Page 9 - Whitehorse Wheels October 2020 issue_Classical

Next, the carbon fiber belt which is nothing more than a loop of
flexible material used to link 2 rotating shafts mechanically, thereby
involving a transfer of power. The principal supplier of these belts is
the Gates Corporation and which describes itself as the world leader
in the manufacture and supply of automotive hoses and belts. Think
of the fan belt rotating at the front end of a motor car engine, got it?

With regard to the enclosed hub containing internal gears, there are
at least 4 operators in the field; SRAM/Sachs, Shimano, Sturmey
Archer and Rohloff. The number of gears range from 3, 4. 5, 7 to 8,
11, 12 and 14 at the higher end. The last mentioned is the Rohloff,
which is regarded as the crown prince of internally geared systems ─ and costs accordingly!

Rotary/twist shifters are offered by Shimano, SRAM and Sturmey Archer, no mystery here.
So, what is the attraction of a carbon fiber belt drive bike? First off, according to my research, a carbon
belt last twice as long as a metal chain one. Next, cleaning a carbon belt is dead easy ─ wipe it down with a
damp cloth. In contrast, a metal chain needs to be cleaned and lubricated reasonably regularly to get the
maximum useful life from it. Lastly, metal chains stretch and need to be replaced, belts can also stretch
but much less frequently. Carbon belts make for very easy maintenance on a bike.

But all mechanical systems have a downside. Frames for belt driven bikes have to be specially machined to
accommodate the enclosed gear hub at the back lugs/cutout. This adds to the cost of the bike.
Notwithstanding that, one aspect of this monograph which really surprised me was the fact that touring
bikes are being fitted with carbon felt drives! Really? Yes. Now, serious touring cyclists usually rack up
many kms ─typically in the thousands─ and I can’t imagine them doing this using a drivetrain that’s dodgey
and which may not last the distance. Seriously. ‘Nuff said.

th
David Young. September 14 , 2020.
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NEWS & Letters

This survey featured in a WATAG newsletter a while back, but it’s worthwhile having a look again at the
survey. It is very interesting to read the comments already made by others with the markers on the map.
https://engage.vic.gov.au/suburban-rail-loop-stage-one/box-hill
Club members regularly use Box Hill and the surrounding area – Gardiners Creek Trail, Kooning Creek trail.
They might like the opportunity to give their input too.
This link gives interesting additional info about background statistics for Box Hill
https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.vic-
engage.files/4115/9098/6813/SRL_Stage_One_Precinct_Fact_Sheet_Box_Hill.pdf
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Amy Gillet Foundation invites you to complete this survey before 1 Nov
2020
Do you live in or visit the Victorian High Country?
⚠️ We need your help to improve road safety in Bright and surrounding
areas! ⚠️
Have your say by completing a short survey about your experience sharing
the roads in this area before 1 November 2020.
It only takes 8 minutes and you'll be eligible to win one of three $100 Buy
by Bright gift vouchers.

Take Part ➡️ https://buff.ly/3mz54la
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