update at the bottom
I ride a belt drive bike fitted with a Gates CDN front sprocket (on the crank), a CDN belt and a CDX rear sprocket. Around the 2200km/1400mi mark, the CDN belt failed and teeth started snapping off (see pictures below). Since I bought the bike used, I don't know the actual mileage of the previous belt - but it happened after I did 2200km. I then bought a new CDN belt and installed it, and it's just failed now in the same way after another ~1000km/600mi.
This is way below the lifetime I've seen mentioned online, and it's below the lifetime of a chain even. I know that you're supposed to be careful when handling these belts, and avoid twisting or crimping them, I've never done that. I used the Gates app to tension the belt, the recommendation for my type of bike was 35-50 hz - I set it to around 45.
I bought this bike for bad weather commuting, I mostly ride it in rain, but on paved roads. With the second belt, I also did around 300km/200mi around sandy areas and through some mud - but no extreme offroading. I ride fast and accelerate off lights quickly, but I'm no pro.
What could be the reason for these issues? Could it maybe be that the plastic teeth on the front sprocket are worn and damaging the belt teeth? (see picture below). It doesn't seem so though, they fit the belt well. The CDX sprocket seems very durable and the teeth have not been worn at all since I've installed it ~3500km/2200mi ago.
If the CDN belt simply cannot deal with how I use the bike, that's fine, I'll buy a CDX belt - but it would be good to know that it's not an issue with something else in the drivetrain that's ruining belts.
Images for details:
damage to the beltImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
front sprocketImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
rear sprocketImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
rear tooth wear detailImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
update: I've bought and installed a CDX belt, with the same tension as before (45 Hz). I've been riding it in the same conditions since purchase and so far, I've done 2000km/1200mi with no issues. I'll keep reporting on it here as I rack up the kilometers.
update2: 5000 km later, still on the same CDX belt - no issues so far.
From Gates' marketing the CDN looks to be for commuters and the CDX for hardcore mountain bikers in subzero temperatures, but my conclusion is that in reality CDN is really only good for very undemanding use cases like maybe a bike used once a week for a short trip, otherwise CDX is the way to go.
