Originally Posted by
zonatandem
Y-a-a-h, you can buy a lot of chains for $525! And no random squeeking . . . chain only needs a bit of lube to cure that.
Have ridden a prototype tandem a few years ago that had a belt drive, before Co-Mo started using them. Was OK, but not very impressed with the extra $$$.
Actually depends on what chain you get. But I usually pay around $35 per chain and it takes two chains to replace the timing chain. So after 7 or 8 chains you have paid for the belt drive. Plus there is the cost of chain lube. I have heard a belt can last that long although the official claim is 2 to 3 times as long as a chain. I have heard mostly positive things about the belt, no lubing, no retensioning, quiet, less backlash, less weight. I guess I am trying to rationalize putting one on the new tandem. It's a personal choice, some prefer a chain and nothing wrong with that.
Would like to hear from other belt owners on their positive or negative experiences.