Originally Posted by bostontrevor
I don't really buy it.
Shaft drive requires an internally geared hub. Once you're there, a chain drive and shaft drive perform just as well in inclement conditions with the chain being marginally more efficient, lighter, and tons cheaper and more readily available.
I've never had ice or anything give me chain problems in the snow. Do you get ice problems from riding or leaving the bike outside? I don't think I leave my bike outside as much as you do.
Originally Posted by PaulH
One of the people on the Icebike list got one. On the one hand, he said that friction losses from the shaft drive were lower than expected. On the other hand, he also remarked that it was not particularly sealed against the elements.
That pretty much removes any benefits of the shaft drive. I would think any moisture inside the drive unit would be a problem in the winter.