the black painted steel one - the paint chips off at an alarming rate and within weeks it will start looking decidedly second hand.

Quote: Originally posted by Michael Gaylan

I have been kicking around the carbon fiber avenue for developing my own bug. I have a very cool design and will eventually build when I am able. I am in the process of 3D design now (going slow due to work etc..) However I DID find one bad looking bug I think will stir a little spark.. http://www.uwid.uni-wuppertal.de/projekte/ss-2011/kite/arina... All I know is .. well it's awwwwwwsome.

Very sleek and fancy looking!

Quote: Originally posted by soliver

I'd say go for an XR, order the VTT rail kit (Van still sells those) and an extra long PL downtube. I think Big Mike can order it piece meal for you. Then you get the length you will need from both the VTT rail kit and extra long downtube... and its a pretty durable bug IMHO.

This is your best spent money to get your first buggy. Unless you find a a killer deal on a nicer used buggy that fits you.
On the other hand, I had 5 different buggies in my first 5 years seeking improvement on the one each replaced. You might want to step up beyond a beginner buggy if this is a five year purchase. I didn't stop trading till I ended up with arguably one of the best buggies in the world.

Get a race buggy.
I'm 270 lbs and 5'11'' and have a wide girth. I tried all the small buggies and was not
comfortable in any of them.

I bought a kite trike3. Did some modifications. Made larger pads for the side rails and back support. Built a back rest with lumbar support. Replaced the seat with a PL Comp XL seat, lowered my CG and put big foots all around.

Found out that I had to use blue Loc Tight on all the bolts. They would just loosen up but I stopped that.

Got some air time and did a nose wheel down first and bent the front fork and had to reinforce it as well. A lighter man might not have bent it.

With all that said... I had to get serious or get out, so... I bought a used Ivanpah buggy from
Big Kid.
This is the best investment I'v ever made in the sport! IT WON"T BREAK !!!

The buggy is 85lbs heavy and is a pain in the ass to drag to the beach but easy on our grass
fields. I just do a once over with a wrench, check air pressure and go! About every 3rd time I use it. Kick the tires and if something rattles I find the noise and tighten it up.

As to the performance, well... it's like driving a Lincoln Town car. rides great and because of the barring size it moves with the slightest of breeze. When I'm flying my 8.6 Reactor in light wind I have no problem rolling. Total weight of me and the buggy is 355lbs.

For your type of field conditions I suggest a race buggy. Bite the bullet and get one, it will last you forever and it won't break!

What about the Exterme basixx?