Do Caterham drivers have tiny feet?
Discussion
Following on from http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... I have been looking at a number of cars to replace the MR2. So I trundled along to Caterham Gatwick today and sat in some nice machinery. But in all of them I couldn't operate the accelerator pedal without catching the brake pedal. I only have size 8 feet and I was wearing trainers. It was tighter than a gnat's chuff in there.
I tried out a Zenos E10S earlier this week and that was fine, from a pedal perspective. The sales guy mentioned that the pedals on a Caterham were problematic, but I thought that was just sales patter...
So how do Caterham drivers deal with this, or is it just me...?
I tried out a Zenos E10S earlier this week and that was fine, from a pedal perspective. The sales guy mentioned that the pedals on a Caterham were problematic, but I thought that was just sales patter...
So how do Caterham drivers deal with this, or is it just me...?
Try an SV.
I've got size-11, and I really struggle with standard Caterhams, but with narrow shoes (driving-style trainers, deck shoes, even standard black leather suit-shoes at a push) I can manage just fine in an SV.
Only thing with SV's is they're longer too - if you're <5'10" or have short legs then you might not reach the pedals...
I've got size-11, and I really struggle with standard Caterhams, but with narrow shoes (driving-style trainers, deck shoes, even standard black leather suit-shoes at a push) I can manage just fine in an SV.
Only thing with SV's is they're longer too - if you're <5'10" or have short legs then you might not reach the pedals...
What sort of trainers? Most have too wide a sole for a caterham (or other 7). You need something like a Puma cat/speed-cat/drift-cat
http://a3.zassets.com/images/z/1/9/7/7/5/4/1977549...
http://a3.zassets.com/images/z/1/9/7/7/5/4/1977549...
I have size 12 feet, and had a (non-SV) Caterham - I had to wear plimsolls/race boots/equivalent to drive it.
Mine had an aeroscreen, no roof, harnesses and a full cage, so pre-requisites also included a full face helmet and waterproofs if it was raining. The inconvenience was always well worth it!
Mine had an aeroscreen, no roof, harnesses and a full cage, so pre-requisites also included a full face helmet and waterproofs if it was raining. The inconvenience was always well worth it!
Edited by renalpete on Friday 7th August 22:38
Quintaint said:
So how do Caterham drivers deal with this, or is it just me...?
Wear proper driving shoes rather than trainers.I'm 6'1", I have size 10 (UK) feet and fit in a caterham (non-SV) with no problems... provided I'm wearing these:
My usual non-driving footwear consists of trainers (things like Brooks running shoes, and vans) - those don't fit it the caterham at all.
Craig
Quintaint said:
Following on from http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... I have been looking at a number of cars to replace the MR2. So I trundled along to Caterham Gatwick today and sat in some nice machinery. But in all of them I couldn't operate the accelerator pedal without catching the brake pedal. I only have size 8 feet and I was wearing trainers. It was tighter than a gnat's chuff in there.
I tried out a Zenos E10S earlier this week and that was fine, from a pedal perspective. The sales guy mentioned that the pedals on a Caterham were problematic, but I thought that was just sales patter...
So how do Caterham drivers deal with this, or is it just me...?
91/2 H width fitting, but in Sparco driving shoes the Caterham pedal box was no problem last Monday. I tried out a Zenos E10S earlier this week and that was fine, from a pedal perspective. The sales guy mentioned that the pedals on a Caterham were problematic, but I thought that was just sales patter...
So how do Caterham drivers deal with this, or is it just me...?
I used to wear deck shoes in mine, Puma Speedcats are a popular choice, or Sparco boots. Speedcats are probably least likely to make you look like a knob when you stop off at the café mid blat. Believe me, walking into the café wearing Sparco boots, shades and carrying a detachable steering wheel is NOT a good look. Even less so en route to watch a race.
I used to know a chap who wore old rock climbing shoes in his - a good choice as they have sticky rubber, are snug fitting with thin, stiff soles and won't catch on things. They look rather silly though, unless you happen to be halfway up a cliff.
I used to know a chap who wore old rock climbing shoes in his - a good choice as they have sticky rubber, are snug fitting with thin, stiff soles and won't catch on things. They look rather silly though, unless you happen to be halfway up a cliff.
