BELT DRIVE on bicycles - Pros and Cons

[@jindrichstercl2389]

This video is the definition of clean. Title actually says what is in the video, there is 12 second intro and then straight to the facts, great explanations, nice setting, friendly host, quick giveaway at the end. Perfect.

[@joshinvarghese1344]

And is less than 10 min

[@VideoNOLA]

But we can also agree there was quite a bit of repetition along the way.

[@helldorado1489]

Except that it was twice as long as necessary. Too repetitive.

[@WillBravoNotEvil]

@@helldorado1489 So if you know already (such that it seems repetitive) WHY ARE YOU WATCHING?

[@astroch]

What? He spent 3 min just to say it doesn't need oil.

[@K1989L]

I've had a belt driven bike for four years and last years I also bought an ebike with one too. I love it! Best thing about the belt drive is that it does not stretch and I don't have to tension a chain once or twice a month. Also the cleanliness is great when I wash my bike inside the apartment bathroom! And btw when the bike has a sliding dropout where you can drop the wheel down and out you'll never have to tension the belt again! Unless some bolts get loose or you want to change the gear ratio.

[@jeffloewi5632]

Came back to re-watch and I remain very impressed with the thoroughness and brevity of your explanation. If you have any interest in making videos for the ebikes we carry please let me know.

[@gerryobrien7366]

I am surprised that more manufacturers aren't already using belts. I am going belt drive with my next bike. I am going to wait till they bring the prices down, should not be any more expensive to make if they can get the numbers up.

[@jadamsnz]

One downside of chains not mentioned is that you will eventually need to change your chain ring and gear cluster as the chain wears out the teeth. Keeping the chain clean and replacing it regularly will delay that but it will eventually happen,

[@rantanplan7474]

One other disadvantage that's never talked about is if you wanna run a bike single speed without an internally geared hub and you want it to be geared for going over 20mph at a relaxed cadence, you'd need a giant chainring up front that won't fit on any regular bike get a decent ratio.

[@Mythreesons137.]

Looks like you need to start with a belt drive frame first. I didn't know that can you buy a belt drive frame ?

[@rantanplan7474]

@@Mythreesons137. I think you can but it's quite niche. Let's consider the Babymaker by FLX. The premium version has a belt drive system. Look at how big the chainring is. It's not even a high ratio cause the cog at the back has to have minimum 22 teeth. So imagine you'd like to have a ratio suitable for a cruising speed of 25mph. You could do it with a high cadence but you'll kneed like an 80 tooth chainring at the front to be able to get a slower relaxed cadence.

[@vincewhite5087]

Check Priority Bikes. They have many single speed.

[@Zomby_Woof]

Ratios are only relevant if you're peddling.

[@rantanplan7474]

@@Zomby_Woof I'm not a peddler sorry

[@johndoyle4723]

Thanks good presentation, it is amazing that the derailleur set up is still the most efficient after all these years. Yes I like minimum maintenance, but dislike the cost, but, I have broken chains whilst out in the middle of nowhere, and repaired in situ, difficult with a belt, however failure unlikely.

[@wheelsonfire1982]

You can just carry a spare belt however I sympathize with the sentiment that that's harder than fixing a chain

[@JohnEich]

It's great to see this tech expand in ebikes, and I'm looking forward to seeing innovation happen for aspects like installing them.

[@timhofstetter5654]

If that's true... I think you deserve belt drive, John.

[@fenestra4924]

Very nicely done video. Good introduction of the topic. Goes straight to the facts. Presents pros and cons. Concise information. Friendly setting.

[@bj97301]

When it’s quieter you can hear if somethings wrong with your bike easier as well because when somethings wrong it’s usually make a noise.

[@Dreoni_]

Would love to watch a similar video on shaft-driven bicycles

[@isoko7]

It really looks interesting, I wish they would review that system too!

[@LightBWK]

Same here.

[@basvs3906]

"you do not have to worry about getting oil or grease on your pants"... Laughs in Dutch chain casings!

[@basvs3906]

I do have to say im shocked to hear that you have to take apart your frame to put on the belt. Here in the Netherlands is even abnormal to take the chain apart... The chassis of your bike is just made in a way that you can replace the chain by pulling back the back wheel.

[@mjac9]

Thanks for the information. I'm riding a Gazelle Ultimate C380 and love the belt drive.

