Ordering my Atom

[Alan S]

I pondered over the options for months before deciding, my plan was to opt for everything that couldn't be added later or would cost more at a later date as you wouldn't get trade in price on the new standard item it replaced. However I got carried away and it added up to nearly 52k without a s/c  imho you don't need a s/c! Also you can add that afterwards at the same price as ordering when new. Have fun with the options list 

[Peter255]

[quote="Stew Bartley"]
By peoples reactions id have the sublime handling of the Ohlins over the supercharger - worth more round a track too someone said.

Stew.
[/quote]

On track bouncing off the limiter the charger is of relatively less benefit, but still faster in the right hands. But from the OP this car is also a weekend car. On the road the charger wins hands down.

[Steve Gibson]

If you're going to fit Alcons on the front, you may as well fit them to the rear as well. I've owned both set-ups (Alcon F&R and Alcon F, Sport R). The all-Alcon car has substantially better braking. It's noticeable on some of the big circuits like Silverstone and Spa.

It's also very reassuring to know you have super powerful brakes – it's got me out of some sticky situations I didn't see coming, such as people backing out of drives...and wandering French tractors.

You really don't need a handbrake, other than for your MOTs, where it can be temporarily added by Ariel if they handle it.

[Winmoz]

I have specced a handbrake as, hopefully, the car will see a few cols and passes.  That said, I can only recall using the hand brake in my old Seven-a-like about twice in three years.  Was glad of it both times, mind you.  In the Seven it was positioned on the passenger side of the transmission tunnel, so away from flailing elbows etc.  Was surprised to see it located on the right handside on the Atom. 
Suspect I may well take Henry's advice and remove it for track days.  Anyone else do this?

Cheers

Winmoz

[smokin]

I don't remove mine, but having banged my elbow a few times I've put some rubber on the corner. Still bang my elbow but it doesn't hurt as much and saves the hassle of removing

[Rocket Man]

its not in an ideal place. i use a bikers waterproof jacket and being a biker jacket it has all those reinforced pads in. i have removed them all except the elbow pads and that works well with the hand brake issue

[John Scherrer]

I suspect the Atom 4 will have it mounted centrally like the Nomad ..

[Oli1122]

Why not transfer/ mount the leaver on the passenger side? 
The car is narrow enough to reach the handbrake anyway.

I do not have specific information about your MOT but over here the location of the leaver is irrelevant as long as the handbrake is functioning properly.

It depends on your seat settings & physique if you will have problems with the leaver.

[Peter255]

[quote="smokin"]
I don't remove mine, but having banged my elbow a few times I've put some rubber on the corner. Still bang my elbow but it doesn't hurt as much and saves the hassle of removing
[/quote]

Where did you get that particular foam padding?

I need to get some of that!

Cheers
Peter

[smokin]

[quote="Oli"]
Why not transfer/ mount the leaver on the passenger side? 
[/quote]

I think only the ambi chassis' have mounts on both sides

[quote="Peter255"]
Where did you get that particular foam padding?

I need to get some of that!
[/quote]

It's a rubber compound called Sugru. Not as soft as foam but not as sharp on the funny bone as metal

[Peter255]

Sugru ordered!

[Winmoz]

Thanks- Will try the Surgu solution.  Have to say, it feels odd to be talking about usability hacks for a car that hasn't been built for meme yet!