Broken Mirage Drive Idler cable

Here are a couple of pictures illustrating what can happen if the mirage drive cable connections aren't kept relatively tight against the pulley.  Apparently the nut on the end of the threaded portion of the cable worked loose allowing the cable to flex rather than move smoothly in its track.  There was no warning or different feel to the pedal action leading up to the sudden snapping of the cable. I think the moral of the story is check the cable connections periodically to ensure that they have not worked loose.

I think you meant to say drive cable in the title, not idler cable.  But funny thing, I just realized that my drive was missing the idler cable.  I received it that way, and only noticed because I was trying to figure out if a part on the drive did anything.  Then I vaguely remembered that the drive I demo'ed had a cable that went back and forth on that one little wheel...

It seemed to run fine without it!  Mine is the v2 drive.  The idler cable must do something--maybe more wear without it?  A little research suggests it distributes tension between the front and rear drive cables.  I ordered a replacement.  The dealer probably would have given me one, but... meh. 

Apparently the drive can even lose the idler cable and one drive chain, and still operate.  I'll post any difference I notice after installing the idler cable.

Thanks for the post BD. Yep, maintenance after every few times out on the water is a good idea.

Z

Thanks for the post.  I'll check mine more often now!

I see your leg muscles are beefing up Martin. I am wondering now if the main reason is the turbo fins. Perhaps I'll hold off on installing
the turbo fins for now on my new Revolution. I hope you get that fixed
soon so we can hookup. I miss your company and the homemade beer of
course.

Jedmo

Broken cables can be avoided if you pedal more efficiently.  Short fast pedal strokes in the middle of the of the range is not only easier on the legs but you can go a lot faster than with long strokes.  Everytime I see someone pedaling a Hobie and I hear that "clunk" sound at the end of every leg stroke, the drive cables are being unnecessarily stressed and pushed to it's limit.  And eventually, drive cables can break especially at the crimp.  Make sure your pedal setting is adjusted properly for your stroke.  It's better to have it set too long than too short.

I've been pedaling Hobies for over 6 years, and so far, I haven't had any problems with any of my Mirage Drives, other than not paying attention to the depth and running aground or into rocks or logs.  In most cases, I just bend the mast into alignment without tools.

Jedmo and all.... you guys are missing out if you're not using your Turbo Fins.  You will rarely find me pedaling any Hobie without Turbo Fins.  IMHO, it should come stock with every Mirage Drive.

Thanks for the pedal tip Chuck. I will go ahead and install the Turbo Fins now as
soon as I get back from getting my son's new wheels for his skateboard. I've had
the turbo fins on my old Outback and it work great. I was finally keeping up with
the other guys when I switched the old fins into the turbo.

Jedmo

I'm w/ chuck on this. I've been pedaling for 5 years and no problems w/ any of my drives either. Pedaling tech., watching the FF along w/ some simple maintenance must be the magic formula for a happy MD.

you guys are missing out if you're not using your Turbo Fins. IMHO, it should come stock with every Mirage Drive.

X2.. And a sailing rudder too.

Z

Guys,
   Thanks for the tips.