Belts Are The BEST Bicycle Drivetrain Available (Epic Testing!)

[@Cyclingabout]

I've just given this video a 2023 update, please click on through for the latest belt drive information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpm7hZ9tnKajjKM

[@walkingskin2920]

Chains are better then belt because you can take your chain off and wear it as a cool necklace.

[@Cyclingabout]

Well, you got me there. 😎

[@roughdude6575]

But you can use your belt..... As a belt! :D

[@theaussienut6346]

@@roughdude6575 if you can find a belt buckle off a Barbie doll small enough to fit the belt yes😂

[@carlosgpacheco1621]

🤣

[@Lysergic_]

@@theaussienut6346 nah just stretch it around your legs and pull it up till its supportung them baggy pants you got there

[@biscuitsalive]

They’ve been keeping my trousers up for over 40 years. So clearly they are a solid choice.

[@a-aron2276]

I went with a chain, doing just as good a job as my regular belt👍🏽 I'll let you know when i get to 40 how it went.

[@Lunarpollo5622]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@DrArjunKataria]

😂😂😂

[@thekingofgames8249]

... and have you tried a chain?

[@kazi1]

😂

[@rb-ex]

i've ridden internally geared hubs for many miles, including rohloff, and they are not going to be right for most cyclists due to heavier drive train and efficiency losses despite the lower maintenance intervals. the belt has two main markets: 1) the few cyclists like yourself who are traversing mongolia and demanding extremely robust drive trains, and 2) clunky dutch-style utility bikes where the user demands near-zero maintenance but plans to keep the bike for a long time. keep in mind that many occasional cyclists treat their bikes as disposable when maintenance issues accumulate, and the higher initial cost of the belt drive w/ gears isn't going to make sense in that market. but i think you did a good job presenting the pros and cons and showing how there would probably be a demand for belts on a few more bikes if people had better information. thanks for your video

[@pedroclaro7822]

Dutch people favor longevity over light weight items, that's why their commuter bikes are made out of steel instead of aluminum.

[@svenweihusen57]

You are forgetting commuters. I commute about 100 miles a week and intentionally choose a belt/ IGH system due to the low maintenance. Every minute you safe with a lighter derailer system you will spend double and triple on maintenance. An IGH is an excellent choice for everyone except for people that really use bikes for sports. There are reasons why most people shun carbon frames because the advantages don't outweigh the disadvantages. For someone racing the advantages will certainly outweigh the disadvantages. It's always a question what you want to do with your bike. If you want a toy/hobby or just a reliable transport system. IMHO will chain and derailleur vanish in the long run except for expensive sport bikes and low cost bikes.

[@Darkness-ie2yl]

its interesting to see people who dont care about society at all 😂

[@Kelkschiz]

Wouldn't call my bike clunky, but it's Dutch for sure. It's a very light single-speed with a CDX. I use it for my daily commute. The most efficient bicycle I ever had. Cost-effective too!

[@simoncapstick4723]

Or for someone who uses a bicycle for daily commuting, and wants to do as little maintenance on it as that required on a car. My commuting bike is heavier than my road bikes, but is neither clunky nor Dutch-style

[@boogeymann6686]

Me: about to sleep KZbin: Why belt drivetrain is better Me: well, I guess I need to find out

[@scorpyix]

I don't even have a bike... yet.

[@scorpyix]

Now I have one 😅

[@boogeymann6686]

@@scorpyix good for you:)

[@pufferz6788]

@@scorpyix is it belt drive?

[@scorpyix]

@@pufferz6788 Nup. I don't cycle that much, yet. 😁

[@LeonRamkumar]

I have brown cycling shoes, can I wear these with a black belt, or do I need to match them?

[@humlon97]

well... does it mean that u're rocking a brown chain now?

[@tanngrisnir69]

Ha ha 🤣

[@cantinasongband]

and your tie must go just below the belt

[@kandimba]

Get some black shoes, you don't want to look like a prole.

[@Neverbensp3cial]

Lol 😂

[@donnervetter]

Built myself a commuter / touring bike with belt drive and internal gears and I couldn't be happier. Belt drive is so silent! No need to worry about lubing anything, no noises and creaks coming out of the drivetrain, it's so amazing!

[@jonathanwickett7028]

Could you tell me what parts you used please?

[@donnervetter]

@@jonathanwickett7028 i've built it on soma wolverine with shimano alfine 11 hub and crankset, sprocket, chainring and belt from gates. Can't remember the exact specifics, i've just followed the guidelines on FAQ of soma website. I've gone back to "normal" external gears since then though. Even thought the belt drive was silent and maintenance free, I couldn't help feeling the internal hub was slowing me down and I noticed that if I want to keep up with my friends, I've had to struggle way more. I still miss the maintenance free aspect and the silence from time to time, maybe some day i'll try rohloff hub instead of alfine.

[@thaitopfitness]

What about the weight of the internal gearbox system compared to the derailleurs and standard chain? Weighing just the belt against the chain doesn't show the whole picture.

[@Kodobro]

you would also need to add in the componenets needed for a bike chain and compare the two.

[@3LGang2L]

He added the drive chain go back to when he weighed them and look at the items in the scales

[@Kodobro]

@@3LGang2L your just referring to chain against belt. you would need to compare the chain system with the three different parts - derailer, the casset etc ,etc and compare it to the belt with gearbox. its almost impossible to do that. you would need to buy 2 bikes as same model and retro fit to compare. simply comparing belt to chain isnt enough.

