What is the life of the system?
In laboratory testing, the Carbon Drive System lasts more than twice the life of chain. Chains are often replaced due to stretch and wear rather than actual failure. The Carbon Drive belt does not stretch, so the smooth running performance remains consistent throughout its life. Abrasive environments can accelerate wear of all bike components. For maximum durability, rinse off your belt drive after sandy / gritty ride.
Can I derail the belt to change gears or am I stuck with single speed only?
A belt cannot be derailed because it needs alignment and tension to work properly. However, having multiple gears is still available through the use of internally geared hubs, gearboxes, and multi-speed bottom brackets.
What are the benefits to the Carbon Drive Systems?
Life – Lab testing has shown the Carbon Drive belt to last more than twice the life of chains.
Light Weight – The entire system, 2 pulleys and a belt, weighs less than just a typical chain.
No Stretch – The Carbon Drive belt does not stretch over time like a chain. This means you don’t have to re-tension the belt, or replace the belt due to stretch. This also means no excessive wear on pulleys due to stretch.
Smooth – The instant engagement of the Carbon Drive system gives an unparalleled smoothness that chains can’t meet.
No Noise – The Carbon Drive belt is virtually silent.
No Lubrication – The Carbon Drive belt does not need lubrication to keep it running smooth and silent; this means no grease on your hands, socks or pants.
Open Tooth – The patented open tooth profile of the Carbon Drive pulleys allows mud, dirt, rocks, and other debris to pass right through without a moment of hesitation.
What are the drawbacks of using a Carbon Drive System?
Because a belt cannot be broken and then reattached, the Carbon Drive System requires a special or modified frame. A belt also needs center distance adjustment for installation and proper tensioning. Methods include adjustable dropouts (track forks), eccentric bottom brackets, or eccentric hubs.
Where is the Carbon Drive System available?
The Carbon Drive System is available in several different locations, to find out where you can purchase one, please click here.
What temperature range can the belt handle?
The technology behind the Carbon Drive belt has a published temperature range of -65F to +185F. If you’re riding somewhere colder or hotter, we’d love to hear your story.
What is my belt made of, and will direct sunlight harden or damage it?
The Carbon Drive belt is made from polyurethane, not rubber. Polyurethane has good UV and weather resistance. Your belt won't have any problems with direct sunlight.
What is the weight of the Carbon Drive system?
Weights will vary slightly depending on the sizes of the sprockets and length of the belt. For example, a Carbon Drive system setup similar to a chain driven 32/19 single speed ratio weighs:
- 46 tooth sprocket - 84g
- 28 tooth sprocket - 74g
- 122 tooth belt - 82g
- TOTAL - 240g
How efficient is the system when compared to a chain?
Repeated testing has found new belt drives equally efficient to new chain drives, including a third party test evaluating the Carbon Drive system on a bicycle. Currently, independent testing is being conducted with latest production Carbon Drive components under additional conditions to further confirm the results.
Is it OK to use the Carbon Drive system with a quick release?
Quick release systems can be used, but should be carefully considered along with the type of dropout style being used. Dropout designs that allow rear hub movement if a quick release is not tight enough can allow the belt to drop off the sprockets, possibly causing damage to the belt.
Can I use the flange on the front pulley as a bash guard?
While the front pulley does have a flange that resembles a bash guard, it shouldn’t be used as one. The flange is located on the pulleys to keep the belt aligned. If you use the flange as a bash guard, not only might you damage the flange or the pulleys, it’s likely you may damage the belt as well.
Is there a maximum load rating on the Gates Carbon Drive System?
While we don't publish a maximum load rating, the Gates Carbon Drive System meets or exceed the EN 14766 industry standard, the same requirements for chain driven systems.
Can the belt drive be used with coaster brakes and fixed gear bikes?
Gates recommends that hand brakes are used as the primary braking system. Gates does not recommend the use of brake systems that incorporate the use of the belt drive as the only brake system, such as coaster brakers and fixed gears. If belt drive brake systems are installed, Gates recommends a hand brake as an additional braking system.
I would like to retrofit a belt drive on my current frame. Is this possible, and what are the problems with doing so?
Gates Carbon Drive does not recommend retrofitting a belt drive to a frame that was not designed for a belt. There are several things that may cause you problems. 1) modification of the frame is most likely necessary; you can’t break the belt to get it into the rear triangle, so you need the frame to have a ‘break’ in it to get the belt inside.
2) You need a method of tension adjustment. This could range from sliding vertical dropouts, horizontal dropouts, or even an EBB, but some sort of tensioning is needed.
3) Frame stiffness - if your current frame (with the modification) is not stiff enough, you may not be able to get rid of tooth jump problems.
4) Clearance - Our sprockets are wider than chain sprockets, and so you may run into chainstay clearance issues, especially when trying to get the needed ratio and belt line for IGH’s.
5) Gearing selections and belt lengths - While we are trying to continuously expand our product line, we may not have the specific belt or sprocket size that you need to fit your frame and/or hub choice.
