Commuting - It's Here! It's Here! It's Finally Here!!!

I picked up my latest acquisition from my LBS today... a 2010 Norco Ceres (http://www.norco.com/archives/2010/?id=ceres). After a year of researching here on BF and the Internet I pulled the trigger and ordered what is (for now) my dream bike! Thanks to all those who answered my "Which bike should I buy?" threads. Your input and suggestions were very influential in helping me make my final decision. I just rode it home from the shop and all I can say is, "Wow!" This is an awesome machine; super smooth and surprisingly comfortable right out of the box. Handles like a dream - it makes my Schwinn hybrid feel very antiquated. I can't wait to start putting some serious commuting time in on this bike!

Changes from stock include the Serfas RX saddle (further thanks to all those who answered my "Which saddle should I buy?" threads), Greenfield Stabilizer kickstand, and sealed-bearing pedals with toe straps (I'm not ready to go clipless just yet).

Drive side

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4837934629_3aa25a06ca.jpg

Non-drive side

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4838545722_a499095437.jpg

Front 3/4 shot

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4838544412_b0da4e149a.jpg

Rear 3/4 shot

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4838542996_0990d7fa31.jpg

Closeup of belt drive system and Alfine hub

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4838538356_37e3a8799b.jpg

I'm going to wait to install fenders and a rack; for now I'm just going to leave it minimalistic and enjoy it as my fair-weather commuter. It's so comfortable the way it is I think I'm going to forgo my plans to install trekking bars and pick up some Ergon GC3's instead.

Sweet.

Nice looking ride. Bikes look naked to me anymore w/o fenders and racks, but it sounds like your new bike will be getting those "clothes" soon enough. :-)

I'm not really convinced of the superiority of belt-drives, seems gimmicky to me, but that's a very nice bike.

Congrats!
Nice ride! I look forward to hearing about your impressions as the months/years pass.

...and get some clothes on that thing! IT'S NAKED!!!!!!!! ;)

I'm not really convinced of the superiority of belt-drives, seems gimmicky to me, but that's a very nice bike.
That's probably the same thing that cyclists said about derailleurs back in the early 1900's, but they seem to have enjoyed some moderate success.

Looks nice. . . except the reflectors gotta go. I assume you have a QR on the front, but how do you remove the rear wheel on the road? Do you have to carry tools?

Nice indeed, looks like it'd be fun to ride! Enjoy!

I'm not really convinced of the superiority of belt-drives, seems gimmicky to me, but that's a very nice bike.

Had it not been an already established technology on motorcycles, I'd agree.

Congrats!
Nice ride! I look forward to hearing about your impressions as the months/years pass.

...and get some clothes on that thing! IT'S NAKED!!!!!!!! ;)
Thanks, canyoneagle! You were probably one of my biggest influences after you bought your Vesta! Your pics made me drool and my craving for the Ceres became overwhelming.

BTW the PB Cascadias are in the mail, and I'm considering this rack (http://topeak.com/products/Racks/SuperTouristDXTubularRack_disc).

I have that rack and like it a lot. I also have one on my touring bike, it carried around 50-60lbs without breaking a sweat. One of the frame eyelets broke off but the rack held up :D So, yeah, I use it on my commuter and I really like it. It supports panniers well and the lower rail for hanging panniers is a nice idea as it leaves the top of the rack free if you want to put something large and flat on it.

Looks nice. . . except the reflectors gotta go. I assume you have a QR on the front, but how do you remove the rear wheel on the road? Do you have to carry tools?

I disagree with the reflector removal. Many locales require them to be legal..

Thanks, canyoneagle! You were probably one of my biggest influences after you bought your Vesta! Your pics made me drool and my craving for the Ceres became overwhelming.

BTW the PB Cascadias are in the mail, and I'm considering this rack (http://topeak.com/products/Racks/SuperTouristDXTubularRack_disc).

I'm loving the Vesta! I begin my Alfine wheel build next week, but am really not in a hurry to do the conversion, as I am really enjoying riding it as a singlespeed.