[@booketoiles1600]

@Stephen Cho Overall weight is vital for road bikes, not so much for commuter bikes

[@atomicskull6405]

People are probably going to boo me but you could totally use nylon or delrin (polyoxymethylene) pulleys and gears with a belt system instead of steel to reduce weight. I've seen delrin gears that can handle 5kw easily and a bike isn't even close to that kind of power.

[@jordanleng204]

“Belts are lighter than chains.” XC Mountain Bikers: I’ll TaKe YoUr EnTiRe sToCk

[@rikyrossi9518]

Me: Laughing in downhill mtb😂😂😂

[@Metal-Possum]

They're also less efficient, costly, and have limited gearing options.

[@lewiegray491]

Downhill riders laugh in singlespeed

[@IsakZer]

Alex Paulsen exacely. If you want to lose as much power as possible... use belt

[@giacomonicoli5822]

Yes if it has a gear, or it will be waste for mountainbiking

[@jackt6112]

For a belt, you also need a gearbox. The Rohloff Standard Speedhub Touring is $1600. Now add a specialty frame, specialty belt, and specialty sprocket and specialty chain wheel. If you use it for commute, touring, or general transportation, you will need secure parking to ensure nobody steals it. The system is heavier and significantly less efficient, so they are never going to make it anywhere weight and performance are drivers, which is typically where the money is spent. Most looking for a touring bike, are looking for ruggedness, and being supported worldwide. As things stand, the system only makes sense for what the author does, and those like him willing to ride an unsupported system worldwide. That is a minuscule market. I loathe chains and derailleurs as much as the next guy, but belt drives will need to get within a Texas mile of the chain drives on price before they can invade any area of significant volume.

[@DEDE-mt3yq]

awfully its true :(

[@jama211]

This is fair, I suppose he did say the best available, not the best value or best in all situations, but I have to say he cannot be right about best commuter bike if it's this expensive.

[@normanproske9151]

I bought a belt driven, city bike last year. So I'd consider the advantages, if you buy new.

[@DEDE-mt3yq]

@@normanproske9151 what price did you land ? they are way to expensive over here :(

[@pedrao420]

i rather buy an good e-bike

[@oilcanracer6388]

I am currently at 35,000k on my belt drive pinion gearbox and brother is 38,000k each of us on the same belt. Good on you for this video, we completely agree with your findings and also run a looser belt with no problems on ridiculously heavy loaded bikes in all terrains. Can't stress enough having a correctly built bike that doesn't flex sidways for a belt drive. Had a single speed like that, with problems breaking and skipping belts constantly. Current single speed never happened even once on a looser belt. Personally I destroyed 3 rohloff hubs in a row quickly. They told me there is a weight/watts limit I was going over. Our pinion gearbox never had those problems. Glad to hear your rohloff is still going strong. We enjoy your channel and look forward to the next adventures in usa.

[@Cyclingabout]

Those are big numbers! 💪🏼

[@oilcanracer6388]

World traveling and long daily commutes😆

[@thedave7760]

can you use wax as a lube for belts like they do with chains?

[@dudeonbike800]

"Personally I destroyed 3 rohloff hubs in a row quickly. " Ruh-roh! And I've heard in several forums that the Rohloff is tandem capable. As someone who has destroyed six rear hubs (3 Hugi/DT, 1 LX, 2 Phil Wood) on our mountain tandem, this is concerning. I think it'll be chain drive & Chris King whenever that Ventana is finally ordered!

[@MF11283]

Oilcan racer you and your brother have put 35k and 38k on the same belt? You guys must have a pretty good schedule to swap that much🤣

[@adumbberg]

Not my thing, but I see where they're beneficial. A lot of good information here. Thanks for giving the cons as well as the pros.

[@markooro5983]

Thank you for the advice regarding using silicone on the belt to eliminate squeaking. The manufacturer says to use no lubrication, but this video emboldened me to try silicone and it works perfectly. If you're ever touring through the American Southwest, lunch is on me.

[@Cyclingabout]

Glad to hear it worked! I'm still very happy with the treadmill lubricant.

[@KeirMurphy]

Cyclists of the world unite: you have nothing to lose but your chains.

[@reggin_spelt_backwards]

and derailleur, frame, and cassette.....

[@Kj-jh3pk]

^^^^

[@DesolationRow-1984]

:-)))))

[@raymondo162]

i see what you did, there ! ;-)

[@nolonesomedude6960]

well played.

[@zipperdingo6385]

Your personality is amazing, watching your videos is informing and fun

[@Cyclingabout]

Many thanks!

[@DanteYewToob]

As someone who has a belt and chain drive motorcycle, I'd take a belt drive ANY DAY! Once you know the luxury of a belt drive, you never want to go back. Not worrying about chain lube, rust, grease, replacing expensive chains... ugggh. Belts are set it and forget it. You can literally just peek down at your belt once every few hundred miles and you'll be just fine. So nice. I know you tried to remain scientific and unbiased, but damn... just preach the peace of mind and freedom of a belt drive. That's the biggest selling point. You can leave your bike sitting for a while and jump right on and know the belt is fine, no greasy chain check before you ride. All of the other points are fine, but peace of mind is my number 1.

[@evosportychop8332]

"this content is not sponsored" too bad, because this is some one off real world testing to say the least

[@Cyclingabout]

Just imagine, all the thousands of dollars I spent on belt drive parts could have been spent on craft beer!

[@Manetty6]

@@Cyclingabout man, you would be still drunk in the developing countries.

[@paulmcewen7384]

Epic cycling flex for the intro of this one. "Listen, I've biked to the north and South Pole, across the Sahara desert, up and down Everest..."

[@mulaffarabdullah2900]

Hello I'd like to contact with you.... Could you please share me any type of contact?

