Tech Focus | The new CRG VEN 11 brakes

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THE NEW CRG VEN 11 BRAKES

Carlo Forni

15 December 2017

For many years, the VEN acronym has meant kart brake systems quality and performance. For the 2018 – 2020 approvals, CRG is proposing the two new VEN 11 KZ and VEN 11 DD evolutions

CRG is one of the most active and "prolific" manufacturers in the new 2018 – 2020 approvals for counterparts of frames, fairings and braking systems. In particular, in relation to the latter, the evolution of the VEN brake system was highly anticipated, undoubtedly one of the reference products in this industry.
The expectations were not let down, with CRG presenting two braking systems: VEN 11 KZ and VEN 11 DD, approved for the KZ category and for Direct Drive, i.e. single-speed.
Apparently, the novelties are based simplicity, with new brake discs of different diameters and thicknesses and new pads that are better suited to them. Obviously, all of this has been done with a view to further optimising braking.
However, the pumps and pincers are unchanged compared to the past.

PERFORMANCE

With the new braking systems, CRG aims to improve performance from different points of view. From the tests carried out and in the first outings, the new discs, combined with the new pads, have resulted in greater braking efficiency, combined with superior modularity that will certainly help even less experienced pilots.

WEAR

Another very important aspectconcerning the pads is wear optimisation: it is not so much a matter of less wear, but rather greater uniformity and homogeneity, so that the thickness of the brake padsis more or less constant in all its aspects. This feature not only prolongs the life-cycle of the brake pads, but optimises braking effectiveness, making it constant at every level of wear of the brake pads.

KZ DISCS

The new discs have abandoned the apparently more complex daisy shape of the past, with a linear shapedand circular edge. They are unchanged in terms of material (cast iron) and the fact of being self-ventilated. However, in the new models the hot air exhaust is also facilitated through holes in the disc. For the VEN 11 KZ, it is the same for both the rear and front discs. Apart from the shape and the cooling solutions, the sizes have also changed: the rear disc is 3 mm longer, from 189 mm in diameter in the previous model to 192 mm. The lengthening of the front discs, which have been extended from 150 to 154 mm, is even more accentuated. Instead, the central part of the discis unchanged and it has to be connected to the same disc-housing. The front spindles, with the V shape of the caliper support plate. As mentioned, the brake pumps remain unchanged, which in the KZ are paired with the braking distribution control system via an anodized black magnesium knob.

DD discs

In the "standard" solution the VEN 11 DD system is none other than the KZ system limited to the caliper and the rear disc, with a single brake pump. However, CRG has also approved a different, very interesting solution, with a small rear disc. The concept is to make braking less aggressive and easier to change. Furthermore, the weight and the moment of inertia of the disc (that is the value of the rotating masses that tends to stop acceleration: we have explained it in detail in the article below) will be smaller and may be of help in classes such as OKJ and single-gear karts in general, since they have lower average performance and speed in relation to which the braking power of "traditional" systems can sometimes be excessive. The disc in the optional solution is, therefore, considerably reduced in size: 11 mm less than the standard version, with an external diameter that, from 192 mm, passes to181 mm. The thickness is also reduced, while the self-ventilated and perforated cast iron solution beingkept the same. CRG has developed a specific kit for the assembly of the smallest disc, with a modified disc housing and support for connecting the caliper to the chassis.

WEIGHTS

Obviously, different sizes also means different weights. We measured them! The 192 mm rear disc weighs 1380 grams, 60 more than the 1320 grams of the previous model. The same goes for the front discs, which have been increased from 630 to 705 grams. Opposite, evidently, the case of the small size disc of the VEN 11 DD, which TKart has measured equal to 950 grams. The difference between the standard rear disc and a lightened and small disc is accentuated considering the overall weight of the disc and hub, which is 1775 grams on the standard solution, and 1260 grams on the "light" solution: a reduction of 515 grams.

BRAKE PADS

As anticipated, the brake pads have also been changed, and they are now orange in colour (previously, they were red). The new compound is more performing and durable than the previous one, if only due to a more uniform wear. This innovation concerns both the front and rear brake pads, as well as the rear brake pads with small discs. In the latter case, however, the brake pads are thicker to compensate for the thickness of the smaller disc.