i180 fender warpage

[terryp]

A few days ago I decided to replace my standard wheels with ETTs for the winter. These ETTs have lost about half their tread, but may still be larger than the standards, as I soon noticed an occasional rubbing sound - until this morning, when it became constant.

Whether they're larger or not (I haven't compared yet), I see that my right fender is touching the tire near the forward-most slot. The fender appears to have become warped. I thought it might be due to the poor fit of the 25.0 bag bracket, which distorts the fender somewhat (even using longer spacers to mount it), but I removed the bracket, and it didn't help.

I compared the left fender, and it's about 1/8" from the wheel near the front slot, compared to about 1/4" at the top of the wheel - close, but not touching.

Yet another reason to dislike the new fenders. Accessories don't fit properly, they're harder to clean, they break easier (I've heard), they look hokey IMO (except for color), and they warp.

Has anyone else had a problem with an i180 fender warping like this? It sure hasn't been due to heat - after all, this is Seattle, not Phoenix.

This machine has to go back for a platform fault problem anyway, so maybe I can get LLC to replace these fenders with i170 fenders while its there. It just won't be the pretty yellow anymore. :(

It's going to be a noisy ride home tonight.

Segway - What's holding you up?

[Dragan]

That's really too bad Terry. I think I mentioned to you that we'd found the new fenders to be more fragile than the old style...I do know they are a lot more flexible. The 170 fenders are certainly available and would be a good fix. You could very likely have them painted to match the yellow at an auto paint shop.

Good luck with it, let us know how you make out
Wayne

Segway of Alberta - Calgary
www.mysegway.ca

[terryp]

Thanks Wayne.

I think the i170 fenders will solve a bunch of problems for me. I can't see any reason these fenders should warp unless they're a cheaper plastic than the originals.

I took the ETTs off when I got home, and cleaned all the rubber powder from inside the right fender, and looked to make sure that the fender wasn't broken anywhere. Then I tried mounting a new ETT on that side, and it interferred with the fender near the front slot before it even seated on the hub. On the left side there was about 1/8" clearance at the closest point. So I was forced to put the standard wheels back on. A new standard wheel is 0.2" smaller in diameter than a new ETT, pumped to the same pressure. I wonder why they didn't make them the same size. I imagine GT owners might be finding this to be a problem if their fenders warp even just a little, since ETTs are stock on them.


Segway - What's holding you up?

[SegwayUtah]

Terry,

The GT has the i170 fenders.

Chris

[X-man]

Oops!
Recall time - again.



Bob.

Life is not about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.

[terryp]

Maybe the warpage problem expains why the ETTs are no longer listed as accessories?

Segway - What's holding you up?

[Dragan]

When we tried to order some ETT's a little while ago, we were told they were temporarily unavailable
to accomodate GT build demands. I expect we'll see them as accessories again in future, simply one more
supply vs. demand issue right now
Wayne

Segway of Alberta - Calgary
www.mysegway.ca

[Stan671]

I have heard that Segway may be working on a new ETT. I don't know any details, though.

Stan Dobrowski