Quote:
Originally Posted by Cory
yup... 4" wheels=much smaller initial reduction needed for the same speed=smaller gearbox=less weight.
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Yup. While the 4 inch wheels may have been a disadvantage when ramping, we felt that the weight gained by needing to reduce let was worth it.
The gearbox was an excellent, lightweight design. Next year, it will be even better, as Outback has talked to us about sponsorship. Issues this year will be worked out - one side worked perfectly, the other side shifted less reliably, resulting in the shift button acting as a right turn button.
With the aid of higher quality manufacturing - these issues should be taken care of.
As for Nitrile vs Rubber - Doing a few tests myself, rubber definitely seems more grippy. However, it is important to note, that on carpet, that much of the friction probably comes more from the little "bumps" on the roughtop locking themselves into the carpet, so the difference in COF may be considerably smaller then Nitrile vs Roughtop on a smooth surface.
Nitrile also seems far more durable, and longer lasting then rubber.