Trak Racer TR160S

The TR160S has been OC Racing’s permanent chassis for close to six months, run with direct-drive wheelbases generating up to 16 Nm and load cell pedals stiff enough to feel like pressing against a wall. In that time: no flex, no loosening, no failures. That is an unusual result for an aluminium profile rig at this price point, and it is the core reason this chassis earns serious consideration over cheaper alternatives.

Built from 160x40mm aluminium profile beams, this rig sits at the larger end of the home cockpit market. OC Racing notes he would not have been able to use it in his bedroom, where smaller profile rigs from other brands had fitted comfortably. If your space is limited, measure carefully before ordering. The fluorescent blue anodised finish is distinctive and polarising in equal measure. Matte black is the alternative if you want something less conspicuous. Both the TR1 wheel mount and pedal plate are thick metal sheet, and the red finish on the TR1 mounting brackets is a considered detail. Packaging was notably good: every component arrived wrapped and scratch-free, with accessories grouped to make the assembly sequence clear.

After two years of daily use, Dan Suzuki’s verdict is positive but specific about the caveats. He flags metal flakes inside the profile channels as a real annoyance that Trak Racer should address: unpack everything outside with a vacuum before bringing any part indoors, or you will be finding metal chips in your carpet for weeks. The T-nuts use softer metal than brands like Simoore, and can strip if you overtighten. Go careful. On the value question his take is direct: the TR120 and the TR160 are close enough in price that the rigidity difference is imperceptible. Buy the TR160S if you prefer the look of the wider frame, not because you expect meaningfully better stiffness. For pedal mounting, he singles out the aluminium adjustable profile deck as the best option on the market at any price: the gap between profiles adjusts to fit any pedal set, the heel rest is independently adjustable, and it costs the same as the pre-drilled steel plate it replaces. There is no reason to buy the steel version.