I thought this would be pretty nice because I hate chain maintenance. But lately I've been using DuPont wax+teflon spray, which seems to pick up less crap than oil. Also after the last time I changed my chain, it started skipping, meaning that the cassette was worn out. So I said "what the hell" and put the old chain back on. I've now put another 4000 miles on that "worn out" chain and cassette, and it's still shifting fine. I'm going to leave it on until it starts skipping.

You know what, when I was changing chains every 1800 miles, I still had to buy a new cassette every 10K anyway. It's starting to look like I can just leave the same old chain on there and still only have to buy a new cassette every 10K. Maybe even longer.

So my reasons for wanting belt drive are disappearing.

If I were going to do any playing with alternative drivetrains, I'd pick up a NuVinci hub. I have a friend who tried one and he said in 5 minutes you'll be so spoiled you'll never want any other system.