Pop me a PM when you get the cascadia's and I'd be happy to send you some pics of the front fender installation with mods I had to make to the fender stays (cutting to length, bending) in order to mount them to the lowrider braze-ons.

That's probably the same thing that cyclists said about derailleurs back in the early 1900's, but they seem to have enjoyed some moderate success.

Well I'm riding a fixed gear so what do I know... ;)

Looks nice. . . except the reflectors gotta go. I assume you have a QR on the front, but how do you remove the rear wheel on the road? Do you have to carry tools?
The reflectors are not required by law here as long as you have lights, so they will go in the parts bin. There is a bylaw that says reflective tape is needed (white on the forks and red on the seatstays) but I've never seen in enforced. Cops here seem more concerned with lights after dark and helmets for kids under 18. That's a good question about wheel removal; I probably shoud have got the LBS owner to run through it with me since he owns one, too. Unfortunately the owner's manual is general for all Norco bikes. I have a multi-tool and a 15 mm wrench in my seat bag with patches and tire levers.


I have that rack and like it a lot. I also have one on my touring bike, it carried around 50-60lbs without breaking a sweat. One of the frame eyelets broke off but the rack held up :D So, yeah, I use it on my commuter and I really like it. It supports panniers well and the lower rail for hanging panniers is a nice idea as it leaves the top of the rack free if you want to put something large and flat on it.
Cool. I actually got the idea for it from one of your posts!


I'm loving the Vesta! I begin my Alfine wheel build next week, but am really not in a hurry to do the conversion, as I am really enjoying riding it as a singlespeed.

Pop me a PM when you get the cascadia's and I'd be happy to send you some pics of the front fender installation with mods I had to make to the fender stays (cutting to length, bending) in order to mount them to the lowrider braze-ons.
I will be sure to do that, thanks!

Nice bike. I don't think it looks naked at all; I think all that crap that we commuters put on our bikes are necessary evils that spoil the look of a perfectly beautiful machine.

I probably shoud have got the LBS owner to run through it with me since he owns one, too.

Highly recommended. The rear wheel removal is very quick and easy once you get the hang of it, but it is much better to have someone show you how to remove/re-connect the Alfine/Nexus cable instead of trying to figure it out on your own (perhaps with a flat tire).

I carried an old spoke with me on my Milano to insert into the (purposely designed) hole on the rear carrier/shift mech and it makes cable removal/installation a snap.

The one thing I've noticed on my Vesta (same dropouts as yours) is that the dropouts have a very slight forward angle, and you need to be sure to fully seat the drive side axle before/while tightening the drive side nut, as the belt tension will be wanting to pull the axle out and forward. It's pretty easy.

Cool. I actually got the idea for it from one of your posts!


Oh! You're very welcome! So my Obsessive Compulsive Poster syndrome isn't just a complete waste of time after all :D


Nice bike. I don't think it looks naked at all; I think all that crap that we commuters put on our bikes are necessary evils that spoil the look of a perfectly beautiful machine.

Hmm... Not sure, I kinda like the looks of my commuter :D :twitchy: :love:

Great bike! Congrats!

Looks like a very nice bike, I really like that frame. but I am not convinced about belt drive drivtrain. I wonder how it's gona hold up to the outside elements.

Looks like a very nice bike, I really like that frame. but I am not convinced about belt drive drivtrain. I wonder how it's gona hold up to the outside elements.

Probably better than traditional drivetrain. That hub is probably sealed and the belt doesn't give a damn about the elements :D

This is an awesome machine; super smooth and surprisingly comfortable right out of the box. Handles like a dream -

You need to send it to me so I may verify.

Or I'll just take your word for it and say congratulations, it looks like a sweet ride.

Congratulations! I think it looks great, and the combination of belt drive an IGH seems pretty interesting in a good way. Belt drive can handle the torque from a Buell, I doubt you've got anything to worry about if the specified the right belt.

Nice bike!! I took a look at the Ceres, but ultimately decided to go with a more city/utility-oriented (and cheaper) bike. It's a sweet ride, though! I definitely want to hear how you like the belt drive.

