My first Caterham - advice on... everything! (driving hints)
Discussion
Hi everybody!
According to the dealer I'll be receiving my Caterham 7 Sigma 125 in short time
I have tried to keep a "low profile" in this forum and internet generally since I made the order otherwise I would not have nails today. This will be a dream come true and waiting for 3-4 long months with some nice and sunny weekends (remember I live in South France) already coming has been hard.
But I wanted to share with you
Nevertheless, I have already planned some trips after the shakedown: 600-700 km in two steps to French Riviera (300-350 km per day) and back, then a 400 km trip to Spanish F1 GP and back crossing the Pyrenees... I already have my Puma Future Cats, sunscreen, sunglasses, GoPro, I am looking for some nice goggles for GF, I have studied what is the best to minimize noise in the ears (yes, earplugs), heat in the cockpit, etc... Except the garage and a good road map, I have everything needed, I hope. And I still have not made my mind on the need for a "battery life saver", sorry I don't remember the name, this is a device to keep a good level on the battery even if you don't use the car for a long time (and first I have to look for an electricity socket in the garage...).
Some of you gave me some very good hints for the test day, almost 5 months ago. Going through my summary of what I wrote the day after the test has made me smile again.
But, why am I writing today? I know these cars are not driven normally, you have to get used to them, rain is not the best, they are very light, even at 125 bhp they are quite powerful and I have been looking for some hints on what to do and what not to do. But could not find a lot, except maybe what you told me 5 months ago:
HustleRussell - Once the engine is warm, use the revvs. Get used to downshifting under braking before turns.
Mach 7 - Don't brake in the middle of corners. Don't accelerate too harshly out of corners.
sjmmarsh - modulate the throttle more than you may be used to.
So I started looking in the forums looking for more hints and then I found this post by halstock:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=1...
And I was very happy reading his similarities to my case (even the car is same colour!!!) and his excitement until I read he got crashed the first day even if he was being very careful
I haven't seen the pictures (they are private now in Flickr), but reading the comments I guess it was bad. Happily nothing happened to them...
Now even more, I would like to know if you can give some hints on driving a Caterham 7, maybe we can even put together a list for future seveners.
Somewhere I read that it is a good idea going to an airstrip or similar once you get the car, but I am not sure of that possibility here in France, and I don't think I want to put the car on a track when still new... So "testing" possibilities may be very constrained.
Well, hope you may help me improve my driving skills before I get the car (for your info I have no driving experience with non-servoed cars so far at all).
Thanks in advance!
According to the dealer I'll be receiving my Caterham 7 Sigma 125 in short time
I have tried to keep a "low profile" in this forum and internet generally since I made the order otherwise I would not have nails today. This will be a dream come true and waiting for 3-4 long months with some nice and sunny weekends (remember I live in South France) already coming has been hard.
But I wanted to share with you
Nevertheless, I have already planned some trips after the shakedown: 600-700 km in two steps to French Riviera (300-350 km per day) and back, then a 400 km trip to Spanish F1 GP and back crossing the Pyrenees... I already have my Puma Future Cats, sunscreen, sunglasses, GoPro, I am looking for some nice goggles for GF, I have studied what is the best to minimize noise in the ears (yes, earplugs), heat in the cockpit, etc... Except the garage and a good road map, I have everything needed, I hope. And I still have not made my mind on the need for a "battery life saver", sorry I don't remember the name, this is a device to keep a good level on the battery even if you don't use the car for a long time (and first I have to look for an electricity socket in the garage...).
Some of you gave me some very good hints for the test day, almost 5 months ago. Going through my summary of what I wrote the day after the test has made me smile again.
But, why am I writing today? I know these cars are not driven normally, you have to get used to them, rain is not the best, they are very light, even at 125 bhp they are quite powerful and I have been looking for some hints on what to do and what not to do. But could not find a lot, except maybe what you told me 5 months ago:
HustleRussell - Once the engine is warm, use the revvs. Get used to downshifting under braking before turns.
