Gates upgrades belt-drive technology for e-bikes

Denver, Colorado - Gates Industrial Corp. is introducing “next-generation” belts and related components to meet growing global demand for new bicycle drivetrain designs, Gates announced 25 May.

The latest additions to the company’s Carbon Drive product portfolio include a new belt designed specifically for mid-drive e-bikes typically used for commuting.

Incorporating carbon-fibre tensile cord, high-stiffness ethylene elastomer materials and nylon tooth fabric, the belt is said to offer “cleaner, quieter” operation and up to three times the lifespan of traditional chain drives.

For seasonal on-road riding and occasional commuting, Gates has developed a carbon-fibre reinforced belt featuring a “new” ethylene elastomer compound, while another offering is said to employ “next generation ethylene elastomer and carbon cord technology.”

"For many years we have been focused on converting chains to belt drives across a wide variety of applications, based on the many advantages that belt drives offer," said Tom Pitstick, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of strategic planning for Gates.

Nowhere is this happening as quickly as in our mobility end-markets,," noted Pitstick. "Bicycle – especially e-bike – demand is rising rapidly across the globe, and our latest innovations extend our coverage to an even wider range of applications.”