Biking firm Gates believes that belt-drive bikes are the way forward for downhill racing, and the rider who proves it should obtain a hefty reward.
The primary bike owner who wins a World Cup downhill race utilizing a motorcycle with a Gates belt drive will obtain €100,000 (about $106,000) from the corporate. That’s fairly a bit greater than the few thousand {dollars} downhill racers normally obtain from Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for a first-place win.
This Gates Belted Purse Prize may even roll over if not claimed this season. In different phrases, the corporate’s reward will stay accessible till a successful bike owner comes to assert it. However they’ll must win utilizing a belt drive, which can supply benefits over conventional, chain-based transmission by improved dealing with and management and lowered danger of malfunction.
“The time has come to make historical past,” Chris Sugai, Normal Supervisor of Gates World Mobility, stated in a information launch.
What’s a Belt Drive?
The essential rationalization of a belt drive is easy: It replaces the standard bike chain with a toothed belt, usually used with an built-in gearbox.
Carbon belt drives have existed for over 10 years however have grow to be extra well-liked not too long ago amongst commuter bikes and e-bikes. The absence of greased steel parts means much less upkeep and extra sturdiness. Belt drives additionally weigh a lot much less and gained’t add black stains to your pants.
It’s unlikely that belt drives will grow to be commonplace in street racing, as they require extra power to propel the bike ahead than a series drive. However in downhill racing, Gates’ bike engineers suppose {that a} belt drive win on the world stage is “inevitable,” as one stated within the above video.
Carbon belt drives give downhill riders “higher management, improved steadiness, and higher dealing with,” Gates claimed in a information launch. “Navigating tight corners and technical sections are enhancements enabled by this radically totally different drivetrain configuration.”
To win Gates’ prize cash, cyclists should win within the “elite” division of a World Cup downhill race with “a bicycle utilizing a Gates CDX belt as the only real transmission of energy by the bicycle’s drivetrain.” Groups and athletes can apply for the problem beginning April 22 however should submit a minimum of 72 hours earlier than the beginning of a contest.
Go to the Gates web site to see the full checklist of guidelines.