A couple of general questions
Discussion
I've recently lost interest in my current toys, don't have the time or motivation to play around with old cars so looking at a change and really fancy a Caterham.
First question, I've read there isn't much room around the pedals, would this be an issue with size 11 feet?! (Struggled before with small French cars). Second question is do you get more choice and value buying in the winter months? Thanks
First question, I've read there isn't much room around the pedals, would this be an issue with size 11 feet?! (Struggled before with small French cars). Second question is do you get more choice and value buying in the winter months? Thanks
I would have thought you'd be ok in the SV chassis (the larger one) at the least.
I've only got size 9 feet and with normal trainers I really struggle with the pedals in the S3, with racing boots it's fine though. You'll be surprised how much extra room they give you.
I use Puma Speed Cats, which are about as normal looking as you can get.
Best advice would be to try a few cars.
I've only got size 9 feet and with normal trainers I really struggle with the pedals in the S3, with racing boots it's fine though. You'll be surprised how much extra room they give you.
I use Puma Speed Cats, which are about as normal looking as you can get.
Best advice would be to try a few cars.
I had a CSR (SV dimensions) and had to move the throttle pedal closer so I could heel and toe. I have size 10.5 feet and had no trouble driving it in normal shoes.
I now have a 620R and need race boots or Speedcats to stop hitting the throttle when I brake. There is much less room in the S3 footwell
I now have a 620R and need race boots or Speedcats to stop hitting the throttle when I brake. There is much less room in the S3 footwell
I have an R300 S3 (selling on PH) and I am 6ft with size 10/11 feet. It is fine with Puma Speed Cats but tricky with normal trainers. These shoes are great.
Caterham in Crawley said I would need an SV but after seeing the guys at Sevens & Classics I went with standard S3. I like the snug fit and you can always get someone like Sevens & Classics to make some pedal box adjustments.
Caterham in Crawley said I would need an SV but after seeing the guys at Sevens & Classics I went with standard S3. I like the snug fit and you can always get someone like Sevens & Classics to make some pedal box adjustments.
I have size 13.5 feet and wear driving boots in a standard S3 chassis. Loads of room.
You will get used to placing your feet on the pedals fairly precisely. You can tuck your foot under the clutch when cruising. Heel and toe is almost a reflex due to the pedal spacing!
LFB is very tricky to modulate though, as a function of the pedal spacing.
You will get used to placing your feet on the pedals fairly precisely. You can tuck your foot under the clutch when cruising. Heel and toe is almost a reflex due to the pedal spacing!
LFB is very tricky to modulate though, as a function of the pedal spacing.
Thanks for the replies, useful stuff. Hadn't thought of an SV as I'm not that big except the feet! An SV would also limit options as I'm looking towards the bottom of the market where there appear to be more S3 cars. Oakmere aren't a million miles away so think il pop down and see if I can try a couple. Unfortunately I also have really wide feet, not sure if that would be a problem for racing shoes. It's a nightmare trying to get cycling shoes that fit. Any input about if it's worth holding off until the colder months to purchase or do Caterhams not have the convertible effect?
upsidedownmark said:
Anyone know where to get speedcats (or a similar replacement) - I'm having no joy finding anyone.. I was looking for speedcat 'trainers' however, rather than absolute race boots (i.e. not the ones with the high ankle etc..) maybe that's the problem..
I had some Driftcats delivered earlier today direct from Puma.They're the same as the Speedcats size wise, just maybe a little more padded on the sides. They feel the same in the car (well, apart from the new sole which will need some wearing in!)
Rsdop said:
Second question is do you get more choice and value buying in the winter months? Thanks
Less choice (IMO) but prices are "alittle" more managable, they seem to all come on sale after the first spring weekend - can't think why? ;-)Also prices seem affected by fashion- so one year more people might be after bright colours and carbon bits so darker shades with more classic style details are at a surplus (for example)
My son has a SV which is great in the pedal box area as I can drive it even with normal shoes. I've sat in several S3s (though not driven one) but even in bare feet, my right foot catches the brake pedal when operating the throttle with the right side of my foot touching the cockpit skin.
