Banjo Wheel

Got my order in for a Beck Speedster and obviously I can

The banjo style wheel is usually more of a Spyder thing than a Speedster one. You could try this question over at Spyderclub.com. I have no direct experience with the banjo wheel, but you are correct, I have read also that it can be a bit flimsy. The consensus over there is if you tool around, the banjo wheel is ok. If you drive hard or track your car, another wheel is probably best.

I am pretty sure Carey Hines will agree on this. Ask him.

Oh yeah, and "Welcome to the Madness!!"

I have had 3 cars with the banjo steering wheel, and have logged many miles with them. As you have already ascertained, the wheels are pretty flexible, too much so IMO. Also, more of an issue to me is the small diameter of the wheel itself...I mean the less than 3/4" surface you grasp, not the wheel diameter itself. It is too small for me to comfotably hold firmly for a period of time...in my case it makes carpel tunnel symptoms appear in short order. I have replaced 2 of the 3 subject wheels with more robust wheels and am perfectly happy with that solution...except for looks...I love the banjo look and I keep trying it every few years thinking "well, it can't be all that bad"....but my wrists tell me otherwise...

I am currently using a Momo 4 spoke wheel that has an approximate 1.25" diameter grasping surface...

I do love the look, but some of the Nardi wheels are not bad either. Maybe I just need to stick with a wheel that offers better performance versus "style". Thanks for the info.

Joe I'm a Newbie as well. I'm not sure what type of steering wheel I have on Oscar, but here is a pic of it...

Scott, that is definitely a Banjo Wheel and it looks good. How does it handle? Do you like the feel? As I noted earlier I have heard comments about it feeling a bit

Joe, I'm not quite in the same league as you Speedster guys, but on the subject of banjo wheel flimsiness, I offer these observations:

My wheel (SoCal, 17-inch, 20 spokes) is bigger and "thinner" than the Flat4 banjos some of you have. It is indeed flexible but perfectly suited to the kind of driving I do in Bridget. No complaints at all.

Jim: you got the wheel I was thinking of getting instead of the expensive banjo style. Very cool. But if you want the spokes, and the rim is too thin, why not just wrap the rim in foam and leather?

Joe,

I'm sure there are sturdier steering wheels out there, but I LOVE the way it looks! Everyone seems to comment on the steering wheel when they see the car for the first time. I like the size of it, but I only cruise around town in mine. I had a chance to drive another Speedie with a 914 engine and it had a smaller stiffer steering wheel that would be great if you were racing or taking a bunch of hairpin turns. So I guess the question you have to ask yourself is do you want one for looks or functionality? I went for looks...

Scott