TractionKiting.co.uk

I thought you might be interested to see this buggy that a fellow in Quebec (Michel) has finished making as his attempt to create the ultimate speed machine. I see a few design issues for that but it's really a nice bit of work. There is a kite festival coming up on an airport runway and they want to break the current buggy speed record there but I don't think the runway is wide enough and maybe not even long enough for a good attempt but I wish him the best of luck. Attached are a few pics of the buggy.

How do you operate the brakes??

O.

brakes: unless they really balanced would you want too, would probably throw the back end out.
not so keen on all the dampers either would make the bug really flexible by the looks and the seat position for a speed run!!

should send it to the loins on the flexi forum for real feedback :evilhorns: :evilhorns:

From the close up of the front wheel, there is a small toe lever just above the footpeg that would be the brake pedal. I think the idea might be to use the brake at the end of the runway on the grass or to start slowing a bit while on the pavement or perhaps even a safety to brake if ditching the kite?

I think there will be too much twist at the flex point of the swan neck downtube and frame and also mid frame. The whole frame will get a lot of twist. I'll see if I can translate some of the info on it.

Peronslly i've wondered whats taken so long for brakes to be applied to buggies..... I mean, wouldnt it make racing a lot more efficient, especially downwind runs....

Im not sure about brakes on a buggy, its probably just due to habit but I like to be able to stop within metres of a spot by powersliding, the thought of locking up brakes and the kite still powered makes me think you would just slide.

Worth a thought though.

O.

the thing is, as Owain says, half the skill is controlling the speed without the brake facility!

And the thought of locking up the brakes, still powered up, and then catapulting out of the buggy like on elastic!!!!! some OBE that!! would be!!

I agree, i like to slide to a stop a ffre centimetres from ma peg when its quiet. And speed control for me isnt a problem. But it would be interesting on a downwind leg to be able to try and leave the brakes locked and sliiiide downwind - totally takes the skill out of things, but would be interesting to see if the tactics involved would be radically changed.... or wether it would be more of a hinderance than a help...