Mach 7 - Don't brake in the middle of corners. Don't accelerate too harshly out of corners.
sjmmarsh - modulate the throttle more than you may be used to.
So I started looking in the forums looking for more hints and then I found this post by halstock:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=1...
And I was very happy reading his similarities to my case (even the car is same colour!!!) and his excitement until I read he got crashed the first day even if he was being very careful
I haven't seen the pictures (they are private now in Flickr), but reading the comments I guess it was bad. Happily nothing happened to them...
Now even more, I would like to know if you can give some hints on driving a Caterham 7, maybe we can even put together a list for future seveners.
Somewhere I read that it is a good idea going to an airstrip or similar once you get the car, but I am not sure of that possibility here in France, and I don't think I want to put the car on a track when still new... So "testing" possibilities may be very constrained.
Well, hope you may help me improve my driving skills before I get the car (for your info I have no driving experience with non-servoed cars so far at all).
Thanks in advance!
Congrats on the purchase, you're in a similar state to me 
I bought a Roadsport 140 in September and have been slowly getting used to it.
Firstly, it does feel different to other cars, but I was surprised at how solid it actually feels when you're driving. If you want to drive cautiously, you can quite easily, and then if you want some fun, you can give it some beans and drive in the higher revs.
In regards to driving in the rain, really don't worry about it. The car doesn't suddenly turn into an uncontrollable monster. Again, just use the torque instead of the high revs and drive sensibly. I found myself slowing to 60mph on motorways in the rain, just in case! I haven't driven in pouring rain yet, but I imagine keeping the speed under control and not getting too happy with the throttle would be the order of the day. That and being aware of any puddles in the road, and making sure you hit them straight on (same as you would in any car really).
I'm doing my first trackday in the car at the end of the month. On a track I'm very familiar with! It's a short local track, and I've probably done about 7 trackdays there in my road car and generally by now don't get overtaken all that often, so it seems to be the ideal place to get used to the Seven. I'd say get used to the car on the road first before jumping onto a track - some tuition would probably be good too! (I'm going to see how I get on at the end of the month, if I'm still not that confident with the car then I'll get some driver training in the summer).
Mostly though, just enjoy it I don't feel strange driving mine anymore, I feel quite at home! You'll soon get used to random people waving and smiling at you too
I bought a Roadsport 140 in September and have been slowly getting used to it.
Firstly, it does feel different to other cars, but I was surprised at how solid it actually feels when you're driving. If you want to drive cautiously, you can quite easily, and then if you want some fun, you can give it some beans and drive in the higher revs.
In regards to driving in the rain, really don't worry about it
. The car doesn't suddenly turn into an uncontrollable monster. Again, just use the torque instead of the high revs and drive sensibly. I found myself slowing to 60mph on motorways in the rain, just in case! I haven't driven in pouring rain yet, but I imagine keeping the speed under control and not getting too happy with the throttle would be the order of the day. That and being aware of any puddles in the road, and making sure you hit them straight on (same as you would in any car really).I'm doing my first trackday in the car at the end of the month
. On a track I'm very familiar with! It's a short local track, and I've probably done about 7 trackdays there in my road car and generally by now don't get overtaken all that often, so it seems to be the ideal place to get used to the Seven. I'd say get used to the car on the road first before jumping onto a track - some tuition would probably be good too! (I'm going to see how I get on at the end of the month, if I'm still not that confident with the car then I'll get some driver training in the summer).Mostly though, just enjoy it
I don't feel strange driving mine anymore, I feel quite at home! You'll soon get used to random people waving and smiling at you too benur i only just got my supersport spec and drove it twice last week. And honestly the only advice I can give is do'nt drive like a dick Just take it nice and gentle, enjoy the ride (even 40-50pmh feels fast on a 60 road) and once you get used to it stretch it a bit more. I didnt find noise too bad though I was wearing a helmet which may have made things bit more pleasant.