Size 44 plates of meat for me (about 9.5/10 UK size?)
I usually drive in bare feet but find it fine with trainers on. ('95 Supersprint long cockpit).
Edited to add - don't do track days. Road use only. Those Puma speed cat things are well rated amongst the Caterham race/academy/track day boys and girls.
I usually drive in bare feet but find it fine with trainers on. ('95 Supersprint long cockpit).
Edited to add - don't do track days. Road use only. Those Puma speed cat things are well rated amongst the Caterham race/academy/track day boys and girls.
Edited by wile7 on Saturday 8th August 10:26
I'm also a size 8 and can't drive a Caterham S3 in my Nike trainers, but i'm fine in my Puma Speed cats or my race boots.
SV is massively bigger, I really struggle to heel and toe in the SV because the pedals are so far apart. Caterham really need to make an S4 model with the pedals half way between the S3 and the SV :-)
Jonny
BaT
SV is massively bigger, I really struggle to heel and toe in the SV because the pedals are so far apart. Caterham really need to make an S4 model with the pedals half way between the S3 and the SV :-)
Jonny
BaT
Stuff that - buy a TVR (they actually ARE reliable) and have everyone think you are a great guy 
, both on and off the track.
Classic British sports car that actually goes rather fast and is a lot more fun on the road than a Caterham, which I will agree is a great track car. You will also gain a load of TVR owning friends, and loads of good comments from passing Joe Public, so won't care as much if Erin Dawes (she to whom you are related by marriage) thinks you are a total cock.
You might see a few of us on here from ten days ago at Castle Combe:
http://youtu.be/DfwbOM38E9w
The sound is epic, and even if you do come across a MacLaren 650S, as I did, you will still be able to overtake it. BTW, the gear-change you can hear is at 6000 rpm in 3rd at 90 mph, up to 4th.
, both on and off the track. Classic British sports car that actually goes rather fast and is a lot more fun on the road than a Caterham, which I will agree is a great track car. You will also gain a load of TVR owning friends, and loads of good comments from passing Joe Public, so won't care as much if Erin Dawes (she to whom you are related by marriage) thinks you are a total cock.
You might see a few of us on here from ten days ago at Castle Combe:
http://youtu.be/DfwbOM38E9w
The sound is epic, and even if you do come across a MacLaren 650S, as I did, you will still be able to overtake it. BTW, the gear-change you can hear is at 6000 rpm in 3rd at 90 mph, up to 4th.
battered said:
I used to wear deck shoes in mine, Puma Speedcats are a popular choice, or Sparco boots. Speedcats are probably least likely to make you look like a knob when you stop off at the café mid blat. Believe me, walking into the café wearing Sparco boots, shades and carrying a detachable steering wheel is NOT a good look. Even less so en route to watch a race.
I used to know a chap who wore old rock climbing shoes in his - a good choice as they have sticky rubber, are snug fitting with thin, stiff soles and won't catch on things. They look rather silly though, unless you happen to be halfway up a cliff.
They must have been pretty big climbing shoes, my loosest pair hurt my feet after about 20 minutes I used to know a chap who wore old rock climbing shoes in his - a good choice as they have sticky rubber, are snug fitting with thin, stiff soles and won't catch on things. They look rather silly though, unless you happen to be halfway up a cliff.
krallicious said:
I tried an SV on for size as I have always wanted a Caterham. Didn't even come close to fitting which was quite annoying but then I have size 14 feet!
Same (13 in normal shoes but need 14s for my racing boots). I didn't try driving one but have sat in an SV (in which I can actually physically get in the seat - unlike the regular car) and even in that the pedal box ergonomics were challenging to a point that I'd have to rule it out. Apparently you can also get a lower floored one but no idea to what extent that might improve things.
If you've got fat feet, you'll struggle. I can manage just fine with size 11 shoes wearing my day to day trainers. Similarly, I used to have a 106 Rallye which was said to have a tiny pedal box, I thought it was the best set of pedals I've ever worked. Even in my work boots, just a dream. But I do have narrow feet. Thankfully.
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