Comments on: CNN: Coming to a store near you: chainless bicycles

By: TC

TC — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:14:05 +0000

Feel free to check out our 20″ belt drive (Gates) folding bikes http://abiobikes.com

We carry a shaft drive folding bike model too but we’ll save that for another discussion.

By: David Hembrow

David Hembrow — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:29:39 +0000

Of course, you don't need a belt in order to have a reliable and clean bike. A full chain case will provide the same benefits. Trek already make bikes with full chain-cases and other features required for day to day reliability and practicality, but they only sell them here in the Netherlands.

By: Scott Jolliff

Scott Jolliff — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:57:26 +0000

I knew custom builders and such were experimenting with belt drives but I had not heard of any actual bike lines until I saw Spot at the ODD this year. I thought the bikes were beautiful but my initial reaction to the belt drives was that of a “bike purist”. I wish I had tried one now.

By: Rich Kelly

Rich Kelly — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:37:49 +0000

I guess the only real issue for the District as far as its being an everyman commuter is the price. Over $900 is a bit steep for that category. For now will be a fun 3rd or 4th bike for the enthusiast, maybe? Best of luck to Trek and any others pushing ahead with the new technology – can’t wait to see more!

By: Carlton Reid

Carlton Reid — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:32:39 +0000

I love belt drives. I’ve been round the Gates factory in Scotland. It’s spotless (no pun intended).

Very definitely a commuter product although Orange and Spot first brought out MTB singlespeeds.

Of course, belt drives have been around for ages. The Stida used one in 1980s (also a Gates belt although not carbon polychain). And Errol Drew/Delta’s Ixi bike used the belt that was current before the latest Polychain.

I hope Trek can make a go of it and that loads of manufacturers get on board. Well done to CNN for spotting a trend (that we knew about years ago, but still…)

By: DL Byron

DL Byron — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:28:25 +0000

Well-timed! A bike hugger reader just asked where the belt drives were.