OREANDA-NEWS. Timing belts instead of chains: More and more bicycle manufacturers are equipping their models with a maintenance-free, easy-to-handle timing belt instead of a chain. What was previously the preserve of premium bikes only will soon be available for entry-level models, too. At Eurobike 2015, (Hall A6, booth 301), Continental will launch a new eco version to complement its belt-drive system Conti Drive System (CDS) premium; the eco version uses plastic and a patented material combination of plastic and stainless steel for the belt sprockets. The premium version features belt sprockets made of aluminum and stainless steel. At Eurobike, some 30 manufacturers will be exhibiting bicycles equipped with the Conti Drive System.

New CDS eco version with plastic belt sprockets

For the belt sprockets of the CDS eco version, Continental is using a newly developed, synthetic material combination of high-quality plastic. This makes the belt sprockets even lighter, while offering practically the same degree of durability. The new CDS eco plastic belt sprockets are also manufactured more economically.

Whereas the front belt sprocket is made entirely of high-quality plastic, the smaller rear belt sprocket uses a special patented material combination of plastic and stainless steel. This is designed to counteract the higher level of abrasion on the small rear belt sprocket.

"CDS eco is therefore positioning itself alongside the CDS premium as a cheaper entry-level variant so that it can offer bike concepts featuring a belt instead of a chain in the budget segment, too," says Regina Arning, who is in charge of drive systems for bicycles, e-bikes, and pedelecs at Continental’s division ContiTech.