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

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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

Опубликовано:

1 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 3,6 тыс.

@Cyclingabout Год назад

I've just given this video a 2023 update, please click on through for the latest belt drive information: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PhXTl7gApVA.html

@biscuitsalive 3 года назад

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

@a-aron2276 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

@DrArjunKataria 3 года назад

😂😂😂

@thekingofgames8249 3 года назад

... and have you tried a chain?

@kazi1 2 года назад

😂

@walkingskin2920 4 года назад

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

@Cyclingabout 4 года назад

Well, you got me there. 😎

@roughdude6575 4 года назад

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

@theaussienut6346 4 года назад

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

@carlosgpacheco1621 4 года назад

🤣

@Lysergic_ 4 года назад

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

@rb-ex 3 года назад

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 2 года назад

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

@svenweihusen57 2 года назад

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 2 года назад

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

@Kelkschiz 2 года назад

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 2 года назад

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

@jackt6112 2 года назад

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 Год назад

awfully its true :(

@jama211 Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@DEDE-mt3yq Год назад

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

@pedrao420 Год назад

i rather buy an good e-bike

@boogeymann6686 3 года назад

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

@andreincu 3 года назад

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

@andreincu 3 года назад

Now I have one 😅

@boogeymann6686 3 года назад

@@andreincu good for you:)

@pufferz6788 3 года назад

@@andreincu is it belt drive?

@andreincu 3 года назад

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

@LeonRamkumar 4 года назад

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

@humlon97 4 года назад

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

@tanngrisnir69 3 года назад

Ha ha 🤣

@cantinasongband 3 года назад

and your tie must go just below the belt

@kandimba 3 года назад

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

@Neverbensp3cial 3 года назад

Lol 😂

@lynxisgood 3 года назад

Everybody gangsta until shimano releases belt 10 speed

@maryhayes7574 3 года назад

Di2 belt drivetrain

@dodecahedron1 3 года назад

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

@Uz4L 2 года назад

But shimano will be way more expensive 😱

@webgpu 2 года назад

everybody gangsta until something USABLE AND ADVANTAGEOUS shows up.

@markooro5983 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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

@thaitopfitness 4 года назад

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 4 года назад

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

@3LGang2L 4 года назад

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

@Kodobro 4 года назад

@@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 4 года назад

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

@atomicskull6405 4 года назад

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 4 года назад

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

@rikyrossi9518 4 года назад

Me: Laughing in downhill mtb😂😂😂

@Metal-Possum 4 года назад

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

@lewiegray491 4 года назад

Downhill riders laugh in singlespeed

@isakodfjall8566 4 года назад

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

@giacomonicoli5822 4 года назад

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

@Kelkschiz 2 года назад

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 Год назад

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

@kalijasin Год назад

Chains are better how?

@mann_idonotreadreplies Год назад

single speed sucks

@mann_idonotreadreplies Год назад

@@kalijasin Shimano chain/cassettes/chainring upgrades

@fender1000100 Год назад

@@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.

@donnervetter 3 года назад

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 Год назад

Could you tell me what parts you used please?

@donnervetter Год назад

@@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.

@KeirMurphy 4 года назад

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

@reggin_spelt_backwards 4 года назад

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

@Kj-jh3pk 4 года назад

^^^^

@user-qe2hv1dc8u 4 года назад

:-)))))

@raymondo162 3 года назад

i see what you did, there ! ;-)

@nolonesomedude6960 3 года назад

well played.

@LloydLynx 4 года назад

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

@antonhelsgaun 4 года назад

yes

@phatrickmoore 3 года назад

Lol I think you’re right on that one

@allmycircuits8850 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

@@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 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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 Год назад

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.

@PunchingCacti Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@MrEazyE357 4 года назад

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 3 года назад

You're missing out

@Cobalt985 3 года назад

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...

@adumbberg 4 года назад

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.

@siwi666 Год назад

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

@Endeavor545 2 года назад

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!

