I figure its time to write a review here.

So today (March 5/08) I finally received my XXtreme ApeXX from Ruudje. It took about a month to build (three buggies where coming to Canada) with all the specs from my body dimensions, and it was shipped here in under 48hrs from Netherlands. I have to say it was totally worth the wait.

30% of the buggy is custom build to your size. Ruudje wants to know your leg length, hip bone and waist measurements to start construction. The rest of the buggy is generally the same on all. Front Fork, Downtube, Seat, Rear Axle. However the XXRacer comes in one size only, but I think you can ask for custom width, since I’ve read that the seat can be a little bit for the smaller riders, i.e. like myself.

When I opened the box (no fantasy packaging), but who cares. I couldn’t imagine how big everything was, even the BBS Booster I had before seemed smaller in size. Everything on this buggy looks sleek, and beefy, like its ready to run a long distance race. As I began to assemble everything with my two other buddies that now own ApeXXs as well. Ruudje skyped me and wanted to chat, so its nice to see how the design webcams you through the assembly direction. We laid everything out on my living room floor and started at it, getting directions from Ruudje and everyone working on a part. Finally it was put together, 40mins later. LOL. So much for that 6 minutes on the Peter Lynn XR+.

Seat: We proceed to ask Ruudje custom seat options, and I’ll tell ya’ll there are so many set-ups that you can do, there’s buckles and straps here and there. Tighten and loosening makes the seat up or down, tilt or expand. I have spend the half the day in sitting on it, and still can’t find a comfortable position, since its all sooo comfortable like sitting in your favourite computer chair. The side rails come up just high enough like a sofa but gives a lot of side support. The back of the seat feels nice, with padding inside, it’s like a chair. I like to sit upright, but the other two like to lean back more, personal preference when you’re buggying I guess. I can see why they have so many adjustments, because Ruudje wanted it to be customized to your liking.

Frame: Its stainless steel, but its been powder coated to a dull grey. I think in future my next Xxtreme buggy will be in Blue or Black, or maybe GOLD. LOL. The rear axle is huge, its like thick steel, and heavy too, probably the heaviest part of the buggy than the side rails. I ordered my in 140cm, but you can order it any length you want it in. Most of the European riders that use BF Wheels have 140 to 160cm rears. The side rails are about 120cm in length with 2 curved bends, which keeps you in there tight. Heavy pads on the side rails keep it comfortable again. The side rails connect to the rear axle with joint system, where you have adjustments to increase / decrease rear height. I have dropped mine to second last from the bottom, lower to the ground.

On the joint where the sail rails hold the downtube in place has another 3 settings to adjust the rack. I’m still playing around with this setting, cant really tell until my first buggy ride in it. Extras: When you buy an ApeXX there are a lot of extras that come with it. You get a nice seat protector as they call it. It’s a rubber mat that similar to a buggy bib, and it ties around the front of the downtube to the rear axle. He also throws in buggy plates with your racing number on it, made out of coreplast modded plastic. You get a nice little front wheel fender that mounts to your front fork. If you get the BF version than you get a cool 3-D fender that cover 20% of the wheels. I didn’t want the standard footpegs, so he opted to give me the footpegs that come with straps. However the straps go on the heel side, which seems to work well, since there is no chance of your foot every falling off the peg. You can even steer the buggy with one leg, and yes there is a Dutch buggier who is one-legged. Other things you can request for is a weight set, however the buggy itself is already 77lbs, I didn’t feel I need more weight. There are predrilled holes to place weights in certain spots on the buggy.


Overall: I’m very happy with my new buggy, and being 1 of 3 people to have it here first. I just need to get it out and use it, probably not until NABX. Come by the camp to view my buggy or have a test ride. Since "Pass the ApeXX" might be out of the question.

Pictures of the build process (I’m in my PJs like Christmas Day): http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z193/kitemama/?action=view¤t=803dde9d.pbw ApeXX video: http://www.ripsessionkites.com/xxracer/XXtreme-Apexx-2007.wmv