Originally Posted by
twocicle
Never had a CDX belt fail.
On trips we have always pack a spare belt along with at least one spare tire, a few tubes, etc... common sense. For packing, I re-coil the belt in the same way that it is delivered new in 3 loops. The correct action for doing that is gentle enough and does not necessitate twisting the belt to any excessive degree.
However, just this last weekend a small twig flipped up into the belt and into the rear timing sprocket, derailing the belt half way on the rear sprocket. We stopped pedaling as soon as we realized what had happened and coasted to a stop. Seems like no harm, but we'll see as we continue to ride with it.
I had the exact thing happen a couple of years ago and called Gates to get their input. The tech that I talked to recommended that I change the belt, the failure mode is catastrophe and usually does not give any warning. Some of the internal fibers could have been damaged.
I immediately put on the spare belt an ordered another spare. I did not want a catastrophic failure!