Wheel/axle combo ?'s

[psycaz]

Our district has changed the open division this year to relax the rules. Only rules we need to follow pretty much are size and weight, and dry lubes only.

They also may change the race format from overall time to multi-elimination races. This part has me concerned.

I want to use razors with needle axles, but haven't read much about using them with graphite and over multiple runs.

Anyone have thoughts on how they would hold up in comparison say to the bushing wheels that MaxV sells?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[RacerX]

Graphite is kind of hard to work with on the needle axle wheels. To work and burnish it is can be frustrating, we have been running krytox with great results. Lots of consistant runs without re-lubing.

Anyone else on this? I know there are some graphite faithfuls out there.

Race Fast

Racer X

[psycaz]

RacerX,
Would razors with regular axles take/hold graphite better?

I've read needle axles are running faster, but I am hindered by the dry lube only rule.

I didn't think the needles would do well with graphite as there isn't enough room to hold the graphite, but thought I would ask.

[slkrnsntracing]

Psycaz,

I have used dry graphite almost exclusively. Not necessarily because I think it is better than oil, but I have never had any luck running oil. Just squirting oil on an axle does not guarantee you faster times. There is a learning curve with it too.

I have tried oil a couple times, and every time my cars slow down. I know the problem is the way I use the oil.

I run needles and graphite in all my cars, stock and modified. They do run faster the first run and then slow down some.

If everybody else has to run dry lube, everybody else is in the same boat (woodcar). I would not hesitate to run the needles with graphite, because I have found them to be faster than regular axles with graphite.

Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck!

Phil

[psycaz]

Thanks slkrnsntracing,

I appreciate all of the info I can get. I've had no experience with any of the s or bearing types , hence my questions.

I figure my choices are:

1) Standard wheels of course
2) Razors with standard axles
3) Razors with needle axles
4) Razors with bearings

I've pretty much ruled out #1 as I figure it would be the slowest and I'm interested in trying something new and now have an excuse

I figure bearing would/should be consistent over a lot of runs, but no idea if fast enough to help.

With the razors, not sure if having a larger hub would help more with being able to hold more graphite as opposed to the needle which I figure won't hold much and I think I would have to use a very fine grade to get in there anyway.

My head hurts thinking about this.

[RacerX]

The "RS" wheels (std. axles) we feel make a great all around choice because they are easy to lube, align and they are tough enough for all tracks and stopping sections.

When set up and track tuned you can expect needle axles to be around .020 sec. faster, but they will usually need to be run and adjusted to get that.

I hope this helps.

Racer X

[psycaz]

Looks like I'll go needle and have some fun trying to figure the rest out.

[cycrunner]

When you talk about "needle axels" are you specifically using real needles and what diameter are you using? Or, are you purchasing special racing axels called "needles"?What is used on the outer ends to capture the wheel?
Thanks ,
cycrunner