Introduction

Owning a bike with a belt drive comes with certain positive attributes over its chain counterpart, but there are some nuances to learn to properly maintain it compared to a chain-driven bike. Following the information below will help riders get as many trouble-free miles out of their ebike's belt as possible. This article covers the general knowledge that applies to all of our belt-driven ebikes. Specific links to each bike model will be noted below when necessary. Riders should follow all links relevant to their bike's model information. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Introduction
• Lubing the Belt
• Belt Adjustment
• Using the Gates App
• Using the Gates Krikit Meter
• FAQ

Lubing the Belt

Tools required:

• Silicone Spray (CRC Heavy Duty Silicone Lubricant is recommended by Gates)
• A bike stand helps but is not necessary
• Clean rag to protect brakes

Initially, we recommend lubing the belt every 20-30 miles or so until the belt stops readily soaking it in. After doing these initial lubrication cycles the duration of how often the belt needs lube will vary depending on riding conditions and environment. Belts that need lubrication will often make a creaking or chipping sound. From experience, we have found that cleaning and lubricating the belt will solve almost all noise issues customers reach out to the support department with. The steps to lube your belt are as follows:

1. Clean the belt with fresh water if dirty. The belt may be on the bike for this step as all our bikes are water-resistant to nonpressurized hose washing.  
2. Dry the belt with a rag or allow it to air dry. Do not try to lube a wet belt, it will just make a mess
3. Cover the disk brakes (if equipped) with clean rags to prevent them from being contaminated with the Silicone spray 
4. If your bike is equipped with rim brakes make sure you do not get any overspray on the braking surface of the rim
5. Using the included hose for a precise aim, spray CRC Heavy Duty Silicone lubricant onto the toothed portion of the belt only. (see picture below)
   
   

• Turn the pedals backward while spraying for two full revolutions to fully coat the inside of the belt
  
• Avoid spraying the braking components. This includes the rim if not equipped with disk brakes
• Wipe off any overspray
• Repeat the process when noises occur and at least twice each riding season
  
  

Belt Adjustment

With a belt drive system, establishing proper tension is critical to the performance of the bicycle. A properly tensioned belt will not skip under load and will last much longer than one that isn't properly adjusted.  If the belt is too light or too loose, the rider will hear noises and may prematurely deteriorate the belt or drivetrain. An improperly tensioned belt can also break under load causing an accident. The belt will also have to be re-tensioned after the rear wheel is removed or after some time when the drive system components have worn.

Tools required

• 15mm or 18mm wrench depending on model
• 3,4 or 5 allen wrenches depending on the model
• A bike stand helps but is not necessary
  
  

And one of the following:

• A phone with the Gates belt drive app
• Gates Carbon Drive Belt Krikit Tension Meter

Each model of Ride1Up ebike has its method of adjusting the belt. In this section, we will cover the basics of how to check the belt tension using two different methods. There are individual links for each model for more specific details. The process of adjusting the belt tension is done by using the two tensioners located at the rear axle. These tensioners push or pull on the axle to adjust your belt tension. Care should be taken so adjustments are made evenly to each side and the wheel stays centered in the frame.  

Roadster V2 Lollypop dropout Adjustment

Gravel Edition Two bolt dropout Adjustment

Gravel Edition Single bolt dropout Adjustment

The following two sections go over how to set the tension after becoming familiar with the links above. When done properly both will achieve great results. One method is the Gates Carbon Drive Belt Krikit Tension Meter and the second is an app you can download to a smartphone. 

Before adjusting the belt tension make sure the belt is clean, properly lubed and the wheel is centered in the frame.

Using the Gates App

Checking belt tension using the app from Gates is simple to do. The app is preferred by most riders as it's free and it is helpful to have on a phone in case one has to fix a flat along side the road and needs to re-tension the belt. The app reads the vibration or sound waves the belt gives off when plucked. It's the same idea as tuning a guitar.  

1. Download the app from the link https://www.gatescarbondrive.com/products/tools 
2. Make sure your phone case does not cover the microphone, if so please remove the case
3. Find a noise-free environment
4. Place the bike on a stand or in a secure position
5. Open the app and follow the instructions to get started
6. Point the microphone at the belt and pluck the center of the belt as shown below
   
   

•  Turn the cranks 1/4 turn and pluck the belt again, repeating a total of 4 times so you get a reading at each of the crank positions shown below

• Adjust the belt tension until the average of all 4 readings is in the middle of the safe range as shown below for your model of ebike
• Note: Ride1UP has tested our belts with these tools to determine our own recommended values. These may differ from the values recommended for another brand belt.

• You should repeat this process a few times to make sure the belt is tensioned properly to the specs shown above.
• Make sure all axle bolts and adjusters are tight before you go ride.
• You can delete any reading by tapping on it and then hitting Delete as shown below
  
  

Using the Gates Krikit Meter

The Gates Carbon Drive Krikit (Manufacturer Part Number: 74010073) is the most accurate way to check your ebike's belt tension.

1. Insert your finger into the Krikit tool
2. Place the tool on the center of the belt as shown below
3. Make sure the lip is against the side of the belt
4. Using only the finger placed in the tool press down until you hear a click
5. Note the reading where the blue arm intersects the scale

• Turn the cranks 1/4 turn and pluck the belt again, repeating a total of 4 times so you get a reading at each of the crank positions shown below

• The average of all 4 readings should fall in the safe range shown below for your model of ebike
• Note: Ride1UP has tested our belt with these tools to determine our own recommended values. These may differ from the values recommended for another brand belt.

FAQ

• Belt skips under heavy load or when starting to pedal from a stop: You will likely hear a loud noise in high torque situations. If this is a rare occurrence, it may not need to be adjusted. 
• Hear a clicking or buzzing sound as you pedal: If the belt is too tight it will cause damage to the free hub body and/or bearings of the rear cog. You will also likely feel unnecessary resistance while attempting to pedal. It adds excess wear to the system along with making a clicking sound as the teeth travel over the gears 
• Belt makes a chirping or creaking noise: lube the belt
• Belt runs off to one side as shown below: ensure the rear wheel is properly centered in the frame and dropouts
  
  

• How do I see what my belt size is? Your belt size will be marked on the outside of the belt as shown below 

Thank you for reading. If you have any further questions about your ebike please reach out to our Contact Us page we are glad to help!