getting a chainless bike for Christmas?
11-20-08, 07:02 AM
#1
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11-20-08, 07:04 AM
#2
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Awesome idea for the commuter or the recreational hybrid owner.....Not so much for the roadie crowd.
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Kona Jake the Snake
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Kona Jake the Snake
11-20-08, 03:59 PM
#3
Gear Hub fan
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Things to consider:
Can you change overall gearing range to suit your riding conditions?
What will be the replacement cost of a new belt and fitting when needed?
Are you considering the single speed or 8 speed gear hub version?
If have a belt or hub problem in Podunk can you get replacement parts? If you carry a chain tool a chain drive gear train allows a number of work arounds to get you home if have a chain or derailleur problem.
IMO the belt drive will always be a niche market as it cannot be used with a derailleur gear train. Too wide and requires more tension to work properly than a chain setup to prevent slip. Could also cause more wear on bottom bracket and rear hub bearings due to belt tensioning requirements. It also requires a removable section of the seat or chain stays for belt installation/replacement.
I personally would wait a while to see how well the belt stands up in actual use by strong riders and what problems, if any, develop. I have seen many new ideas introduced for bikes that disappeared within a few years due to technical problems or being answers to nonexistent problems.
Can you change overall gearing range to suit your riding conditions?
What will be the replacement cost of a new belt and fitting when needed?
Are you considering the single speed or 8 speed gear hub version?
If have a belt or hub problem in Podunk can you get replacement parts? If you carry a chain tool a chain drive gear train allows a number of work arounds to get you home if have a chain or derailleur problem.
IMO the belt drive will always be a niche market as it cannot be used with a derailleur gear train. Too wide and requires more tension to work properly than a chain setup to prevent slip. Could also cause more wear on bottom bracket and rear hub bearings due to belt tensioning requirements. It also requires a removable section of the seat or chain stays for belt installation/replacement.
I personally would wait a while to see how well the belt stands up in actual use by strong riders and what problems, if any, develop. I have seen many new ideas introduced for bikes that disappeared within a few years due to technical problems or being answers to nonexistent problems.