[@CH-or4ps]

I’m looking at getting this bike.. but also considering the T10 chain version. Any issues with your C380? Still happy with belt system?

[@roshi98]

No derailleur, gears, or chain to rust during winter rides is a BIG advantage belts have for me. I'm a four-season rider in the Adirondacks and just based on maintenance differences alone the higher up front cost pays for itself.

[@petersmith3110]

Really enjoying your channel, and thanks for the great comments, really useful.

[@MySquire1]

You are amazing Such a great and diversified narration Explaining the a and b,s of E bikes I'm going to get an E bike soon and you have made it a lot easier for me to understand the E bike market Thank you Dennis

[@tictoc4329]

Nice short review on belt drives! Thanks!

[@richardadam4507]

iI really like this review. The fact that the priority is the reviewer's bike of choice strengthens my interest in buying this bike.

[@comedianmattrossey]

Micah, I'm really loving your channel. Your very informative and don't beat around the bush. Thank You!

[@EbikeSchool]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@nuance2317]

Enjoying your videos, a solar and e-bike novice, always learning something.

[@henlofren7321]

I got my hands on a newer cargo-focused enviolo hub and my 750w bafang tore through the hub within 500 miles. Even the cheapest microshift derailleurs I use last 10x as long with double the power put through them... I don't even maintain my chains and simply replace them when they get bad enough.

[@joesarasota4535]

It sounds like there are primarily pros to belt drive ebikes with hub derailers once you choose a specific one, great explanation you made!

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

Low end cheaper belt drives are prone to stretching which will cause the belt to come off repeatedly, especially under load, since there is no tensioner to compensate. So make sure to go with a good name brand belt system. Also unlike chains you can not "cut out" a bad link and do a temporary splice to get home after an accident, you need to carry a spare belt with your spare tubes.

[@ammerudgrenda]

Even if you have a spare belt, how do you replace it? The bike has to be able to split to install the belt.

[@larryfinke6133]

What about efficiency due to friction loss?

[@laserbob2k]

Just watched the pros & Cons of belt driven bikes. Thanks, as I have been looking at the Priority and considering another called the Swift from GigaByke, both pretty light compared to most others. Keep it up!.

[@earlkoropatnick1928]

Thank you, I am new to e-bikes and just learning the ins and outs before I buy.

[@invy2017]

I really dig the Priority Current, I just wish the price remained the same as when you reviewed it. That belt drive really sells it for me, but last I checked it was $3200.

[@stevec9957]

You can get a 20% discount through Costco

[@carlbylenga2541]

Great looking bike and I love the belt drive system!

[@charlesflint9048]

I really want something like this now. I’ve just been upgrading a Chinese 350 watt ebike to Shimano Sora derailleur gear changers & fitting a 52 tooth front chainwheel etc. It is pretty good now, but I always want more and this looks like the basis of my next project (when I can afford it). It has been said many times before, but ‘The future is electric ‘ is where we are going, and I am much happier using my ebike with a back pack for local shopping than firing up the SUV for a 2 mile shopping trip.

[@NicholasRobson]

Looks like a great e-bike. It will be my choice come summer.

[@varunkumar8250]

I really like your videos it helps me make a better choice to buy a e bike

[@EbikeSchool]

Thanks Varun!

[@johnlux6635]

I love my belt drive but it has a nexus3 internal gearing so it isn't a quiet bike like I was sold on. It clicks and clacks in 3rd gear way noisier than any derailleur bike I've ever owned.

[@samuelvelez2542]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me.

[@BigDawgCustom]

That is an awesome bike, looking forward to the review.

[@lafamillecarrington]

Just about to buy my first e-bike, and the Priority Current has pretty much everything on my wish list - except it isn't available in the UK. I'll keep looking!

[@martintasker7306]

Great video from a guy who's informative, and easy to under stand with information you can trust ! Keep up the good work ! kind regards Martin Tasker

[@dunczone]

The price for all the componentry for a belt drive bike is huge. I keep my chain quiet by lubing my chain with parrafin wax and PTFE Powder.

[@v4v777]

..yes.. this is the ONE big issue.. i cant understand why it is so damn expensive... its just 2 cogs and a belt for Christs sake!!!

[@jeffawa7767]

Very Informative video. Hoping to be selected to get one of your books. Thanks a lot!

