Gert big grins

[mechsympathy]

Just been for a test drive in a 7, courtesy of the nice man at www.milwood-mc.com

Now I just have to work out how to fit my long, broad, big footed self into one. Dunno how I managed on the slalom day, as I had to take my shoes off to get to the accelerator today.

The wife tells me I can't afford an SV. Any suggestions? It's mainly the pedals that are the problem, but my shoulders were wedged against the door.

[Racefan_uk]

I didn't think I'd get into a standard Seven to be honest (I'd driven one before but it was kinda snug!) but I did a slalom day about three weeks ago and it was actually better than I'd remembered. But I agree about the pedals though. I had trainers on and could cover the Brake and Throttle quite comfortably at the same time! A couple of people were using race boots though, which are a lot narrower. Maybe a pair of those?

Failing that, the SV is the way to go. When I get a Seven (and I WILL get a Seven!) It will be an SV, just for comfort if I'm using it on regular basis if nothing else. Unles I lose five stone in the meantime, of course!

[jeremyc]

mechsympathy said:

It's mainly the pedals that are the problem...

Race boots ('pixie boots' as mine are known ) might help here.

mechsympathy said:

...but my shoulders were wedged against the door.

Doors? Doors? What kind of a man are you? You don't need doors on a Caterham you great big girl's blouse.

[Buzzin' Hornet]

Go along to any Caterham meeting and you will see more people wearing race boots than in the paddock at Silverstone. Forget about the doors, the screen, the hood and all those other luxuries. It's more fun, more exhilerating and I find it more comfortable without the above. Even when it is raining (a helmet is usually advisable)you stay drier without the screen and doors (well almost there is the little half doors) as the water just goes straight past you. With the screen and doors fitted there is a lot of buffeting as the wind circulates behind you, and when it is raining this means you get wet from behind. You spend more time wiping the rain off the inside of the screen.

[mechsympathy]

jeremyc said:

you great big girl's blouse.

Thanks mate! No need to shout.

[Incorrigible]

And I was going to offer you a buy one get one half price, one a couple of blue convertables too

So what was the spec of the one you drove ? You didn't look that cramped at the slalom day

Are you not tempted by the Caterham accademy ??

[mechsympathy]

1.6 roadsport. Not really quick enough, but oddly enough much harder to get sideways than the slalom day ones.

It was much much tighter than I expected/remembered, and the pedals were defo closer together as I was wearing the same shoes and my foot got stuck behind the brake. I sat in a few other Roadsports and had the same problem. Maybe Merrick could explain??

As far as the Caterham academy goes. Dunno, can't decide. I'm generally all of a dither over the whole MR2 for Claire/Caterham for me or Elise/S2000 compromise.

Think I might have to buy some pixie boots.

[Incorrigible]

A lot of going on here too

[percy]

Is it the width of your feet or the length of your legs that's the problem?? (Sorry to be so personal). If it is the legs - you'll probably find that the pedals have 3 settings in order to accomodate longer legs. Just check the setting by opening the cover in the engine bay (above the footwell).
If not - then start saving for that SV.
It would be worth going to a local meeting and sitting in a few cars as they're all different.

[dino ferrana]

You can adjust the pedals to be closer together and further apart. Many owners adjust them to be closer for heeling and toeing. Spread them apart and wear something like Puma Sparco trainers or race boots and you won't have a problem.

A lot of people find that after a little while driving a Caterham they don't have a problem with pedal spacing. It is an adjustment thing coming from a tin-top footwell to a seven one.

[mechsympathy]

My length is fine (ooer missus). The pedals were on the middle setting. Width was the main problem, both around the feet and in the cockpit. My legs were held very close together. IIRC the roadsports at the slalom day had no padding over the transmission tunnel, whereas the one I tested had a fair bit. A quick release wheel would help too.

[mark b]

As Jeremy said, get some pixie boots, you don't need the full monty (unless you are going to race) get some cheaper ones without nomex for everyday driving. They usually cost around £50 upwards and are money well spent, the Puma Repcats are nice!

Also, seats and seat position can be modded to accept your fine figure!

I don't have a Caterham, but have owned a Sylva Striker and now a Stylus, being 6'2" and 15.5 stone, it is always snug, but OK once you're in.

And doors, next thing you'll be wanting full weather gear!

[eric mc]

Who needs doors?

To paraphrase Michael Caine - "Take the bloody doors off!"

[iguana]

mark b said:

I have owned a Sylva Striker and now a Stylus, being 6'2" and 15.5 stone, it is always snug, but OK once you're in.

Mark really do you have no problems? even with the hood up?? I'm a similar size- 34-35 inch inside leg & size 12-13 shoes & I have not been able to drive a mates Striker simply as I could not fit in the thing & had a simliar fit problem with derns westie mainly its getting legs under the dash that has proved impossible.

From memory I'm a similar size to Mechsympathy & do certainly understand the SV thing, they feel as roomy inside as a normal car! I'd love an SV, just a shame shame the buggers are so flippin' expensive tho

Im doing the Silverstone slalom thing soon anyway so I hope I fit ok

>> Edited by iguana on Saturday 18th October 23:58

[s6blr]

the price difference with an SV isn't that great that make it a unaffordable car.

even ours with a VHPD engine isn't in space for prices.

there is a R500-SV that is in outer space for a price, but g*d what a car.