Tired of chain stretch, squeaky gears, and lube issues? Check out the Gates Carbon Drive drivetrain system – a carbon belt that replaces the standard chain drive on bikes. The belt is not compatible with standard cranks and sprockets so you’ll need to change those out as well but the advantages may outweigh the costs of retrofitting your ride.
So why go carbon? Gates claims the Carbon Drive belt doesn’t stretch over its lifetime like standard chains do which means it’s as effective on ride 1 as ride 50 – and it lasts about 2.5 times longer than most chains. The carbon belt is light too – just 80 grams compared to 300-400 grams for a standard chain. The Carbon Drive system is completely lubricant free and is equally as efficient as a normal chain. It’s also quiet – no more loud chain slap or clatter when bombing down the trail.
Early adopters of the Gates Carbon Drive include a couple Colorado mountain bike manufacturers – Spot and Maverick – and as the technology matures I’m sure we’ll see this popping up on more bikes in the future. The end of the chain grease tattoo – who would have thought?
5 Comments
Sep 9, 2011
Sep 9, 2011
Sep 26, 2008
I saw this on some bikes in Park City, Utah shop. Pretty sure it was a Spot. I think it was a SS, not an internally geared bike.
I saw something similiar about 10-12 years ago at a race in Fontana, NC. Don't think the belt was carbon. I recall looking at the bike, then seeing the guy riding it run into a tree on DH run. Man he that tree hard. I've never forgotten the bike because the guy hit the tree so hard.....to the point of I was relieved he got up. His was internally geared.
Dec 23, 2011
Nov 20, 2008