We’ve heard about the Gates Carbon Drive Systems and their new centralist position. And no, we’re not talking politics but something far more important, namely bicycle technology. This is specifically the CenterTrack System, which was invented by cycling innovator Wayne Lumpkin.
The new drive train technology has the promise of being the lightest, strongest and cleanest – not to mention best performing belt-drive system – yet created for a bicycle. So what does this mean? For one the CenterTrack should offer up 20 percent greater tensile strength while still offering a slimmer profile. The whole belt-drive thing is pretty innovative and CenterTrack could be a major leap forward, offering a clean, quite ride and now with a greater level of performance. The CenterTrack utilized front and rear pulleys that feature a narrow track that runs around the center of their circumference, rather than the raised flange that we traditionally see with belt-drive bikes.
“My goal is always to create products that make bicycling easier and more fun for the user,” says inventor Wayne Lumpkin. “I want cyclists to enjoy the ride without having to think about maintenance. CenterTrack achieves that goal.”
The new CDX-CT drive train will be available as a premium component offering from Carbon Drive Systems, joining the CDX and CDC product lines. The only downside is that you’ll have to wait to ride it, as it won’t be available at retail until late next year. When it arrives we believe it could be the “center” of attention in the bike world.