Belt drive, IGH, and disc brakes? Someone wanna gimme some money so I can share the OP's dream?

Heya Irclean,

Congrats on the new bike!! That thing looks sweet! I love the components on it, should be near bulletproof as a commuter. If I wasn't so high on the bike I just bought I would be be jealous! :lol: What kind of commute do you have?

Like the others I'll be very interested to hear how you like the belt and the alfine. The nexus on the bike I just got was the best I've yet felt. Extremely smooth in every gear and didn't have to stop peddling at all. Definitely like the rapid fire shifters vs gripshifts too.

Mark

Nice bike...

Thanks for the compliments, all. I will definitely be dropping back into the LBS before the bike's scheduled check-up for a tutorial on rear wheel removal.

My experience with the belt drive has been very limited so far (it was storming on and off here tonight) but it seems very smooth and whisper-quiet. I'm hoping that the Alfine hub and belt drive will hold up well to the elements; I'm planning to commute right through the winter. I did so last winter on my derailleur-equipped, v-braked Schwinn hybrid and quickly got tired of cleaning and re-lubing the drivetrain, and I also had a scary moment or two when the brakes didn't seem to work. Not to mention becoming a single speed more than once due to ice on the derailleur (I learned to park it in 4th gear after the first time that happened).

I read one review from a Trek Soho owner about his rear sprocket icing up and "derailing" the belt, but apparently Gates has addressed that issue with a redesign of the sprocket. I guess I'll have to wait to see about that one. I'll also be taking my bike into the LBS in November to have them drop the headset and BB to apply some rustproofing to the inside of the frame tubes. Then I'll wax the bike and make sure all the exposed metal is greased up.

My commute to my placement (I'm a 3rd year student working on a new career) is too far for me to bike to; about 55 km (~34 miles), but in September I start working in town. That's a short commute of about 5 km. After the new year I will be in a new placement about 10 km away. I try to commute whenever possible in town to run errands, etc. and I go on family rides, too, but I'm not putting the child seat on my Ceres - that's what my sturdy old MTB is for.

I'll be sure to post some new pics once I have the bike properly "dressed" with fenders, lights, and rack. Oh and for those wishing they could buy one, too, do what I did... beg!

Hello. I'm new here, so can someone point me toward a thread with the pluses of a belt-drive bike?

I'm really curious, so thanks!

Hello. I'm new here, so can someone point me toward a thread with the pluses of a belt-drive bike?

I'm really curious, so thanks!

The belt requires no grease so it's nice,dry and clean, you won't mess up your pants, ideal for commuters who want to wear their regular clothes. The belt won't rust and it's supposed to be smoother. Some claim it's stronger than a chain and it will outlast any metal chain. I think that's about it. Oh, it looks awesomely cool too :D

But it has to be used with a singlespeed or internal gearing hub since there is no way to use a derailleur with a belt.

Hello. I'm new here, so can someone point me toward a thread with the pluses of a belt-drive bike?

I'm really curious, so thanks!
AdamDZ pretty much nailed it on the head. Also, belt drives have been used on motorcycles for years (as was also mentioned in previous posts) so, in theory, the technology is already proven. I like the idea of low maintenance since I am a year-round commuter and I hate the constant cleaning and re-lubing that comes with a chain-driven bike (when riding in the rain or snow). That being said, a single-speed or IGH bike can have its chain enclosed in a chaincase, like the Hebie Chainglider (http://www.hebie.de/Chainglider-350-38-42-44.hebie350chainglider.0.html?&L=1), which is made by a German company so you should be able to find one easily! Also, since you live in Germany, you might want to find a Tout Terrain dealer and check out the Metropolitan (http://www.tout-terrain.de/2/products/commuter-bikes/metropolitan/index.html), which looks to me like a killer commuter!

