3

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, but my question is does it stretch under load and then return?
I have read some forum posts (can't find them now), that say they stretch under load, so are no good for power applications such as single-speed racing. This argument would not seem to hold up since Gates now have a single speed racing team and they've won some races.

Does anyone have any factual information or practical experience that can answer whether the belt stretches under load and elastically returns?

A related question is if there is some slight elasticity would that help prevent the damage that can be caused to internal hubs from changing gears under heavy load?

Improve this question

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
5

Everything stretches under load. How much is the question.

The belt manufacturers should have technical data, including stress/strain graphs, modulus numbers, or other "hard" numbers.

But, generally speaking, carbon fiber and steel both have a modulus of around 200. It's not clear now much carbon fiber is in the belts (and the cross-section area times the modulus effectively tells you how much stretch will occur), but when you consider the thinnest parts of a steel chain, and the fact that the pins will tend to flex in tension, it's probably comparable.

In any event, stretching should not be a concern so long as it's not sufficient to cause the belt to skip on the cog, or some other mechanical issue.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Reminds me of the engine block trick, I would put an inside micrometer in the cylinder on a v8 cast iron block, then use my hands to squeeze the sides of the block adjacent to the cylinder, the mic would then fall out, everything stretches or moves a little. Won a few beers on the bet I could make a cylinder distort by squeezing the block with my hands.
    – Moab
    Aug 24, 2011 at 0:59
3

"Stretch" is a bit of misnomer for bike chains. The chain links do not deform or creep as a result of time under power. It is the bushings and pins that wear down over time and thus make the chain longer, more likely to break apart, shift badly and also wear down cogs faster. I am sure Sheldon Brown covers this.

It may very well be that the belts don't stretch appreciably, however, they certainly must wear down on the contact surfaces.

I can't imagine that this would be a big problem. All you have to do is loosen nuts on the rear-axle, pull the wheel back further and re-tighten.

The real question as far as suitability of a belt-drive is concerned is how long does it last and how efficient is it compared to a chain?

Improve this answer
0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.