Thousands of non-pilots cavorting about in autonomous nose-dragging Cubs?
Yeah - I’d smile at that. 
Author states, “The tricycle gear option is currently available on experimental XCubs through the company’s Builder Assist program”.
What? Cub Crafters has an experimental model of the XCub available through customer build program? I thought XCub was strictly Part 23 certified bird. That option peaks my interest.
I wondered about the same thing…faster??
The nosewheel XCub will have 215 HP standard instead of 180 HP. I’m betting that the same engine in the tailwheel XCub will be faster.
That was my first thought when I looked at the photo.
I want one. a) it looks better than the Tri-Pacer, which wasn’t a bad airplane; b) in country with lots of near-ground turbulence and cross winds, this plane is likely to have fewer landing mishaps and lower insurance costs.
This is not new, which means that if there WAS a real market for a rag wing tricycle gear plane then there would already be rag wing tricycle gear planes at our local airports. The marketing survey is bucking reality.
If there WAS a market for a rag wing tricycle gear plane, then there would Already be rag wing tricycle gear planes at our local airports. Marketing is ignoring reality.
It’s not new, which underscores why it will fail. Since we do not see rag wing tail draggers at our local airports then there is no market for rag wing taildraggers. Marketing ignored reality.
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Ah, my fail! Meant to say nose dragger. I could not find a way to edit my response. Sorry.
Why?
Having been involved in the V-Twin motorcycle world for many decades, the “hard core bikers” always balk when something new comes out. When rear suspension came out: “Real bikers ride hardtails.” When electric start came out: “Real bikers kick their engines to life and don’t push a button.” When electronic ignition replaced points: “Real bikers change points on the side of the road.” When the Evolution, which was arguably Harley’s best engine, replaced the Shovelhead: “Real bikers don’t ride those Blockheads.” And on it has gone through EFI, ABS, cruise control, et al. While I still have an old-tech bike, 95% of my riding is on my modern bike.
When I nearly purchased a Rans S6 kit almost a decade ago, I priced insurance through EAA, and the tailwheel insurance was exactly double that of the trike. Unfortunately, job losses caused me to cancel the order, and Randy Schlitter was gracious enough to refund my deposit. Admittedly, I would have gone with the tailwheel, but I am pleased to see another option to get more people into our dwindling hobby, because as our pilot population decreases, so will our political power.
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Boogie – I recognize that I am replying to an old comment, but…
EXACTLY!
I have been guilty of it myself over the years. EFI comes to mind in particular.
After much debate, I’ve ordered a tricycle-gear xCub. Landing one in a nasty cross-wind sold me. (I’ve met enough TD pilots to say with confidence, I don’t care much whether they think I’m cool. The “swipe rights” in that group are few and far between. Har har. I’m pretty much too old to be cool anyway.)
