cruiser revolution

Paul Tolme of the Belted Blog caught up with USA BMX’s Cruiser Champ recently to talk to him about his “off the chain” win on his Gates Carbon Drive-equipped Yess cruiser.

Here’s a look at his winning main:

As the announcer says, Drew Motley had to win his main to take the title.

And he got it done…on a bike without a chain.

Switching teams, switching drivetrains

Joining the Yess team this season offered Motley the opportunity to ride bikes kitted out with the Gates Carbon Drive system.

And if his Grands performance is any indication, they’ve made a difference.

As Motley tells Tolme in the Belted Blog:

“I really, really liked it immediately…It’s faster. I can feel it. Pedal efficiency is a huge deal in BMX, and the belt just felt more efficient and easier to pedal and faster.”

And Motley is not the only cruiser rider to find success with a belt drive Yess Cruiser.

Jean-Marc Durviaux won the Belgian National Title in the Cruiser 40+ category on one earlier this year.

According to Durviaux (in the Belted Blog) the main advantage is out of the gate:

“I most sense the Carbon Drive as an advantage at the acceleration stage at the start…The first three pedal strokes provide a more instant response.”

With titles starting to stack up…are more riders going to start looking to a belt drive for an added edge on the competition?

I think more than a few might be tempted.

Now if Gates can get some more companies to buy into this this type of drivetrain…well, then I think things will get very interesting.

(Pic: USABMX)