/// Cockpit Setup · Installation
Handbrake Mounting: Horizontal vs Vertical
A great handbrake on a bad mount feels like a bad handbrake. Here is how to choose the orientation, the side, the height and the angle — and why rigidity matters more than anything else.
- 80/20profile ready
- L / Rcockpit side
- 0flex
Before you tune curves or tension, get the mount right. A pneumatic sim racing handbrake pushes back hard at the end of the pull, and every millimetre of flex in the mount is a millimetre of input your hand cannot control.
// 01 · OrientationHorizontal or vertical?
| Orientation | Feels like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical, pulled back | Rally / drift hydro lever | Fast locks, drift initiation |
| Angled forward | Hybrid | Mixed use, tight cockpits |
| Horizontal | Road car centre console | Road and casual driving |
For rally and drift, a near-vertical lever close to the shifter is the reference. Fine-tune the grip angle with knob tilt instead of rotating the whole unit — see how to adjust tension, throw and tilt.
// 02 · PositionSide, height and distance
- Side: the side of your pulling hand, usually next to the shifter. The SRP® HB is configured for the left or right cockpit side when you order.
- Height: grip at rest roughly at the height of the wheel's lower rim, arm slightly bent.
- Distance: close enough to reach without leaning; your shoulder should stay down.
- Spacing: leave room so your hand never hits the shifter during a fast pull.
// 03 · RigidityWhy the mount must be rigid
A pneumatic cylinder builds progressive force. At full pull, that force goes straight into your mount. If the bracket or the stand flexes, you lose the end of the curve — exactly where rally locks and drift corrections happen.
80/20 profile cockpit
Bolt directly to the profile or a dedicated plate.
Rig baseplate
Standard racing rig plates work with the universal pattern.
Flexing wheel stand
Lateral loads move the stand and kill precision.
Not sure about your rig? Send a photo of your setup to SRP® support and we will confirm the best mounting option before you buy.
// 04 · ChecklistInstallation checklist
- Fix the handbrake with all bolts torqued evenly.
- Pull hard several times and look for any movement of the mount.
- Connect via USB-C and calibrate in HBsetup.
- Bind the axis in your sim with 0% deadzone.
- Set your profile: see curves for WRC, DiRT and Assetto Corsa.
New to handbrakes? Start with the best handbrake for sim racing guide or the rally & drift technique guide.
// FAQFrequently asked questions
Is a horizontal or vertical handbrake better?
A vertical lever pulled back towards you mimics a rally or drift "hydro" handbrake and suits fast pulls. A horizontal lever mimics a road car. For rally and drift, most drivers prefer a near-vertical lever close to the shifter.
Where should I place the handbrake on my cockpit?
Next to the shifter, on the side of your dominant pulling hand, at a height where your arm is slightly bent with the grip at rest. Avoid positions that force your shoulder to rise.
Can I mount a handbrake on a wheel stand?
Only if the stand is very rigid. A pneumatic handbrake generates strong lateral forces, and a stand that flexes will move under load and ruin precision. A profile cockpit is strongly recommended.
Does the SRP® HB fit 80/20 cockpits?
Yes. It uses a universal bolt pattern compatible with 80/20 aluminium profile cockpits, standard racing rig baseplates and custom mounts. It can be ordered for the left or right cockpit side.
How can I check if my rig is compatible?
Send a photo of your setup to SRP® support and the team will confirm the best mounting option.
Bolt it. Pull it.
Universal bolt pattern, left or right side, USB-C plug & play. In stock, ships in 48h.
View SRP® HB — from €336