I've been very interested in a SpeedHub for over a year. Have been reading all I can find. Now I discover the Gates belt-drive and see a real set of possibilities. I used to ride Harleys with belt drives instead of chains and they were worry- and maintenance-free. Any opinions or experience with the Gates CDS?

I'd like a belt drive bike as well, or perhaps several :-) You might want to equip it with the upcoming Alfine 11 speed. Rohloff has for years been preventing anyone from making a belt cog for their hub. The last I've heard they're making the cog now, but only providing it to bike companies for Rohloff specific bikes. Who knows if and when they'll provide cogs for individuals. A Rohloff employee told me the company is afraid that some American will install the belt incorrectly, crash, get hurt, and sue the company for tens of millions of dollars.

Ever since I saw the Co-Motion Americano Rohloff belt-drive I'm been having serious ideas on setting up a bike with that combo. The issue with the belt drive is that you need to have a frame that can separate in the rear triangle. The Co-Motion has a special fitting to allow the rear stay to attach. On existing frames you would need to install a S&S coupler. The Co-Motion has all the cable routing stops for the Rohloff also. Only issue to me order one is the $$$$$. But of course, with the Rohloff belt-drive, I could thin the current crop of bikes.

Why? The extra $300 for a belt can be spent far more efficiently elsewhere on your rig. Is it really so difficult to wipe down and oil a chain every week or two?

Almost forgot, the Civia Bryant is also Belt drive with the Alfine 11 hub. This model is much more "doable" for me, though for some reason I still lust after the Rohloff.

I would definitely get the rohloff (if I were considering this combo).

meh on the belt... (until someone comes up with a splittable belt for normal bikes...)

Chains aren't really an issue with Rohloff- they become basically 0-maintenance. I also use a hebie chainglider with my rohloff in the winter, which is awesome.

"Only issue ...is the $$$$$." That's an understatement! Over $5,300US without racks or 'Classic Trim Package'. It does look beautiful though. I'll keep dreaming.

Wiping down and lubing a chain is not much of a hassle in normal circumstances. But that's not the question I asked. I'm not trying to justify it economically. I'm trying to gain insights.

Nobody has experience with these so (actual) cost versus (theoretical) benefit is about all anyone can discuss.

Um, I gave my insight: the rohloff is worth it, the belt drive is not.