[@bobjackson3735]

I just bought a ten year old belt drive bike on Craigslist. I don't know if this is par for the course, but there is a ton of friction in the rear wheel. Freewheeling it will only spin the wheel a couple rotations, whereas my chain-driven bikes will spin dozens of times. This means riding it takes considerably more effort than my other bikes. It's possible the friction is due to the crazy Shimano "roller brakes" or to lack of maintenance on the hub. But wait till you try to do maintenance on one of these things. It's like working on a car transmission! So, belt drives are low maintenance... until they need maintenance. And then they are very difficult and expensive to work on! Buyer beware.

[@vincenzodelgrippo6519]

Very informative video, in the disadvantages I would have mentioned the fact that belts are mechanically a bit less efficient in transmitting power, if compared with the chains.

[@cjohnson3836]

If you're willing to accept the weight of a pinion box or IGH, optimal power transfer is about the last thing you're concerned with. Racers can go play in their own street. The average person doesn't care about that shit.

[@pparker768]

@@cjohnson3836 rude reply

[@cjohnson3836]

@@pparker768 awwww

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

That's irrelevance for commuting tbh

[@josingh20]

Vicenzo, initially, but after wear and maintenance intervals, the belt is overall more efficient. Search Gates Belt Drive efficiently here and you will see how chain vs belt compares. ,

[@mystscot9814]

I currently cycle on a Cube SUV hybrid Race 500, find it difficult to go back to a chain and derailleur set up, love the automatic gears and the carbon belt, I'll possibly never go back to the old chain and gearing setups.

[@Check-it-out]

What if you have a flat tire ? You can’t get your rear wheel out ?

[@7kings78]

Big fan of gates belt and internal gear hubs. Looking forward to the review of current bike in this video.

[@dirkvanderlaarse1878]

There are two more disadvantages to belt vs. chain: With colder weather the resistance is slightly higher (but who cares with an e-bike) and a chain wears out slowly and stately vs. a belt that doesn't wear until the teeth fall off suddenly due to temperature and UV influence. Some chained bikes have closed chain guards that keeps the chain clean and lubricated (which can outlast even a belt in durability with minimal maintenance) But overall: for a commuter-bike a belt is a great option.

[@scottdasilva902]

I appreciate this review, helpful for getting us on the local bike path.

[@mythrusthelema]

Do you have any experience with the Veer split belt system? I have been seriously looking at them for my ebike. As usual very informative. Thanks.

[@holmer9413]

Interesting. And now that your video made me think of it, it's a really nice morning for a ride.

[@EbikeSchool]

Enjoy!

[@christianvic2]

Great video, Micah. If you don't need to change gears, belt seems like a great thing. The "breaking the rear triangle" is a bummer, but that's the way it goes.

[@kengruz669]

Maybe you missed it, but bikes with belt drives are coupled with an internally-geared hub, like the Priority Current that's in the video. He specifically speaks about it. You therefore can change gears on a belt-drive bike. And the frames are designed to accommodate the Gates belt drive. It's all preconfigured in the design of the bike.

[@dcpiatt50]

Very interesting video! I didn't know there was a belt drive system for bicycles.

[@racsaman2]

Veer makes a belt that can be separated. A little expensive but gets it done.

[@jgbelmont]

Links for everything but a belt drive kit?

[@kjm-ch7jc]

Trying to re-tension the belt after a puncture would be difficult also the extra tension would put extra strain on bearings.

[@dsrgarage]

Thanks for all the videos. Great place to get reliable info!!

[@derykmacleod4979]

Interesting. I am nearly done with my self converted ebike. A montague paratrooper and a bbshd.

[@gold3084]

Problem with internal geared hub is that it is not as efficient as a derailer so you will get less range from your battery.

[@Nifilheimur]

Dont know anything about bicycles but on motorcycles a belt drive is about 12-15% power loss compared to chain 1-3%. Wont that be a dealbreaker on bicycles or is there not as much power loss in belts here?

[@BigKnifeWind]

Ever have to fix a rear flat? How is it dismounting the wheel roadside? Have to carry any extra tools?