[@jeeves6490]

If you've done it, it ain't bragging. Just pointing out his qualifications.

[@ernestochang1744]

now he just needs to ride upside down kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKilfq1no8uZq5o

[@Kelkschiz]

I am a fan of extremely basic bikes. Been using a single-speed bicycle with a CDX belt for years and years. It's great, pretty much the only thing that needs replacing every so often are the tires. A very economic mode of transportation.

[@galvanizedgnome]

Chains are better. This guy does doesn't know what he's talking about

[@kalijasin]

Chains are better how?

[@mann_idonotreadreplies]

single speed sucks

[@mann_idonotreadreplies]

@@kalijasin Shimano chain/cassettes/chainring upgrades

[@fender1000100]

@@galvanizedgnome Chains are not better. Until you have ridden both as I have you won't get it. I have been riding a belt drive bike for 3.4 years. I have over 40,000 miles on it. And am STILL using the same gates belt drive it came with. Previous to owning this amazing Tern Verge S8i bike. I had a budget Carrera intercity bike for 2.5 years. My chain snapped on me 3 times in that time and I went through 4 of them. Like I said you don't know until you know. Too many people make comments without any experience just ignorant bias.

[@mikedittsche]

I have been riding a Gates belt drive at hight speed for my city commuter for a while. The belt lost its teeth after about 15-20k km. The resulting repair cost was around 350€. From my experience a Campagnolo chain does last me roughly the same distance and is cheaper to replace. Advantage of the belt drive - no greasing required even after heavy rain rides. So no maintenance in between. Disadvantage - you can't shift with pressure on the pedals, you have to time your shifting and take pressure from the pedals. I have enjoyed my belt driven urban bike but have a chain driven gravel bike as a commuter now and like it better.

[@antonhelsgaun]

15-20k out of a chain is really impressive

[@TheTalkingMoose1]

15-20k km from a chain is borderline magical... I'm lucky to get 4000-5000km without overstretching the chain

[@mikedittsche]

Yep, was really impressed myself. It was an original campa Veloce 10 speed chain. The last year I used it, I checked it constantly for signs of wear (lengthening) but it just kept on flying through my gears like a charm. I've sold that bike to a friend when it was around 15k km and told her the chain and cassette would need to be changed soon, she kept on riding for another whole year. I'm on a campy Chorus 11-speed system now and at around 10k km now, without any sign of lengthening. Hoping this will last just as long. I'm living in a really flat part of my country, so I never climb hills really, but I'm a fairly strong rider and go mostly for short, high intensity training (40-100km). For what it's worth. Maybe the lack of climbs plays a role. On the other hand, I've lengthened numerous cheap chains on city bikes in the matter of 2000-4000 km

[@gabiold]

That repair cost seems excessive for just a belt replacement...

[@mikedittsche]

@@gabiold they replaced the front and rear sprocket with it. They said they didn't look good anymore and would likely reduce the life expectancy of the new belt.

[@LloydLynx]

So basically I'm getting the disadvantages of both by using a chain drive with a 3 speed hub.

[@antonhelsgaun]

yes

[@phatrickmoore]

Lol I think you’re right on that one

[@allmycircuits8850]

It's pretty good solution for commuter bike where low maintenance and longevity are main priorities. Gear hub doesn't get any dirt or water inside so it should last 50 000 km or so. Single-speed chain is wider and more durable than multi-speed one, also when both gears are at the same plane (chain doesn't bend to the side) chain wear is much lower. So why not!

[@LloydLynx]

@@allmycircuits8850 Funny you should say that, it's a Columbia *Commuter* 3. It's been incredibly reliable, until the 50 year old rear tire gave up recently this summer.

[@Bagledog5000]

If you've got an enclosed chain guard on your bike so water and grit don't get into the links and a good quality hub, you've actually got a very pretty reliable system that can go for decades with very little hassle.

[@kingsui1845]

Great video, I fully agree as my Gates belt runs now 25k km combined wit A Rohloff in 5 years without any problem, only the rear cock was replaced after 22k km because the teeth got sharp. I would never ever go back to chain because of the maintance, dirt, oil and replacement.

[@Artcore103]

I've never had to replace a rear cock... I'm only aware of the cocks in front, that's all I've got. Two cocks might be cool but I'm content with just the one.

[@StephenAndrichuk]

I have no idea why I'm watching this, but the scenery is amazing. Good shit.

[@anthonyricci73]

Great video! Low maintenance is key. As much as I love tinkering with my bikes I wish they didn't need quite as much attention to be in top shape. Specifically the drivetrain. Looking forward to your next touring video! Stay safe.

[@RamsayMacFarlane]

Well said dude! I run belt on my MTB for over 4 years now (with Pinion) and will never go back to chain/derailleur.

[@RamsayMacFarlane]

@@moa-wg3bo No! The main reason is that an internal geared rear hub is not good for MTB due to the additional unsprung mass at the rear wheel. The Pinion gearbox solves this! The belt is also great with mud, so... Check my videos! 😉

[@MrEazyE357]

Why am I watching this? I can't even remember the last time I rode a bike. I guess that speaks well about your video, huh?

[@adambrickley1119]

You're missing out

[@Cobalt985]

I'm watching this because my (relatively) cheap bike got stolen recently, and I'm looking to get into the small details of bikes and their upkeep and such. But I don't think this video will help me much in that regard, so I guess I'm in the same place as you! I learned that bike chains get longer over time, which I didn't know before...

[@wichersham]

I have been riding and occasionally travel on bike for 20 years. Never convinced by belt like this before. Great job!!

[@centripetal25]

This is actually a human being. A slim one but I think you're being a little harsh.