Threads with pluses (and some minuses) of a belt-drive bike:

http://www.carbondrivesystems.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belt-driven_bicycle#Benefits
http://www.spadout.com/a/belt-driven-bicycles-new-standard-or-just-a-fad/

Of course, if you want the real poop you need to ask those with experience right here on BF:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?665121-Gates-belt-drive-riders-regarding-removing-replacing-rear-wheel-on-the-road&highlight=belt+drive
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?661454-Squeaky-Gates-belt&highlight=belt+drive
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?657912-Who-makes-Belt-Drive-with-IGH&highlight=belt+drive

I actually love IGH bikes and when I lived in Stockholm I had a "Dutch" style three-speed that I could leave in the snowbank overnight and ride to work in the morning. I've just never seen a belt-drive bike before but they look interesting.

Do the belts handle low temps well?

[QUOTE=irclean;11194305 Also, since you live in Germany, you might want to find a Tout Terrain dealer and check out the Metropolitan (http://www.tout-terrain.de/2/products/commuter-bikes/metropolitan/index.html), which looks to me like a killer commuter![/QUOTE]

Me too, especially the one with the 14-speed rear hub ... until I saw the price ... almost 2700€ :(

There's a at least halfway affordable Trek single speed with belt-drive that I'm sure you can find in many bike shops around where you live - maybe they let you test-ride it if you're interested.

So I got the Ceres out for a nice ride this morning. The bike is very maneuverable, smooth, quiet, and a blast to ride. I was also shocked at how much faster I can slow down with the discs (this is my first disc brake bike). It's still very comfortable, although I may need a minute saddle adjustment and I definitely some new grips and/or bar ends; it seems I've been spoiled by the comfort of my Schwinn's trekking bars. Stopped by the LBS today and ordered some Ergon GC3's (http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/gc3)and a Topeak Super Tourist DX Tubular Rack w/disc mounts (http://topeak.com/products/Racks/SuperTouristDXTubularRack_disc).

My ride today included about 10 km on a MUP and the bike was great through the twists and turns. It may just be my perception but it feels like the BB is closer to the ground and I feared I would scrape the pedal on the ground during hard cornering, so during those times I avoided pedaling. The 32 mm Conti's grip admirably enough but the bike is begging for some slicks... in time; this bike has already put a considerable dent in my wallet.

Near the end of my route is a hill that used to kill me every time. I was curious how the IGH would feel while climbing, and it performed admirably; I was able to power up the hill in 3rd gear. The bike never really felt like it would run out of gears on the downhills, but there is a noticeable gap between 5th and 6th that's just begging for a sweet spot. The Alfine may not be the best choice for serious climbs or super speed, but it's designed as a commuter after all, and not a mountain or racing bike.

Updated pic sans reflectors:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/4840558537_2ab9025963.jpg

The dreaded hill; it may not look like much in the photo, but hauling my Clydesdale frame up that ~500 meter slope is a chore nonetheless (I guess I should have got a little closer for the pic to get a better sense of scale):

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4840559997_df048f25c8.jpg

And to the poster who asked how the belt performs in cold - that remains to be seen. I'll be sure to report back here and in the Winter forum when the time comes.

Me too, especially the one with the 14-speed rear hub ... until I saw the price ... almost 2700€ :(
Yup, that Metropolitan is certainly pricey. Apparently, though, the Ceres is available in Germany for MSRP €1099, and so is the single-speed, drop-bar Vesta for €799. See them here: http://norco.com/bikes/urban/belt-drive/

Here's a link to the German distributor's website: http://www.norco-bikes.de/index_norco.html

And to the poster who asked how the belt performs in cold - that remains to be seen. I'll be sure to report back here and in the Winter forum when the time comes.

I can't see it being a problem in winter. Belts are used in car engines too, and they work just fine in extreme conditions, and only need to be replaced every 100,000 km or so. Norco is also a Canadian company, and I would hope they wouldn't market something unsuitable to the Canadian climate.

I can't see it being a problem in winter. Belts are used in car engines too, and they work just fine in extreme conditions, and only need to be replaced every 100,000 km or so. Norco is also a Canadian company, and I would hope they wouldn't market something unsuitable to the Canadian climate.
That's my hope as well. Good point about the car engine - those belts are under a lot more stress than I'd ever be able to exert on my belt (the one on my bike, that is, not on my waist :D).

