2 replies to this topic

[ed244]

Hi,

I was just wondering what the difference between the Minispares Hi-Los and the Minisport Adjusta ride system was. Are they the same system just under different names?

If this is the case, which do people recommend since I need to fit some in the near future.



Thanks again

Ed

[Dan]

This is at least the third time in a month but here goes again...

Hi-Los designed by Ripspeed and made under licence by Mini Spares are the original and best adjustable height suspension trumpets for a Mini. They have a redesigned and patented shape spring platform that works to alter the spring rate of the rubber cone spring and stabilise the ride. They have access to spay grease inside them while fitted and stop them siezing up. They also have a proper finish to stop them corroding unlike most of the cheaper copies. All the other units including the Mini Sport Adjust-a-Ride are simply adjustable length trumpets, they do nothing to the spring rate as this feature is protected by a patent. Also most of them are unfinished alloy and have quite cheap threaded sections with no grease access. They will corrode and sieze up pretty soon. Some of them are machined from solid rather than being cast as the Hi-Los and Adjust-a-Rides are so in theory should be more reliable in compression but in practise there is no chance a cast trumpet will break or collapse in everyday use, maybe on the track. The standard trumpets are cast after all and the Hi-Lo is a much thicker section casting than they are. Older Adjust-a-Rides used to use a custom knuckle joint, forcing you to buy replacements from Mini Sport when they failed or wore out. Mini Sport no longer advertise that the units need a special knuckle so they may have dropped this but one of our members recently bought some second hand Adjust-a-Rides and found the difference to be a 1/16" thicker knuckle shaft which is just enough to destabilise the standard knuckle when fitted and cause wear. If you are using rubber cone springs of any type then Hi-Los are the best choice, if you have changed to a compact steel coil spring setup then there is no difference between any of the units in how they work but the Hi-Los will stay in better condition due to the surface finish.

[ed244]

Hi,

thanks for your fast reply, I'll try to order some Hi-Los then. Sorry about the repeat post, I did try to search but there are so many threads containing 'Hi-Los', i got loads of matches and didn't have time at the time to sort through them all.

Ed