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Buried in the Interbike frenzy was this Trek XOB belt driven ‘cross bike, piloted by Travis Brown during the now yearly Cross Vegas event.
Trek’s Advanced Concept Group has been tinkering with how belt drive bikes can fit into the line. Right now belts are on a few commuter models (including the District) and some other prototypes running around the office but watch for them on more and more bikes in the future.
From the looks of it, this won’t be the last we see of belt drive bicycles. The industry seems to have a taste for them as evidenced by the past couple of tradeshows. Trek already markets the aforementioned District and from the above quote appears to be moving belts into other parts of the line.
Hmmm . . . do belt drives offer any advantages compared to chains? Why would they bother?
What a beautiful bike! Looks like it rides like a dream as well!
Along with Tony’s question, is there a geared belt driven bike and will that be any better than a chain driven bike?
Probably quieter, no maintenance. Likely a gimmick more than anything, but I would try it.
Second thought. Let someone else try them for a few years. If they work out well, then I’d try it.
Third thought–was Trek going for “ugly color of the year” award with that bike?
From what I’ve read, they are lighter, cheaper, quiter, last longer and won’t get grease on your pants. Strida has used a belt drive on their folding bike since they were first introduced several years ago. However, they don’t work with derailers and can slip under heavy load despite having teeth on them. Consider that the auto industry has largely gone from timing chains to timing belts on engines. I’m far from an expert on this, but I would expect to see them used much more in the near future on single speeds and with hub shifters. Even so, I’m still okay watching others try them out for a little bit before I spend my money on one.
some thoughts…
do the belts stretch over time like a chain?
who is making chainrings and cogs for them? availability?
lube needed?
are the easy to change?
how long do they last?
from where i’m sitting – i think belt drive could be really useful on bikes that have internalty-geared rear hubs, cargo bikes, and commuter bikes – if the durability/serviceability is good. i think it would be an easy sell to commuter cyclists – who doesnt want a cleaner, quieter bike?
And the award for building the “Ugliest Single Speed Bike of the Year” goes to (drum roll please) Trek.
Does the chainstay need to be removed in order to remove the belt?
I should have clicked on the link before asking the question about the chainstay. I like it even less now that I’ve had a closer look.
keep in mind that motorcycles transfer power via belts instead of chains, so i don’t think this is a gimmick. this along with continually variable hubs might be the future of bikes.
keep in mind, too that you can put a chain on instead if it turns out you don’t like the belt or this never becomes popular or whatever. it’s nice to have the option of belt or chain. it be great if the dropout had a deraileur tab on there as well like the lynskey’s.
Dum fks,
This is the future of single speeds probably , not geared fking bikes. Belt is to be worn around the waist, not frikin riding bike. Use chain fools
Chains require lubrication. Lubrication attracts dirt. Dirt combined with stretching chains wears out sprockets. Replacement every couple thousand miles is expensive – almost the cost of a new bike if you don’t do the work yourself. I’ve owned many motorcycles as well, and the switch to belt drives brought an absolute revolution in both reliability and cleanliness. For a single speed bicycle, I can see nothing but benefits to using a belt. For bikes with gears, you’re forced to use an internal hub shifter… not sure about the relative efficiency of these… I imagine a little less that of a derailluer/chain.