Which Serfas RX saddle is that, and how do you like it. Can you link to the "which saddle" thread you mentioned earlier? I tried searching, but could not find that thread.

TIA

Which Serfas RX saddle is that, and how do you like it. Can you link to the "which saddle" thread you mentioned earlier? I tried searching, but could not find that thread.

TIA
That would be the Rx-921L Men's (http://www.serfas.com/product_details.asp?ID=5). So far I like it very much. I'm sorry, I don't remember which thread that was... I read so many and it may not have been one that I actually started. I also have a Terry Liberator Y (http://www.terrybicycles.com/product/detail/2155200/-/liberator-y-saddle-1) on another bike and it's quite comfortable as well. I like the cut-outs - not only for relief on the perineum, but also for ventilation. Ideally, I would eventually like to try a Brooks saddle; the B17 is so highly touted here on BF it seems to have almost as much of a cult following as does the Surly LHT. I haven't pulled the trigger on the Brooks because I've never ridden on one and I'm not going to spend that much without testing it out first. I'd probably want to try the B17 Imperial (http://www.brookssaddles.com/en/Shop_ProductPage.aspx?cat=saddles+-+touring+%26+trekking&prod=B17+Imperial)since it has a cut-out.

That would be the Rx-921L Men's (http://www.serfas.com/product_details.asp?ID=5). So far I like it very much. I'm sorry, I don't remember which thread that was... I read so many and it may not have been one that I actually started. I also have a Terry Liberator Y (http://www.terrybicycles.com/product/detail/2155200/-/liberator-y-saddle-1) on another bike and it's quite comfortable as well. I like the cut-outs - not only for relief on the perineum, but also for ventilation. Ideally, I would eventually like to try a Brooks saddle; the B17 is touted so highly here on BF it seems to be almost as cult-like as the Surly LHT. I haven't pulled the trigger on the Brooks because I've never ridden on one and I'm not going to spend that much without testing it out first. I'd probably want to try the B17 Imperial (http://www.brookssaddles.com/en/Shop_ProductPage.aspx?cat=saddles+-+touring+%26+trekking&prod=B17+Imperial)since it has a cut-out.

Thanks. I thought that was the one. I'm thinking about trying it. It looks like they make a lycra and a microfiber version. The microfiber version says waterproof, I guess that means the lycra is not?

Maybe I'll call Serfas and ask. I called them when I was looking at their tires, and they were very helpful. I did buy the tires (Survivor Drifters) for my mountain bike, and I like them so far.

I never stopped to consider if the saddle is waterproof - when I'm riding in inclement weather or the forecast is calling for precipitation, the saddle remains covered by either my butt or one of the dollar-store shower caps I keep with my toolkit. If it's a real deluge I leave the shower cap on while riding.

Pop me a PM when you get the cascadia's and I'd be happy to send you some pics of the front fender installation with mods I had to make to the fender stays (cutting to length, bending) in order to mount them to the lowrider braze-ons.

Please post here.

I can't see it being a problem in winter. Belts are used in car engines too, and they work just fine in extreme conditions, and only need to be replaced every 100,000 km or so. Norco is also a Canadian company, and I would hope they wouldn't market something unsuitable to the Canadian climate.

I understand that "a belt with teeth" can be used in various applications, but that doesn't mean that the technology has transferred to bicycle drivetrains. I just don't see why they haven't caught on in Denmark/Sweden where a ton of people cyclocommute year-round with studded tires. I'm more curious of the downsides versus a standard Dutch-style drivetrain. The biggest thing I can think if the lack of an inexpensive second- and third-hand market, which is quite large in Stockholm/Copenhagen.

I think they're neat, that's for sure.

Please post here.

Will do. I'll post pics to my "Daddy's got a new ride" thread this weekend.

I understand that "a belt with teeth" can be used in various applications, but that doesn't mean that the technology has transferred to bicycle drivetrains. I just don't see why they haven't caught on in Denmark/Sweden where a ton of people cyclocommute year-round with studded tires. I'm more curious of the downsides versus a standard Dutch-style drivetrain. The biggest thing I can think if the lack of an inexpensive second- and third-hand market, which is quite large in Stockholm/Copenhagen.

