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

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  • čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
  • I've just given this belt drive video a 2023 update, please click on through for the latest information: • Belts Are Now BETTER T...
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    0:00 - Intro
    1:00 - What Is Belt Drive?
    1:33 - Why Are Belts The Best Drivetrain?
    2:40 - What Are The Downsides To Belt Drive?
    5:05 - How Does Belt Drive Feel To Ride?
    5:18 - How Do You Repair A Belt?
    5:44 - When Do You Know A Belt Is Worn?
    6:15 - Chain vs Belt Resistance
    7:41 - Belt Maintenance
    8:27 - Belt Tension
    9:15 - Do Belts Destroy Bearings?
    9:48 - Can You Modify A Frame For Belt Drive?
    10:45 - Summary

Komentáře • 3,6K

  • @Cyclingabout
    @Cyclingabout  Před rokem +6

    I've just given this video a 2023 update, please click on through for the latest belt drive information: czcams.com/video/PhXTl7gApVA/video.html

  • @biscuitsalive
    @biscuitsalive Před 3 lety +1880

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

    • @a-aron2276
      @a-aron2276 Před 3 lety +44

      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
      @Lunarpollo5622 Před 3 lety

      😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @DrArjunKataria
      @DrArjunKataria Před 3 lety

      😂😂😂

    • @thekingofgames8249
      @thekingofgames8249 Před 3 lety +8

      ... and have you tried a chain?

    • @kazi1
      @kazi1 Před 2 lety

      😂

  • @walkingskin2920
    @walkingskin2920 Před 4 lety +3552

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

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  Před 4 lety +438

      Well, you got me there. 😎

    • @roughdude6575
      @roughdude6575 Před 4 lety +296

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

    • @theaussienut6346
      @theaussienut6346 Před 4 lety +37

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

    • @carlosgpacheco1621
      @carlosgpacheco1621 Před 4 lety +4

      🤣

    • @Lysergic_
      @Lysergic_ Před 4 lety +4

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

  • @rb-ex
    @rb-ex Před 3 lety +183

    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
      @pedroclaro7822 Před 2 lety +26

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

    • @svenweihusen57
      @svenweihusen57 Před 2 lety +35

      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
      @Darkness-ie2yl Před 2 lety

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

    • @Kelkschiz
      @Kelkschiz Před 2 lety +4

      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
      @simoncapstick4723 Před 2 lety +6

      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

  • @donnervetter
    @donnervetter Před 3 lety +13

    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
      @jonathanwickett7028 Před rokem

      Could you tell me what parts you used please?

    • @donnervetter
      @donnervetter Před rokem

      @@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.

  • @boogeymann6686
    @boogeymann6686 Před 3 lety +1072

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

    • @andreincu
      @andreincu Před 3 lety +15

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

    • @andreincu
      @andreincu Před 3 lety +12

      Now I have one 😅

    • @boogeymann6686
      @boogeymann6686 Před 3 lety +2

      @@andreincu good for you:)

    • @pufferz6788
      @pufferz6788 Před 3 lety +1

      @@andreincu is it belt drive?

    • @andreincu
      @andreincu Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @LeonRamkumar
    @LeonRamkumar Před 3 lety +653

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

    • @humlon97
      @humlon97 Před 3 lety +12

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

    • @tanngrisnir69
      @tanngrisnir69 Před 3 lety +5

      Ha ha 🤣

    • @cantinasongband
      @cantinasongband Před 3 lety +12

      and your tie must go just below the belt

    • @kandimba
      @kandimba Před 3 lety +6

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

    • @Neverbensp3cial
      @Neverbensp3cial Před 3 lety

      Lol 😂

  • @jackt6112
    @jackt6112 Před 2 lety +155

    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
      @DEDE-mt3yq Před rokem +1

      awfully its true :(

    • @jama211
      @jama211 Před rokem +6

      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
      @normanproske9151 Před rokem

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

    • @DEDE-mt3yq
      @DEDE-mt3yq Před rokem +1

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

    • @pedrao420
      @pedrao420 Před rokem +3

      i rather buy an good e-bike

  • @dampflieger
    @dampflieger Před 2 lety +4

    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.

