Gates Spring Tension Tester
The Gates Spring Tension Tester is a 550 mm gauge for measuring the tension of any Gates Carbon Drive belt in every position – a quick go/no-go check for bike shops and assemblers. Green means the tension is in range; yellow and red mean it is not.
Why choose this tool?
Quick go/no-go check. Read the tension at a glance: green is within range, yellow and red are out of range.
Any Gates belt. Made for measuring the tension of any Gates Carbon Drive belt, in every position.
Straight-edge too. Doubles as a true straight-edge for checking sprocket alignment.
Made for shops. Gates designs it for bike shops and assemblers who check many bikes.
How does it work?
You read the tension at the gauge: green is within range, yellow and red are out of range. Correct tension matters: a belt that is too loose can skip teeth, one that is too tight loads the hub bearings.
Which tension tool is right for you?
The Spring Tension Tester is a simple go/no-go gauge for shops and assemblers. If you want a number rather than a colour, Gates also offers sonic tension meters, and the free Gates Carbon Drive app measures the tension by sound on a phone.
Technical data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Spring gauge for belt tension |
| Length | 550 mm |
| Works with | Any Gates Carbon Drive belt |
| Made for | Bike shops and assemblers |
| Also | Straight-edge for checking alignment |
Which Gates tool for which job?
| Gates tool | Job |
|---|---|
| Spring Tension Tester (this tool) | Checks belt tension |
| Sonic Tension Meter 350C | Checks belt tension |
| Sonic Tension Meter 550C | Checks belt tension |
| Belt Tension Meter PCE-BTM 2000 | Checks belt tension |
| Rear Belt Liner | Checks alignment |
| Laser Belt Liner V3 | Checks alignment |
| Frame Alignment Kit | Checks the frame |
| SureFit Tool | Fits sprockets |
| Strap Wrench | Removes sprockets |
| Locknut Tool for S550 | Fits sprockets |
| RDM Snubber | Protects the belt |
| Snubber Screw | Protects the belt |
| Snubber Spacer Kit | Protects the belt |
| Belt Care Silicone Spray | Cares for the belt |
| Tensioner Idler Wheel | Replaces a part |
Frequently asked questions
How tight should the belt be?
Correct tension matters. Too loose and the belt can skip teeth; too tight and it loads the hub bearings. Besides the tools here, the free Gates Carbon Drive app measures tension by sound, and a Gates Krikit gauge (the “CDS Krikit” with the blue plastic) is a physical gauge for riders and shops.
Can it check alignment too?
Yes. Besides measuring tension, the tester works as a true straight-edge for checking the alignment of the sprockets.
Do I need special tools for a belt drive?
A belt drive needs far less than a chain, but the right tension and alignment matter. Gates offers tools for checking tension, checking alignment, fitting sprockets and protecting the belt – see the table above, and ask us which ones suit your bike.
Why does sprocket alignment matter?
Front and rear sprockets must stay aligned within ±1.0 mm. Misalignment can cause tooth jump, faster wear, noise, belt derailment or belt failure.
About Gates Carbon Drive
Gates Corporation has been a global leader in power transmission and belt drive technology since 1911. In 2007 it launched the first belt drive system for bicycles, and today more than 1,000 bike brands worldwide use Gates Carbon Drive, from city and trekking bikes to e-bikes, cargo and mountain bikes.
On the bike