I think they're neat, that's for sure.

The enclosed chaincase (IMO) offers 90% + of the benefit of the belt drive, in terms of drivetrain maintenance and cleanliness. Shame they haven't caught on more in north america.

I got another nice ride in this morning. I had to pick up the car from my wife's workplace. As a disclaimer I have to confess that she doesn't like riding her bike to work - only for recreation. She says that she's not a crazy (translation: avid) cyclist like me. To save parking fees I went to pick the car up before the city started to hand out citations.

After a km or two I started to hear an ominous, creaking sound coming from below me; it disappeared when I was coasting, but then reappeared while pedaling. I started having visions of a visit to the LBS and the owner telling me that my Clyde status necessitated a $100 Phil Wood BB. Fortunately the creaking disappeared soon after it started and never returned throughout the rest of the ride.

Near the end of the ride, coming off the MUP, is one of the steepest (albeit short) hills that I've ever attempted to climb. After stopping for a pic I dropped the bike into first gear and started up the hill. I was huffing and puffing 3/4 of the way up, but I made it! BTW I've never made it up this hill without having to dismount before today. So much for the naysayer's claim that the Alfine's 1st gear isn't "granny" enough for climbing. Admittedly, the bike was just carrying me and not any extra gear, but my 296 lb. frame is load enough for any bike. BTW the Ceres was my present to myself for breaking the 300 barrier - yay me! :D

The hill

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/4843894162_6f2b1fc5bf_b.jpg

Here is my trusty new steed mounted on the car after another successful ride!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4843896510_f4becfe40e_b.jpg

On the way home I noticed the people behind me in the drive-thru lineup at Tim Horton's pointing at and apparently discussing my bike. I wonder if they were marveling at the belt drive...

Side note: Partway through the ride my butt started hurting; I think it was more a chafing than saddle/fit issue. I don't have any padded bicycle shorts yet, but I'm seriously considering ordering some. Do any MEC members here have any experience with these (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442626847&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692435&bmUID=1280501750005)? Failing that, can anyone else recommend some good, padded cycling shorts for a Clyde like me?

Will do. I'll post pics to my "Daddy's got a new ride" thread this weekend.
Cool. I look forward to seeing them.


The enclosed chaincase (IMO) offers 90% + of the benefit of the belt drive, in terms of drivetrain maintenance and cleanliness. Shame they haven't caught on more in north america.
I heartily agree. I especially like the Hebie Chainglider (http://www.hebie.de/Chainglider-350-38-42-44.hebie350chainglider.0.html?&L=1). While admittedly limited in its applications, IMHO it looks much less obtrusive and therefore has a way higher coolness factor than others I've seen:

http://photos.ugal.com/3487/11343/2446/178412/boulevard.600.jpg
versus
http://bike.emory.edu/assets/bikes/large/uptown-8-step-through-silverrose.jpg

Side note: Partway through the ride my butt started hurting; I think it was more a chafing than saddle/fit issue. I don't have any padded bicycle shorts yet, but I'm seriously considering ordering some. Do any MEC members here have any experience with these (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442626847&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692435&bmUID=1280501750005)? Failing that, can anyone else recommend some good, padded cycling shorts for a Clyde like me?

I've not used those in particular, but they would be a good start. Anything form-fitting that acts like another layer of skin should work, even some Under Armor compression shorts. I have a couple pairs of Sugoi cycling shorts, but they're a bit pricier ($75 and up). I don't think MEC sells Sugoi, though.

I've not used those in particular, but they would be a good start. Anything form-fitting that acts like another layer of skin should work, even some Under Armor compression shorts. I have a couple pairs of Sugoi cycling shorts, but they're a bit pricier ($75 and up). I don't think MEC sells Sugoi, though.

.....or you could just suck it up and get started breaking in the Brooks that you KNOW you're going to get anyway......:innocent: