Belt drive bike - what are the benefits?

The carbon fiber bicycle is still a new and little-known solution. If you don't want to read any further, the three main reasons cited by the manufacturer of this drivetrain, Gates (in their nomenclature, the drive itself is referred to as Carbon Drive) are:

1. The bike on the strip is clean!

No grease. No rust. Never get your pant leg dirty or your leg oily again! Does that even matter? For anyone who commutes to work every day, for example, it's probably more like this...

2. It makes driving more enjoyable

No jerking. No squeaking. Efficiency and smoothness of every pedal stroke. You have to ride one of these bikes to feel the difference!

3. Carbon Drive is much more durable than a chain

Advanced technology and carbon fiber material mean the belt will be much more durable than a chain. Not to mention, it's virtually maintenance-free.

Or maybe fixed gear? See more - Fixed gear – everything you need to know before you start driving around Warsaw

So much for marketing, but what is the reality?

If we want to take the matter more seriously, we need to look at history. While Gates' solution was introduced to the market not so long ago, in 2007, attempts to find something smarter than a chain have a longer history. A surprisingly long one, in fact, one might say, as the first belt drive for a bicycle was patented in the United States back in the 19th century! I haven't found any evidence that anyone ever used this patent. A belt-driven bicycle had to wait a long time for its market debut. However, in the 1980s, the Bridgestone Picnica belt-driven bicycle appeared on the market. The belt drive came from Harley-Davidson and featured an innovative solution in the form of a two-piece pulley that increased belt tension with increasing load. The Picnica was a folding bicycle, and the belt drive offered a convenient way to avoid getting grease on the chain. The topic of various alternatives to chains is very interesting, and we will certainly explore it on our blog in the future.

Bridgestone Picnica Belt Drive Bike

As I mentioned, a breakthrough came with the introduction of the Gates Corporation Carbon Drive System, which, in addition to belts, also includes lightweight (patent pending) sprockets, creating a complete bicycle drivetrain. The sprockets have holes under each tooth to allow for debris removal. Although such solutions are considered a curiosity in our market, it is estimated that in Germany, approximately 30% of new bicycles use belt-driven solutions instead of chains. Interestingly, this solution has not yet gained comparable popularity in other countries (outside the DACH region). However, year after year, customers increasingly ask us about a bicycle with a toothed belt, so starting in the 2021 season, we are introducing a completely new model with this solution, and we assure you it will be one of a kind.

A hub gear is the only option for this type of drivetrain. Considering that a belt-driven bike is designed to be as maintenance-free as possible, it fits the concept perfectly.

Find out more - Hub gear (Shimano Alfine/Nexus) - a maintenance-free drivetrain for your lightweight women's bike

Bicycle on a belt - advantages

• The straps are made of plastic, which means they won't rust.
• A carbon composite belt has virtually no stretch over time like a chain. This means there's no need to re-tension or replace the belt due to stretching over time. It's several times more durable than a chain.
• There's no need to lubricate it. As a result, this drivetrain won't get dirty! Belt-driven bikes also require less attention from the user.
• Virtually maintenance-free.
• Smoother ride. The feel when starting a bike like this is especially great.
• Toothed belt bikes are quiet. No squeaks!
• Consistent performance – the Carbon drive belt ensures consistent performance throughout the drive's life. However, chain performance degrades with wear and dirt.
• Lower weight. The entire set, i.e., two sprockets and a belt, weighs less than conventional solutions.
• Self-Cleaning - Patented CenterTrack and MudPort profiles are specifically designed to remove mud, dirt, snow and other debris

Belt drive - disadvantages

• Price. In our conditions, this is probably the most important factor. Such a drive is and will remain more expensive than a traditional one.
• We won't be able to install a traditional cassette and derailleur. We're left with a hub gear, with its limitations (but also its advantages, of course).
• A special frame design. The belt is not removable—it's a single piece. Therefore, we need a way to pass it through the rear triangle, meaning a removable frame. This makes belt-drive bikes significantly more expensive than traditional ones.
• Belt-operated bikes are much rarer than those with a traditional chain, so parts for them are also scarce. Breaking down while traveling in Poland? Repairs could be a problem.
• The front and rear sprockets shouldn't differ significantly in diameter to avoid excessive friction and wear. The chain is more flexible in this regard.
• Compared to a chain, a belt requires a higher degree of tension. This is to prevent skipping during use. However, it can reduce the lifespan of the bearings in the bottom bracket and rear hub.
• Servicing is complicated by the non-detachable belt. Furthermore, it requires proper tensioning, similar to single-speed . How can this be achieved? Horizontally adjustable dropouts are the easiest solution. Eccentric bottom bracket shells are also common. In theory, any such intervention requires a special tool.

Bicycle on a belt in winter

In Poland, belt-type chains are primarily chosen by year-round riders. Harsh, wet winters are a challenge for any bike, and add to that the generous salt spread by road crews. Even the best-secured chain can quickly give out. A belt has a huge advantage here, as it not only handles salt but also pushes out any debris that gets into the drivetrain much better. However, this doesn't mean you're completely out of luck. The manufacturer recommends tightening the belt when riding in snow, which reduces the risk of clogging. You should also check for any lumps of ice and mud that have become lodged in the teeth, which in extreme cases can even dislodge the belt. If your bike has been outside during snowfall, it's a good idea to clean the entire drivetrain before riding, and if you plan to ride regularly in extreme conditions, a chain guard is recommended.

Detail - detachable frame