Originally Posted by
Silverexpress
The dropout looks complicated, I'd like to know why they did not stick with a horizontal dropout found on single speeds. Anyone?
A spare belt will weigh next to nothing compared to a chain. Plus it can be folded into a tiny package you can stuff in your saddle bag minus the grease and chain link tool!
Overall it's a nice package. Wish I had room for one...lol.
The "complicated" (split) dropout is so that you can get the drive belt inside the rear triangle. On a typical single speed, you break the chain, wrap it around, attach the chain, slide it back in the dropout for tension. Since you can't break and splice the belt, a split dropout is required.
I have the 2007 Soho and the Geometry is wonderful. I converted it to a Single Speed and don't think that I'll be picking up the 2009 as it doesn't really offer me much gain. I do, however, want to pick up the District and make that my daily commuter and turn the Soho back into stock (1x9 w/ SRAM X-9 derailleur) version as a kid hauler and grocery getter.
Other than preproduction versions, nobody should have the Soho yet. Unfortunately, it has been pushed back to an estimated ship date of 2/2/2009, as has the District. This leads me to believe that it is largely an issue of stocking the belt drive system.