  • @jordanleng204
    @jordanleng204 Před 4 lety +1400

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

    • @rikyrossi9518
      @rikyrossi9518 Před 4 lety +82

      Me: Laughing in downhill mtb😂😂😂

    • @Metal-Possum
      @Metal-Possum Před 4 lety +67

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

    • @lewiegray491
      @lewiegray491 Před 4 lety +45

      Downhill riders laugh in singlespeed

    • @isakodfjall8566
      @isakodfjall8566 Před 4 lety +33

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

    • @giacomonicoli5822
      @giacomonicoli5822 Před 4 lety +2

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

  • @thaitopfitness
    @thaitopfitness Před 3 lety +1623

    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
      @Kodobro Před 3 lety +102

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

    • @3LGang2L
      @3LGang2L Před 3 lety +36

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

    • @Kodobro
      @Kodobro Před 3 lety +34

      @@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
      @booketoiles1600 Před 3 lety +57

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

    • @atomicskull6405
      @atomicskull6405 Před 3 lety +55

      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.

  • @PunchingCacti
    @PunchingCacti Před rokem +21

    I am an automatic door technician and most automatic sliding doors use a belt system. When we start getting noise from the belt what we use is CRL wax lubricant its like a tube of wax that has a lubricant mixed into it. It works really well and may be worth a try because it is probably more likely to stay put on the belt of a bike than the lubes you talked about.

    • @PunchingCacti
      @PunchingCacti Před rokem

      @@Arnold-Larsen Not necessarily. Things like grease and wax are "sticky" but are a lubricant that reduce friction.

  • @clipol
    @clipol Před 2 lety

    Thanks for the video. It brings back memories riding my 8 geared Gates belt driven Cube Hyde few years back ☺️

  • @LloydLynx
    @LloydLynx Před 3 lety +438

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

    • @antonhelsgaun
      @antonhelsgaun Před 3 lety +17

      yes

    • @phatrickmoore
      @phatrickmoore Před 3 lety +3

      Lol I think you’re right on that one

    • @allmycircuits8850
      @allmycircuits8850 Před 3 lety +79

      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
      @LloydLynx Před 3 lety +27

      @@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
      @Bagledog5000 Před 3 lety +18

      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.

  • @paulmcewen7384
    @paulmcewen7384 Před 4 lety +70

    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
      @mulaffarabdullah2900 Před 4 lety

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

    • @jeeves6490
      @jeeves6490 Před 4 lety +2

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

    • @ernestochang1744
      @ernestochang1744 Před 3 lety

      now he just needs to ride upside down czcams.com/video/JwBMz1nffu8/video.html

  • @markooro5983
    @markooro5983 Před 2 lety +38

    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
      @Cyclingabout  Před 2 lety +5

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

  • @Endeavor545
    @Endeavor545 Před 2 lety

    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!

  • @KeirMurphy
    @KeirMurphy Před 4 lety +494

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

  • @anthonyricci73
    @anthonyricci73 Před 4 lety +19

    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.

  • @a.j.e4349
    @a.j.e4349 Před 2 lety

    ...Great informative video! Thankyou. All my questions answered in just one video. Happy days!

  • @sauliluolajan-mikkola620
    @sauliluolajan-mikkola620 Před 3 lety +6

    The cogs, belts, and sprockets are indeed not widely available.
    However, they attach to the cranks and hub using common standards: 3-slot IGH type or 9-spline HG in the rear, 104 or 130 BCD in the front.
    So if your belt snaps in a rural area and you don’t have another one, spare parts for your bike (if not the belted drivetrain) are likely to be found: in this scenario, you can buy a cog, chain, and chainring to keep going.
    So the point about availability of spare parts is not a strong one against belts, as it does not prevent you from substituting the parts with a chaindrive in a pinch.

  • @StreamBikesNL
    @StreamBikesNL Před 4 lety +3

    Great video, so informative and spot on! I love my BMC Alpenchallenge and have done 12000+ on it on commute rides. So good. I love my chain bikes too but the versatility of this type of drivetrain is just amazing. Thanks!

  • @evosportychop8332
    @evosportychop8332 Před 4 lety +218

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

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  Před 4 lety +48

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

    • @Manetty6
      @Manetty6 Před 4 lety +20

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

  • @bobbybakesandsundayrides
    @bobbybakesandsundayrides Před 3 lety +1

    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

  • @sgomez3047
    @sgomez3047 Před 2 lety

    Well hell...learned a lot! Thank you..
    As for myself..not quite ready for belt drive ...yet. ☺
    If I took epic rides like yourself, then absolutely. Thanks for posting

  • @dougfromsoanierana
    @dougfromsoanierana Před 4 lety +10

    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.