[@lynxisgood]

Everybody gangsta until shimano releases belt 10 speed

[@maryhayes7574]

Di2 belt drivetrain

[@dodecahedron1]

@@maryhayes7574 gates is compatible with the Di2 variants of the alfine series so that already exists

[@Uz4L]

But shimano will be way more expensive 😱

[@webgpu]

everybody gangsta until something USABLE AND ADVANTAGEOUS shows up.

[@roye2479]

I've had 3 belt drive bikes, the gates belts both developed a small amount of asymetric stretch, but also outlasted any chain I've ever used. The 3rd bike was the ikea sladda, the continental belt failed after only 10 months. Im very happy with my belt bikes

[@event4216]

Continental belt was recalled and discontinued.

[@ratoneJR]

So...You have 3 belt bikes. 2 of them had belt stretch issues, and the other failed after 10 months. But your still happy with belts. If I had 3 of 3 fails, I would not be happy.

[@antred11]

@@ratoneJR His 2 other belts failed *eventually* ... but only after lasting much longer than any chain would have. Did you skip that part?

[@roye2479]

@@ratoneJR my 1st generation gates belt stretched and eventually wore out after e years of year round riding. My 2nd generation gates is still going strong after an initial break -in stretch, 2 years on. Very happy with that one

[@simont3686]

16 now, got my touring bike last summer, and thought that my Deore derailleur system was already pretty fancy. Now I found out that there are rear wheel hubs costing more than my whole bike... Still love my bike though.

[@johnwade1095]

Invest in some thread locker for that Deore. Jus' sayin'.

[@another3997]

Whatever bike you have, someone else has a more expensive one. Don't fret about cost too much. If it does what you want it to do, and you enjoy riding it, cost isn't that important.

[@simont3686]

@@another3997 Yeah. I modified around a bit and now I couldn't imagine it being any better.

[@jthepickle7]

The very second you reach for your wallet, there's something better you 'should' have bought.

[@simont3686]

@@jthepickle7 Nah don't regret my desicions a single bit. I ride that thing every day and it's perfect. The only bad desicion I made was buying Magura brakes. Horrible. Just switched to some nice Shimanos.

[@Endeavor545]

I had a Harley with a belt drive back in 06. Very smooth riding motorcycle. May try the belt drive bicycle. When I see you hauling it across some desert, it does tend to inspire me to get off my ass! Thanks!

[@dougfromsoanierana]

I have both a Bike Friday Tikit with a belt and Alfine 11 and a Soma Wolverine with a belt and Rohloff hub. Both have been very durable and great in tough weather. On a tour last year on muddy trails my friend’s front derailleur seized up while my Wolverine has no drivetrain problems.

[@jaypaz807]

Awesome content! I appreciate that you gave a clear description of your experience and experiences. I've done well over 100,000 ks all weather commuting on chains but I think you just turned me "belt curious".

[@joeschmo7957]

And I have just purchased my FIRST one of these great products and have put maybe a hundred miles on my new bike. I am here to tell you belt drive is the way to go. Quiet, smooth, long lasting and strong is what I am looking forward to. You have a fan here.

[@Pabl0_88]

This channel is soo underrated! Fantastic vid!

[@Cyclingabout]

Many thanks! It's super niche info so I'm definitely not expecting this channel to blow up. 😂

[@jimevans721]

@@Cyclingabout some is super niche, but some is just really captivating stuff like watching NatGeo, your Galapagos video was excellent

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm glad it's captivating! 🙏🏼

[@tejjensen9402]

I weigh approx. 110 kg. Nice that me and my bike can be 300 g lighter.

[@ZeroSleap]

The sun weighs 1,989*10^30kg.Nice that you and your bike can be 3*10^-1kg lighter!

[@adnan7698]

A photon's rest mass is 0. Nice that you and your bike can be infinite times lighter!

[@sirnikkel6746]

Take a 300 gr weight and try to maintain a t-pose. What hand falls first and how much time it took?

[@JL-up8nh]

@@sirnikkel6746 both at the same time because it got boring before it ever became an issue. For reference I did it for a bit over an hour while watching TV. Both arms felt the same

[@true_perplexeus]

Your bike can make you more than 300 g lighter depending on how you use it

[@TheSJCieply]

Fun fact: the road you rode on is no longer the highest road in the world. India opened a road that goes over Umlingla Pass at 19,300 feet, while the record in Bolivia has a max elevation of 18,953.

[@riskinhos]

fun fact. only ameritards use feets.

[@victorLAQ]

In August 2016 I was crossing the Atacama desert in Chile. I clearly remember passing by a cyclist slowly pedaling up a slope with a bike just like yours. Could that by any chance be you? It was a particularly boiling hot and dry day. I also remember praying to the crazy packed up cyclist in the middle of the desert (who waved at me by the way, as if just on a casual stroll. LOL). What an amazing landscape. Hope you got out of there ok, or the other member of your hardcore surviving adventurers club.

[@peterenis8447]

I never knew that being "belt-curious" is a thing

[@Cyclingabout]

Welcome! 😂

[@q.e.d.9112]

Sounds like BDSM to me!😈

[@Bigger_SUVs_to_increase_Swaag]

So, how is it possible, why do the pants dont fall down, how you wear that jeans??

[@elinavance3476]

b-curious.

[@kosztaz87]

A while ago I really looked into belts when I was building a commuting bike. But they were simply uneconomical, if you shop around, and wait for good deals on cassettes and chains. I pay about £13 for 9 speed cassettes and £8 for 9 speed shimano chains. Even though a belt drive would last about 3 or 4 times as long as mentioned 9 speed drivetrain, the cost would be way more than 3 or 4 times. So it's more expensive to run. If you are talking about 11 or 12 speed derailleur systems, with cassettes that start from ~£40, then sure a belt drive is a competitive alternative. For more budget oriented builds, not so much.

[@Rocco-tb9ih]

I think they're more about reducing maintenance than cost

[@Kraypus]

@@Rocco-tb9ih I have my decade old, old-school BMX I just refurbished nearly completely, both the chain and back-wheel chainring were completely intact with little to no maintenance asside from oiling it in the first few years and never since then, the only issue was the original "mixed-alloy" chainring which was bent by a mm but still able to be used which I replaced with a steel one, there really is nothing wrong with using chains, especially how dirty cheap they are

[@Rocco-tb9ih]

@@Kraypus I completely agree, I only use chains myself. But you are supposed to lube them regularly and they don't like it when you ride them through rivers and shit, so I was just saying it's more about what they allow you to do without worrying about maintenance rather than cost

[@Kraypus]

@@Rocco-tb9ih I understand and I take good care of it now, though I'm saying I DID neglect my bike throughout the years and put it through hell and it still held up with no replacement parts needed

[@vladghitescu9111]

Idk man, a chain make a cool sound when you shift and ride about.

[@MatildeCacao]

Sure. But under those conditions you’d probably be plenty fine with a normal chain+derailleur anyway 🤷🏻‍♂️🤓.

[@TheTyisawesome]

Exactly belt drive sound annoying too haha

[@fatman7100]

Yeah! if your Debo from the movie Friday riding a beach cruiser.

[@phatrickmoore]

This is exactly the reason 🤣

[@ukpkmkk_2]

At least you can shift..

[@MarcoFantin1]

You are the black belt of bikepacking

[@siwi666]

I've had my first Gates CDX for a few weeks now. I LOVE it! Combined with Shimano Nexus 8 speed. Superb.

[@seanmarshall7865]

I've had my eyes on belt drive for a while now, definitely going to be the go when i get my next touring bike

[@HuckBowlt]

Your opinion has to be highly regarded because of your immense cycling experience.

[@Cyclingabout]

I figure that if belts can conquer the conditions I put them through, then they should pass the scratch test for everyone else!

[@gattmolson]

About ten years ago Belts were blowing up on single speed mountain bikes. 2 of my friends bought belt drive single speed bikes and in about 6 months after constant issues with the belts breaking, coming off, and pulleys wearing out they replaced them with chains. I've noticed that the belt drive mountain bike seems to have disappeared.

[@MasonicKryptonite]

Yep, I agree. I've been a Dirt/DH/FR rider for about 20 years, and a certified bike mechanic since 2007. I have never spoken to a single MTB rider that had anything positive to say about them. Without pro riders actually using them, belt drives just are a hipster fad that will die out eventually.

[@edmondmuller7082]

I am 140 years old now and I prefer the walking bike. Never liked chains. I never tried them, but I don't like them. I saw how rusty they can be and you loose a lot of energy. So I prefer the walking bike.

[@SingleSpeederLife]

Yep belts are a joke. I regret wasting money on single speed belt drive frame and setup 6 or 7 years ago. Thing would start squeaking in the middle a dusty ride even after spraying it down with silicon. Would clog up mud, requires a lot of belt tension that put wear on the rear hub bearings. Went threw at least two sets of hub bearings. Tension was verified by the gates app and gates belt tension tool. Chains are KING

[@another3997]

@@MasonicKryptonite Why is everything these days a "hipster" fad? Seriously, the idea that anything different is something only hipsters have bull. I imagine people said that about most of the technology found on modern bikes, including diamond frames, chains, disc brakes, suspension and even ball bearings. People knew that roller bearings were better and ball bearings were a fad. Horses for courses. 🙄

[@hashy4940]

@@another3997 because they were all necessary for a bike. A belt is not quick-fixable, not robust, and definitely does not do well to the bike's weight

[@PierredeCur]

I've done more than 100.000 miles with the same belt on my 106 cubic inches 1000 pounds motorcycle and it still looks good for another 100.000 miles... :-) Comparing with a shaft drive, my previous mount, a German Beemer, each shaft axle lasted about 40.000 kilometres, so I had to change it three time in less than one belt drive lasted on a much more heavy and torquey bike... :-) I hope my current KTM Duke 690 had one to instead of its messy, noisy and dirty chain...

[@motorcycleboy3paw]

for a folding or travel bike wouldn't belts also be less greezy... easier to stow in a car or boat without getting grease all over...

[@memesfromdeepspace1075]

Now that good persepectife

[@antonhelsgaun]

yes, though im not sure how the required stiffness and folding would work together

[@benc8386]

@@antonhelsgaun Probably the rear triangle on a folder is just as stiff as on a regular bike, or can be made to be. It might even be stiffer because it's so small. Definitely folding bikes are a really good application for belt drive.

[@allenbishop9154]

I truly love m belt drive on my Priority 600, fewer tools to carry, easy to clean up at any time, just a little water. Great bike for touring quiet and reliable.

[@miklosbalogh1642]

I am not interested in changing to belt drive on my pedal bike, yet it was very interesting to listen to such experiences and conclusions. Informative journalism, pioneering knowledge sharing and a truly epic endurance testing of the belt drivetrain indeed.

[@pepelkod]

I ran a Rohloff hub with a chain for a few years on my mountain bike. 1) It leaked oil onto the brake disc if you laid it on the side. 2) It required frequent oil changes. 3) It *felt* much slower than a chain drive. 4) It was a lot of unsprung weight. (not as relevant for touring, but yes for MTB) 5) The cogs were almost impossible to get off. I nearly destroyed the hub removing the last cog I had on it. 6) Rohloff hubs are *expensive* Maybe Rohloff has made improvements in the last few years, but I would not go back.