@paulmcewen7384 4 года назад

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 4 года назад

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

@jeeves6490 4 года назад

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

@ernestochang1744 4 года назад

now he just needs to ride upside down ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JwBMz1nffu8.html

@StephenAndrichuk 4 года назад

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

@neptronix 3 года назад

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.

@martinmaddox5315 2 года назад

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.

@evosportychop8332 4 года назад

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

@Cyclingabout 4 года назад

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

@Manetty6 4 года назад

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

@tejjensen9402 3 года назад

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

@ZeroSleap 3 года назад

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

@adnan7698 3 года назад

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

@sirnikkel6746 3 года назад

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

@JL-up8nh 2 года назад

@@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 2 года назад

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

@bobbybakesandsundayrides 3 года назад

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

@alejandroluispaolucci6134 3 года назад

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

@zipperdingo6385 4 года назад

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

@Cyclingabout 4 года назад

Many thanks!

@victorLAQ 4 года назад

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.

@RamsayMacFarlane 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

@@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! 😉

@DanteYewToob 3 года назад

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.

@anthonyricci73 4 года назад

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.

@mikedittsche 4 года назад

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 4 года назад

15-20k out of a chain is really impressive

@TheTalkingMoose1 3 года назад

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

@mikedittsche 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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

@mikedittsche 3 года назад

@@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.

@jonmeek3879 3 года назад

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

@sgomez3047 2 года назад

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

@roye2479 4 года назад

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 4 года назад

Continental belt was recalled and discontinued.

@ratoneJR 4 года назад

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 3 года назад

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

@roye2479 2 года назад

@@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

@oilcanracer6388 4 года назад

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 4 года назад

Those are big numbers! 💪🏼

@oilcanracer6388 4 года назад

World traveling and long daily commutes😆

@thedave7760 4 года назад

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

@dudeonbike800 4 года назад

"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 4 года назад

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🤣

@joeschmo7957 11 месяцев назад

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.

@amberlenfesty9018 2 года назад

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

@peterenis8447 4 года назад

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

@Cyclingabout 4 года назад

Welcome! 😂

@q.e.d.9112 4 года назад

Sounds like BDSM to me!😈

@Bigger_SUVs_to_increase_Swaag 3 года назад

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

@elinavance3476 3 года назад

b-curious.

@dougfromsoanierana 4 года назад

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.

@leopaulhan 2 года назад

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

@dampflieger 2 года назад

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.

@jaypaz807 4 года назад

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".

@seanmarshall7865 4 года назад

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

@TheSJCieply 2 года назад

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 Год назад

fun fact. only ameritards use feets.

@allenbishop9154 Год назад

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.

@simont3686 4 года назад

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 3 года назад

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

@another3997 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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

@jthepickle7 3 года назад

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

@simont3686 3 года назад

@@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.

@clconnelly 4 года назад

You've got me contemplating it now!

@stijndeklerk 3 года назад

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.

@VRfaces7 2 года назад

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

@StreamBikesNL 4 года назад

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!

@Pabl0_88 4 года назад

This channel is soo underrated! Fantastic vid!

@Cyclingabout 4 года назад

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

@jimevans721 4 года назад

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

@Cyclingabout 4 года назад

I'm glad it's captivating! 🙏🏼

@wilkbor 3 года назад

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

@hujohnny7785 Год назад

Great product, easy to clean -worked out great !

@wichersham 4 года назад

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

@centripetal25 4 года назад

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

@michelepirovano4135 4 года назад

Super nice as usual! Great info!

@eknuds Год назад

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.

@paceyombex 3 года назад

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

@marcdominguez3595 3 года назад

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!

@vladghitescu9111 4 года назад

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

@MatildeCacao 4 года назад

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

@TheTyisawesome 4 года назад

Exactly belt drive sound annoying too haha

@fatman7100 4 года назад

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

@phatrickmoore 3 года назад

This is exactly the reason 🤣

@ukpkmkk_2 3 года назад

At least you can shift..

@vheztaqwil Год назад

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

@PGWer Месяц назад

❤ this commitment for a test. Thank you 😂

@miklosbalogh1642 4 года назад

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.

