Questions tagged [belt-drive]

Belt-drive bikes use a reinforced toothed polymer belt in place of a chain. Belt-drives are paired with a single speed or internally-geared rear hub.

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18 votes
6 answers
6k views

How do belt drives perform with snow?

I am completely new to the concept of belt drives and, when doing some initial research, the Wikipedia article on belt-driven bikes says that they have the disadvantage of Problems in snowy ...
arturomp's user avatar
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17 votes
5 answers
3k views

In practical terms, how often do you have to adjust the belt tension of a belt drive bicycle?

Gates claims their belts do not stretch over their life, so theoretically speaking you should not have to adjust the tension (which appears finicky). I'm interested in anyone with real world ...
Jason S's user avatar
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16 votes
6 answers
13k views

Chain vs chainless options

Could someone provide a comparison between having a bike with a chain, with a shaft drive and with a belt drive like the Gates Carbon Drive? It could be good to know who fares better in terms of low ...
Álvaro's user avatar
  • 261
15 votes
5 answers
3k views

Mystery grease source - Alfine 11, Gates Belt drive, Shimano bottom bracket

I have a 2012 Spot Acme and it's been great, everything is still smooth and working well into its second winter. However I picked it up to bring it into the office a week ago and noticed grease all ...
Adam Eberbach's user avatar
13 votes
5 answers
20k views

How to measure the correct belt drive tension?

I own a 2010 Trek District with a belt drive. I'm fairly happy with the setup, since after months of standing outside I just picked up the bike again and started riding without the usual chain ...
Kai Inkinen's user avatar
12 votes
2 answers
2k views

Gates CDN - frequent belt failures

update at the bottom I ride a belt drive bike fitted with a Gates CDN front sprocket (on the crank), a CDN belt and a CDX rear sprocket. Around the 2200km/1400mi mark, the CDN belt failed and teeth ...
user4520's user avatar
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10 votes
1 answer
11k views

belt vs chain for what matters performance only

Let's set apart all pros/cons of chains vs belts, like: ease of maintenance, need of a custom frame, cost, spare part availability, all of that: nope. This question is very focusing only on ...
Dakatine's user avatar
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10 votes
3 answers
3k views

Gates Carbon Drive vs single-speed chain, long term lifespan and maintenance

I'm looking to get a new bike which will require the smallest amount of maintenance. The bike will have an internally-geared hub and I have the choice of single speed chain or belt drive. I have ...
James Martin's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
5k views

Fixing rear-wheel puncture on belt-drive bike

I just bought a bike that has a Gates Carbon belt drive and am wondering what I will need do to remove the rear wheel when I get a puncture in my rear tyre away from home. The dropout looks like this:...
RedGrittyBrick's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
482 views

Replacing crank/spider on belt drive bike (stripped pedal hole)

Edit: The bike is in a place with good mechanics but few shops. As I'm visiting the USA soon, I was thinking perhaps of getting the parts there and having someone competent locally do the repair. I ...
jonathanjo's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
7k views

Shimano Nexus 8 internal hub skip/clacking noise when under torque

Intro Just 2 months ago, I bought a new Cube Hyde Pro 2020 bicycle with belt drive (Gates, rear cassette out of metal, CDC with 22 teeth) Shimano Nexus 8 internal hub (model SG-C6001-8D). I mostly ...
user2523745's user avatar
7 votes
5 answers
2k views

Properties with Belt-driven Chains?

This reply about belt-driven belt got my interest here. It does not need lubrication at all according to the replier. What are other properties with belt-drive chain? Where does the idea come from? ...
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7 votes
1 answer
1k views

How to center Gates belt drive?

The Gates belt is running slightly off-center on the rear sprocket. Does anybody know how to adjust the rear sprocket/wheel such that the belt runs centered? Thanks
user2337857's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
497 views

Riding with a Gates belt past its due replacement mileage: can it snap or other risks?

I just purchased a belt drive bike (Gates CD). Maintenance free, according to the BS and what I have read online. The only attention is to replace it every 5000 km. Since I usually ride around 8000 ...
L.Dutch's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
4k views

Gates belt drive: installing larger front sprocket

I ordered a Cube Hyde Race bike with Gates belt drive. I live in an area where it rains a lot, and I use my bike year round, so I was sold on the promise of virtually maintenance-free drivetrain. The ...
Andrii Chernenko's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
4k views

Can a belt driven bike be used in a hilly area?

I have been thinking about getting a Canyon Commuter 4.0 but I am worried about the internal geared belt driven system this bike has. The only ones that come with a pannier rack are the belt driven ...
blidt's user avatar
  • 157
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

Chain guard for a belt-drive bike?

So this morning I'm riding to work on my shiny new tourer, when my trouser leg gets caught in the Gates belt drive. Not good! I'd rather not go the leg-strap route if I can avoid it, which leads me ...
D.Salo's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
519 views

Nexus IGH reluctant to shift after applying load

I ride a belt drive bike with a Shimano Nexus SG-C6001-8D IGH. I'm aware of the normal cable adjustment procedure (aligning yellow marks on the hub), I've done this. When I ride normally, shifting is ...
user4520's user avatar
  • 563
5 votes
1 answer
614 views

Gates Carbon Drive off-road experience?

I am planning on a new bicycle and one idea is a Fat bike with the corresponding Rohloff and a Gates carbon drive. I am using Rohloff's for more than 10 years and know what to expect. I am absolutely ...
StefG's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
541 views

Is it normal to need to re-tension drive belt (Gates CDN) after few days?

I'm brand new to the world of belt-drive bikes so trying to understand what's normal and googling isn't helping with this specific question. One of the selling points of belt drives is low maintenance ...
kabdulla's user avatar
  • 307
5 votes
2 answers
569 views

Different vibrating tone on a belt drive with a Shimano Alfine hub

I have recently bought a new Cube EXC Travel bicycle with a Gates carbon drive. This bicycle is equipped with a Shimano Alfie 8 speed internally geared hub. The bicycle is new and it seems that the ...
just_C's user avatar
  • 53
4 votes
4 answers
1k views

Can my belt drive frame be converted to a derailleur setup?

I want to know whether my frame is compatible with any kind of derailleur hanger, as I want to install standard gears. Due to my Nexus 8 speed hub being really quite uncomfortable and faulty since ...
rhysmatthew's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
804 views

Can a Pinion bike work with an indoor direct drive trainer?

I have a Priority 600 bike with a pinion c.12 gearbox and a Gates belt drive, and I'm currently contemplating winter training plans. Will this work with a Tacx NEO 2T trainer, provided that I buy a ...
kloddant's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
103 views

How to replace internal BB with external BB on belt drive bike?

My Rohloff touring bike has an internal bottom bracket (BB). I would like to replace this with an external BB. Current components Front Sprocket: Gates Carbon Drive, CDX, 4 bolt 104mm BCD, 50 teeth ...
AhseemHermanson's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
582 views

Can the belt drive on a Trek 1st District be replaced with a chain drive?

I have a Trek 1st District bike that was given to me. The belt drive is not very satisfactory. I have asked here about upgrading it to a newer version, but perhaps it would be better to set it up ...
Daniele Procida's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
1k views

Achieving Correct Beltline for Gates Carbon Drive

I’m building up a Soma Wolverine with a Gates Carbon Drive and Alfine 11 internal gear hub. The Gates literature indicates that the beltline should be 43.7 mm +/- 1mm. I am trying to use an old ...
michaelmichael's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

Gates belt drive front sprocket replacement

My Scott Sub 10 (2012) got damaged during transit and requires the front sprocket replaced. I have ordered the part which has since arrived but would like some advice on how to replace this. From my ...
Malachi's user avatar
  • 273
4 votes
2 answers
3k views

Checklist for Gates Beltdrive conversion...

Having had a good look at a Scott Sub 10 1012 model today I'm very very VERY keen to convert my On-One Pompetamine Versa 8 to belt-drive. It has a Shimano Alfin 8 hub. So... what advice can you give ...
Mere Development's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
129 views

Recommended torque for belt port in rear triangle?

Last week while doing a bleed and rotor replacement on my Spot Acme, my bike accidentally fell from the stand with the wheels removed, causing a little damage to the pulley: I didn't notice this ...
parisminton's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
265 views

How to loosen eccentric BB shell?

I have a one-year-old REI CTY 1.3. Aluminum frame, belt drive, with an eccentric BB shell for tensioning the belt. The bottom bracket itself is a standard Shimano BB-RS500, but I cannot identify the ...
Mike Blackwell's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
548 views

Adjusting chain line by mounting the chain ring inside the crank spider

Background: Sugino RD2 single-speed cranks call for a 103mm bottom bracket which gives a chain line of 45mm, which is what I need, but there aren't suitable square-taper BBs in this size. ...
Laoshi's user avatar
  • 739
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

What crankset works with Gates Belt Drive?

I’m building a split-frame touring bike from scratch and want to use a belt-driven internal gear hub (no engine) using one of these front sprockets from Gates. Main question: What crankset still ...
Laoshi's user avatar
  • 739
4 votes
1 answer
273 views

Benefit of high belt drive tension?

I have a Gates carbon belt drive on a NuVinci hub. I haven't bothered with the the whole tensioning using the app and everything, but I have a set-up where it is perfectly quiet and I've never had it ...
s445203's user avatar
  • 181
3 votes
2 answers
825 views

Convert the number of teeth in a chain-based drive train to the number of teeth in a gates-based drive train

If I'd convert my drivetrain from a chain-based drivetrain into a belt-based drivetrain and I'd want to keep the exact same transmission, how do I know the required number of teeth for the front belt ...
Stücke's user avatar
  • 1,446
3 votes
2 answers
916 views

Do split frames for belt drive bikes need special screws?

