Belts used in e-biking are typically made of a composite material, such as rubber or carbon fiber, and are reinforced with other materials, such as carbon strands, to increase strength and durability. Unlike chains, belts do not require lubrication and are less prone to stretching or wearing down over time, making them a low-maintenance alternative.
Belts are commonly paired with internally geared hubs and are becoming more popular in the electric bike market due to their efficiency and ease of use.
How Long Will a Belt Last?
It is understood that the increased power and torque of an E-bike's motor puts more stress on the belt compared to a regular cyclist pedaling. Some claim that belts can last well over 10,000 miles or even up to 19,000 miles. Regular or analog cyclists normally make these claims. A normal bike puts much less stress on the system than an e-bike.
In laboratory testing at peak loads, Gates claims that chains failed at 279 miles while E-bike specific chains lasted only 275 miles. The Gates CDX CenterTrack belt exceeded 10,000 miles. This was tested in a laboratory, and we don’t know what chains Gates used. The new Enduo chains would have outlasted the Gates belt most likely.
Our belt lasted 6,592 miles in the real world cycling across America at a modest pace of less than 12 mph with no abrupt shifting or abnormal stress because of a high cadence. We trained some 2,000 miles and the tour was 4,685 miles, all cycled gently with the same belt.
Pros
Cons
Internal Hubs and Belt Drive Make a Perfect Combination
Belt drives are usually paired with internal hub gears such as a Rohloff or Enviolo. Belt drives work well with internal hub gears because they allow for smooth, efficient power transfer without the need for a derailleur system. This pairing is particularly well-suited for commuter or long-distance riders, as well as e-bike riders who want a low-maintenance, worry-free riding experience.
Conclusions
Belt drives have several advantages over chain drives, including being cleaner, requiring less maintenance, and lasting longer. Belt drives are also becoming more popular, particularly in certain categories like commuters, long-distance riders, and touring cross-country.
Overall, belt drives are a reliable and efficient alternative to chain drives, and the technology continues to advance and improve over time.
