Originally Posted by
HandsomeRyan
So to make sure I understand this; belts are better because...
• I have to buy a specific bike from one of the 3-4 manufacturers currently producing belt-friendly frames. A total choice of maybe 10 different frames I can choose from?
Right now. How many companies produced,say,full suspension frames when they first came out? Now they're commonplace. I think most of us can agree that we wouldn't want to commute on the street on a FS bike,but they definitely have their place. Same with belt/IGH bikes. Wouldn't want one for the TdF,but very nice to have for commuting,esp in bad weather.
Originally Posted by
HandsomeRyan
• Use an IGH [which is heavier and less efficient than a chain/derailleur setup]; but not just any IGH as some of them are not even supported with cogs that fit yet.
See above.
Originally Posted by
HandsomeRyan
• Choose a gearing and buy a belt in the correct length from a dealer since these belts are not sold online or in department stores. If I want to play around with a couple different gearings, I'll need to buy a couple different belts.
Again,this is still new tech. I can see them becoming more commonplace in the future. As for gearing changes,you could get more gear combos with one belt by utilizing an EBB or sliding dropouts. You also need to consider that they may come up with a way to change belt length;perhaps a belt made of links,or maybe a way to use some kind of tape or epoxy or summat to rejoin a belt together.
FYI,I've never touched the gearing on my Otis,Dixon,Flyby,or my old Milano. I only regeared my 1x1 because it started life as a SS MTB,and the hub came off a tandem. I've found most stock IGH bikes are geared pretty well,and I live in a hilly area.
Originally Posted by
HandsomeRyan
• If my belt breaks, is damaged, or I want to change gearings, I have to order a new belt for whatever the LBS wants to charge me (again, I can't just buy a new belt at Wal-Mart like I would with a chain) and wait a week [bikeless] while the shop orders it.
See above. Also,what if they started using already available belts,like say those used for industrial or automotive applications? Then you might be able to go to Home Depot or NAPA to get a belt,and because of the scale of production it would be cheaper.
Originally Posted by
HandsomeRyan
I think the fact that Harleys use belt drives is irelevant since (A) Harley Davidson isn't exactly known for precision engineering or cutting edge technology and (B) most other motorcycles still use chains (or shaft drives). If belts were so great [even on motorcycles], why don't Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Honda use them on all their motorcycles as well?
Your first statement shows you have no experience with Twin Cam engines. Sport bikes don't use belts because when used for racing they change gearing constantly,the chains are thinner so they can route around fat tires easier,and noone has put any developement into creating belts whose length can be varied. Dirt bikes don't use them because of regearing and because currently chains are easier to repair in the field. Chains are in use on most other bikes because of economy of scale;they're out there and already in use. Some metric cruisers do use belts.
ABS used to be a novelty on motorcycles. BMW had
one special addition model with it. Then they started offering it as an option on many of their models. Now I believe it's standard on their entire line(don't know about the singles) and you used to have to special order a bike if you didn't want it. Many other touring and sport touring bikes come with it as well.