Do you have to use 2x1x1/8" tubing for a WCD?

[Chris is me]

We used 3x1.5x1/8" the past two years in order to accommodate our internal belt drive. It's a weight penalty over other frame sizes, but a zero maintenance drive is REALLY nice.

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

We used 3x1.5x1/8" the past two years in order to accommodate our internal belt drive. It's a weight penalty over other frame sizes, but a zero maintenance drive is REALLY nice.

A regular WestCoast with 2x1 is pretty much zero maintenance as well

Also saves you some weight!

-RC

[MichaelBick]

Originally Posted by R.C.

A regular WestCoast with 2x1 is pretty much zero maintenance as well

Also saves you some weight!

-RC

Correct me if I am wrong Chris. But I believe he means no maintenance as the fact that they never have to tension their belt. On a WCD, you have to maintain it, though a very small job, by making sure the chain is tensioned, and adjusting the bearing blocks when the chain stretches.

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by MICHAELABICK

Correct me if I am wrong Chris. But I believe he means no maintenance as the fact that they never have to tension their belt. On a WCD, you have to maintain it, though a very small job, by making sure the chain is tensioned, and adjusting the bearing blocks when the chain stretches.

That is a large part of it. The other factor is that there are no exposed runs of chain to deal with.

I do not think 2791's drive is "better" than a traditional WCD, and the benefits of putting belt inside the tube rather than outside are somewhat marginal, but it works well for us and there is certainly something special about a drivetrain you literally never have to adjust.

[Chickenonastick]

1/8" wall for drivetrain, 1/16" wall for superstructure and bumper rails.