Originally Posted by DiabloScott

Something like this look interesting?

Originally Posted by Archwhorides

Joe Breeze has been perfecting commuting bikes for a while and the Breezer Beltway is an ultimate formulation of his highly practical approach to this mode, listed slightly less than $2K all-in:
- Full coverage fenders
- Rear rack
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Dynamo-driven headlight and tail light

I rode the similar Breezer Finesse for a few years and my only complaint was maintaining the chain during inclement weather, so the belt-drive Beltway is a definite step up. The only downside with my Breezers is that it was stable yet somewhat bland in its ride (although the new 2016 looks to be lighter and more sprightly).



I'm now riding a BMC Alpentech AC01 with Alfine 8, which required their matching fender upgrade and addition of USB charged lights to complete the package. This bike is a fun and low maintenance ride in the IGH version.



Spot makes an interesting line of belt-drive cyles - these require accessories, but they look like a lot of fun.

There are other European, Australian and Asian makers with really cool belt drive cycles, but if you are in the U.S., distribution may be an issue.



Don't believe what the nay-sayers say about the belt drive vs. chains; the belt is reliable, quiet, clean and virtually maintenance free. I've got 10K miles and 2 1/2 years through winters in on my BMC with its first belt and no maintenance on the IGH except for shifting cable adjustments. I just took it into the LBS for a pre-winter relube, cost me $55, this is the first cent I spent on maintenance so far. I think I'll pick up a replacement belt this winter in anticipation of the first one wearing out.

Originally Posted by bmthom.gis

My understanding with newer IGH hubs is that they still need a yearly overhaul/lube job, which is about the frequency I'll lube my chain of my IGH/single speed bikes. Front hub, bottom bracket, brake pads, and cables will all need maintenance at some point. If your goal is to save money in the process, don;t completely discount chains over belts - they are a lot less expensive and way easier to replace when the time comes.

Chain or belt drive, you could probably just have a shop look at it once a year depending on how many miles you put on it and you would do fine. Might even be able to get away with every 2 years.

The other pro of a chain over a belt is all shops keep chains in stock, belts would have to be ordered which would keep the bike out of commission for longer if it were to break or need replacing.

Again, I'm not discouraging you from getting whatever you want, just trying to open your eyes to other possibilities as well, and that a chain vs a belt drive shouldn't be a make it or break it issue if you love everything else about whatever bike you end up with.

I don't think there is a holy grail of no maintenance bike out there, and I don't know the limitations of belt drives and I am biased in what low maintenance means because I can fairly easily fix bout 99% of problems I would come across on my bikes.

I don't know if you have "real winter" where you are, but any considerations with how a belt would perform in snow and salt and slush should be taken into consideration, if there would be any problems at all or if it works 100% fine. Luckily, that kind of weather is nothing I have to consider anymore

Originally Posted by mrv

https://www.rei.com/product/879472/s...d-10-bike-2015
- my LBS owner rides one of these year round to work and back. His wife has one also. They both like them quite a bit. He's been pressuring me to get one, and from what he says Scott has a glut of these at the moment. I'm thinking they may be going for the $500~$700 range.
I can't really get another bike now until I get ride of two.... or three.

Originally Posted by Joe Minton

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are all fitted with toothed-belt final drives and have been for about 30 years. The belts, made by Gates, last over 100,000 miles. They are much better than chains in all ways.

One HD FXR I had something to do with produced 103 Horsepower and was road raced for three years or so (Bartel's Harley-Davidson) using the stock belt drive -- no problem.

An average Harley needs about 12 Horsepower to go 60 MPH. There are a few cycling sprinters who can produce 3 Horsepower for a few dozens of yards. ---- I wouldn't worry about bicycle belt life ;o) You are more likely to wear the sprockets out.

Joe

Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike

A single speed coaster brake bike is pretty darn close to being maintenance free. If squirting a little silicone or other lubricant on the chain every other month or so (about a 30 second "task") is too much maintenance for the OP, he can throw the bike in the trash can after the chain is unusable (maybe a year or three, given his planned use) or give it to Goodwill and buy another new one for $100 or so.