this is exactly the same thing with the car's timing belt. i remember in the old days they used chain and they last forever. now they used belt and you have to change it every 70-90,000 miles. what's the advantage of belt over a chain timing belt - it's quiet and clean. i'd rather have a noisy engine than deal with the cost of changing the timing belt every now and then. hope it's not the same with this bike. it still is an unproven technology compare to chain belt. i'd rather have the chain and pocket the extra money. and you're right - i didn't think about the split frame to install the belt drive.