I had a bit of a fear of it but at the end of the day its only as risky as you make it. And yes everyone seems to smile when you drive past.
I was advised to really try some tough braking (so you know what happens when you least expect it) and try and lose traction (again not easy on a normal road).
Just take it nice and gentle, enjoy the ride (even 40-50pmh feels fast on a 60 road) and once you get used to it stretch it a bit more. I didnt find noise too bad though I was wearing a helmet which may have made things bit more pleasant.I had a bit of a fear of it but at the end of the day its only as risky as you make it. And yes everyone seems to smile when you drive past.
I was advised to really try some tough braking (so you know what happens when you least expect it) and try and lose traction (again not easy on a normal road).
Edited by Andy Bell on Wednesday 6th March 12:39
One thing you'll find if you've not driven 7s much is that the steering is much more direct than in most other cars. If you're driving on the average 'B' road (narrower road) the steering wheel will move around a bit in your hands - especially if the road is bumpy. Let it do so and don't have a tense grip on the wheel. This is the same for going round corners. Make your desired steering input and then let the car find its way through the corner. If you're tense and fight all the little tugs and pulls it will feel disconcerting.
The other thing is to experiment (bit by bit) with what effect your right foot has on the car's balance as you go through different corners. You'll feel the weight shifting around between the back end and the front end depending on what you do with the throttle. Just safely play around and you'll start to be able to alter the car's balance. This is very rewarding.
Good luck and well done for being so brave to ask.
Tim
The other thing is to experiment (bit by bit) with what effect your right foot has on the car's balance as you go through different corners. You'll feel the weight shifting around between the back end and the front end depending on what you do with the throttle. Just safely play around and you'll start to be able to alter the car's balance. This is very rewarding.
Good luck and well done for being so brave to ask.
Tim
Ease yourself into it. The engine has plenty of torque for the weight of car so you don't need to use loads of revs all the time. The first thing you'll notice (I'd guess) is the steering - you'll need to re-calibrate your inputs to take account of the rack as it's either quick or very quick depending which rack you have.
The brakes are plenty strong enough although the lack of servo means you need to push quite hard and the lack of ABS means if you push too hard it's down to you to lift off again. As with the throttle, ease yourself into it and get used to the braking response.
As said above, on bumpy roads the car is quite fidgety and will follow the bumps and dips in the road. Let it do this rather than fighting it (within reason of course!).
Above all, enjoy it!
The brakes are plenty strong enough although the lack of servo means you need to push quite hard and the lack of ABS means if you push too hard it's down to you to lift off again. As with the throttle, ease yourself into it and get used to the braking response.
As said above, on bumpy roads the car is quite fidgety and will follow the bumps and dips in the road. Let it do this rather than fighting it (within reason of course!).
Above all, enjoy it!
I concur with Andy - provided you treat the throttle with respect, you will be fine. Yes, in atrocious weather conditions you have to be much more careful than you would in a 'normal' front or four wheel drive car, but the car will usually tell you if you are being an idiot.
Even in my R500 (which aside from a couple of test drives in an R300, was the first Caterham I ever drove in anger!) I have managed 2 years without exploding into a fiery ball of death, including driving in rain so bad that a bow wave was coming up over the front wings.
As with any RWD car with a decent power to weight ratio, until you are sure of the level of grip available you just need to be easy on the throttle, brakes and steering input.
Edit: Tim and Ewen's comments are also good advice, particularly around the directness of the steering.
Even in my R500 (which aside from a couple of test drives in an R300, was the first Caterham I ever drove in anger!) I have managed 2 years without exploding into a fiery ball of death, including driving in rain so bad that a bow wave was coming up over the front wings
.As with any RWD car with a decent power to weight ratio, until you are sure of the level of grip available you just need to be easy on the throttle, brakes and steering input.