[@cy-one]

Most of that sounds like you had particularly bad luck with your Rohloff. I'm active in the bike traveling scene, and what you describe is essentially unheard of - not doubting you, mind you. Besides of course it being more unsprung weight :D That's just true.

[@amberlenfesty9018]

Gates makes performance timing belts used on lots of racecars, really good company 👌👌

[@SaffronHorizon]

10:40 Some are intellectually curious. Some are bi curious. Now, some are belt curious.

[@Cyclingabout]

Welcome to our little belted world 😅

[@leehaelters6182]

Belts, whips and chains-curious.

[@clconnelly]

You've got me contemplating it now!

[@paceyombex]

I don't even have a bicycle, but because of youtube, I guess I need to find out.

[@Cakeborb]

I'm waiting for Shimano to unveil their take on internally geared bikes. I think coupling an internal cassette/cassette transmission with a bigger, more durable chain could be a winner in terms of efficiency, durability and reliability.

[@t.regnerus301]

Modern belts are incredibly strong. The industry I work in we use quite a few belts that get severely abused and I'm always amazed at the abuse they take.

[@voornaam3191]

I got a BMW motorbike with a belt drive. When I bought it, there was a small stone in the middle of the belt! It had a small hole. And yes, that belt snapped at exactly that spot. And the man at the BMW shop had said, don't worry, that belt is strong enough. Lesson learned, do not buy a bike that has a belt with a hole in it. It breaks on a speed bump. The belts after that first one, were no problem.

[@bobbybrandnew3277]

I'm just here cause my pants are falling. Learned about bikes. No regrets.

[@XAtmo97]

This man has spent more time pooping outdoors in exotic locations than any other man! First thought meme. Second thought, excellent content and loved the video!

[@zefallafez]

His belt drive functions as a full functioning half bath.

[@vicinitydigitaldesig]

There was a time don’t forget, when everyone didn’t film everything to display it to everyone, but yes, 10 years.. wow

[@Cyclingabout]

Yep, ten years ago that was me.

[@jamesskehan1099]

If you're so against displaying trivial personal experiences and opinions for public viewing then why are you publicly posting your own opinion. I think you're perhaps calling the kettle black here

[@terrynitschke5776]

Over 100,000km on my mongoose chain driven mountain bike, 2000-2011

[@martinmaddox5315]

I put many miles on my chain driven trek. Had it 15 years in Atlanta, ga. And about 7 years in Florida, leaving it on the porch. Rust finally got the spokes, chain was sworn, but fully functional when I bought my first ebike.

[@LiiMuRi]

I switched to belt drive 8 years ago and havn't looked back

[@NaeMuckle]

I didn't and looked back because my chain snapped and fell off.

[@Lysergic_]

Is it easy to find belts to make quickstop repairs?

[@vitalino1981]

How You switch gears?

[@LiiMuRi]

@@Lysergic_ : I still haven't had to change my belt. I don't do as epic bike travels as the guy in the video :p

[@LiiMuRi]

@@vitalino1981: I use a Shimano Alfine 8 geared hub. There are other options that may be better, but that one was the cheapest for me. It has worked fine thus far

[@Mowikan]

I own currently 2 bikes with belts. And I had a belt woth rohloff. It is the best system and i am never go back to a chain. It’s so silent and no oil!

[@dudeonbike800]

And no oil... except for 50ml in the hub...

[@rubo1964]

price of a used car.....why are they so expensive

[@lossantoscity3249]

Come to think of it, We mountain bikers, Dont really change chains because its worn off, it's more of we want the new cool chain. LOL

[@febirusdian1465]

Ohhhh. The budget is a problem for me.. I wanna try a belt actually .

[@dvandamme00]

I have 2 veer belt drive kits... Cyclingabout mentioned them in this vid, I put them our on bike friday folding bikes as i hated the cassettes. cant recommend them enough

[@GuitarManDan24]

Buy second hand! I got a 2011 trek district with a Gates belt drive system for 120 euro, definitely worth keeping an eye out for

[@nixho4029]

Get bike chain free

[@leaptech510]

@@dvandamme00 Hi there, How do you change flat tyres with this veer split belt? I been eyeing it for some time for my bike friday too (llama/diamond frame).

[@dvandamme00]

@@leaptech510 they are tighter than chain and derailer for sure, but its easily removed to change a tire (get schwarlb marathon plus tires while you're at it, they are practically bullet proof). Fair warning, you cant just fold the bikes up quickly with these belts, you have to take the wheel off, then fold the rear under - but we only fold to pack for transport so thats a minor minor concern.

[@tubenachos]

This man is living the dream 😍

[@chesshooligan1282]

I think the belt drive is good if you're a full-time bike-touring person, but for the casual rider Rohloffs are stupidly expensive. On top of that, you have to either: 1) have your favourite wheel custom-built with the Rohloff in it -- with the additional expense it entails or 2) take what's available. I would put a belt drive on a single-speed bike, though. I might consider the Pinion system when they sort out the shifters. I'll take the hassle of lubing, cleaning, and replacing chains every once in a while over having to shift gears with a grip shifter anytime.

[@ralphstadus3944]

Excellent well balanced content ... well done !

[@michelepirovano4135]

Super nice as usual! Great info!