I obviously have wide feet but not massively so. There's no way I could drive one in normal shoes and I doubt I could even in driving shoes, which is a shame as I'm considering buying my own Caterham and it looks like the SV is the only option.
I obviously have wide feet but not massively so. There's no way I could drive one in normal shoes and I doubt I could even in driving shoes, which is a shame as I'm considering buying my own Caterham and it looks like the SV is the only option.
Size 10 feet here. I use speedcats or karting boots. Can't drive it in normal trainers. The pedals are adjustable back to front and also side to side ... the latter with some elbow grease and a large metal pole or vice/hammer if you take them out :-)
Prices do tend to be a bit lower in the winter but then less for sale so you will be limited in choice. 7's hold their value really well which is an advantage when selling...but you have to pay to get into the market. Good luck and enjoy. No doubt you have already been confused by the miriad of different options :-). Go try a few for size and scale and start to whittle down the options for you in your price range.
Prices do tend to be a bit lower in the winter but then less for sale so you will be limited in choice. 7's hold their value really well which is an advantage when selling...but you have to pay to get into the market. Good luck and enjoy. No doubt you have already been confused by the miriad of different options :-). Go try a few for size and scale and start to whittle down the options for you in your price range.
I'd probably do a bit more research on what you want from the car. Each engine has it's pro's & con's and gives the car a different "feel" & "sound". If you are really not bothered, then try and whittle down what you want from the rest of the car.
What are your current toys and why are you bored with them ? What experience do you have with rear wheel drive sports cars ? How will you use it ? Track days ? Sunday pootle ? Long distance touring ? All of this can have a bearing on what might be right for a 1st Caterham for you. Don't ask about colours, the thread will extend to 12 pages as to what's best LOL :-)
What are your current toys and why are you bored with them ? What experience do you have with rear wheel drive sports cars ? How will you use it ? Track days ? Sunday pootle ? Long distance touring ? All of this can have a bearing on what might be right for a 1st Caterham for you. Don't ask about colours, the thread will extend to 12 pages as to what's best LOL :-)
Steve Campbell said:
I'd probably do a bit more research on what you want from the car. Each engine has it's pro's & con's and gives the car a different "feel" & "sound". If you are really not bothered, then try and whittle down what you want from the rest of the car.
What are your current toys and why are you bored with them ? What experience do you have with rear wheel drive sports cars ? How will you use it ? Track days ? Sunday pootle ? Long distance touring ? All of this can have a bearing on what might be right for a 1st Caterham for you. Don't ask about colours, the thread will extend to 12 pages as to what's best LOL :-)
Thanks for the reply, I've just sold my XE powered Mk2 Escort. Had a Mk2 RS2000 and a Cosworth previously so not worried with rear wheel drive although not after too much power for the first Caterham! Bored was probably the wrong description but had the Escort 10 years and fancy a change. I plan to use it for weekend blasts, the odd longer trip and maybe the odd track day eventually too so a bit of everything.What are your current toys and why are you bored with them ? What experience do you have with rear wheel drive sports cars ? How will you use it ? Track days ? Sunday pootle ? Long distance touring ? All of this can have a bearing on what might be right for a 1st Caterham for you. Don't ask about colours, the thread will extend to 12 pages as to what's best LOL :-)
Initially I was looking at K series cars although not the 1.4, but the ex race Ford engines are just about in budget, and Sevens and Classics have a lovely looking x-flow which really appeals too! I'm in no rush though, just the Vauxhall engined one appears really cheap compared to the others I've seen!
V7SLR said:
Where in Cheshire are you? It's the L7C meet tonight at The Swan in Wybunbury, might be worth popping down.
Just had a look at the website for this, it sounds great. Not sure I could make it in time this evening, I'm down by the Wirral, but I will try and if not definitely get down to the meeting next month. Thanks for the suggestion Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff