The negatives I've heard about belt drives have all been right here in the BF.net. Among them:

- Unknowns. We've been riding bikes with chains for 100 years. They are predictable, everyone can fix them
- How do you get the belt on? Some have said they worry the frame would be weaker because it has to be separated (usually near the rear drop out) in order to put the belt drive in.

Other than that, it looks like a fine bike. Fenders? Check.Braze ons for a rear rack? Check.

The only other negative? Not to be a Trek hater, but I will never buy a bike from them again. The hybrid I bought earlier this year had, in rapid succession, a failure of the chain, a broken tooth on the rear cassette, and a pedal that disintegrated under my feet. All failures nearly resulted in accidents while riding in traffic.

Just for balance- I ride the Swobo Dixon to work. THough it has a chain and no chain guard, it is $90 cheaper than the Trek Soho.