Again, while we don’t recommend trying to retrofit your frame, we are here to help. If you have read the above considerations, and still want to try, please contact us so that we can make sure to answer any questions you may still have.
How much tension is needed, and how do I know when I have enough?
The best way to tension the Carbon Drive belt is to use our tension gauge. If you don’t have a gauge, you can use the “force/deflection” method. Press down in the center of the belt span. The belt should move approximately ½ inch with 5-10 lbs of force.
We have several resources to help you install and tension your Carbon Drive.
- Tension Requirements
- Belt Alignment and Tensioning Instructions
- Tension Tester Instructions
You'll find these documents on the Tech Info page.
Are there any special handling instructions for the belt?
Yes, there are special handling instructions for belts. Mishandling belts can cause damage to the carbon tensile members inside of the belt, leading to premature failure. For proper belt handling information, watch this video or download the PDF (260kb).
Do I need a special crank or hub to use with a Carbon Drive System?
No, the sprockets for the Carbon Drive System have been engineered to fit onto many stock cranks and hubs. The front sprockets are made to fit both 4 bolt and 5 bolt cranks, and the rear sprockets have been designed to fit a standard Shimano 9-splined rear hub. There will also be several other options for internally geared hub mounting in the near future. Please click here to view our product line.
Can I carry a spare belt with me on the trail?
Yes, you can carry a spare belt with you out on the trail. The spare belts are sold attached to a cardboard disk; it is recommended that you keep the belt attached to the disk for protection while in your pack. Proper handling is imperative to keep from damaging your belt; please watch this video or download the PDF (260kb) for proper handling instructions.
I’m having trouble installing/aligning my belt, where can I find help?
For instructions on how to install or align your belt drive, please watch this video or download the PDF (260kb).
Always use Gates Carbon Drive belts with authentic Gates Carbon Drive pulleys.
Gates engineers have invested significant time developing and testing the belt and pulleys profiles to perform optimally together. The unique design of Gates Carbon Drive pulley profile has a patent pending. Gates cannot warrant the belts or pulley if used with a substitute part from another manufacturer. Always use Gates Caron Drive belts with authentic Gates Carbon Drive pulley.
When should I replace components?
While you can expect extended life from your belt drive compared to chain, regular inspection and replacement intervals are still encouraged. Sprockets should be inspected for damage such as bending or cracks. Belts should be checked for cuts and tears or holes from stone damage. Note: Flaking off of the blue layer on the teeth is a normal part of break-in for a new belt.
How do I change a flat tire or the gearing?
When you need to remove the belt due to a flat, changing gearing, or any other reason, there are several easy steps to follow. Remember that proper handling is important to keep from damaging your belt. For handling instructions please watch this video or download the PDF (260kb).
I’ve noticed a few small cracks on the back of my belt, does this mean it’s time to replace it?
No, it is normal to see a few small cracks on the back of the belt, and it has no effect on belt life or performance. |
My drive is squeaking or making noise, what’s the cause, and how do I fix it?
The belt can make noise when forced to run hard against the flanges on the sprockets. This can be due to sprocket misalignment, wheel misalignment, or run out in the drive caused by damaged components. Spraying water on the belt may quiet the drive for a few minutes, but the permanent solution is to correct the alignment or replace the damaged components. Another possible source of noise is a loose front sprocket. Using thread lock on the sprocket bolts alleviates this problem.
In some cases, the noise can occur when riding in dirty conditions, particularly when mountain biking if grit and water temporarily stick to the belt. This noise in no way indicates a problem with your Gates Carbon Drive. In most cases simply hosing off the belt and pulleys after a ride will end the noise. If noise persists, the solution is simple: spray the belt with water, wait for it to dry, and apply a thin coating of dry silicone spray to the tooth side of the belt. Dry silicone dries instantly, helps shed grit, and does not affect the longevity of the belt. We recommend this product.
I’ve noticed the blue layer on my belt has started to wear off, making my pulleys grooves blue, does this mean I need to replace my belt?
No, the blue layer wear is a normal part of belt break-in. Depending on the environment you ride in, it may be more or less noticeable.
When cleaning my bike, should I worry about cleaning products coming into contact with my belt?
The Carbon Drive Belt has very good chemical resistance. Contact with cleaning solutions due to soaping and rinsing should not cause any damage; however, it's not recommended to soak the belt for any significant amount of time.
My belt is jumping teeth (feels like slipping). What should I do?
Increasing the belt tension should correct this problem. Consult the bicycle manufacturer's recommendations or our tensioning information for details. Normally tooth jump does not cause significant belt damage; however, strong riders who jump teeth at very high loads might consider replacing the belt. While this is very rare, these riders may need to set their belt tension above the standard recommendations to avoid this problem.
Do I need to replace my belt if it comes off the pulley under power?
When a belt comes off of the pulley under power, it's likely been damaged and replacement is recommended. If you are on the trail, or away from home, reinstalling the belt may get you back under light load. Keep in mind, if the tensile cords are damaged, the belt may not be able to handle full load, and may break if subjected to any significant loading.
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