The Huge Benefits of Belt-Drive Cycle Technology

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It's been a feature of a number of of the ranges introduced lately by some of the world's foremost bike companies that the top-of-the-range designs have featured a belt drive instead of the conventional chain - a significant departure from the tried-and-trusted.

The bicycle chain has been about in all probability since the invention of the bicycle itself, and a very smart invention it is too. Linked metal sections are robust, flexible in one direction, but resistant to distortion in the other, sideways direction.

And the chain drive has been greatly enhanced by the use of derailleur gears. Derailleurs have undergone astounding improvements over the years. With numbers of gears going from 5 up to 30, derailleurs have been found on bikes of all types - from mountain bikes to Tour de France racers. So why alter a successful formula?

In reality there are features of a chain drive that result in problems for the cyclist:-

• A chain needs to be oiled, so you run the risk of getting oil and dirt on clothes.
• If it's not kept well lubricated, a chain quickly gets rusty and noisy.

A belt drive does not result in these problems.The chain is replaced with a toothed belt - made typically from polyurethane with a tough carbon fibre reinforcement for extra strength.

Naturally, other components have to be redesigned to suit - both rear sprocket and front chainwheel have to be built to match the belt. Moreover, the frame itself has to be altered, as the continuous belt will not go over the chainstay. This means that either the chainstay has to be produced with a break, or a detachable dropout must be fitted.

In spite of this, the advantages are clear to see:-

• Completely clean running, as the belt does not need lubrication at all.
• Quiet operation
• A belt will usually last 2 or 3 times as long as a chain.

The other main consideration is that derailleur gears cannot be fitted, so belt drives will consequently be restricted to single speed or internal gear hub bikes. These internal gear hubs are improving all the time - in reality they are now available with up to 11 ratios.

To quote an example, the SUB 10 from Scott features a Gates Carbon drive (one of the most widespread). Together with an 8-speed Alfine hub, the SUB 10 as a consequence is a high-performance urban and commuter bike - you can turn up at the office or college without having to be concerned about grease and oil on your daytime clothing.

It could be that the belt drive is the convenient practical solution to one of the main problem areas of the commuter bike.

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