Shopping at SIMRIGS: Frames, Wheels, Pedals and Motion Systems

Key Takeaways

• A sim racing rig is built from a few core parts: a frame, a wheel, pedals and, for those who want more, a motion system.
• Decide how you drive and what you can spend, then buy the parts that affect your driving most first.
• The frame is the part to get right, because everything else mounts to it.
• Check compatibility between parts before you order, and plan for upgrades as your skills grow.

Introduction

Shopping for a sim racing setup can feel like learning a new language. Frames, wheel bases, load cell pedals, motion platforms and mounting patterns all sound important, and it is hard to know where to start.

This guide walks through the main parts of a rig, what each one does and how to decide what to buy first, so you can plan a setup that fits your space and your driving.

Where to start with a sim racing rig

SIMRIGS is an Australian store for sim racing gear, covering the main parts of a rig such as frames, wheels, pedals and motion systems. If you are new to the hobby, having the parts in one place makes it easier to see how they fit together and to plan a setup in stages.

Before you look at individual parts, think about your goals. Do you want a casual setup for fun, a serious rig for competitive racing or something to share with family and friends? The answer shapes every other choice, from how much you spend to how much room you need.

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The frame

The frame, sometimes called a cockpit, is the base of the whole rig. It holds the seat, the wheel and the pedals in a fixed position, so your driving position is the same every session.

Rigidity matters most. A frame that flexes under braking or when the wheel pushes back blurs the feel of everything attached to it. If you plan to use a strong wheel base or heavy pedals, choose a frame built for that load.

Adjustability is the next thing to check. You should be able to change the seat position, the wheel height and angle, and the pedal distance, so the rig fits your body. A frame that adjusts well also suits more than one driver.

Think about the seating position. An upright GT-style position suits road cars and touring cars, while a reclined formula-style position suits single-seaters. Some frames allow both.

Because every other part mounts to the frame, it is the part you want to buy once. A good frame can carry you through several upgrades to the parts attached to it.

Steering wheels and wheel bases

The wheel is where you feel the car. A wheelbase creates the force feedback, and the wheel sits on top of it, carrying the buttons and paddles you use during a race.

Wheelbases come in different types. Gear and belt-driven bases are common for beginners, while direct-drive bases connect the wheel straight to the motor and give a more detailed and stronger feel. A stronger base needs a more rigid frame, so plan the two together.

For the wheel itself, think about size, shape and buttons. A wheel suits road cars, a flat-bottomed wheel suits GT cars and a smaller rectangular wheel suits formula cars. Check that the wheel fits your base and works with your PC or console.

If you can, choose a wheel and base with a quick release, so you can change wheels later without tools.

Pedals

Pedals are the most underrated part of a rig. Your feet control braking, and braking is where most lap time is won or lost. Consistent pedals help you learn how much pressure you are applying.

The main difference is how the brake feels. Basic pedals measure how far you push, while load cell pedals measure how hard you push. Load cell pedals are more like a real brake, which makes it easier to repeat the same braking every lap.

Look at the build and adjustment too. A rigid pedal plate, adjustable pedal angles and the option to change the stiffness help you set the pedals up for your legs. Check that the pedals fit your frame and connect to your device.

Many experienced racers say that upgrading pedals before the wheel gives a bigger gain. If you have a limited budget, give the pedals a fair share of it.

Motion systems

A motion system moves the rig with the game, so you feel acceleration, braking and bumps in your seat. It adds a layer of feel that a wheel and pedals cannot give on their own.

Motion systems come in different types. Some move the whole seat, and others use smaller devices that move parts of the rig or the seat itself. They vary in how much they move and what they cost.

Think about whether you need one. Motion is exciting, and many people find it adds to the experience, but it is an extra rather than a starting point. A frame, wheel and pedals matter more for lap times, so most people add motion later.

If you do plan for motion, check the space and the frame. Moving rigs take more room and need a frame that works with the system. Look at the manufacturer’s information for the details.

Monitors, seats and extras

Once the main parts are chosen, think about the rest. A seat that supports you for long sessions makes a big difference. A monitor stand or a mount lets you use one, three or an ultrawide screen without crowding your desk.

Smaller extras can add a lot. A shifter, a handbrake and a button box suit certain types of racing, and cable management keeps the setup tidy. These are easy to add later, so buy them as you need them.

Planning your budget

Set a total budget for the whole rig, then split it across the parts. A common mistake is to spend most of it on one item, such as a premium wheel base, and leave too little for the frame and pedals.

A balanced approach works well. Put money into the frame and the pedals, choose a wheel and base that suit your level and leave room for upgrades. You can improve the wheel, add motion or change the monitors later.

Buy in stages if you need to. A solid frame with a modest wheel and pedals is a better start than a premium wheel on a weak stand. As you get more serious, you can replace the parts that limit you.

Be wary of choosing only on price. A cheap part that flexes or fails costs more in the end than a sound one bought the first time.

Checking compatibility

Parts need to work together. Check that the wheel fits the base, that the base mounts on your frame and that the pedals bolt to the frame’s pedal plate. Mounting patterns differ between brands, so confirm each one.

Check your platform as well. Some parts work with a PC, some with a console and some with both. The manufacturer’s information is the safest guide, and a store that sells complete ranges can often answer questions about what works with what.

Building your setup

Start with how you drive, set a budget for the whole rig and choose a rigid frame that fits your body. Add a wheel and pedals that match your car, check that every part is compatible and leave room for upgrades. Motion and extras can come later.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy first for a sim racing setup?

Start with a rigid frame, then a wheel and pedals that fit it. These parts affect your driving most, and you can add monitors, motion and extras afterwards.

Do I need a motion system for sim racing?

No. Motion adds to the feel of the car, but it is an extra. Most people begin with a frame, wheel and pedals and add motion later if they want it.

How do I know if parts are compatible?

Check the mounting patterns and the platform support for each part, and read the manufacturer’s information. A wheel must fit the base, and the pedals and base must fit your frame.