Ok just got mine today, and boy that 10 lbs seems hard to push on? Without even checking i'm guessing my belt is loose.

 

Leave it loose. Thats my advice, but I could be wrong.

 

Adjust per manual using tool

 

I plan on it, but it sure seems like it will be tight with the pressure it takes to push the tool up.

 

Slightly tighter is better than slightly loose, (way better.)

 

They do run tight!

 

loose will tear it up faster than tight , according to other threads on here anyway

 

Loose will give you pac-man syndrome and cost you a belt. The belt is cheap compared to labor to replace it. That is if you don't do it yourself. Requires removal of the rear swing arm and primary outer and inner cases.

 

I find that the tool is awkward to use but I do use it. I use a tape measure on the ground and set the tool oring at 10 and the bottom edge of the belt at about 2", push up to the 10 mark and look at the measurement. Thats not that hard but I find when you tighten the wheel it always moves to the looser.

 

The Gates belt will actually get shorter (tighten up) as it warms up.

So, you tighten up your cold belt and go out for an afternoon ride and come back in only to discover that the belt is now tighter than Dick's hatband. You get disgusted and say you will deal with it in the morning. You get up the next morning, all bright eyed and bushytailed only to discover the fricken belt has now shrunk back to where it is supposed to be.

That can screw your head up if you don't already know that little bit of science.