Drive belt bikes - anyone owns one?

seiken77
seiken77 Posts: 33
edited August 2013 in Commuting general
The idea is very interesting, not sure what is the cost or haven't spoken to anyone actually using one.
Cyclist, Motorcyclist, Driver and Pedestrian... sometimes even a Tube Sardine...
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Comments

  • They're probably less effecient then normal chain bikes otherwise we'd all be riding them.
  • Mad_Malx
    Mad_Malx Posts: 4,993
    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
    seiken77 Posts: 33
    Nice links! I did not know about that trip. Thanks.
    Cyclist, Motorcyclist, Driver and Pedestrian... sometimes even a Tube Sardine...
    http://www.youtube.com/bikerspov
  • seiken77
    seiken77 Posts: 33
    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.
    Cyclist, Motorcyclist, Driver and Pedestrian... sometimes even a Tube Sardine...
    http://www.youtube.com/bikerspov
  • asprilla
    asprilla Posts: 8,440
    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.
    Mud - Genesis Vapour CCX
    Race - Fuji Norcom Straight
    Sun - Cervelo R3
    Winter / Commute - Dolan ADX
  • seiken77
    seiken77 Posts: 33
    Oh yes, single speed is in my mind. I usually cycle in one gear most of the time anyway ;)
    Cyclist, Motorcyclist, Driver and Pedestrian... sometimes even a Tube Sardine...
    http://www.youtube.com/bikerspov
  • asprilla
    asprilla Posts: 8,440
    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.
    Mud - Genesis Vapour CCX
    Race - Fuji Norcom Straight
    Sun - Cervelo R3
    Winter / Commute - Dolan ADX
  • seiken77
    seiken77 Posts: 33
    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?
    Cyclist, Motorcyclist, Driver and Pedestrian... sometimes even a Tube Sardine...
    http://www.youtube.com/bikerspov
  • asprilla
    asprilla Posts: 8,440
    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.
    Mud - Genesis Vapour CCX
    Race - Fuji Norcom Straight
    Sun - Cervelo R3
    Winter / Commute - Dolan ADX
  • raymondo60
    raymondo60 Posts: 735
    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!
    Raymondo

    "Let's just all be really careful out there folks!"
  • seiken77
    seiken77 Posts: 33
    If you do not mind me asking - how much was it?
    Cyclist, Motorcyclist, Driver and Pedestrian... sometimes even a Tube Sardine...
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  • andyrr
    andyrr Posts: 1,818
    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
    dilemna Posts: 2,187
    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.
    Life is like a roll of toilet paper; long and useful, but always ends at the wrong moment. Anon.
    Think how stupid the average person is.......
    half of them are even more stupid than you first thought.
  • asprilla
    asprilla Posts: 8,440
    Civia are owned by QBP who are pretty big. They also own All City, Surly, Salsa Cycles, Handspun and Problem Solvers.
    Mud - Genesis Vapour CCX
    Race - Fuji Norcom Straight
    Sun - Cervelo R3
    Winter / Commute - Dolan ADX