New Racer Intro

[BrettLev144]

Hi all,
New to the forum, new to sidecars. I've been racing solos for quite some time. I picked up a mid to late 90's Shelbourne F2 earlier this summer. So far the thing is a blast. We've only had the opportunity to race it once so far but did well putting her on the top step both days. We still have a whole lot to learn but we are having a whole lot of fun. My co-pilot and I have been talking about getting into this for a few years now but it is a difficult thing to get started in, at least in the US. The right deal just happened to come along and here we are. I would love to have something a bit more modern but I imagine this will suit us for some time.

This winter I am trying to go through it and fix a few things that I don't like so much. The brakes are a bit off. Someone had changed the stock calipers with something that didn't fit the rotors and the brake pads don't wear the top 4-5 mm or so. Either wanting to find the right caliper or have larger diameter rotors made. Will be making some rear sprockets as well. I'd like to go through all the wheels bearings as well and do a bit of brazing in a couple of spots.

I am trying to source another set of wheels for it as I only have one set but this is proving to be a bit of a chore. Making them is rather expensive. Is there still a good source around for old Shelly parts? I would also love to find a matching wheel cover.

Here are a couple pictures of the rig, I did just repaint it a few weeks ago.

[ChrisWells]

Track down Pierre Rochat to see if he has the mold for your fairing. He races a Bombadier Twin powered P3 with VRRA and ARHMA.

For the brakes, if you like the current feel and performance then maybe consider modifying the caliper mounts to better mate them to the discs. Make sure you still have sufficient clearance (we had an F1 where the balance weights on the front wheel could make contact with the caliper if not positioned carefully).

Enjoy.

Chris

[BrettLev144]

Chris, thank you for the info! I will try to get ahold of Pierre.

Looking at the stats in your signature, I thought you might recognize this bike. We bought Johnny Killmore's old rig. If I'm not mistaken, it currently holds the PPIHC record, you may have raced against him at some point.

Looks like I found a set of wheels for it. I am looking at changing the brake set up entirely. It is set up a bit odd. It doesn't have a paddock brake in front. It has two calipers on the front wheel that are operated with the front brake lever. The chair and rear are operated by a foot lever on the right foot. I like the location of the rear brake, it sets it up more like a traditional solo. I think the master is much too small though and I would like to put it back so the fronts also run off the rear pedal.

[ChrisWells]

sent you a PM (well 2 PMs, but ignore the first one)