Why is the belt more durable than the standard chain?
A chain consists of multiple links which all sooner or later wear out. In the course of time the chain suffers from stretching. As a result the level of efficiency is markedly reduced and after about 4000 to 5000 km (2485 to 3107 Miles) you must replace your chain. The belt consists of a composite material compromising polyurethane and carbon fiber. Unlike the standard chain, the Carbon Drive™ Poly Chain® belt does not see “stretch” over the course of its life-cycle (about 22.000 km or 13.670 Miles) and retains consistent efficiency over time. Does the drive belt system surpass, in its efficiency, a well lubricated standard chain?
First of all, both drive systems have to be compared by terms of an equal affliction. Friction loss develops between the individual chain link joints. If those joints move relatively to one another under load, it results in friction at the hinge. To draw the conclusion that the level of efficiency is reduced under load. Besides, the crank is put into motion real easily with a bike standing. By contrast friction loss develops using the Poly Chain® belt exclusively of inner friction by the polyurethane basic material. According to this the level of efficiency under load or without remains the same. In comparison with a well lubricated standard chain the drive belt is during operation approximately 1% less efficient. Nevertheless, has to be mentioned that the level of efficiency of the chain is rapidly reduced in no time at all. Lack of care and maintenance makes things even worse. Whereas, the drive belt retains consistent efficiency without any maintenance. How is the drive belt reacting towards debris?
The pulleys at front and back are both equipped with so called m&d Ports™. The debris is pressed out through those openings. As a result the m&d Ports™ shed even the worst types of debris and guarantee an accurate functionality of your drive. It has to be said that Schindelhauer Bikes are exclusively designed and intended for road use only. Can every bike be fitted with Gates Carbon Drive™?
The answer is clearly no. The bicycle frame must be adapted in order to make use of a continuous belt. That means that the back frame triangle has to be opened for mounting the belt on the drive end. Usually that’s taking place either on the seat stay or dropout. Schindelhauer Bikes has developed his own distinctive system- the Schindelhauer-Belt-Port. How elastic is the drive belt?
Whilst accelerating the belt, the belt will remain stiff yet agile. If you are waiting for the rubber band effect take effect as with old belt systems, you will be disappointed. The carbon fiber gives the belt a high level of rigidity. The power transmission is therefore performed more directly. When has the belt to be replaced?
The company Gates™ provides the end-user with a gage to make checks of pulleys and belt. Typically the wear begins taking its toll at the much smaller back pulley, because it’s used much more and rotating more quickly. The life-cycle of a belt is approximately 22.000 km or 13.670 Miles. What material is used for manufacturing the belt?
As basic material serves polyurethane in which the carbon-tensile fibers are embedded. Aircraft aluminum is used to manufacture the pulleys. Additionally, a wear protective coat, a so called “metal spray”, is applied. Does the belt see “stretch“ over the course of its life-cycle?
The belt does experience a minimal stretching due to the carbon-tensile fibers settling during the embed process in the early stage of its application, but afterwards it does not see an additional “stretch”. We already take stretching while mounting into account, meaning re-stressing has become redundant. Can the belt possibly slide down?
That is not going to happen, because the belt pulleys have against each other offset stop rims. They are mounted inlying at the front and externally at the back pulley. Due to the high level of cornering stiffness of the belt, both stop rims keep him in track properly.