  • @zipperdingo6385
    @zipperdingo6385 Před 4 lety +14

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

  • @leopaulhan
    @leopaulhan Před 2 lety

    Thanks for your videos, always full of data and feedback 🙏🏻

  • @neptronix
    @neptronix Před 3 lety +3

    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.

  • @jaypaz807
    @jaypaz807 Před 4 lety +8

    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".

  • @adumbberg
    @adumbberg Před 4 lety +31

    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.

  • @alejandroluispaolucci6134

    My Strida has a belt drive from the beginning, 34 years ago. Awesome trip video...

  • @siwi666
    @siwi666 Před rokem +2

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

  • @StephenAndrichuk
    @StephenAndrichuk Před 4 lety +68

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

  • @oilcanracer6388
    @oilcanracer6388 Před 4 lety +36

    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
      @Cyclingabout  Před 4 lety +2

      Those are big numbers! 💪🏼

    • @oilcanracer6388
      @oilcanracer6388 Před 4 lety +1

      World traveling and long daily commutes😆

    • @thedave7760
      @thedave7760 Před 4 lety +1

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

    • @dudeonbike800
      @dudeonbike800 Před 4 lety

      "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
      @MF11283 Před 3 lety +1

      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🤣

  • @martinmaddox5315
    @martinmaddox5315 Před 2 lety

    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.

  • @vheztaqwil
    @vheztaqwil Před rokem

    so damn right I've been using this gates belt and they are rock!!

  • @marcdominguez3595
    @marcdominguez3595 Před 3 lety +3

    Amazing! I have been riding my steel frame huffy 10 speed and I've been thinking of the most AWESOME new age upgrade for a vintage bike. This would definitely make a sick bike upgrade!

  • @seanmarshall7865
    @seanmarshall7865 Před 4 lety +10

    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

  • @joeschmo7957
    @joeschmo7957 Před 10 měsíci

    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.

  • @jonmeek3879
    @jonmeek3879 Před 2 lety +1

    I’ve owned a Trek District belt drive for many years and love it

  • @MrEazyE357
    @MrEazyE357 Před 4 lety +45

    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
      @adambrickley1119 Před 3 lety +3

      You're missing out

    • @Cobalt985
      @Cobalt985 Před 3 lety

      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
    @wichersham Před 4 lety +19

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

    • @centripetal25
      @centripetal25 Před 4 lety

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

  • @VRfaces7
    @VRfaces7 Před 2 lety

    Very informative, and great presentation. Thank you! 🙏🏻

  • @gordondeitz7838
    @gordondeitz7838 Před 3 lety

    Cool, I'm considering a belt drive. Your vid. Was very informative TKS cheers

  • @clconnelly
    @clconnelly Před 4 lety +19

    You've got me contemplating it now!

  • @michelepirovano4135
    @michelepirovano4135 Před 4 lety +10

    Super nice as usual! Great info!

  • @PGWer
    @PGWer Před 6 dny

    ❤ this commitment for a test. Thank you 😂

  • @hujohnny7785
    @hujohnny7785 Před rokem

    Great product, easy to clean -worked out great !

  • @victorLAQ
    @victorLAQ Před 3 lety +28

    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.

  • @yoghurtlidlicker
    @yoghurtlidlicker Před 4 lety +3

    I have 2 bikes with Gates belt drive (SS and Shimano Alfine). Love them so much =)

  • @RamsayMacFarlane
    @RamsayMacFarlane Před 3 lety +3

    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
      @RamsayMacFarlane Před 3 lety

      @@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! 😉

  • @wilkbor
    @wilkbor Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks for the video. As I have no firsthand experience with belts, I can't compare the two.

  • @roye2479
    @roye2479 Před 4 lety +26

    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
      @event4216 Před 4 lety

      Continental belt was recalled and discontinued.

