Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Last season proved something important. Belt-driven bikes are no longer sitting on the fringe of downhill racing. While the €100,000 Gates Belted Purse remains unclaimed, 2025 delivered enough promising results to shift the conversation in the pits.
Now, with the offseason wrapped, teams have been hard at work refining their setups and pushing development even further. The focus hasn’t changed. It’s still about finding speed without compromise. But heading into year three, there’s a growing sense that this isn’t just an alternative drivetrain anymore. It’s a legitimate contender.
Made in partnership with Gates
gatescarbondrive.com/products/100k-belted-purse
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Website - pinkbike.com
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Facebook - facebook.com/pinkbikecom
Last season proved something important. Belt-driven bikes are no longer sitting on the fringe of downhill racing. While the €100,000 Gates Belted Purse remains unclaimed, 2025 delivered enough promising results to shift the conversation in the pits.
Now, with the offseason wrapped, teams have been hard at work refining their setups and pushing development even further. The focus hasn’t changed. It’s still about finding speed without compromise. But heading into year three, there’s a growing sense that this isn’t just an alternative drivetrain anymore. It’s a legitimate contender.
Made in partnership with Gates
gatescarbondrive.com/products/100k-belted-purse
Like Pinkbike? Try Trailforks, the best mountain bike trail mapping app.
applink.trailforks.com/4EpG/fvn5pxf9
Subscribe for more content from the pulse of mountain biking.
Website - pinkbike.com
Podcast - pinkbike.link/pbpodcast
Instagram - instagram.com/pinkbike
Facebook - facebook.com/pinkbikecom
