Released On May 6, 2008
Contact: Mary Ann Amari
303.744.4101
mamari@gates.com
Gates Corporation Cruises into Bicycle Market with Carbon Drive™
DENVER, CO – Gates Corporation has developed Carbon Drive™ System, original synchronous belt and sprocket technology, for its move into the fast-paced bicycle industry. The unprecedented solution delivers breakthrough performance in powering mountain and commuter bikes.
Known as a world leading manufacturer of automotive and industrial products and as the largest non-tire rubber manufacturer in North America, Gates has adapted its proven application expertise and product for the recreational market in its drive to innovate.
Gates has previously devised custom solutions for cutting edge, recreational vehicle giants, including major motorcycle and snowmobile manufacturers, and its Poly Chain® synchronous belts and sprockets have driven power transmission systems for 25 years. The belt, which can replace roller chain in varied applications, received an upgrade in 2007, with new carbon cord construction offering OEMs high horsepower carrying capacity and compactness in belt drive systems. The Gates Poly Chain® GT® Carbon™ Belt, as it’s officially called, was named the most innovative power transmission product of 2007 by Plant Engineering magazine.
Conceptualizing the Poly Chain belt for a new recreational use, and not just its industrial advantages, was a challenge Gates engineers eagerly pursued. The clean aesthetics and durability of the belt inspired Carbon Drive technology as an apt replacement for bike chain, which requires lubrication and has a tendency to rust and lose performance. The Carbon Drive™ belt, custom constructed in an 11mm pitch, is paired with a lightweight sprocket featuring an opening under each tooth that systematically sloughs off debris. Bikes outfitted with the Carbon Drive System are impervious to weather, powering through conditions wet and dry.
The bikes also offer these performance features:
· Lightweight – A Carbon Drive belt weighs 80g, compared to a standard bike chain at 330g.
· Quite, smooth running action
· Maintenance free
· Cleanliness, as no chain means no lubrication or grease
· Instant engagement for optimal efficiency
· Durability – Lab tests indicate a Carbon Drive belt will last 2-3
times longer than a bike chain.
CD Enterprises of North America and Universal Transmissions of Europe will represent Gates Corporation and its patented Carbon Drive System in the bicycle industry. In this relationship, the partnering companies will act as system integrators to support the introduction and use of synchronous belts and sprockets by helping develop, test, promote, market and distribute the system. Visit www.carbondrivesystems.com for contact information.
“For the Carbon Drive initiative, we feel fortunate to have found such valuable partners to prove the drive in extreme conditions and in top race events,” said Todd Sellden, North American Technical Director for the Industrial Power Transmission Division of Gates Corporation.
Initial efforts and successes in introducing Carbon Drive to early-adopting cyclists have included exposure at Eurobike and Interbike, Europe’s and North America’s largest bicycle trade events; a top five finish by a rider on a Carbon Drive powered bike in the World 24 Hour Single Speed Championships in Monterey, CA; an 8th place finish in the Colorado State Single Speed Championships in Eldora, CO; a 4th place overall win in the 24 Hours of Afton (solo) race in Afton, MN; and the nationwide Sound of Revolution Demo Tour, sponsored by Gates, Spot Brand Bikes of Golden, CO and other bicycle industry manufacturers.
The Carbon Drive’s purpose will evolve as it makes its way from an elite circle of mountain biking mavens into the mainstream.
About Gates Corporation
Gates Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of automotive and industrial products, systems and components and is the largest non-tire rubber manufacturer in North America. Founded in 1911 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, it has 25 U.S. manufacturing and distribution centers employing nearly 5,000 employees in 18 states across the country. Gates is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tomkins plc of London, England. Tomkins has an annual turnover in excess of $5 billion and is publicly traded on the London and New York stock exchanges. Tomkins has market and technical leadership across two businesses: Industrial & Automotive and Building Products.
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