Drive belt bikes - anyone owns one?

seiken77

The idea is very interesting, not sure what is the cost or haven't spoken to anyone actually using one.

saladdays

They're probably less effecient then normal chain bikes otherwise we'd all be riding them.

Mad_Malx

saladdays wrote:

They're probably less effecient then normal chain bikes otherwise we'd all be riding them.

Good enough for round the world record in 2009:
http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/articl ... rpe-23576/

Main problem is you need a frame with a drop-out that will break open.

Bit more info here: http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/lat ... -bike.html

seiken77

Nice links! I did not know about that trip. Thanks.

seiken77

actually I found this: http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/chain-or-belt-drive-which-is-faster-36074/
seems to say that it does increase friction - therefore the effort to cycle... Not sure if this is still valid and if any new designs tackled the issue of pre-loading.

asprilla

I had one that I sold recently, a Civia Bryant.

They aren't as efficient as a chain drive and are usually coupled to a hub gear which also sucks effort from the system and is very heavy. On the plus side the whole thing is completely maintenance free.

I wouldn't be adverse to having another one but it would be a single speed.

seiken77

Oh yes, single speed is in my mind. I usually cycle in one gear most of the time anyway

asprilla

I was looking at something like a Spot Mod SS or building up a Singular Peregrine. Of course I'd need a frame builder to split the seat stay and put a coupler in, but that's only about £50.

seiken77

Spot Mod SS is a beauty! Looks like a bike I'd really like (I would probably prefer a straight steering bar though).

The splitting you mentioned - is it something you can do on any frame? is it safe?

asprilla

Not sure if you can do it on every frame and the tension required for a belt drive adds an extra stress to the frame. However, reputable builders like Bob Jackson offer it so it can't be that bad.

raymondo60

I have owned a single-speed Trek District with belt-drive for several years now and its has been a superb bike to ride. Still running the the original belt after 2,000+ miles and it still feels like it has plenty of life. Have never felt it 'heavier' than a conventional chain - it runs smoothly, almost silent, and virtually maintenance-free. Not sure that belt-drives will ever be suitable for multi-geared racing bikes, but its perfect as an SS commuter and I Iove it!

seiken77

If you do not mind me asking - how much was it?

andyrr

I had a Trek District too - really liked some aspects of the belt-drive transmission eg the quietness and the lack of maintenance in the winter but it seemed that it was very particular about the tension and straightness of the belt-run and if not perfect then it would result in vibrations and noises and feel like it was occasionally jumping a tooth. If you search for "trek district belt" and you should find some of my postings on the matter. I think one thing is that bike shops and us users aren't as familiar with belts as chains so we aren't as quick to identify and resolve issues that arise.

dilemna

Asprilla wrote:

I had one that I sold recently, a Civia Bryant.

They aren't as efficient as a chain drive and are usually coupled to a hub gear which also sucks effort from the system and is very heavy. On the plus side the whole thing is completely maintenance free.

I wouldn't be adverse to having another one but it would be a single speed.

I nearly bought one of these a couple of years ago, but didn't in the end, as it was only specced with 8spd Alfine. I wanted to buy frame only to use with a Rohloff hub, but Civia refused to supply frame only. It has been discontinued now. They struck me as a pretty amateur outfit, so I thought feck them.

asprilla

Civia are owned by QBP who are pretty big. They also own All City, Surly, Salsa Cycles, Handspun and Problem Solvers.