Ultimate C380+ Belt Tension And Tire Wear

[Jim1348]

I bought a pair of Ultimate C380+ for my wife and I this past spring.

I only have about 1200 miles on mine, so far.

Typically, when should I think about replacing the OEM tires?

I Googled this and the answers seem to be all over the place.

We typically ride on pavement.

Also, should I consider the very same tire or should I look at a different tire for riding on pavement.


The other questions is about belt tension.

What I read on-line suggests returning it to the dealer.

Is it that difficult.

I know my belt is loose now, but how loose is too loose?

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[Cowlitz]

This explains the tires. I have 4000 miles on my tires. No blue showing through yet. I ride on paved and unpaved roads.

 

[woodeye]

It's not difficult to adjust your belt tension. According to Gates your tension should be between 35 and 50 lbs. The heavier you are the more tension needed. I am 200lb. and run my C380 at 48 to 49lb.
There are good videos on you tube on how to adjust your belt and Gates makes a free phone app. that uses the sound of the belt when plucked to compute tension. There is also a tool that is simple to use called a Krikit belt tension gauge.

 

[fooferdoggie]

I cant say how long the back lasted I trashed it when my back wheel locked because of a strap. I got to the blue in a long 30mph skid. but the front I got 8000 miles on. testing them on our tandem now.

 

[newts]

I am at about 6000 miles on my Gazelle and still looks OK for more. Same with the belt.

 

[dollarbin]

The Schwalbe tires are tough as hell. I'm about to replace my rear tire at between 4500 and 5000 miles but I'm a big rider who goes fast so I'm about as hard on a tire as it gets. I had a good look at my tire a few weeks ago when I had it up on the stand and it had some pretty impressive looking divots in it that the liner prevented from becoming flats. On my old bike before I switched to Schwalbe tires I would get flats on average every 800 miles so it's a real testament that I've never gotten a flat on the same route with the Marathon tires.