@ralphstadus3944 4 года назад

Excellent well balanced content ... well done !

@trajtemberg 3 года назад

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

@kosztaz87 3 года назад

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 Год назад

I think they're more about reducing maintenance than cost

@Kraypus Год назад

@@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 Год назад

@@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 Год назад

@@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

@yoghurtlidlicker 4 года назад

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

@LeoInterHyenaem 4 года назад

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

@hashy4940 2 года назад

en *cyclo* pedia

@purplecookie687 4 месяца назад

Well put together 👍

@sanatandharma4435 3 года назад

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!!!!!!

@MarcoFantin1 4 года назад

You are the black belt of bikepacking

@edLambshanks 4 года назад

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

@Biking360 3 года назад

Brilliant content :)

@damianauton5000 Год назад

Love your work.

@joecondron2131 4 года назад

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

@Cyclingabout 4 года назад

Thank you kindly!

@PierredeCur 4 года назад

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...

@djkenny1202 Год назад

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

@misterwizz5690 3 года назад

super informative, just what I needed to know, thanks

@Cyclingabout 4 года назад

If you had UNLIMITED money for a new belt drive bike, which bike brand (or frame builder) and gearbox would you choose??? 🤔🤔 Also, shoutouts to the 10 new Patrons and random donations since the last video. We are doing this! www.patreon.com/cyclingabout

@popecosh307 4 года назад

Co-motion with the pinion

@advmotorrad 4 года назад

Priority 600?

@horstsattel4790 4 года назад

Falkenjagd Hoplit Pinion. Titanium bike. I do ride a steel one from their sister brand Rennstahl with a belt drive. Amazing bikes!

@barthaattila12 4 года назад

Koga world traveller!!! Oh wait i already got one 😍 Thank you for the video Alee. I always enjoy your sharings.

@NBM397 4 года назад

I bought a titanium Omnium Cargo bike with Rohloff. I had to swap the titanium bolts for stainless bolts(for the sliding dropouts) because it made the rohloff "click" and "skip" a quarter of the pedal circumference (torsion), and the bolts couldn't handle the torque when pushing hard on the pedals. It drove me nuts. With the stainless bolts it is now the dream bike I wanted it to be. I wouldn't want any other bike. Maybe a folding bike to take with me on a train? Seriously, there is no one bike that is "the best. But a lightweight rugged cargo bike with an almost maintenance free drive train comes pretty close. It can be used for everything. But I can say that I will never ever have a derailleur bike again, and I will never own a chained bike ever again. Now, if I could afford to buy such bikes for my entire family, I'd be a very, very happy man (I service their bikes too).

@SaffronHorizon 4 года назад

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

@Cyclingabout 4 года назад

Welcome to our little belted world 😅

@leehaelters6182 4 года назад

Belts, whips and chains-curious.

@arunravi4866 3 года назад

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

@gordondeitz7838 3 года назад

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

@HuckBowlt 4 года назад

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

@Cyclingabout 4 года назад

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

@AbangJanggut 4 года назад

Good findings dude... keep going...

@ionationat3570 3 года назад

Thanks for advice & presentation.

@veritasvalere88 3 года назад

Very good review thanks

@parsathil4438 4 года назад

Well balanced message! Great!

@NeutralGenericUser 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

@@NeutralGenericUser How could the video have been improved?

@einar8019 3 года назад

@@NeutralGenericUser more like 100 years

@ralphstadus3944 4 года назад

Outstanding balanced content ... well done !!

@ddr8215 2 года назад

Great video , absolute belter.

@yellowice0 Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@BigPom-fk8re Год назад

@@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 Год назад

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

@keptkozy Год назад

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.

@tubenachos 3 года назад

This man is living the dream 😍

@pepelkod 3 года назад

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 Год назад

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.

@miguelpanta 3 года назад

you are a beast of a biker. kudos.

@christophggcyrus6861 3 года назад

Top informational - Thank you for that 👏

@MrVolodus 4 года назад

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 :)

@buggs9950 4 года назад

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..