Belt Drive vs Chain Drive Technologies

[Wyatt Earp]

Many Motorcycles have converted from chain to belt. Some of the advantages are reduced maintenance (time and cost), reduced noice etc.

So I think there are advantages to cyclists that are worth investigating. It pays to keep an open mind, I wonder what was said about microwaves or tv in its early stages of development.

 

I have both, for sheer power I will take the chain.

[RooiWillie]

Many Motorcycles have converted from chain to belt. Some of the advantages are reduced maintenance (time and cost), reduced noice etc.

So I think there are advantages to cyclists that are worth investigating. It pays to keep an open mind, I wonder what was said about microwaves or tv in its early stages of development.

 

You have quite obviously not paged through this very thread... Yes, there is advantages, but there are also some very distinct disadvantages...

Pro:

Lighter, cleaner, less maintenance

 

Con:

5 times the cost, no after sales in SA, need a broken frame, cannot tension too much (as tension steals power and you have to get it perfect)

 

So although it is a good idea, it will definitely not replace the chain sometime soon.

[Wyatt Earp]

You have quite obviously not paged through this very thread... Yes, there is advantages, but there are also some very distinct disadvantages...

Pro:

Lighter, cleaner, less maintenance

 

Con:

5 times the cost, no after sales in SA, need a broken frame, cannot tension too much (as tension steals power and you have to get it perfect)

 

So although it is a good idea, it will definitely not replace the chain sometime soon.

 

The biggest con is that it does not generate the same torque and power transfer as a chain.

[TNT1]

The biggest con is that it does not generate the same torque and power transfer as a chain.

 

And the ability to remove bits of wayward digits.

[Hairy]

The biggest con is that it does not generate the same torque and power transfer as a chain.

 

The life and soul of a SS ride

[Hairy]

And the ability to remove bits of wayward digits.

 

So Bob ... have you been typing with one finger as of late?

[RexFuzzle]

The biggest con is that it does not generate the same torque and power transfer as a chain.

 

What is your reasoning behind this? As far as I can reason it the belt might need slightly more power as it takes more energy to twist compared to the chain, however they are both still positive drive so that should be the only loss, or am I missing something?

[Wyatt Earp]

What is your reasoning behind this? As far as I can reason it the belt might need slightly more power as it takes more energy to twist compared to the chain, however they are both still positive drive so that should be the only loss, or am I missing something?

 

I can't quite figure out why, you can feel it when you are riding.

I think if you hop from a geared bike on to the belt you won't notice it.

But straight from my Ritchey on to my XXIX and I notice it.