[@samuellowekey9271]

Very interesting. Thorn cycles makes touring bicycles and they're dead set against belts. I have a tendency to believe you though. You've essentially solved every problem that i have with bicycles. Chain maintenance and staying dry in the rain. By having handlebars that face forward you can drape a rain cape over them and protect your legs from the rain, eliminating the need for waterproof trousers.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thorn wrote off belts before they even tried them. I really don't like that they have such strong opinions on things they haven't used in the field.

[@virustracker4840]

Been riding belt for 2 years straight just about every day. BMC alpenchalenge 02. As a trainer bike the hub efficiency is less than a regular cog chain but thats the best way to train! I love it! No mess! Lasts !! All my riding is road fast sprints and steeps! I will de tension a bit as your suggestion. Alfine is a heavy gear system. Should to be oiled and cleand every year, i use automatic transmission fluid works excellent. My next trainer would be a belt fixie single speed

[@VadimR4]

With through axles for disc brakes, why not move the rear sprocket to the outside of the rear triangle to eliminate the need for a split in the frame or a fancy splitting belt ?

[@TommyFrejd]

cuz you do not want to extend the pedals further apart I guess

[@craigrobinson4526]

I'll try convince you. I'm doing my bike up to be the ultimate commuter bike. Already got the rack on the back, going for solid rubber tyres and a single speed conversion to a 50cc MOTORCYCLE's chain and sprocket set.

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

You're quite the cycle encyclopaedia, Alee! Bravo!

[@hashy4940]

en *cyclo* pedia

[@andynewsom]

Remember that the belt wears out the cogs very quickly, so you have to replace everything, not just the belt. I used a belt drive bike for several years, a complete drivetrain will only last 2000 to 3000 miles (contrary to the exaggerated claims) and you will have to replace the entire drivetrain, which will be about five hundred dollars. If you ride a lot, that's a big hit to take when you would otherwise just be replacing the chain.

[@Cyclingabout]

I agree that it's not cost effective if you only get that mileage. But I normally get close to 10X the distance.

[@guily6669]

@@Cyclingabout Well in cars usually chains last many times longer than belts on the engine and in case of failure most engines would be a catastrophic failure... Also when I was a kid I ride the same bicycle for more than a decade almost every single day afternoons until late night and sometimes went to the city like 10 KM away and back late into the night and I barely had to replace chains, totally fine with them for me and I also was jumping the entire day almost everything, broke quite a few suspensions and soldered the rear of the bike twice but it kept going strong 😁 Where I have chain problems is on my crap motorcycle, sadly it was even almost brand new and in the god damn day I was going to tight the chain which was already too loose, I just went down my house, stop and slowly went ahead and boom the bitch came out and broke the side fitting locking crap and even broke a piece of the side cover of the motor and sadly started leaking oil, it was fixed with kinda 2 mixes of something that act like a metal, never drop a single drop of oil but sadly since then the bike oil magically disappears that almost runs on oil yet doesn't make that much smoke, it has now like 40K KM, I don't even understand where is the oil going, all the motor side cover is always dry all around it 0 leaks 🤬

[@Eener1000]

Being Dutch and driving my bike everyday; I have never had to replace my chain in over 10 years of constant use so it never even occurred to me that the chains would need replacing. The only maintenance every now and then is some lube and and getting the tension right again. Belt drives do look slick and how silent they are is very cool.

[@procrastinator1842]

Where you live is very flat. Where I live, I was cycling about 1000km per month up and down a lot of hills, a chain would last 6000km. Or about 6 months. A chain is worn out before you realise. If you run it until it is visibly worn, all your gears are destroyed too.

[@neptronix]

Cheers on the excellently done video. I am not a bike tourer so i am not convinced it is better for me. But i see how when you are going long distances, the increased reliability is a very big deal.

[@Oddman1980]

Today, I learned that there is a such thing as a belt-drive bicycle. I need to head to my local bike shop more often, I suppose - I bought a nice Rans in 2005 and I've been riding it and maintaining it ever since. A belt might have more resistance than a new, clean chain, but a chain remains clean on my bike for about 30 seconds. I do have some experience with belt drive *motorcycles*, and I have seen cases where a 700 pound bike was running the factory belt - at 85,000 miles. I think my next bicycle will be a belt drive.

[@PierredeCur]

100.000 miles on my Victory Vision and the belt still looks good. In less than that a R1150RT beemer had already used *three* broken shafts, one for each 40.000 km...

[@sanatandharma4435]

I think on three occasions I have had a chain snap whilst on tour over the last thirty years, not bad really, and I have always found a way to remove a link and rejoin it! So, I will stick with chain, however, I do like the idea of the belt drive system, so I will go hunting for a belt, attached to a new bike as I deserve it!!!!!!

[@yellowice0]

The number 4 downside (costing extra $ upfront) should have been number 1, as most bikes are typically stolen before the first chain is even worn down and needs replacing, so, hard pass for me, criminals and any other people looking to steal your bike is always an issue

[@Aldo-gs6yk]

invest in solid locks and this won't be an issue

[@BigPom-fk8re]

@@Aldo-gs6yk and cracks heads in uk running around in the day time with grinder, and ebay sells "automatic" pick picker within 30 seconds unlocking any solid locks... now tell me another solutions?

[@hat1324]

​@@BigPom-fk8re If the automatic picker worked, it wasnt a solid lock

[@keptkozy]

Lol expensive? You can get them starting at $550. Priority Bicycles. Also, it sounds like you just can't have a nice bike because of anxiety. That has nothing to do with the drive system. The priciest priority is an entry level road bike from some of these builders.

[@id104335409]

Me: I need to get all this stuff to make my bike perfect! ... Wait! I don't even own a bike!

