Given a free set of fixed gear I would not convert from my retracts. Just as there are no two KR's exactly alike; it is not fair to say that all retracts are alike. My retracts are based on the stock RR KR-2 design but have been beefed up to accomodate my KR. The original design is probably OK for a very light KR but add a 100 pounds to the empty weight and carry a passenger and make a hard landing and you will have problems. I've seen a lot of KR's and I still don't believe that any fixed gear design (no mater how well faired in) creates less drag than the retracts; but that's another story. If you want to use stock type retracts; there are some upgrades you may want to consider. Most KR-2s upgrade to a 1.00 inch thick spring bar. Many replace the cast aluminum spar attach fittings with 3/16" welded up chromoly fittings (three times the strength and equal weight). And the mouse trap springs are weak and should be replaced with coil springs attached at the forward end of the locks. There are some suttle design improvements you can do to eliminate bolt bending also. Bottom line; If you want retracts; you can make them very safe, very reliable, and much less expensive than fixed gear without sacrificing speed.
----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 6:42 PM Subject: KR> retracts > can someone please give me some info regarding, retractible configuration..how sturdy is that landing gear???. I am just wondering if it's a forgivin on hard landings and the possibility of callapse. I sometimes get lucky on landings and make some real nice ones,,but in off days bad. > > also if I decide to turn it into fixed gear, how difficult is it to do ??? do you recommend the change ?? > thank you GUS > > [email protected] >
