Gates Carbon Drive Belt System offers a strongerThan steel carbon fiber cord constructionThat givesThe drive high horsepower carrying capacity and compactness. Important: Frames must have a split or opening To allowThe beltTo loopThroughThe rear drive- sideTriangle, design varies by manufacturer Belts lastThreeTimes longerThan chains No lubrication, no stretch, and very low maintenance Moisture, chemical, and abrasion resistant Width: 10mm
Strengths: Quiet.
Low maintenance.
Performs well in wet and muddy conditions.
Centertrack belt almost impossible to derail.
Weaknesses: The high tension that the belt requires make it impossible to install the rear wheel without de-tensioning the drivetrain.
Gearing options a little limited
Steel rear pulley may gouge aluminum cassette bodies.
The hight tension puts a large static load on the BB and hub bearings
Bottom Line:
I recently installed the Gates Centertrack system on my Ventana El Comandante. Once I got the correct length belt, it came together easily. On my first real ride today, I was blown away by the lack of sound coming from the drivetrain and how smooth the bike feels when pedaling. When I mashed the pedals up a few steep pitches, I was pleased that I didn't smack my knees because the belt slipped. I'm looking forward to riding my SS more to really appreciate how the belt drive handles the wet and sandy conditions that I ride in over the Winter and Spring.