[@JKenny44]

Why not 🙁

[@johngreydanus2033]

Harley transitioned its product range from chain to belt drive between 1980 and 1992. Compared with a chain, belts are cleaner, lighter, cheaper, smoother, quieter, and require less maintenance or adjustment than chains. Early belts were not very reliable and lasted as little as 20,000km. However, they now last 70,000-120,000km or higher, depending on the use of the motorcycle.

[@andrewnorris5415]

Appreciate your review. You have tested them more than anyone. Has to be the future.

[@2WheelsGood.01]

My next touring bike will for sure have a gates/Rohloff setup.

[@willswomble7274]

Me too, if I win the lottery!

[@fastbicyclerider7300]

El Gino the belt use a lot of watt

[@pashakdescilly7517]

@@fastbicyclerider7300 According to the data given in the video, belt has lower friction when the rider is delivering over 210W. That's at standard belt tension. If you are running lower belt tension, the cross-over point is earlier

[@bobbytradie]

A really good explanation around the advantages of belt drive push bikes. Well done I enjoyed it and confirmed what I already believed about belt drive riding. Bobby

[@raduser4954]

From my experience of using belt drive: - Super expensive transmission (rohloff hub + belt drives + frame). Cheaper alfine is not really reliable, saw fellow tourists with fully jamed hub (even free rotation of the hub did not function, so the tourist had to tug the bike) with low mileage; - Very special expensive frame; - In muddy and snowy environment is very unreliable (a very big chance of belt jumping off or jamming); - Low tension of belt can lead to belt jamming and very probable belt breakdown because of it and you need to always have a spare belt in case of old one jamming, as in chain situation you need to only have link and multi-tool; - If belt is clean, then it was just cleaned. In most situations belt will be cleaner than chain, but is still dirty; - Wide 1-speed chain requires a very little maintenance too, the operation of this chain combined with rohloff hub is very close to the operation price of the belt drivetrain, but does not require expensive rare drives and frame. Also you can find a replacement parts like sprockets and chain almost everywhere.

[@justsomeawesomeperson6396]

Well... my bicycle is 40 years old. I got it from my grandpa when he couldn’t use it anymore. The only parts i had to replace were the fenders and a lightbulb last year. Where as everyone around me always have problems with their new bikes. So i’m kinda skeptical about new bikes and stuff. But it’s interesting nonetheless.

[@scferro]

Not sure I agree with your argument regard weight savings. Sure a belt is lighter than a chain, but a gearbox will add a lot of mass that isn’t needed in a chain bike. Would love to see how you came up with the 100-300g figure, maybe you did already take this into account!

[@akgustin]

I have mine and my son's bike running WTB Scraper rims. Only difference is his has 11 speed cassette and mine has a Rohloff. Mine wheel weighs exactly 3 lbs more. Forget about the minor difference between chain and belt.

[@edLambshanks]

good quality video - thanks for all the info ...am definitely belt-curious

[@trajtemberg]

Chains are cheap and plenty available everywhere, and that's more than good enough for what we need.

[@Hvitkinn]

I own 2 Santos Rohloff/ Gates belt race bikes… very good!!

[@gursisingh1940]

Belt drives are a must on mid drive ebikes

[@jayzn1931]

I'm excited to this being more easily available in a few years. I am somebody who doesn't want to maintain a lot of stuff and I am not cycling around the world either, so belts seems like a very good option in the future.

[@godofrock]

Been riding a german bike with shaft drive for 40 years it has a internal 5 speed and 2 gear front crank. Silent, light and gives the gear ratio equivalent of typical new mountain bikes. This bike was built in 1976. Its a modus 10 built for commuting.

[@voornaam3191]

Wow! So those bikes really exist.

[@scherlocker1]

I have been rocking the belt for 3 years. No plans to go back to the dirty, squeaky chain

[@calebm.5698]

Maybe if you actually cleaned and lubricated your chain it wouldn’t be dirty and noisy. They aren’t loud if you take care of them, and they definitely shouldn’t be dirty.

[@scherlocker1]

@@calebm.5698 that's the point. I don't have to do anything and the belt is perfect. Try it and you'll be satisfied

[@calebm.5698]

@@scherlocker1 my bike is full suspension so they don’t make belt systems for it, and it’s carbon so I couldn’t cut a frame split in if I wanted to. I’d be happy to try a belt if I got the chance, but the idea of having a two piece rear triangle is terrifying for me, it really doesn’t sound like it would hold up to the sort of jumps and drops I do.

[@MrVolodus]

Videos like this are very needed! Thanks! My feeling are "Belts are bleeeee!" and I need to listen to experience so if I had to choose someday, I can skip my feelings and decide based on facts :)

[@HanginInSF]

That's a great complex solution to a problem that doesn't exist!

[@dampflieger]

Great advice on the squeak. I had that issue on my tour last summer. I kept adjusting my belt tension thinking it was too loose. It blows my mind to see how loose you run yours. Great video, thanks.

[@ralphstadus3944]

Outstanding balanced content ... well done !!

[@thedarkknight1971]

Back in the early 90's I had 2 Kawasaki GPz305 (parallel twin 305 cc air cooled motor) motorcycles, and yeah, I CAN attest to the fact that they DO last. As for no lubrication, yes, but, if they squeak a little, there IS a lube that will help make them quiet again. No oiling, lighter than a heavy duty O/X ring chain, no need to adjust, no need to clean chain lube/grease from back wheel, smooth gear changes... It surprises me that they aren't used more on smaller 600cc and below bikes. I know BMW did for a couple of their F800 series bikes in the past... But they ARE a brilliant idea... No wonder Harley and Buell stuck with them...