Originally Posted by
I-Like-To-Bike
Same for me; replace the chain once a year after approx. 5000 miles. Cost is under $10 for chain for IGH bike. Takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Belt drive at present is for those seeking an "elegant" solution for a non-existent problem, and who choose to ignore any non elegant problems associated with belt drive.
For me rust and chain lubrication is a real problem that I'd rather do without. It's not as much of big deal with the IGH and rust resistant chains in the winter as when I was using a derailleur bike but I'd rather not have to deal with it all. It's an elegant solution the same way a garage door opener is, - not really necessary but definitely convenient.
As to the non-elegant problems with belt drives, some of those seem to have been solved since the first generation. And just maybe what other problems remain are worth it to some folks. The problems with chains are real enough to me that I remain open minded about belt drives as a possible solution. I'm not 100% convinced so that is why I'm in wait and see mode.