[@iloiloguy]

I’ve never had a belt-driven bicycle before, but I suppose another advantage to having a belt drivetrain is that a belt doesn’t jump off the sprocket. It may also eliminate the need for a guard. I considered buying an IKEA bicycle and converting it to an eBike, but decided against it. 😊

[@Enonymouse_]

Much less likely to skip teeth or derail itself from the drive system too.

[@MikheilGhvinianidze]

You can tension the belt. In my industry we tension most of the belts. Few weeks ago I have redesigned tensioner in 3d, and printed using my FDM 3D printer. I am not suggesting FDM 3D printed Tensioner on bike, but CNC or Laser cutted Tensioner should work.

[@pennyroyal3813]

Another advantage is that older folks who can no longer lift their bikes or sit on the floor for servicing can ride more easily. I can no longer lift my regular bike up on the bench and I can sit on the floor but getting up requires assistance. Perhaps I should install a pulley for lifting myself up from the floor?

[@edwardlacika3022]

Was efficiency mentioned ? Chains are significantly more efficient compared to belts.

[@tedf1471]

"Carrying around a six pound battery saving 100gm on a chain isn't going to..." The US is just like the UK, mixing old and new units rather than switching entirely to metric!

[@rfwillett2424]

I'm a sixty two, year old Australian, and I do it all the time.. A lot of imperial measurements I have no intuitive feel for. but there are a few metric ones that still aren't automatic, like a person's height.

[@jvelez5381]

America first screw off

[@BubbafromSapperton]

@@rfwillett2424 I'm not going to change my name... 😆

[@manFromPeterborough]

@@rfwillett2424 Commodores and 80s Falcons had AF nuts on the engines while metric on the body

[@rfwillett2424]

@@manFromPeterborough I remember that it was a pain.

[@wrightflyr898]

You’re awesome! You got me into building my own 18650 battery and evoke!

[@lindakleckner215]

So the slot in the middle, that you mentioned, is what keeps it on the ring-like thing? I'm not familiar with the walking term...do you mean when the chain works it's way off? Thanks for showing pros and cons🙂.

[@tedtedsen269]

ONE BIG CONS is if you damage the rear rim and it needs to be replaced

[@harcovanhees394]

@3:32 there is one thing you have to do with a belt drive: you have to check the tension. Mostly easy to do (5 minutes) and just 3 to 4 times a year.

[@joeparker3407]

I really like the idea of a belt system. How well does this bike work on step roads, where you might decide to walk your regular bike up to the top? Great video 👍👍

[@jxweinert]

Good stuff Micah! Hit all the key points. This video was as smooth and strong as...a gates belt drive ;)

[@Arfonfree]

Would it be possible to design a rear axle that put the sprocket on the outside of the triangle so that the frame did not have to break?

[@Drubbered]

Interesting idea. The front chainring needs to be in perfect alignment with the rear spocket, so I guess you'd have to increase the Q factor a bit.

[@arvindrajeurs7650]

Good info, I would like to prefer go with chain rather than belt drive currently due to non availability widely here in India.

[@nvention20]

had the chance to get Luna's 'Fixed' ebike for cheap with Gates belt drive but its only 3 speed fellt too limited for how i ride . Its SOO smooth and quiet and clean .

[@ThanosSustainable]

Ok I admit, I didn’t know belts on bicycles was a thing. However, I’ve had my bicycle since 2006, converted it to front hub 6 years ago, doing around 3k km yearly and I haven’t yet changed a chain! Urban trips only, though...

[@peterjv8748]

What do you mean by "converted it to front hub?"

[@ThanosSustainable]

@@peterjv8748 i got myself a front hub conversion kit and turned it into an ebike.

[@peterjv8748]

@@ThanosSustainable Gotcha. Thanks. But check that chain. If you've ridden that much the chain is prob past worn and will ruin the rest of your drive-train.

[@johnstevens4107]

Oh yes I want your books , solar , and batteries , thank you for the link .

[@stuarthiggs3845]

Good info , didnt even know you could have a belt drive, thank you .

[@timkelly6496]

I have my first belt drive. I was getting tired of the chain derailing every and the belt drive does not travel in a circle may be a semi circle

[@gcharb2d]

For regular bikes a belt drive is also less efficient, mainly because instead of having a direct COG connection, it uses a transmission, that's the main reason you will never see a performance bike using a belt system, but other than that they are pretty cool IMHO !!!

