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BradLoomis
12-13-2008, 01:50 PM
OK guys and gals, I have been flooded with PM's, E-mails and phone calls about the carbon fiber products we are working on. I am going to try an answer all of the questions I have been fielding in this post.

1. Generically speaking, carbon fiber is over 4 times stronger than steel per lb with 1/4 the weight per volume. Carbon fiber is over 7 times stronger than aluminum per lb w/ 1/2 the weight per volume. When you weld steel, you weeken the matrix of it about 10%. Aluminum is weakened by about 50% by the same welding. I bond the carbon fiber to the aluminum which means that I don't weaken the starting structure and only make it stronger.

2. Tierods - I designed the tierods to be able to flex to absorb the impact energy that would normaly bend a steel or aluminum tierod, like a fishing rod. They are lighter than anything on the market, but was not designed to be that way.

3. Steering Stem - These are designed to be able to torque to absorb the quick snap energy that a steering dampner is used to absorb. If you don't have to use a dampner, that is less weight and less turning resistance that every dampner has. Dave Carter has built an aluminum antivibe top and is working on making an adjustable tierod mount surface bottom that will allow you to get rid of virtually every bit of bumpsteer. Lightweight, stronger and because it is not welded, repairable if a catostrophic crash does occur. Still in testing.

4. Swaybars - less than 1/3 the weight of any swaybar assembly out there. Daryl Rath was "intrumental" in helping me to design this, I built to his specs of what was needed. What we found out was not on was it lighter, but that the twisting action of the carbon fiber bar was better than that of the spring steel bar. Daryl, Tim Farr, Harold Goodman, Frankie Batista could tell you without looking at the swaybar whether or not it was a carbon fiber one.

5. Reinforced Rims - Are around the same strength as bead lock, with a lighter weight than a standard reinforced rim. Bead locs are not needed on most front rims, but are ran because of the strength not because of the risk of debeading the front tire. The rear rims of any mini doesn't need to be a beadlock either, but are ran for the strength. Theses rims are as strong as beadlocks w/ with the same weight as Douglas Blue Labels. Still in testing.

6. 2 Stroke Silencers - Drop the decibals by anywhere from 2 -5 in testing according to AMA/ATVA testing standards.

7. Engine Mounts - lighter and able to flex with the frame, without breaking. Still in testing.

8. Axle - 3lbs of weight at 44" width. Ability to torque and flex better than steel or aluminum. Still in testing.

I am not trying to sell a part because it is carbon fiber, I am trying to make the ultimate parts. Carbon fiber just happens to be the material I know the best with my families background. It also helps that the material is really that good.

mxdad423
12-13-2008, 03:09 PM
Brandon has been running several of Brad's carbon fiber stuff for a year now and we have been very pleased with all of it, Just a little FYI for everyone. Thanks Brad.

Kevin Smitley

TTracer#22
12-13-2008, 04:01 PM
We have been running the Carben Fiber stuff also and wouldn't change it for anything Plus Brad and Dave are both great guys to deal with!

twinsracing
12-13-2008, 04:25 PM
we are running a 300ex axle on our mod bike. do you have a carbon fiber axle that would work for our quad?

BradLoomis
12-13-2008, 08:03 PM
No, I do not have an axle to replace the stock 300X style axle. All of the axles in testing are "Kart" style axle assemblies in 1 1/4", 40mm and 50mm diameters.

Click on the picture for larger size and other angles.

<a href="http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=88535829&albumID=1256469&imageID=14366908"><img src="http://hotlink.myspacecdn.com/images01/92/caa4f0ba9fd7ecd0c40f3962df8c9e7d/m.jpg" alt="Carbon Fiber axle in a Banshee" /></a>

qcitytile
12-13-2008, 08:17 PM
Brad, we are running the dc swingarm with the roundhouse carrier on a predator will your new axle work on this?

BradLoomis
12-13-2008, 09:03 PM
Originally posted by qcitytile
Brad, we are running the dc swingarm with the roundhouse carrier on a predator will your new axle work on this?

I guess I should restate this.

The axles will work in any carrier, you will just need the correct bearings, pinch style wheel hubs and pinch style hubs for the brake rotor and sprocket. These are the same type ran in most karts and mod shifters with the titanium axles.

12-13-2008, 09:07 PM
Hey Brad will my 300ex axel work on our dinli or is this out of the question? I would love to put it on our quad but im not for sure if it will fit. Could you let me know thanks the rear hubs fit.

BradLoomis
12-13-2008, 09:28 PM
A 300 ex axle is one of the skinniest carriers I know of in a round house style. This is why it is such a popular item when someone is making a mod. You could get it to fit in your mini, but it would be off center if you didn't move the motor over and I don't know if you could move it far enough to center it up. Also you would have to build your own sprocket hub as I believe the smallest rear sprocket that you can get in a 428 style for it is 38. This is why the kart style 1 1/4" axles were/are used in the mini's. It allows for the movement of the wheels to any width in order to square it up for tracking, or to stagger in TT and flat track.

12-13-2008, 10:02 PM
Thanks Brad , well I can get that out of my head then lol. Its been on my mind for awhile now. Now will a 1 1/4 inch axel fit are carrier is that what you were saying? Where would you find one of the kart axel s at and what about the brakes and sprocet hub? If you have pics and explain to me how this would work in our quad. Thanks for the heads up on the 300 axel. Im thinkin of going with the kart tires for 09 instead os 18x11x8 they are to big I think. Will you let me know of the best flat track tire? Thanks Brad Toby

BradLoomis
12-14-2008, 01:03 AM
KBPW.net used to have a fully bolt in rear assembly for the Predator 90 mini's. I hear they now have an E-bay store and might still have some of these. I will see if I can track down Andrea's # and a little more info for you.

12-14-2008, 06:40 AM
Hey Brad I have got Andreas number, KBPW they sponsor my son and has for 2 years. I guess i just never seen them on my sponsor sheet. Never would of dreamed of a cart axel on a quad but the mini world is full of everything lol. Thanks again Brad I will call her for the simple fact i need to get a few things anyway.

guy310
12-14-2008, 07:01 AM
The Xtreme Typhoon has a krt axle.

BradLoomis
12-14-2008, 11:31 AM
Originally posted by guy310
The Xtreme Typhoon has a krt axle.

Yes, when Kenny built the prototype of that For Xtreme it was supposed to be a bolt on kit for a pit bike. So Kenny used the same setup as a kart in order to bolt it in to a stock bike swingarm.

Logan #34's Dad
12-14-2008, 10:55 PM
Sorry for another question Brad, Do you recommend the Carbonfiber axel for MX? You need another tester? LOL

BradLoomis
12-14-2008, 11:07 PM
I may have found a supplier of hubs and carriers, so this should speed up testing. I will keep you posted for the need of more testers.

TTracer#22
12-15-2008, 02:04 PM
Hey Brad,

I have a supplier here that has everything for the kart axles here right down the street from me. Let me know if you need anything!