sillysneakers

My boyfriend is interested in getting a chainless Dynamic bike to use for long-distance, loaded touring. He is considering either the Tempo or the Sidekick (which is foldable and could easily be stowed on his sailboat). I'm familiar with the pros/cons of typical touring bikes, as I have a Surly LHT that I use for touring. I've identified the pros/cons of the Dynamics below, as I see them, but I would appreciate other input.

PROS

• Low maintenance
• High spoke count on wheels

CONS

• "Drivetrain" is less efficient
• Gear ratios are not optimal for touring and can't be altered
• There are no brazons on front fork (for front panniers)
• Frame is aluminum--not as forgiving as steel
• There's only one riding position (no dropbars)

Has anybody used the Dynamic chainless bikes for touring? Are there other pros/cons? Does anyone have feedback on the length of the chainstay?

fietsbob

non owner.. permanantly .. you outlined the issues..

I think they are a commuter niche bike, not going to be something to get drivetrain repairs,
on the road..
since the drive shaft component is quite uncommon..

You have to go back through the importer for that. through re shipping..

and wait a fortnight for a shipping arrival to your location..

Basicvally, Just a Short distance local rig, chainless, to keep your trousers cleaner,

Shimagnolo

There was a thread in the past here of someone giving the story of their experience with a shaft-drive bike.
I don't recall the brand, nor the specs on the bike's parts.
In short, the shaft drive was an endless series of breakdowns.

mulveyr 

I'm confused... you say "to use for long-distance, loaded touring", and then immediately point out "

• Gear ratios are not optimal for touring and can't be altered
• There are no brazons on front fork (for front panniers)"

Either one of those alone would be a complete show-stopper for me, to say nothing of the issues around using what is essentially a one-of-a-kind drivetrain on bikes that are clearly not built for touring in any way, shape, or form.

Exactly what benefit does your boyfriend see that would bring these anywhere into the running as an option? You can get a fully kitted-out LHT new for not much more money, and it's widely considered to be an excellent budget touring bike. ( My wife even has one )

UnsafeAlpine

There's a reason nearly everyone uses chain drive bikes for touring. I don't see any benefit to these bikes, especially for a long tour.

unterhausen

to start out on one of these on a tour is probably asking for a breakdown. I think the only way they stay in business is shills and keeping their existing customers away from their prospective customers.

MichaelW

People have done global tours using Gates carbon drive belt. You need to use this with a hub gear such as Rohloff and a bike with a belt-tensioning arrangement and split rear triangle.

ksisler

Suggest lets give the gal a bit of a break on this... Clearly she has been put into the position of having to find a middle ground given that her BmFF has some really wonky ideas about bike touring... Interesting turn of events given that it is usually the guy stuck in the position!