[@Oddman1980]

Pretty much all of Harley-Davidson's bikes, electric are not, are belt drive - at least in the last 15-20 years or so, with the exception of the new Pan-Am. The way that H-D gets away with using a belt is to have the swingarm pivot close to the countershaft sprocket, and to have a short-travel suspension. There is a H-D adventure bike now, with much more suspension travel, but it uses a chain. One thing to keep in mind about a belt drive bicycle is you don't want to get the wrong size rock or stick between the sprocket and the belt. You could snap that belt right in twain and have to walk out of the woods. That said, I kinda want a belt-drive Ebike to ride to work, because it would just be so easy to take care of.

[@anythingelectric5209]

Where to buy your books? That is the right question.

[@omarmald]

Can you let me know how to swap a battery discharge pins so I can get a higher capacity battery or if I even can, and what to look for in making my decision.

[@dumsterdave]

can you do a review on various IGHs? Like what is the strongest/best for a bbshd?

[@K1989L]

3-speeds are the strongest ones. Shimano came out with a 5-speed ebike hub which I have and do not recommend. It has way too much drag especially in the cold temps. My bike is a pedelec and when it cuts out at 25km/h the acceleration stops too. The hub is just too draggy to ride much faster. And I do hit the 25km/h mark with the 3rd gear. So it is a heavy and draggy 3-speed hub. Also the gearing is way too high with 700c wheel and belt dirve (39t x 28t). That could be remedied with the only other coq that is available for the hub, the 32t. But that is... If you can find one!

[@djmc0590]

I like the shimano alfine 8

[@ghostsy]

Ty bought a Pure Flux One Ebike which is Gates belt driven.

[@smallhatshatethetruth7933]

How often do you need to change the sprockets? The chainring and the rear one?

[@WrinklyRabbit69]

I love to hear my ccassette specially back in the day riding bmx

[@markandmelbamford]

Really useful video - now fully understand pros and cons

[@hangtime2997]

Any thoughts on a belt drive for trails and off-road?

[@dazer123]

Dude I have learnt so much from your videos and your audio and video quality is awesome

[@evwonder1889]

I’d love to see a one-year review of your Priority Current. I just purchased one and am eagerly awaiting its delivery. Curious to know how it’s held up since you bought it. Thanks!

[@corradogiorgetti9371]

really interesting video. Do you have any e-bikes to suggest that have a belt drive and front suspension for people who weigh 115kg (including the D-lock and other items)?

[@kippywylie]

There is a loss of efficiency (drag) I'm experiencing on my brand new Gazelle. This is from the internal heavy oil inside the Enviolo Hub..... When will this drag lessen?

[@raychin9693]

Thanks for the informative video on belt drives

[@Free__Speech]

Modern belt drive frames u don't need the frame to split to get the belt on. They're connected by a pin

[@vbelousov]

After two years would you recommend this priority current bike to by? I’m considering this and Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH. Priority is cheaper, but how reliable it is?

[@kenmartin6903]

Cool video. Very helpful as I learn more about ebikes. KenM.

[@aaronb3600]

could you pain a pinion gearbox with a rohloff hub?

[@troymusgrove6290]

Great information on your belt drive bike👍

[@avva4090]

Gotta love compliant mechanisms. Given the task, a belt seems like an objectively better tool for power delivery, but cycling has developed in a way that favors chains so the tech hasn't matured (internally geared hubs and frame design need development). With e-bikes becoming more popular I'm sure that will change... I can practically see the $6,000 Dura Ace Di2 equivalent internally geared hub now.

[@brendanerskine4158]

High end bike manufacturers care about minimum gains in bike design and aerodynamics. They would never put a belt drive and internal gearing on a high end bike when it costs more than 10% drivetrain efficiency loss compared to belt and internal gears.

[@ilanozana9652]

For shock system it can be added an idler pulley

[@DataSmithy]

So, I am guessing that belt drives don't stretch out as you use them, like chains? Or do you adjust for stretch over the life of the belt?

[@larsdela9323]

A Gates belt doesn't´t stretch as such, but as it gets worn, some of the material gets worn off, so you might have to adjust it, but it is very, very rare that you need to do that. I have also seen bikes that were sold with (very) wrong tension, so they needed adjustment to get it right.

[@y18ex]

Excelent info, thanks for you help and time.

[@jedics1]

So are they more able to take the extra strain of say a bbshd?