    • @ratoneJR
      @ratoneJR Před 3 lety +2

      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
      @antred11 Před 3 lety +5

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

    • @roye2479
      @roye2479 Před 2 lety

      @@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

  • @edLambshanks
    @edLambshanks Před 4 lety +7

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

  • @purplecookie687
    @purplecookie687 Před 3 měsíci

    Well put together 👍

  • @kingsui1845
    @kingsui1845 Před 3 lety +8

    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
      @Artcore103 Před rokem

      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.

  • @ralphstadus3944
    @ralphstadus3944 Před 4 lety +6

    Excellent well balanced content ... well done !

  • @joecondron2131
    @joecondron2131 Před 4 lety +3

    Wow!
    Your knowlwdge, and matter of fact info. Just fantastic!

  • @lynxisgood
    @lynxisgood Před 3 lety +176

    Everybody gangsta until shimano releases belt 10 speed

    • @maryhayes7574
      @maryhayes7574 Před 3 lety +6

      Di2 belt drivetrain

    • @dodecahedron1
      @dodecahedron1 Před 3 lety +3

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

    • @Uz4L
      @Uz4L Před 2 lety

      But shimano will be way more expensive 😱

    • @webgpu
      @webgpu Před 2 lety +1

      everybody gangsta until something USABLE AND ADVANTAGEOUS shows up.

  • @eknuds
    @eknuds Před rokem

    I've had my Co-Motion ten years and traveled a lot with it. Looking at the options for a new Americano with a. Rohloff or Pinion gave me massive sticker shock. The Pinion option adding more than I paid for my bicycle.

  • @mikedittsche
    @mikedittsche Před 3 lety +46

    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
      @antonhelsgaun Před 3 lety +7

      15-20k out of a chain is really impressive

    • @TheTalkingMoose1
      @TheTalkingMoose1 Před 3 lety +9

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

    • @mikedittsche
      @mikedittsche Před 3 lety +3

      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

    • @moczikgabor
      @moczikgabor Před 3 lety +5

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

    • @mikedittsche
      @mikedittsche Před 3 lety

      @@moczikgabor 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.

  • @tejjensen9402
    @tejjensen9402 Před 3 lety +177

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

    • @ZeroSleap
      @ZeroSleap Před 3 lety +10

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

    • @adnan7698
      @adnan7698 Před 3 lety +11

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

    • @sirnikkel6746
      @sirnikkel6746 Před 2 lety +4

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

    • @JL-up8nh
      @JL-up8nh Před 2 lety +3

      @@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
      @true_perplexeus Před 2 lety +4

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

  • @allenbishop9154
    @allenbishop9154 Před rokem

    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.

  • @misterwizz5690
    @misterwizz5690 Před 2 lety

    super informative, just what I needed to know, thanks

  • @ralphstadus3944
    @ralphstadus3944 Před 4 lety +11

    Outstanding balanced content ... well done !!

  • @Pabl0_88
    @Pabl0_88 Před 4 lety +121

    This channel is soo underrated! Fantastic vid!

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  Před 4 lety +7

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

    • @jimevans721
      @jimevans721 Před 4 lety +3

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

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  Před 4 lety +5

      I'm glad it's captivating! 🙏🏼

  • @arunravi4866
    @arunravi4866 Před 3 lety

    seeing the places you roam, goodness gracious; i will call you a "MAD NOMAD"

  • @damianauton5000
    @damianauton5000 Před rokem

    Love your work.

  • @g.d.1722
    @g.d.1722 Před 4 lety +6

    I raise my hat to you, my friend! Great video! All the questions I had about belts answered ... A very enthusiastic thumb up from me!

  • @LeoInterHyenaem
    @LeoInterHyenaem Před 4 lety +18

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

  • @DanteYewToob
    @DanteYewToob Před 3 lety +1

    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.

  • @veritasvalere88
    @veritasvalere88 Před 3 lety

    Very good review thanks

  • @MrVolodus
    @MrVolodus Před 3 lety +8

    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 :)

  • @AbangJanggut
    @AbangJanggut Před 4 lety +6

    Good findings dude... keep going...

  • @ionationat3570
    @ionationat3570 Před 3 lety

    Thanks for advice & presentation.

  • @Kelkschiz
    @Kelkschiz Před 2 lety +22

    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
      @galvanizedgnome Před rokem +2

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

    • @kalijasin
      @kalijasin Před rokem +4

      Chains are better how?

