Cyclos

Coastal Eddie

Ambivalent
I noticed a picture of someone at Poorboy's party using a Cyclo and was wondering if anyone who's used one would tell me the pros or cons of that machine.

Thanks :)
 
First..you got a weird avatar :lmfao :rofl

I had a cyclo too that was borrowed from my cousin ...

Pro..it was light and easy to manuever
...left an even looking shine

Con...it only had one speed and to me didn't seem to have the high end capabilities of the pc which even though can not do the complete paint corrections of a rotary,but the pc can repair many minor flaws and swirls ...
 
I tried out a cyclo during today's PB Detailing event. The machine felt well balanced. In practice, it has more of a kick to it than a PC, but not as much of the wrenching torque as a rotary. This made it fairly easy to maneuver, even for a first timer. On the other hand, I didn't like my initial experience with the dual head plates/pads. The blunt cut edge of the pad, and the fact that the pad and plate were the same size, really limited the margin of safety. I was polishing a tailgate and accidentally came into contact with the top of the bumper. Fortunately, the bumper had a plastic step guard so no damage was done. When examining the results, I wasn't really that pleased with the amount of paint correction accomplished. Granted, I did not have a large amount of time to practice with it. Perhaps, in time, I could produce better results with the cyclo. However, it did not give me that "Wow! This machine really works!" reaction that I had when I tried a PC and a rotary for the first time.
 
Here are a few pro's cons from my perspective after using a cyclo for several months. I've detailed 15 or so vehicles with the cyclo and think I have a pretty good feel for what it can/can't do.



Cons:



-High Cost

-Short cord.

-On/off switch isn't labelled very well. I always plug in first before putting on the pads/product to make sure it's in the 'off' position.

-Working around mirrors, and other tight spots can be awkward.

-Limited choice of pads & vendors.

-No speed control. 3000 RPM at all times. You have to invest time in learning the 'best' pad/product combo. (Not really a con, because you have to learn this on all types of machines).

-With the right product/pad combo it can burn your paint.

-Not the best choice for compounding IMO.

-Not many cyclo owners on the boards, so it's hard to get 'tips' from experienced users.



Pro's:

-Well balanced machine/very good durability history.

-Generates heat (which is needed for many types of paint correction), just not as quick as a rotary.

-Best suited for mild to moderate defects, and finish polishing.

-You use less product because the pads are much smaller.

-In my experience, it goes a step above the PC. I don't break out my rotary unless I need to (but that's just me).

-Breaks down product much quicker than a PC, but no where near a rotary.



I use my cyclo a lot and don't regret my purchase, but can understand why some of the con's keep people away.
 
The Cyclo is the answer to not getting so aggressive as needing a rotary but dealing with hard enough paint ( like my cars) that a PC will not accomplish the job to satisfaction.

I only use the PC now for AIO application and for correcting the occasional very isolated defect ( via 4" pads)
 
Poorboy said:
First..you got a weird avatar :lmfao :rofl

Since you probably haven't seen a film in the past 5 years, I won't even try to explain that Avatar to you. :stupid

And if you do by any slim chance rent and watch "Napoleon Dynamite" you'll understand why Pedro reminded me of YOU. :lmfao :lmfao :rolling
 
I did something really great with my two cyclos, I put them on ebay!

I guess you either love it or hate it. I know people that get great results with it but I didn't care for it.
 
I'm away from my arsenal at the moment and only had access to a PC, Superior Shine is right, you either love them or hate them. In my case,I'd be a lot happier if I had my Cyclo with me to do the job.

On my Audi it delivers great results, however, as with the PC, sometimes one pass is not sufficient. This holds true for simple spot "touch ups" as well.
 
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