A chain belt for a continuously variable transmission which has a plurality of links and a plurality of coupling members connecting the plurality of links together. Each of the coupling members has an outer perimeter, a first end with a first prepared surface, and a second end with a second prepared surface. The prepared surfaces extend a depth from the outer perimeter of the coupling member. A first retaining member is fastened to the first prepared surface of the coupling members and a second retaining member is fastened to the second prepared surface of the coupling members. The first and second retaining members retain the plurality of links on the coupling members.