Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Gates Belt Drive - A Follow Up
A post in April was about some great customer service I received from the folks at Gates. One (brutal) race in Michaux and several rides later, I thought a follow-up on the new belt was in order.
Armed with my new belt, tension gauge & some good info from Steve @ Gates I installed the replacement belt a few days before the Michaux Maximus. I had a little "shake down" ride in the shed with the fellas and the new belt worked great. The popping sound was gone and I could crank up a hill without fear.
Then came the Maximus and the drive system worked flawlessly over the rocky trails in Michaux. Part of me (a very small part) wanted to test out the belt drive in "less-than-optimal" conditions like last year. However, that was not to be for 2010 and the trails were dry and fast.
This past weekend I did an incredible ride at Rattling Creek in Lyken's Pa. and once again the belt worked great. The system was subjected to very tight single track lined with rain soaked mountain laurel and blueberry. Everything got wet quickly and stayed that way the entire ride. A roller pinned chain would require a nice lube bath once home. Not the case with my Gates belt. It was getting cleaned and lubed the entire time.
Several recent rides have confirmed the new belt's reliability and over-all I'm pretty happy with the system. My only complaint has more to do with frame design and how it accommodates the belt drive. With two drive-side spacers on the bottom bracket, the front chain-ring rides dangerously close to the chain-stays. I added an extra half width spacer to the drive-side to give the ring some extra breathing room. This meant the BB cup has fewer threads in the shell and I've already stripped one Endura BB cup on this side. I have a beautiful Phil, with stainless steel cups, sitting at home and that will make its way onto the Spot soon enough. I just think that these sort of things should be taken into consideration during the frame design process. Again, no fault of the belt drive. It's just that frame builders need to do more than put a split into a stay when they build a belt-driven bicycle. If the bike were from any other builder, I'd chalk it up as a rookie mistake. However, as a pioneer and earlier adopter of the Gates belt drive, Spot really should have this stuff perfected by now.
Armed with my new belt, tension gauge & some good info from Steve @ Gates I installed the replacement belt a few days before the Michaux Maximus. I had a little "shake down" ride in the shed with the fellas and the new belt worked great. The popping sound was gone and I could crank up a hill without fear.
Then came the Maximus and the drive system worked flawlessly over the rocky trails in Michaux. Part of me (a very small part) wanted to test out the belt drive in "less-than-optimal" conditions like last year. However, that was not to be for 2010 and the trails were dry and fast.
This past weekend I did an incredible ride at Rattling Creek in Lyken's Pa. and once again the belt worked great. The system was subjected to very tight single track lined with rain soaked mountain laurel and blueberry. Everything got wet quickly and stayed that way the entire ride. A roller pinned chain would require a nice lube bath once home. Not the case with my Gates belt. It was getting cleaned and lubed the entire time.
Several recent rides have confirmed the new belt's reliability and over-all I'm pretty happy with the system. My only complaint has more to do with frame design and how it accommodates the belt drive. With two drive-side spacers on the bottom bracket, the front chain-ring rides dangerously close to the chain-stays. I added an extra half width spacer to the drive-side to give the ring some extra breathing room. This meant the BB cup has fewer threads in the shell and I've already stripped one Endura BB cup on this side. I have a beautiful Phil, with stainless steel cups, sitting at home and that will make its way onto the Spot soon enough. I just think that these sort of things should be taken into consideration during the frame design process. Again, no fault of the belt drive. It's just that frame builders need to do more than put a split into a stay when they build a belt-driven bicycle. If the bike were from any other builder, I'd chalk it up as a rookie mistake. However, as a pioneer and earlier adopter of the Gates belt drive, Spot really should have this stuff perfected by now.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Michaux Maximus
The Maximus was a very different race for me this year. First, it looked like the course was going to be dryer and faster than last year. Second, it was going to be much hotter with summer like temps in the 90's. Third, I decided to do the shorter, 20 mile race and miss out on the "good stuff" only found on the longer course.
One thing that didn't change this year was the number of flat tires. Last year, the trail was lined with people changing out tubes and this year was no different. In fact, I'd say it was even worse. It was for me. After gunning it at the start, I found myself with the lead pack and headed into the single-track in great position. We were zipping through the woods and I was feeling pretty good considering my lack of "training". Topped out and riding along a ridge, the trail started it's first real descent down some of that rocky goodness know as Michaux. Weaving through the rocks the smile quickly leaves my face as I hear the dreaded "whoosh" of air escaping from my rear tire. The rocks have claimed another victim and the wind has been knocked out of my sails. It's mile 3 and I have a long day ahead of me. The tube change went as well as can be expected. I will say the new dropouts are much nicer to deal with and make for easier tire repairs. I get rolling again, however, I saw most of the SS class pass me as I tended to my wheel. My work just got a little harder if I plan to salvage this race.