I have a belt drive Cube bike, and the frame is Aluminium. The rear triangle has a split to accommodate the belt, there's a screw right above the rear sprocket, on the right side of the bike - see ...
user4520's user avatar
  • 563
3 votes
2 answers
6k views

Upgrading Gates CDN to CDX-EXP

First of all I will start with the fact that I'm completely new to the world of hardware related to bike parts. But I must say I ride my bike a lot. My everyday commute is roughly 40-50 km. I drive a ...
Raaja_is_at_topanswers.xyz's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

Do belts on belt-drive bicycles stretch under load and spring back? Reputedly they don't stretch over their lifetime

Does a belt on a belt-drive bicycle stretch under load and then elastically return? The only current manufacturer I know (Gates Carbon Drive) claims the belt does not stretch over its useful lifetime, ...
Jason S's user avatar
  • 2,153
3 votes
1 answer
531 views

Abnormal wear on Gates Belt Drive CDX rear sprocket

I'm using a Gates Belt drive CDX setup with a Shimano Alfine 8 hub on a SOMA Wolverine frame. Over about 6000 km, I've worn out 3 stainless steel rear sprockets; the last one lasted only about 600km. ...
user1248490's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
3k views

Early Rider Belter hub maintenance

My son has had an Early Rider Belter for around 14 months. Recently, I've noticed the free-wheel sounds "gritty", and there is quite a bit of friction if you move the cranks backwards while the rear ...
Paul Suart's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
1k views

Does anyone know how to adjust belt tension for Cube Travel Exc?

I have just bought my Cube Travel Exc with Thun Zumba Bottom Bracket and Alfine 8 speed. I noticed that just after a few days of ride the belt has slacked and measured at under 30 Hz. I have viewed ...
yew choh Lee's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

How does the frame split on the 2016 Novara Gotham belt-drive bike work?

I am considering purchasing a Novara Gotham with the Gates carbon drive (2016 model), and before I purchase I am trying to determine how the frame split works on it. The pictures in REI's online store ...
Michael Ekstrand's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
375 views

Convert Dahon Mariner D7 to belt drive and internal hub?

Is it feasible to convert a Dahon Mariner D7 to use a belt drive and an internal 7 speed hub? Any ballpark estimates for cost of parts? I ask because I am rehabilitating my Dahon sailing bike of 15 ...
Doc Jones's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
1k views

Clicking sound when pedalling hard

EDIT: Dropped it off at my local bike shop and the mechanic had the following to say about it: Bottom bracket very low quality, also worn bearings. Due to open frame type was a lot of dirt inside ...
elevendollar's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
3k views

Chainring offset - chainline - of Alfine vs. Ultegra/Dura Ace

I have a bike with Alfine 11 and belt drive. I think I could use a 175mm crank, certainly a 172.5, rather than the 170 Alfine comes in (height 6'1" frame size 60cm) and going a little lighter and ...
Adam Eberbach's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
140 views

How do I calibrate my auto tension belt?

I have a Trek District IGH3 with a Mitsubishi belt drive that has an auto-tensioner. Last winter, the belt started slipping over the sprocket. It happened frequently enough that it ended up wearing ...
Ian MacDonald's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
9k views

Convert to belt drive

Is it generally possible to convert a drivetrain on a bike from a chain to belt drive? What exactly is involved with this task?
Marcus Leon's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
1k views

Gates carbon drive on carbon frame

It is hard to prove non-existence, but as far as my research goes, there is no carbon frame available for belt drive systems like Gates. My guess is that this is due to the requirement to be able to ...
StefG's user avatar
  • 686
2 votes
2 answers
310 views

Belt drive, rear sprocket can move sideways

I have (RieseMüller/Bosch/Nuvinci/center track) and the rear sprocket can move slightly sideways. Is this on purpose or is there anything loose?
LosManos's user avatar
  • 315
2 votes
2 answers
855 views

Cadence: Belt drives + Nexus 11 hubs

So I'm looking for a bike that has the following: Belt Drive, 11 speed Internal hub, Mudguards and can fit a rack at the back. The Contenders Canyon Commuter 8 BMC Alpenchallenge AC01 Ghost Bikes ...
Alton's user avatar
  • 23
2 votes
2 answers
781 views

Uneven tension on Gates Carbon Drive belt

I tried using the iOS app to check the tension on my Gates Carbon Drive belt (centre-track, CDX I assume as it's driving a Rohlof) and I could not get a consistent measurement over the length of the ...
Robert Atkins's user avatar