Edit: Tim and Ewen's comments are also good advice, particularly around the directness of the steering.
Edited by mattmurdock on Wednesday 6th March 12:54
I would also add adjust your road positioning. You will not see through the car in front, dropping back makes overtaking easier as it will more than cover the distance between and it means your change of angle as you pull out is less acute which in turn will help prevent the back stepping out.
Having just made the switch to a seven myself I can tell you that it is not as daunting as you might expect, if you treat with respect you will soon find your feet.
Some nice trips planned by the way!
Having just made the switch to a seven myself I can tell you that it is not as daunting as you might expect, if you treat with respect you will soon find your feet.
Some nice trips planned by the way!
thats a good point I was driving alot of B roads and got used to approaching a single track bridge and seeing over top. You now cannot and if you cannot see them they definately cant see you.
I guess just be more involved/aware driving as typically when i drive my audi its kinda of almost on autopilot - get used to being more aware. I found it more intense and hence far more pleasurable.
I guess just be more involved/aware driving as typically when i drive my audi its kinda of almost on autopilot - get used to being more aware. I found it more intense and hence far more pleasurable.
Some great advice in here already, I'd just like to add that (as is always the case with driving) smoothness and hazard anticipation can compensate for all manner of issues so before you do anything;
-satisfy yourself the car is safe
-get yourself in a comfortable driving position with the mirrors adjusted
-ensure you have full control over the pedals (right shoes, seat and pedal adjustment)
-familiarise yourself with the multitude of gadgets and controls you haven't got
-harness yourself in nice and tight
...and relax! as somebody whose name I've forgotten has already said, avoid being tense and develop a feel for the car's reactions. Hands at quarter to three and thumbs hooked over the spokes.
The Sigma 125 is a friendly beast in terms of road manners. That's not to say it isn't a very high performance car, only that it isn't going to actively try and kill you if you treat it with respect. I've driven an R300 like Halstock's in the wet and the torque and power characteristics of the duratec engine coupled with the 6-speed can easily catch you out in cold/wet conditions. The 1600 less so.
You've already had some experience so I'll just repeat what I said about set-up and tyre pressures in your other thread- it's a different car this time, yours, and it's worth making sure that the anti-roll bars, geometry, ride height and tyre pressures are to your taste.
Read the road because the car is going to be much more unsettled by dodgy road camber, drain hole covers, debris on the road etc than a normal heavy car.
-satisfy yourself the car is safe
-get yourself in a comfortable driving position with the mirrors adjusted
-ensure you have full control over the pedals (right shoes, seat and pedal adjustment)
-familiarise yourself with the multitude of gadgets and controls you haven't got
-harness yourself in nice and tight
...and relax! as somebody whose name I've forgotten has already said, avoid being tense and develop a feel for the car's reactions. Hands at quarter to three and thumbs hooked over the spokes.
The Sigma 125 is a friendly beast in terms of road manners. That's not to say it isn't a very high performance car, only that it isn't going to actively try and kill you if you treat it with respect. I've driven an R300 like Halstock's in the wet and the torque and power characteristics of the duratec engine coupled with the 6-speed can easily catch you out in cold/wet conditions. The 1600 less so.
You've already had some experience so I'll just repeat what I said about set-up and tyre pressures in your other thread- it's a different car this time, yours, and it's worth making sure that the anti-roll bars, geometry, ride height and tyre pressures are to your taste.
Read the road because the car is going to be much more unsettled by dodgy road camber, drain hole covers, debris on the road etc than a normal heavy car.
I tend to drive with the lights on all the time. The number of drivers of bigger cars (so all other cars 
) who appear not to see me in the Caterham is scary, so anything to make me more visible is good.
As you're so low, you can't see through other cars, but you can sometimes see under them, or position yourself so you can see down the inside.
Be prepared for people misjudging your speed and pulling out in front of you. Some people seem to see a Caterham, think "classic car" and "slow". As with normal driving try to have an escape plan if someone around you does something silly, or more importantly, try to minimise your time in situations with no escape option.