    • @mann_idonotreadreplies
      @mann_idonotreadreplies Před rokem +3

      single speed sucks

    • @mann_idonotreadreplies
      @mann_idonotreadreplies Před rokem

      @@kalijasin Shimano chain/cassettes/chainring upgrades

    • @fender1000100
      @fender1000100 Před rokem +5

      @@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.

  • @simont3686
    @simont3686 Před 3 lety +50

    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
      @johnwade1095 Před 3 lety +3

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

    • @another3997
      @another3997 Před 2 lety +5

      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
      @simont3686 Před 2 lety +1

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

    • @jthepickle7
      @jthepickle7 Před 2 lety +2

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

    • @simont3686
      @simont3686 Před 2 lety +1

      @@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.

  • @MarcoFantin1
    @MarcoFantin1 Před 4 lety +20

    You are the black belt of bikepacking

  • @stijndeklerk
    @stijndeklerk Před 3 lety +3

    Some intresting suggestions. Getting the high belt tension was a big issue for me back in the day. I might give the Gates another try. Although derailleurs setups have become so good the last couple of years, I hardly ever pick the Rohloff any more these days as it feels heavy and slow.

  • @devanshugaur8965
    @devanshugaur8965 Před rokem

    Very good informative video !

  • @parsathil4438
    @parsathil4438 Před 4 lety +8

    Well balanced message! Great!

    • @NeutralGenericUser
      @NeutralGenericUser Před 3 lety

      ah yes, a 10 minute biased video that almost entirely talks about how belts are better than chains, which the overwhelming majority of cyclists have used for decades, is the epitome of balance!

    • @8888k
      @8888k Před 3 lety

      @@NeutralGenericUser How could the video have been improved?

    • @einar8019
      @einar8019 Před 3 lety

      @@NeutralGenericUser more like 100 years

  • @andrewnorris5415
    @andrewnorris5415 Před 4 lety +6

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

  • @amberlenfesty9018
    @amberlenfesty9018 Před rokem +4

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

  • @djkenny1202
    @djkenny1202 Před rokem

    I love my belt drive Trek Lync. Its very clean Shifting and Zippy. Alifine 8 speed. Fantastic Bike.

  • @peterenis8447
    @peterenis8447 Před 4 lety +253

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

  • @PierredeCur
    @PierredeCur Před 3 lety +4

    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...

  • @arunravi4866
    @arunravi4866 Před 3 lety

    lot of respect and envy towards your unflinching passion

  • @Biking360
    @Biking360 Před 3 lety +1

    Brilliant content :)

  • @adamweb
    @adamweb Před 4 lety +3

    This was incredibly informative, thank you! I honestly had no idea belt drive was used for ultra distance cycling like this but it makes total sense!

  • @miklosbalogh1642
    @miklosbalogh1642 Před 4 lety +39

    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.

  • @christophggcyrus6861
    @christophggcyrus6861 Před 2 lety

    Top informational - Thank you for that 👏

  • @reeceholmes8546
    @reeceholmes8546 Před 2 lety

    i want a belt driven bike now, thanks for another great vid

  • @HuckBowlt
    @HuckBowlt Před 4 lety +5

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

    • @Cyclingabout
      @Cyclingabout  Před 4 lety +3

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

  • @tubenachos
    @tubenachos Před 3 lety +6

    This man is living the dream 😍

  • @miguelpanta
    @miguelpanta Před 3 lety

    you are a beast of a biker. kudos.

  • @Mendalification
    @Mendalification Před rokem

    I’m convinced. I’ll get one for my next purchase.

  • @buggs9950
    @buggs9950 Před 3 lety +3

    In the 60's my dad got a 1929 bicycle with a 3 speed hub and a sealed oil bath for the chain. He's used it for half a century and never had to replace the chain, there's a very good chance it's the original, nearly 100 years old. The oil bath keeps all the crap out of the chain and it's always lubricated. That's what kills them, crap and corrosion. It's a great system but it is bastard heavy..

  • @PRH123
    @PRH123 Před 3 lety +3

    Thank you, the most in depth and informative overview of belts I have ever seen, and with your real world experience, very good. Really makes me want to try it, but then I think, if I like it, I would have to replace 3 bikes :)

  • @NemoEUC
    @NemoEUC Před 3 lety

    TY! i ride electric motorcycles. I will be on the look out for belt drive electric motorcycles now