Otto Gudd
11-20-08, 06:02 AM
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/11/19/chainless.bicycles.ap/index.html
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General Cycling Discussion - getting a chainless bike for Christmas?
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garysol1
11-20-08, 06:04 AM
Awesome idea for the commuter or the recreational hybrid owner.....Not so much for the roadie crowd.
tatfiend
11-20-08, 02:59 PM
Things to consider:
Can you change overall gearing range to suit your riding conditions?
What will be the replacement cost of a new belt and fitting when needed?
Are you considering the single speed or 8 speed gear hub version?
If have a belt or hub problem in Podunk can you get replacement parts? If you carry a chain tool a chain drive gear train allows a number of work arounds to get you home if have a chain or derailleur problem.
IMO the belt drive will always be a niche market as it cannot be used with a derailleur gear train. Too wide and requires more tension to work properly than a chain setup to prevent slip. Could also cause more wear on bottom bracket and rear hub bearings due to belt tensioning requirements. It also requires a removable section of the seat or chain stays for belt installation/replacement.
I personally would wait a while to see how well the belt stands up in actual use by strong riders and what problems, if any, develop. I have seen many new ideas introduced for bikes that disappeared within a few years due to technical problems or being answers to nonexistent problems.
Can you change overall gearing range to suit your riding conditions?
What will be the replacement cost of a new belt and fitting when needed?
Are you considering the single speed or 8 speed gear hub version?
If have a belt or hub problem in Podunk can you get replacement parts? If you carry a chain tool a chain drive gear train allows a number of work arounds to get you home if have a chain or derailleur problem.
IMO the belt drive will always be a niche market as it cannot be used with a derailleur gear train. Too wide and requires more tension to work properly than a chain setup to prevent slip. Could also cause more wear on bottom bracket and rear hub bearings due to belt tensioning requirements. It also requires a removable section of the seat or chain stays for belt installation/replacement.
I personally would wait a while to see how well the belt stands up in actual use by strong riders and what problems, if any, develop. I have seen many new ideas introduced for bikes that disappeared within a few years due to technical problems or being answers to nonexistent problems.