I've done over 80,000 miles in my 7 in all weathers from Mojave desert heat to snowy winter conditions in Glencoe with no major incidents and a lot of fun.
) who appear not to see me in the Caterham is scary, so anything to make me more visible is good.As you're so low, you can't see through other cars, but you can sometimes see under them, or position yourself so you can see down the inside.
Be prepared for people misjudging your speed and pulling out in front of you. Some people seem to see a Caterham, think "classic car" and "slow". As with normal driving try to have an escape plan if someone around you does something silly, or more importantly, try to minimise your time in situations with no escape option.
I've done over 80,000 miles in my 7 in all weathers from Mojave desert heat to snowy winter conditions in Glencoe with no major incidents and a lot of fun.
Wow!!! So many (good) answers in such a short time!!! 
I knew I could count on you 
I do not know where to start answering!!!
Well, I think it was Mickrick advising against joining the 7 Club because being out of UK it didn't have a lot of sense (not able to participate in forums?). But thanks anyway!
To summarize:
-Drive slowly at the beginning, easy on the throttle - I guess that the rule of steering wheel cord to gas pedal applies
-Practice hard breaking and grip limits in safe conditions (will look for an empty parking or something)
-Drive with lights on
-If you don't see them they don't see you! (I really appreciate the hint to look "under" them!)
-Very interesting for me and totally unaware of the "loose grip" on the steering and not "fighting it" in bumpy roads/corners, not sure why yet, but interesting
-Beware of the holes and puddles! I am usually very aware of these, trying to avoid drains, side steps... when possible
-Play with accelerator and balance. Yes indeed, with my Audi I am playing with this all the time: before a corner, brake, throw the weight to the outer side with a little bit of steering, accelerate, no need to correct the steering through the corner... but as the Caterham dealer told me, my current car is a train/tank, so a whole new universe opens in front of me...
-Pay attention (including hazard anticipation) to driving - fortunately I try to go 100% concentrated in driving even on a "tank" on a highway
-According to the dealer, the car will arrive set-up to road, will have to make sure of that. I'm thinking also in getting a good and durable tire pressure meter
-Have an escape plan
-Hopefully people in the area I live drive in a quite respectful and soft way (yes! I'm serious!). That does not mean they do drive well at all. And of course there are a$$holes everywhere, but things are easy here
-Relax!
Thank you very much for all these kind advices!
One very detailed question. I have read "Do not break in a corner" and "Do not lift the gas pedal in a corner" (I guess especially in high revs): What do I do if I come too fast in a corner? There may be an obstacle, corner may be "more closed" than expected, I may miscalculate speed...
Again, thanks
I knew I could count on you I do not know where to start answering!!!
Well, I think it was Mickrick advising against joining the 7 Club because being out of UK it didn't have a lot of sense (not able to participate in forums?). But thanks anyway!
To summarize:
-Drive slowly at the beginning, easy on the throttle - I guess that the rule of steering wheel cord to gas pedal applies
-Practice hard breaking and grip limits in safe conditions (will look for an empty parking or something)
-Drive with lights on
-If you don't see them they don't see you! (I really appreciate the hint to look "under" them!)
-Very interesting for me and totally unaware of the "loose grip" on the steering and not "fighting it" in bumpy roads/corners, not sure why yet, but interesting
-Beware of the holes and puddles! I am usually very aware of these, trying to avoid drains, side steps... when possible
-Play with accelerator and balance. Yes indeed, with my Audi I am playing with this all the time: before a corner, brake, throw the weight to the outer side with a little bit of steering, accelerate, no need to correct the steering through the corner... but as the Caterham dealer told me, my current car is a train/tank, so a whole new universe opens in front of me...
