Hi, I just got a U2U part of it was to do with chewing through Flexifoil rear axles, I have done the same thing. This may be of interest to some of you.

I started this thread on Flexiforums a few months ago, where the axle has taken off with some of the top riders jumping on board and getting one.

Here is the story.



When Peter Lynn started making composite axles for their buggy, the first thing I wanted was to put one on my Flexi buggy. Unfortunately it did not fit.

Late last year Craig from Peter Lynn contacted me before an event and asked me to try his composite axle out & see if I could break it, the axle was on a PL buggy which is not my preferred buggy to freestyle with. I didn't end up trying it at the event.


I sent PL a PM requesting if they would make a composite axle that will slip straight onto the back of a Flexi buggy I could do all the testing you want on it, I was not expecting an enthusiastic response. The PM back was quick with the words "we are already making it"



That was 4 months ago........



The axle arrived, I slipped it straight onto the back of my Flexi buggy.



In the last few months with serious requests to try and bend, twist and break it, I have not succeeded, what I have succeeded in is [B]not[/B] bending at least 5 rear axles I would have in that time with numerous heavy landings that from experience would have bent my standard axle very badly.



The axle feels like a firmer ride than a standard flexi axle, the diameter is slightly narrower than the flexi axle, the weight is negligible, the composite material is great for axle grabs as it is not as slippery as the standard axle.




The best part I found is that the composite axle runs 20-mm axle bolts, hence why I am running 2 PL wheels on the rear, these are very strong and I have not bent one yet (neither would I want to) there is now an option to run 12mm bolts but I would opt for the 20mm bolts as the 12mm bolts bend to easy on a harder landing from my experience.



For those that are modding their rear axles, this could be your answer. Personally I would not put anything else on the back after what I have done with this axle its perfectly suited to freestyle, slip it straight on and go nuts. :D



Cheers
Luke S.

if someone designed it right you could make a carbon spring axle to absorb some of the bumps.

just look at windsurfing masts, soft ride bikes, and those stunt pogo sticks. they all have basically function by using carbon fiber as a spring.

is there any reason why you wouldn't want to have your rear axle be springy? apart from maybe body roll?


just an idea. maybe somebody will think of a good way to use it :bouncing:

so how do we get one, and do I need to mortgage the house?

HI NWS,

Weight is the main issue, for freestyle keeping the weight in a buggy down is the most important thing.

Any rear spring suspension setup no matter what it is made of adds weight and bulk.

For freestyle, big floaty kites and a good technique 99% of the time is enough.

It is the the jumps you botch that suspension would have come in handy.

Cheers
Luke S.

@ Wolf they cost less than getting your axle braced, they are only a few hundred dollars, I do not have an exact figure. send craig an email craig@peterlynnkites.com

I think what NW was saying is could they build up the carbon axle so that instead of feeling firmer than the std. Flexi axle, it finds that balance point between strength and having some compliance in it to absorb some of the shock of a rough landing. The axle should actually weigh less in this case than the firm axle you have been testing. It is a question worth asking for the freestylers. I don't ever want any of my wheels coming off the ground, but I am enough of a gearhead that part of me wants one of these about 140 cm long just to have its cool factor. I couldn't actually part with $200-300 for that alone though.