I was surprised to see that Gates recommends that.  I do not recall where, but somewhere several years ago I saw that it was clearly stated that if you did that, it would damage the belt.  I might have seen that on the Thorn website somewhere.

If they said that, they would have to change the policy to get any business from all those long-haul cyclists who are traveling in countries where getting a replacement belt is not straightforward.

Quote

Tristan Ridley who is a long distance back packer has moved back to chain from belt.  He has a YT video explaining why….

Available here...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx5nN3kyx5k

Best, Dan.

That was interesting, not just from a technical POV, it was worth watching for the scenery. While I accept the fragility of a carried belt, that has always been known and it shouldn't be an insurmountable issue. His not getting a better mileage from a belt than a chain is enough to put me off.  Though I'm not saying never...

https://carradice.co.uk/products/duxback-poncho

I think SJS stock this brand.

Interesting to see that Tristan Ridley who is a long distance bikepacker has moved back to chain from belt.  He has a YT video explaining why….but his bike usage is pretty extreme!

Thanks for the further suggestions. The ping/crack sounds only occurs in 8-14 once after switching gears and applying pedal force. Repeated attempts while climbing in 1-7 do not make the sound.  The sound does not repeat with any circular motion of the chain/pedal/BB timing. I agree that those items are difficult to eliminate as a cause in drive trains.

I loosened cable tension significantly, but the same sound still occurs. I have not yet whacked the hub axle, but the wheel does spin as free as it always did.

We are away from home for another 3 weeks. When at home I will try to study more carefully while bike is hanging. I'd like to lock the rear wheel, shift, and then put force into the pedals. However, the amount of force we apply while riding is significant, difficult to duplicate while hanging.

After that, I will give the hub a double cleaning, perhaps some grit will work loose. Then, I will contact Rohloff for ideas. The sound has not caused a problem while riding, but we are planning a 4000 Km heavily loaded tour this summer. Drive train sounds bug the hell out of me.