Steering Wheel Extension V2: Fix Reach & Comfort
By Sim-Lab - Making motorsports accessible | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Product Reviews
Learn how the Steering Wheel Extension V2 helps solve common reach and comfort issues in sim racing rigs, with practical sizing advice and installation tips.
Quick answer
If your steering wheel feels too far or too close, or if your arms are strained during long sessions, a steering wheel extension can reposition the wheel without rebuilding your rig. The Sim-Lab Steering Wheel Extension V2 offers four CNC-machined lengths (50, 70, 120, and 200 mm) to dial in your ideal reach. Choose the shortest length that solves your issue to minimize leverage and flex.
Common symptoms of poor wheel positioning
You might notice your shoulders are hunched forward, your wrists are bent at an awkward angle, or your elbows lock when you turn. Some sim racers also feel the wheel is too close to their chest, forcing them to sit farther back than they'd like. These signs point to a reach or height mismatch between your seat and wheelbase.
Another clue: you constantly adjust your seat position between driving different car types, but can never find a setting that works for both. A fixed wheelbase position often forces compromises. An extension adds the flexibility to move the wheel without moving the entire base.
How an extension changes your driving position
A steering wheel extension moves the wheel closer to you, effectively shortening the distance between your shoulders and the wheel rim. This lets you keep a slight bend in your elbows—the ideal posture for control and fatigue reduction. It also shifts the wheel's pivot point, which can change the leverage you feel during high-force corners.
The tradeoff: longer extensions increase leverage on your wheelbase and can introduce more flex under heavy loads. For most direct drive systems, a 70 mm or 120 mm extension strikes a good balance. The 200 mm version is best for very specific setups where the wheelbase sits far forward, such as in a front-mount configuration.
Choosing the right length for your rig
Start by measuring the distance from your shoulder to the wheel rim in your current seating position. If that distance is more than comfortable arm's length (roughly 45–55 cm for most adults), a 50 mm or 70 mm extension is a safe first step. If you need more reach, the 120 mm version gives noticeable repositioning without excessive leverage.
The Steering Wheel Extension V2 is available in 50 mm, 70 mm, 120 mm, and 200 mm lengths. All are CNC-machined from billet aluminium with a matte black anodized finish. Weight ranges from 114 g (70 mm) to 160 g (120 mm), keeping rotational mass low. The bolt circle is 70 mm x 6, compatible with M5 bolts—standard for most quick releases and wheel rims.
Diagnosis: Is a steering wheel extension right for you?
- Symptom: You feel strain in your shoulders, wrists, or lower back after 30+ minutes of driving. Your elbows are locked straight or your wrists are bent upward to reach the wheel. This is the primary sign that your wheel is either too far or too close relative to your seat.
- Likely cause: Your wheelbase is mounted in a fixed position that doesn't match your natural arm length or seating posture. Many rigs have limited fore-aft adjustment for the wheel deck. A steering wheel extension shifts the wheel rim without moving the entire base, giving you more adjustment range.
- Corrective action: Measure your current shoulder-to-rim distance. Choose the shortest extension that brings the wheel into a comfortable bent-elbow position. Install between your quick release and wheel rim (or between wheelbase and quick release). Start with a 50 mm or 70 mm extension. If that's not enough, step up to 120 mm. Avoid the 200 mm unless you have a front-mount base far from your seat.
- When to stop or choose another option: If your discomfort comes from the wheel being too low or too high (not too far/close), an extension alone won't fix it—you need a wheelbase tilt adjustment or a different mounting plate. Also, if your wheelbase has a plastic or non-standard bolt pattern, verify the 70 mm x 6 bolt circle compatibility before buying. An extension solves reach issues, not height or angle problems. For those, look at adjustable wheel deck mounts or tilting brackets.
Product facts
- Steering Wheel Extension V2, Billet Aluminium: The Steering Wheel Extension V2 is fully CNC machined from Billet Aluminium, anodized matte black, and available in 50 mm, 70 mm, 120 mm, and 200 mm lengths. Weight for the 120 mm version is 160 g; the 70 mm version weighs 114 g. Bolt circle is 70 mm x 6, suited for M5 bolts. The lightweight aluminium construction minimizes added rotational mass, so your wheelbase's force feedback feel remains crisp. The multiple lengths let you fine-tune reach without buying a new wheelbase mount.
