Originally Posted by Mark Sanders

The Strida 5 has the freewheel at the back, but any savings due to the belt not turning when freewheeling are offset by the 1:3 ratio turning the front freewheel - lost when it is at the back. This change was more due to being able to use the now more available disc brakes (cf drums), and a conventional crank. All this was made possible by the neat wheel hubs Ming developed for the Strida 5, and light spoked wheels. Unlike me, they never appreciated the 'bomb-proof' plastic wheels and drums. (The Strida 5 will need more protection when using on airlines).

Overall the Strida 5 gives slightly more performance due to metal rims and high pressure tyres - the wheels, disc brakes are awesome, and look cool (bling?), but the drums are OK too. I've got all Stridas and my personal bike is a 3 for its abuse resistance !