Knowing you have to play "catch-up" is a pretty crappy feeling under ideal conditions. In Michaux, it's down right nasty. I was now riding outside my comfort zone, had a LOT of people to pass on tight single track and have already used the one spare tube I have for the day. I had to ride aggressively AND smart at the same time. I was on the hunt and working my way through the field. One nice bonus was seeing so many friends out on the trail during the race. We'd chat for a second, find a good spot and I'd pass. This went on for a while, but unfortunately, only a few were racing in the SS class. Then, I saw Aaron who fell victim to the rocks and was quickly repairing his tube as well. I was starting to get concerned.
Around this time a guy comes up from behind pretty fast. It's obvious he suffered a fate similar to mine and was trying to make up some time. He passes and I see he is a SSer as well. I assume he was in front of me when we hit the single track and was the leader for a brief period, before we both flatted. He's pushing hard and doesn't sound very good. His breathing is labored with a little wheezing mixed in for good measure. I now have my carrot! He is riding fast, but a little reckless. I know if I can keep him in my sights my chances are good if it comes down to the wire. He bombs the descents like a wild man while I back it off a tad to save my tube. I know I'll see him again once things level off, if not sooner. Sure enough, around mile 14 I loose him briefly as we negotiate a fast, rock strewn descent. Then, near the bottom, he's off to the side with a second blown tube and no spare. Without a spare of my own, I can't help him and press on.
I picked off a few more geared riders, but, I don't see anymore monocogs. The miles are ticking down and I'm pretty sure I'm in 5th or 6th place. Aside from a couple stragglers, I haven't passed many guys in my class and it appears the podium will have to wait for another day. I make my way through a stream valley trail, wash off and lubricate the belt drive in a nice water crossing and slide around on the wet roots. Coming out of the valley, there is another rock infested ATV trail that has become slippery from a brief shower that passed over-head. A little more single-track and I get dumped out onto a fireroad and my last couple miles of this race.
Last year, we took this fireroad up to an ATV trail for added mileage and a big climb. This topped out at a rock garden called "Shake & Bake" and the final push into the finish. Oddly, they are keeping us on the road a bit longer this year. No worries, I'm feeling good, pushing hard and know I'll pick off a couple more people in the remaining few miles. I pass by one geared rider and a woman walking her dog. Way off, in the distance, I see a rider near the top of the climb. I dig a little deeper and find some extra kick in the legs. As soon as the road tops out I start to see canopies on the other side of the trees, then some course tape. Crap, can this be the finish....already!? The fireroad climb was a bit anti-climatic compared to the smack down of Shake & Bake last year, however, it's getting hot and the beer is cold. I make the left turn into the timing tent where I'm greeted by Camps, Tomi, Rich and a host of others. David is there as well and just pulled off a strong 2nd place. Apparently, I just got 3rd. Damn! That was a fine day of racing and even better when you can share the podium with a friend and teammate.
One thing that didn't change this year was the number of flat tires. Last year, the trail was lined with people changing out tubes and this year was no different. In fact, I'd say it was even worse. It was for me. After gunning it at the start, I found myself with the lead pack and headed into the single-track in great position. We were zipping through the woods and I was feeling pretty good considering my lack of "training". Topped out and riding along a ridge, the trail started it's first real descent down some of that rocky goodness know as Michaux. Weaving through the rocks the smile quickly leaves my face as I hear the dreaded "whoosh" of air escaping from my rear tire. The rocks have claimed another victim and the wind has been knocked out of my sails. It's mile 3 and I have a long day ahead of me. The tube change went as well as can be expected. I will say the new dropouts are much nicer to deal with and make for easier tire repairs. I get rolling again, however, I saw most of the SS class pass me as I tended to my wheel. My work just got a little harder if I plan to salvage this race.
Knowing you have to play "catch-up" is a pretty crappy feeling under ideal conditions. In Michaux, it's down right nasty. I was now riding outside my comfort zone, had a LOT of people to pass on tight single track and have already used the one spare tube I have for the day. I had to ride aggressively AND smart at the same time. I was on the hunt and working my way through the field. One nice bonus was seeing so many friends out on the trail during the race. We'd chat for a second, find a good spot and I'd pass. This went on for a while, but unfortunately, only a few were racing in the SS class. Then, I saw Aaron who fell victim to the rocks and was quickly repairing his tube as well. I was starting to get concerned.
