PowerTwist V-Belt

[LewTwo]

Gates Carbon Drive belt system has seen some interest for mid drive e-bikes: http://www.gatescarbondrive.com/Products/OVERVIEW
However the Gates system requires special pulleys and a "break apart" frame.

I am wondering if anyone has ever tried Fenner Drives PowerTwist v-belts as an alternative. It would still require some kind of special pulley to replace the sprockets but there is the advantage that these can be installed without having a break apart frame.
http://www.fennerdrives.com/powertwist-plus/_/PowerTwist-Plus-3L/?s=ZnwxNzgyOml8NjQ=

Video: http://www.fennerdrives.com/_resources/_global/media/video/55a57e4f-2c9b-4075-a22c-3d3a931b7ce0.mp4

I used one of these on a small home lathe in the past and was very happy with it.

 

[amberwolf]

Looks like it was used at least in the last thread in this list:

https://endless-sphere.com/forums/search.php?keywords=powertwist&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

 

[RageNR]

I do not know how long it would last on a bike, but these are common in commercial A/C.
Their intended use is for a backup in case you do not have the right size belt on your truck/van.
I have used them, seen them used long term in units, and have replaced quite a few. They were not designed for extended use, and wear out quicker than a standard belt.

The reason they are not used more is because of the cost. Can be anywhere from 3x to 10x the cost of the correct size belt.
That said, they are extremely handy for those situations when all the supply houses are closed, and you don't have the right size belt on hand.
Saved my butt quite a few times I must admit.

Extremely handy, and variable in length. 2 major benefits. Just don't expect it to bite the pully or last as long as a proper sized belt that is 3x the mass.

 

[keithmac]

Gates Carbon Drive uses toothed pulleys and belt (I have it on my Gtech and it's a great system!).

Vbelt would require a substantial amount of tension to transfer the power I would have thought?, all the v belts I've fitted (from 50cc scooters/ car belts etc) are all one piece and I wouldn't fancy fitting a split belt in there place to be honest..

 

[RageNR]

I did not even pay attention to the fact that it was a toothed pully.
Probably not a good idea to use one of these on there. Will it work? Yes. Will it work for long? Maybe.

That PowerTwist belt was made to replace A and B v-style belts, which make contact on the sides. Wont last nearly as long riding on the flat surfaces.

However, it would make sense to keep one with you as a backup in case your main belt snaps. Easy to adjust and install.
Go over to one of the local A/C suppliers and have a look at one in person. Pretty much all of them carry this belt in stock.

 

[Hillhater]

I doubt any non toothed belt would work as a replacement on flat toothed sprockets.
..but as a regular "V" belt replacement on V pulleys, those like belts would probably outlast the rest of the bike...very low load, low speed situation compared to their normal industrial/ agricultural applications.
Note:-.. You can also get "weldable" polymer V belts that you cut to size and join the ends with a plastic welding tool.
..Stronger than you might think !

 

[LewTwo]

Definitely not suitable for toothed pulleys. Yes they require a lot of tension ... but so does the Gates system.
Big problem is finding some 3/8 'V' pulleys that can be adapted ... and I do not mean attaching to the spokes but in place of sprockets.