The topic of low maintenance is particularly well received by bicycle designers, who deal with this issue from the outset. No rust, no grease, no maintenance and reliable function: these are the main arguments. In 2010, Gates introduced the longitudinally grooved centertrack belt and centre bars on the pulleys to counteract the often inadequate precision in frame production.
The so-called CDX system is now suspected in Holland of wearing out more quickly than the conventional CDC version under the conditions there. Even in the current test, we did not experience a single malfunction. What is sad, however, is the fact that seven out of ten test bikes required some time-consuming reworking to set up the belt line and tension correctly using a measuring tool. Many manufacturers still have some homework to do here. What remains? The grease-free belt has also inspired many manufacturers to create sophisticated bike models thanks to its strong appearance.
The belt pulleys in the test:
Focus Planet TR 1.0 8-G., www.focus-bikes.com
Kalkhoff Voyager De Luxe 8-G., www.kalkhoff-bikes.com
Koga Traveller KS-LF 28, www.koga.com
Mi-Tech, Tyke Pinion TI Gates, www.mi-tech.de
Rose Black Water III Carbon Drive, www.rose.de
Santos 4.29 Crossover, www.santosbikes.com
Schindelhauer Thin Bike, www.schindelhauerbikes.com
Scott SUB 10, www.scott-sports.com
Simpel Wegwärts 11, www.simpel.ch
Velotraum Cross 7005 EX TD VK-6, www.velotraum.de
