| Author | Message | ||
     Corporatemonkey |
http://gizmodo.com/5045414/say-goodbye-to-bike-cha ins-say-hello-to-belt-drives Bikes with chains may be becoming an endangered species. Belt-driven bikes, which were introduced by boutique bike makers a couple of years ago, are just starting to hit the mainstream. Trek has introduced two new urban bikes for 2009 with belt drives rather than chains, and they look pretty sweet. The benefit to a belt drive system over a chain and shifters system is that it won't stretch and break over time like a chain, weighs significantly less, stays clean (and keeps your cuffs clean) and is quiet. The downside? It's more expensive. The two bikes Trek has unveiled, the District and the Soho, will run you $930 and $990, respectively. But as with all new tech, the prices are always highest right when it starts hitting the mainstream. Look for bikes with belt drives to start coming from many more big bike companies for much less in the coming years  | ||
| Guell |
So ugh, how do you change gear ratios? This might be great for some old geezers on a beach cruiser, but for the riding i used to do it would have been worthless. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
According to trek's website the bikes have Shimano Nexus 8 speed rear hubs. So basically it is an internal gear system. | ||
| New12r |
I have a Rudge bike from the 50's with a 3 speed internal hub and I like it. (Message edited by new12r on September 05, 2008) | ||
| Bads1 |
I wonder if they will have belt upgrades like we did?? | ||
| Jaimec |
I'm waiting for the chain conversion kits... | ||
| Zenfrogmaster |
Having broken five (bicycle) chains in the last year, I'd welcome a belt option, but I don't think that Campagnolo will be offering one. | ||
| Greenlantern |
Sounds cool, Always thought bicycle chains were a bigger pain in the butt than motorcycle chains to maintain. I am Eager to see how this unfolds. | ||
| Miamiuly |
makes sense for a commuter bike. Price seems stupid though. Surprised their aren't tens of thousands of them running around Europe. Now if the Chinese would just make one for Wal Mart, we could get them for $200.00. Still waiting for the Chinese to start mass producing home solar panels so they will get cheaper. Rather we did it, but that isn't likely. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
does it work with the new Derringer ? Damn you monkey, I am really needing one of those now. In orange of course | ||
| Edgydrifter |
For a Trek with mid-to-high-end components, $1K is about average these days. Interesting concept--I hope it catches on, or the early adopters will be left holding another orphaned and unsupported product from Trek. | ||
| Azxb9r |
The Nexus hub is interesting. It is available in 3 and 8 speed. For a commuter bike, it could be a decent set-up. Over the years, nothing has been able to knock off the chain drive system because of its combination of versatility, simplicity, low cost, light weight, etc. Even with an 8 spd hub, the belt system is limited in possible gearing because you can not use a front derailleur. I don't think that the bicycle chain is going anywhere anytime soon. | ||
| Nillaice |
I'm waiting for the chain conversion kits...  | ||
| Froggy |
Wheres the under slung water bottle? | ||
| Brumbear |
Thats what I have been waiting for. Now I can buy my little Chinese man with a full beard that stutters, to drive me around. And I shall call him rorrypop. | ||
| 5liter |
Looks like it would be easier to change than my S3  | ||
| Teddagreek |
No more tucking your pant leg in your sock  | ||
| Rick_a |
If that's an automatic hub it's a no good. I've broken a few chains, too. Putting a lot of miles on bicycles gets expensive, too when chains, deraillers, cogs, and cassettes get replaced with some regularity. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
If that's an automatic hub it's a no good. It is a fully manual hub. I rode an older 3 speed version equipped bike. Very smooth and quiet. | ||
| Id073897 |
Does someone know a mailorder shop in the US who would deliver the belt drive to Germany? It's not offered here as far as I found out. The belt drive itself would be sufficient. Regards, Gunter | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Gunter, the bike is at least a month out from production. I think they created the system in house using Shimano hubs. When the bike hits the street, I don't see any reason why your couldn't order replacement parts from a US dealer. If this system has any real benefits you will see it on the European race circuit in no time. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Here is a more detailed photo of the rear hub  | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
    | ||
| Id073897 |
thanks a lot for the hint. I found some pictures of an Orange bike, combining an Alfine hub with a Gates (?) belt: http://www.frontlinemag.net/media/images/news/smal l/516_CV18l.jpg This blog, although in German, shows some very interesting pictures of an upcoming swiss bike http://phil.veloblog.ch/post/7/859 Regards, Gunter | ||
| Rick_a |
Will not running a belt guard void the warranty? There would need to be a tensioner to retrofit older bikes (I see the rear triangle is adjustable for length). I like the idea. I rarely used my front derailleur anyway (always used the big cog). I still won't put a belt on a motorcycle, though. | ||
| Thumper74 |
Rick, you could use a single speed specific frame. Since there is no derailer on a single speed specific frame, there is usually slotted axle dropouts | ||
| Id073897 |
The rear triangle has to be opened for a belt change. That will make retrofit about impossible. Regards, Gunter | ||
| Rick_a |
Not if you have a swingarm frame   | ||
| Id073897 |
Something else, not related to belt drive, but nevertheless cool stuff: http://www.fallbrooktech.com/08_demo.asp Regards Gunter |