-Pay attention (including hazard anticipation) to driving - fortunately I try to go 100% concentrated in driving even on a "tank" on a highway
-According to the dealer, the car will arrive set-up to road, will have to make sure of that. I'm thinking also in getting a good and durable tire pressure meter
-Have an escape plan
-Hopefully people in the area I live drive in a quite respectful and soft way (yes! I'm serious!). That does not mean they do drive well at all. And of course there are a$$holes everywhere, but things are easy here
-Relax!
Thank you very much for all these kind advices!
One very detailed question. I have read "Do not break in a corner" and "Do not lift the gas pedal in a corner" (I guess especially in high revs): What do I do if I come too fast in a corner? There may be an obstacle, corner may be "more closed" than expected, I may miscalculate speed...
Again, thanks
Edited by Benur on Wednesday 6th March 15:06
Benur said:
One very detailed question. I have read "Do not break in a corner" and "Do not lift the gas pedal in a corner" (I guess especially in high revs): What do I do if I come too fast in a corner? There may be an obstacle, corner may be "more closed" than expected, I may miscalculate speed...
Be prepared to catch some lift-off oversteer We all make mis-judgements and mistakes. Fortunately when a 7 lets go, it is usually pretty progressive and not too hard to catch. Unless you're very unlucky it's not suddenly going to spit you at the scenery, and the responsive steering and instant feedback makes it quite intuitive to slide.If the corner is just tighter than you thought or you're going faster than anticipated, you might be OK anyway as 7s can carry higher speeds through the bends than many cars. Perhaps best not to try this first time on a mountain road though
If it's a sudden obstacle, then avoiding action obviously but getting a 7 sideways is not something to be too scared about.
Benur said:
One very detailed question. I have read "Do not break in a corner" and "Do not lift the gas pedal in a corner" (I guess especially in high revs): What do I do if I come too fast in a corner? There may be an obstacle, corner may be "more closed" than expected, I may miscalculate speed...
'Do not brake in a corner'- The objective is not to unsettle the car. Presumably whoever posted that comment was pointing out (correctly) that the majority of your braking should be done in a straight line before the turn-in point, textbook style.However, as you get more conversant with the car's reactions you should find that caterhams do respond very well with 'trail braking', in fact they come alive. Road or track, making the initial turn-in while still releiving braking pressure yields a very useful and confidence-inspiring weight transfer which will also allow you to scrub off speed in mid-corner situations once you have got a decent feel for the brakes and handling. The key is developing the sensitivity and smoothness to use this to full advantage.
Good points there ewenm, you are right on everything... I guess if too fast and pushing the steering wheel to the inside will make the rear to drift, and hence easier to control or brake. Am I right?
(As usual, pardon my English, I'm not native speaker)
I'd love to go to a Caterham Experience days, but I'm having trouble finding it in my area... Do you think it would be good to try? When would be the best in the "learning curve"?
Thanks!
(As usual, pardon my English, I'm not native speaker)
I'd love to go to a Caterham Experience days, but I'm having trouble finding it in my area... Do you think it would be good to try? When would be the best in the "learning curve"?
Thanks!
Edited by Benur on Wednesday 6th March 15:16
The hardest thing when faced with an emergency stop/evasive action situation is resisting the temptation to do what you do in your everyday car and slam on the brakes and twirl the wheel and let the ABS deal with the brake locking (although this may be a generation thing, I'm bit young to remember crossply tyres, front drum brakes etc!).
I'm still not fully convinced that faced with a very sudden surprise hazard on the road that I'd be able to threshold brake to a stop with no panic, drama or locking... But these skills are certainly worth practicing!
I'm still not fully convinced that faced with a very sudden surprise hazard on the road that I'd be able to threshold brake to a stop with no panic, drama or locking... But these skills are certainly worth practicing!
Benur said:
No problem with shifting gears (up or down) in the middle of a corner? No sudden loss of grip?
Would you do that normally?I would generally shift down before the corner and get into the right gear, balance the throttle on the corner and then shift once you've built the revs up on the other side.
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