a continuously variable transmission has a driving pulley and a driven pulley each of which has a v - shaped groove in which sits the belt . the belt comprises a base portion of a rubber - like compound in which are imbedded a plurality of transverse metal pins each of which has exposed bent end portions whose tips are tapered to conform to the taper of the grooves and a plurality of cables imbedded in the base and extending longitudinally around the belt for stabilizing the length of the belt . the pulley walls are coupled to their corrseponding shaft by a resilient coupling which helps provide a desired clamping force on the belt and which includes a series of serrated members designed to exhibit a wedging action which provides the desired clamping force .