Around this time a guy comes up from behind pretty fast. It's obvious he suffered a fate similar to mine and was trying to make up some time. He passes and I see he is a SSer as well. I assume he was in front of me when we hit the single track and was the leader for a brief period, before we both flatted. He's pushing hard and doesn't sound very good. His breathing is labored with a little wheezing mixed in for good measure. I now have my carrot! He is riding fast, but a little reckless. I know if I can keep him in my sights my chances are good if it comes down to the wire. He bombs the descents like a wild man while I back it off a tad to save my tube. I know I'll see him again once things level off, if not sooner. Sure enough, around mile 14 I loose him briefly as we negotiate a fast, rock strewn descent. Then, near the bottom, he's off to the side with a second blown tube and no spare. Without a spare of my own, I can't help him and press on.
I picked off a few more geared riders, but, I don't see anymore monocogs. The miles are ticking down and I'm pretty sure I'm in 5th or 6th place. Aside from a couple stragglers, I haven't passed many guys in my class and it appears the podium will have to wait for another day. I make my way through a stream valley trail, wash off and lubricate the belt drive in a nice water crossing and slide around on the wet roots. Coming out of the valley, there is another rock infested ATV trail that has become slippery from a brief shower that passed over-head. A little more single-track and I get dumped out onto a fireroad and my last couple miles of this race.
Last year, we took this fireroad up to an ATV trail for added mileage and a big climb. This topped out at a rock garden called "Shake & Bake" and the final push into the finish. Oddly, they are keeping us on the road a bit longer this year. No worries, I'm feeling good, pushing hard and know I'll pick off a couple more people in the remaining few miles. I pass by one geared rider and a woman walking her dog. Way off, in the distance, I see a rider near the top of the climb. I dig a little deeper and find some extra kick in the legs. As soon as the road tops out I start to see canopies on the other side of the trees, then some course tape. Crap, can this be the finish....already!? The fireroad climb was a bit anti-climatic compared to the smack down of Shake & Bake last year, however, it's getting hot and the beer is cold. I make the left turn into the timing tent where I'm greeted by Camps, Tomi, Rich and a host of others. David is there as well and just pulled off a strong 2nd place. Apparently, I just got 3rd. Damn! That was a fine day of racing and even better when you can share the podium with a friend and teammate.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Steak Night @ Viper
Steak Night @ Viper
Originally uploaded by wrench177
The original post-ride chips and jerky got serious last night. Stir-fried veggies, sauteed veggies, pan seared lump crab meat and some fat ass NY strips. Add a fine selection of beers and you have "Steak Night" in the Shed. It's going to be a little hard to top this one.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Customer Service- Alive and well at Carbon Drive Systems
I had to follow up on my last post. A rep from Gates Carbon Drive Systems read my review and suggested I call them. Well, I just got off the phone with Steve and my faith in humanity has been restored. My call was taken immediately, I was never put on hold and was treated to exceptional customer service.
Steve asked a couple questions about my drive, cog/chainring sizes and belt length. He informed me that once the belt starts making those sounds, the carbon fibers have been compromised and the noise will only get worse, which is exactly what has happened. I was also informed that the smaller cog combo likes higher tension due to reduced contact area. Initial setup is very important and running the belt at a higher tension is much better than less tension. Good things to know. Armed with this new information, and my cricket gauge, I look forward to installing the new belt.
As I mentioned in the previous post, I really love the Carbon drive and hope to get it sorted out. Hopefully it'll be here in time for the Maximus this Sunday. Talk about "trial-by fire".
Steve, thanks again for the exceptional service. It's great when a company stands behind their product and takes care of their customers.
Steve asked a couple questions about my drive, cog/chainring sizes and belt length. He informed me that once the belt starts making those sounds, the carbon fibers have been compromised and the noise will only get worse, which is exactly what has happened. I was also informed that the smaller cog combo likes higher tension due to reduced contact area. Initial setup is very important and running the belt at a higher tension is much better than less tension. Good things to know. Armed with this new information, and my cricket gauge, I look forward to installing the new belt.
As I mentioned in the previous post, I really love the Carbon drive and hope to get it sorted out. Hopefully it'll be here in time for the Maximus this Sunday. Talk about "trial-by fire".
Steve, thanks again for the exceptional service. It's great when a company stands behind their product and takes care of their customers.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Gates Carbon Drive- A Review
The boys in Golden treated me great when it came time for a replacement frame. The new Spot is great and I'm loving the Paragon sliders. My only gripe, the Gates Carbon Belt Drive. I can't get the damn thing to work right. The alignment looks dead on, the tension is high, but, when I really torque down on the cranks, it makes a popping or "snapping" sound. The belt doesn't slip, I'm not throwing my knees into the stem or anything like that, but this sound is VERY nerve racking. It always occurs when you really need your drive-train to work and work flawlessly, on a steep pitch on some insanely technical climb. It is at this moment I need to focus on the task at hand, not worry about the snap, crackle, pop coming from my rear wheel.
