Belt Drive vs Chain Drive Technologies

[nathrix]

http://www.carbondrivesystems.com/ http://www.carbondrivesystems.com/images_us/CenterTrack170x173.jpg

 

OK, I'm just gonna put it out there for those who are interested, as I have been trolling the interwebs for as much info as possible and here is the short and long of how everything works and fits together

 

Obviously you need to have a frame with a split dropout rear end/chain-stay as the belt cannot be broken and reattached

What's your thoughts on using a belt drive system?

Anyone have a belt drive system fitted to there bikes, where did you buy it and what bike do you have (pictures please)?

 

Carbon Drive System Calculator

http://www.carbondri...lator/index.php

 

They even have a iPhone Tensioning App Available http://itunes.apple....d438346486?mt=8

 

http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/115/Purple/b4/f5/8b/mzl.ekvqbfym.320x480-75.jpghttp://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/090/Purple/39/a8/cd/mzl.twoorxbq.320x480-75.jpg

 

Carbon Drive™ Technology

 

The carbon cords inside the patented Gates Carbon Drive™ belt offer, for the first time, the necessary tensile strength and high modulus to provide the smooth, clean, and long lasting ride advantage of a “belt” driven system in a bicycle application. The specially designed tooth pitch and meticulously engineered pulley profile afford the belt efficiency equal to that of a standard chain, with the low tension necessary to prevent unnecessary bearing load on other components.

 

The super-light pulleys are finished with a new coating specifically formulated to provide unmatched durability even in abrasive conditions. Already referred to as a “magic Item, that will change many of the bikes we ride,” Gates Carbon Drive™ offers a truly revolutionary technology that already has created an amazing amount of end-user interest and demand.

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPoKawd1y9M&feature=plcp&list=PLCCFBE93195B01006

Edited September 4, 2012 by nathrix ® ©™

[Azonic]

...needs a split frame. Well that kills just about 98% of the target market.

[Vinnydabutcher]

Really like the idea - soon as hub gearing can catch up this will be the std.

 

Love it on SS.

[Wyatt Earp]

...needs a split frame. Well that kills just about 98% of the target market.

 

Yeah great concept but one helluva way to go.

As you already said a spilt frame end then from what I can see a belt for each sprocket change.

Nice, but a dream.

[nathrix]

...needs a split frame. Well that kills just about 98% of the target market.

 

That's the biggest problem with belt drives, you need a split the frame to install the belt as the belt cannot be broken and reattached. I've noticed it's very popular with frame builders. The Trek Sawyer also has a split rear which makes it a good candidate.

[nathrix]

Yeah great concept but one helluva way to go.

As you already said a spilt frame end then from what I can see a belt for each sprocket change.

Nice, but a dream.

 

Jip, another problem. With a chain you can just add or remove links.

[Azonic]

They must be able to do something to be able to cut and join the belt...? Flexible kevlar "plasters" ? Hmmm

[Thug]

Ventana make a split frame and West Rand cycles bring them in.

[Thug]

Paragon Machine Works make a tube splitter that allows you to modify your frame (assuming its Alu or Ti) to suit a belt drive.

 

http://www.paragonmachineworks.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=MS0036

[nathrix]

Some pictures

 

http://interbike.mtbr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_9322.jpg

 

http://interbike.mtbr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_9336.jpg

 

http://interbike.mtbr.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/img_0423.jpg

 

(Thug, Vantana

http://interbike.mtbr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_9295.jpg

 

The new "CenterTrack" system should be lighter then the 254g shown bellow

 

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4054/4717389153_6342336f53_z.jpg

 

To name a few:

Trek Sawyer

Spot

Ventana

 

here's the link of bikes http://www.carbondri...act.php?lang=us

[nathrix]

Trek Sawyer

 

http://forums.mtbr.com/attachments/29er-bikes/707763d1341242930-trek-sawyer-sawyer3.jpg

 

 

 

http://interbike.mtbr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_9301.jpg

[HairyLegs]

And the Raleigh XXIX.

 

 

Edited August 13, 2012 by Stardust

[Chro Mo]

I have heard that these would be much harder and longer wearing, in much the same way as the belt-drive works on a Harley.

 

Would this be an accurate assumption?

[nathrix]

The following combination (edit: for a Trek Sawyer) will give you the exact ratio as the 32x18 chain set up:

 

CenterTrack + Price list

• 46 tooth 4 bolt front
  
• 26 tooth rear
  
• 120 tooth belt
  

2012 January MSRP Price List.pdf

Edited August 15, 2012 by nathrix ® ©™

[krl747]

If i calculate that correctly, it comes to about R2200 (Excluding Shipping). How does that compare to a "conventional" setup if you go the single speed route?

[Shebeen]

you don't get better gear testers than the tourdivide winner.

 

http://mountainpedalernz.blogspot.com/2012/07/carbon-drives-angle-on-tour-divide.html

 

this youngster is the NZ ventana agent, and smoked the record.