Colson Wheels??

[Steven Donow]

Originally Posted by Clem1640

We used Colsons last year on our pivot drive and were very satisfied. See photographs:
http://wiki.team1640.com/index.php?t...0412_csm-2.jpg

http://wiki.team1640.com/index.php?t...27_ csm-3.jpg

It was not as easy to install a sprocket as with AndyMark or VexPro, but these wheels are designed to accept sprockets. Still, not so difficult.

We opted for AndyMark HiGrip wheels this year. Light, inexpensive and easy.

Was weight/ease(ie. not having to make your own hubs and mountings) the only factor in using the HiGrip wheels this year?(as well as lack of a plexi surface like the bridge)

(As a huge fan of your swerve as well as a huge fan of Colsons, this was one of the questions I forgot to ask while taking a look at your swerve at Lehigh)

[Sam_Mills]

We run colsons every year, you will not be disappointed. As for belts, calculating the center to center distances for the pulley placement is well worth the effort (and it isnt very difficult). The Gates HDT belts that come in the KOP will not stretch or wear over the course of a competition season if they are tensioned properly and your belt runs are straight. Even if you implement them terribly, Gates makes really high quality belts, it is doubtful you will break one.

Also, that WDC looks great, if you use this drivetrain, chances are it will be one of the best at any regional you attend.

[Clem1640]

Originally Posted by DevenStonow

Was weight/ease(ie. not having to make your own hubs and mountings) the only factor in using the HiGrip wheels this year?(as well as lack of a plexi surface like the bridge)

(As a huge fan of your swerve as well as a huge fan of Colsons, this was one of the questions I forgot to ask while taking a look at your swerve at Lehigh)

Decision factors (from most important to least) were:
1) We measured the friction coefficients of the HiGrip wheels (on carpet) and were favorably impressed.

2) The weight and cost of the HiGrips were in the direction we wanted to go with our swerve units.

3) Ease of mounting was tertiary consideration. That said, I've always been a big fan of easy when it doesn't sacrifice performance.

Mechanically, we never had a problem with driving the Colsons, but the same is true (so far) with the HiGrips. The HiGrips do wear faster.

[jwfoss]

WCP products has two options, live axle and dead axle.

To use with the kitbot (dead axle) you'll need the hubs and two bearings for each wheel.

[ehfeinberg]

WCProducts has some good products to help you get started. They make both live axle and dead axle hubs for colson wheels.

Edit: Everybody has the same idea! These must be really good.