Even at cost, converting to a belt drive is not cheap. It's a major investment that one "should" be able to rely on. Now, in all fairness, the system is phenomenal 99.8% of the time. It's light, quite, requires almost no maintenance and provides instantaneous power to the rear wheel. Several reviews mention this perceived power to the wheel and I was skeptical. I found myself going back to a chain drive recently and noticed a lack of responsiveness when the chain was installed. I ran the chain for a local 12 hour race and went back to the belt drive a few days later. There is a noticeable difference between the two drives when it comes to crisp transfer of power. The belt drive puts power to the wheel instantly and effectively. Combined this with the reduced weight, lack of required maintenance and long life span and this should be the perfect system. Should be.
I've aligned, re-aligned and re-re-aligned the belt ad nauseam. I've added tension to the point I heard the BB bearings cry "uncle". Then, I'd re-align the cog once more. Out on the trail things appear to be great until that first big, steep pitch that requires an all out effort, then "SNAP!". That sound that sends chills up my spine. WTF! This is getting old. Well, I'm pretty heavily invested in this drive, and really want to give it a fair shake, exhaust all avenues if you will, so, I drop another $40 bucks on the little "belt tension indicator" Gates sells (along with a smaller cog (for more money than I'm comfortable discussing right now)). I re-install the belt and align, re-align and re-re-re align the cog a few thousand more times and then throw the tension gauge on there to see how far off I was with my own guesstimate gauge. Well, I had a little too much tension in the belt (according to the Gates do-hicky) and back it off a smidge. Considering the belt has already made the snapping sound at a higher tension, I'm not overly optimistic things will improve with reduced tension. Still, I follow the directions and figure these big brained people know what they are doing.
Today's ride proved one thing, those guys, in their white lab coats and fancy computer models don't know shit about real world mountain biking on a single speed.
Even at cost, converting to a belt drive is not cheap. It's a major investment that one "should" be able to rely on. Now, in all fairness, the system is phenomenal 99.8% of the time. It's light, quite, requires almost no maintenance and provides instantaneous power to the rear wheel. Several reviews mention this perceived power to the wheel and I was skeptical. I found myself going back to a chain drive recently and noticed a lack of responsiveness when the chain was installed. I ran the chain for a local 12 hour race and went back to the belt drive a few days later. There is a noticeable difference between the two drives when it comes to crisp transfer of power. The belt drive puts power to the wheel instantly and effectively. Combined this with the reduced weight, lack of required maintenance and long life span and this should be the perfect system. Should be.
I've aligned, re-aligned and re-re-aligned the belt ad nauseam. I've added tension to the point I heard the BB bearings cry "uncle". Then, I'd re-align the cog once more. Out on the trail things appear to be great until that first big, steep pitch that requires an all out effort, then "SNAP!". That sound that sends chills up my spine. WTF! This is getting old. Well, I'm pretty heavily invested in this drive, and really want to give it a fair shake, exhaust all avenues if you will, so, I drop another $40 bucks on the little "belt tension indicator" Gates sells (along with a smaller cog (for more money than I'm comfortable discussing right now)). I re-install the belt and align, re-align and re-re-re align the cog a few thousand more times and then throw the tension gauge on there to see how far off I was with my own guesstimate gauge. Well, I had a little too much tension in the belt (according to the Gates do-hicky) and back it off a smidge. Considering the belt has already made the snapping sound at a higher tension, I'm not overly optimistic things will improve with reduced tension. Still, I follow the directions and figure these big brained people know what they are doing.
Edit: Gates Carbon Drive System is sending me a new belt as a warranty replacement. Initial setup/tension may have been incorrect (my fault) and the good folks at Gates are not holding it against me. They stand behind their product and were very helpful when I called....which they suggested I do after reading my review. This level of customer service is impressive!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Time to kick the tires and light the fires.
While not "technically" the first race of the 2010 season (Snotcycle was numero uno), the Leesburg Bakers Dozen kicks off the racing season this weekend after a long, snowy winter. I missed the registration (sold out in 58 minutes) while tubing with the kids. Several other avenues never bore any fruit and I resigned myself to a supporting role this time around. Then, about a week ago, Walsh asks if I ever found a spot and if not, would I like to join his three person co-ed team. The epic winter conditions conspired to keep me off the bike and on my skis most of the winter. So, naturally, I was very excited to be part of a team for this race. I jumped aboard with both feet and can't wait until Saturday. This race is usually more like a race within a festival. Setup and camp the whole weekend if you like, kids races, the main event, bonfires and bluegrass are all on tap for this weekend. The boy said he wants to race and he'll have plenty of competition from the Kegley boys (among others). Me, I'm just happy I get to ride my bike and hang out with my friends.
Oh, and the Blue-Eyed Devil is writing again, with a vengeance! Just doesn't get much better than this.
Oh, and the Blue-Eyed Devil is writing again, with a vengeance! Just doesn't get much better than this.
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