Originally Posted by
scroca
I use a Caradice Nelson Longflap, which hangs from the saddle in back and which I like. But I've never tried to transport a laptop in it and I'm not sure it would work. I'm sure you could fit one into it, but I don't know how much room you'd have left for your clothes and other stuff.
I think it's nobody's business but your own if you build another, buy another or ride what you already have. That said, I think you've got a fine commuter already. You say it's heavy and you'd sweat, but I guess I don't understand your reasoning that you don't want to take a shower for a six mile ride. Don't you shower anyway? What difference does it make if you shower after you get to work versus before you leave for work?
Thanks for the Cardice information. Didn't know that my personal hygiene habits would come into play. I typically shower at night before going to bed especially because I train in the evenings or night. I try not to shower more than once each day. That's why I'm trying to avoid getting sweaty on my way to work. Besides I am definitely NOT a morning person so any time savings in the morning is very important to me.
Originally Posted by
tarwheel
Interesting review of the Civia. I have had my Milano since 2006 and I haven't had any issues with the IGH slipping. However, I am NOT putting an IGH hub on this bike -- single-speed simplicity. Hopefully the new CenterTrack system will minimize the possibility of the belt slipping. I have read some good reviews of the iPhone / iPod Touch app that you can use to tension the belt. I think I'll try that before buying the Gates tension checking tool.
Originally Posted by
alan s
The Rohloff 14 uses a metal chain and is known for its reliability and low maintenance. Belt drive is relatively new and untested. Sounds like it's not working out for some.
I must be doing something wrong when I type as I thought I clearly wrote that I'm building a single-speed.
I agree that the belt drive is relatively untested but the comments I've seen on the CenterTrack belt system indicate that it is a marked improvement over the original Carbon Drive system.
Originally Posted by
megalowmatt
Unless I am reading it incorrectly, tho OP is asking about a single speed belt drive system.
Thank you!
Originally Posted by
alan s
Any drivetrain is single speed unless you shift it.
If the OP truly wants a single speed bike, just build up a standard single speed with a chain. No need to reinvent the wheel. I thought the guy was looking for low maintenance and high reliability, and didn't care that much about cost.
Umm, yes, looking for low maintenance and high reliability and cost is a lesser consideration. Maybe in the 35+ years that I've been riding, racing, and the 10 years that I commuted, I was improperly lubing my chains. In my experience, chains are the most maintenance intensive part of a bicycle.
The chain on my track bike stays clean and requires minimal maintenance because I train at an indoor track (over 1,000 miles each year). All of my other chains require regular maintenance since living in urban, coastal SoCal there is a lot of salty sea air and very gritty roads. IF the promise of the belt works out, I won't have to do anything to the drivetrain for a very long time.