Gates Centre Track ...
 

[Closed] Gates Centre Track review at 2500km.

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It's definitely showing signs of wear now. ๐Ÿ™

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A bit of background information for those who don't know; I'm about 95kg, I commute about 200km a week, with about half of that off road on Worcestershire sandstone and I rode 20 laps in 12 hours solo at Bristol Bike Fest on a single speed, so I think it's fair to say I put a bit more wear and tear on my transmission than most people.

I'm running my bike either 50x28 single speed or 50x20 Rohloff.
So far, the SS pulley and belt have done 1783km, the Rohloff pulley and belt have done 653km and the front pulley has done the full 2436km.

There's obvious wear on all parts, but I reckon they should all last at least the same again, or over 5000km. I'd normally get through several chins, sprockets and chainrings in that distance.
I wish I'd kept a record of how long my chains etc. were lasting.
Apart from the initial expense of buying a dedicated belt drive frame, it's quite possible that replacing the more expensive belt and pulleys less often could work out cheaper overall. I honestly don't know.

I've managed to punch a hole through the belt with a small stone. It doesn't seem to affect it though.

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Posted : 23/07/2012 12:06 pm
 P20
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Could you reverse the chainring to make it a bit longer? Have you found the increased tension of the belt causing any problems with bearing lifespan?


 
Posted : 23/07/2012 1:02 pm
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Have a look at [url= http://mountainpedalernz.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/tightening-belt-couple-of-notches.html ]this entry[/url] on this blog about wear of the Gates/Rohloff setup. (Ollie Whalley's, TDR winner no less!).


 
Posted : 23/07/2012 1:28 pm
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Have you been in touch with Gates about this?

Mountain Pedaler review is good though. I may yet go for it...


 
Posted : 23/07/2012 10:53 pm
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I think MidlandTrailquestsGraham and d45yth's Mountain Pedaler NZ link have just cost me whatever it takes to get [url= http://tinyurl.com/cqmznyr ]one of these[/url].

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Posted : 24/07/2012 9:44 am
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P20, the pulleys are both slightly offset to one side. It probably would be possible to fit them backwards and space them to suit, but the teeth don't seem to be wearing hooked like chainring teeth, so I don't think there would be any advantage to doing so.
I'm using Hope BB bearings and a Hope SS or Rohloff hub. I haven't had any problems with bearings yet.

d45yth, thanks for the link. I still feel like a pioneer trying this out. It's nice to read another high mileage rider's experiences.

ir_bandito, I've posted my review on

and got a reply.


 
Posted : 26/07/2012 1:45 pm