Well the audio is getting better but i think it was cliping a bit still. is that the Rode wireless go or go2 ? i guess you wend with custom dead cat if its the wireless go since that models deadcat did not stay on that good. what setup are you using when you record? you might want to lower the input gain just a tad. Been dreaming of a pinion beltdriven bike for a while :D it looks so nice. but i have to put in some more hours and years until i can buy a bike for over 2000€ first i need to do my recovery after a open heart surgery.
@@kamratdennis the audio has small problem indeed but that is not the mistake 😁. It is wireless go. I wish I had the go 2. Thr gain is the lowest , also I have very loud voice 😅. I hope your recovery goes fast 😊🙏
Hi Peyman! Thank you for your feedback of great experience! I started with the belt 9 years ago (it's the older, narrower version that can potentially go off the rails although that never happened in the end). It equips 1 of my 2 travel bikes. I drove approx. 20 thousand km knowing that the bike was an almost new opportunity. For me, saving oil and cleaning products, not to mention the grease stains on bags and clothes that require more detergents and disposable gloves when doing maintenance on a chain, all of this pollutes enormously. As soon as I made the change, I noticed that with a belt, you gain in efficiency because there is not all this metal friction and wear = energy! On the climbs, we realize that it is easier with a belt. Finally, the total absence of noise, especially freewheeling at night to approach wildlife, is something very precious:)
Well, there is a better Option: A chain glider with a Pinion or Rohloff. The Belt however has a bit more deformation work done to it. Once you protect the chain from the elements it is a very potected thing. And easy to work with. On our travelbikes we have that system and never had any issues with the chain. However a chain shifting system will wear out way faster than a fixed chain system.
@@radekkuszyk the product is called chainglider. It is basically a housing for a chain, that fits snuggly around a single speed chain. Thus you don't have to worry about debris in your chain.
Glad to see you have reached the same conclusion as Alee. I don't think I'm ever going to be doing such epic rides as you two but I've been using gearboxes for years and like them so my next bike will have a belt if I can find a suitable one. I prefer to buy 2nd hand bikes for both cost and green reasons, but finding a small touring bike with a belt drive s/h is tricky. Belts are still uncommon. It's great to catch up on where you have got to. Ive not seen any of your vids since you got stuck with the Pandemic. So I have 2 years-worth to watch now!
Chains are $20 a pop and last reasonably long when regularly cleaned. I'll admit, if I cycled around the world the belt drive system would no doubt be superior, but I use my bike to commute to work and go on weekend joyrides. The cleaning is more work, but I only spent $300 on my bike second hand. I just don't think belt drive systems are a good value unless you fit a certain niche.
@@11marcian mine did costs around 1200$ but I use it since 10 years.... Yea no heavy driver. First chain. The belt is slowly looking through the tire 😂. But an E-Bike this class is 2 times heavier and easy over 2500$
That is positively, the most extreme realistic tests, I think you could put the two systems under. Bravo, loved it! I've never seen so much stuff on a bike. *visions of additional new storage options on my bike, dancing in my head, lol. I've got a rear pannier rack and 50L saddlebags and room on top like you, but wow, you've got some serious storage on there.
I have two bikes with belt drive now ( Priority Apolllo abd Trek District 4). I will never go back to chain. For me, its the convenience. No more cleaning greasy and dirty chains. And I save money going to the bike shops for tune ups.
i am not sure if i want that on my mountainbike but let me tell you... you sir got an interesting life thats for sure... maybe one day i also do these kinds of travels switching from the adrenaline side of cycling to the adventure spectrum.
Very interesting. As an auto mechanic having serviced belt and chain drives that have done probably done a combined 100 million kilometers the chain is by far superior in longevity of operation if you can keep it clean and lubricated by a similar factor of 3-5x. With the design of bikes and how long it takes to refill a tank on a car vs person though I can see why it would not be practical to run a internal gearbox plus heavier drive be it shaft or or chain and to have the extra components like a timing case to keep everything clean and lubricated.... I dare say with modern materials and machining though we will soon see a chain an encased chain or shaft drive soon enough that will be essentially maintenence free for 100,000km or more.
Chains are better in enclosed systems that keep the chain lubricated well and clean. The disadvantage to an enclosed chain is increased size and weight, and in the case of a bicycle, very difficult or even impossible on some designs as many bikes route the chain around the frame so the frame either needs to be welded around the enclosed chaincase or the chaincase needs to be assembled from separate parts. This problem is also present with most belt drive systems, except for the Veer Split Belt system. Either way, the main problem with belt drives on bikes is the price, with the previously mentioned Veer kit starting at $350 and a replacement belt costing $100. While replacing the drivetrain components on a derailleur bike might add up to somewhere near the price and the chain at least needs to be replaced quite a bit more often that a belt, than maybe over enough time it's worth it. For a bike that already has an internally geared hub or a gearbox and has a chain drive, a belt drive system likely wouldn't be any cheaper as the chain lasts longer as it is always kept in a straight line and wider, stronger chains are used because there is no need to fit in many gears side by side like on a derailleur cassette. And if you're starting out with a derailleur bike and want to convert it to belt drive, you'll need to get a new rear wheel with an internally geared hub or replace the hub on the already existing wheel, either of which costing extra money.
The problem as briefly mentioned in the video is rigidity. A shaft drive system needs to be seriously well secured and that weight/complexity on a bicycle isn't desirable for efficiency losses.
Chain on bike wears quickly because it's exposed to external contaminants like water, salt, sand etc. Zero friction cycling has done extensive testing on this. How different chain lubes affect chain longetivity in different riding conditions. Waxing the chain can actually prolong its life about 3-5x of a normal wet lube
I'd choose a belt, if i could afford it. Unfortunately even if the belt itself is not that extreme in price, a hub gearbox is just way out of my league at the moment.
You are right of you consider Rohloff or Pinion. But Shimano Nexus or Alfine are much more affordable. However, Nexus 8 or Alfine 8 have 307% of gearing range, which could not be enough for hilly terrain Alfine 11 has 409%, which is OK.
For shorter trip, like a few weeks or couple of months, I can live with chain. If I decide to do a very long trip, a year or more on the road, definitely go for the belt drive.
I like my chain and XT gears on the touring bike with bar end shifters. Very basic but reliable. I like the idea of the pinion gear box but for gravel tracks and cycle lanes I could not justify the cost versus the benefit. I appreciate that it’s perfect for round the world touring. Great video! Thank you.
Nice, very informative. Picked up an e-bike with a belt drive and the main selling point I heard was "you wont get oil on your upholstery(car)or furniture in the home"(folding bike) ha ha, glad iv'e been doing some research, belt drives are so much more.... btw mine is a "gates" hearing that brand puts a smile on my face. Great vid, -Cheers
Thanks for your report! For Globetrotters or Dirt track drivers I also see the benefit of a durable belt and enclosed gearbox. I bought a bicycle with belt drive for my wife, who has got problems with her knees and thus cannot bring high pedal power. For such a specific usecase, the deflection force of the beltdrive is significant versus a well greased or oiled chain. Easy to switch to chain though.
Pinion gearbox system seems to weigh 2.5 pounds more than XT triple 9 speed chain set which is just over a bag of sugar in the UK at 2.2lb. The difference between belt weight or chain is irrelevant when you look at the overall weight difference. Many thanks great video as always!
There's a huge difference in how many gears overall you can achieve with a 9sp triple vs an integrated gearbox for a belt. The chain easily surpasses the belt weight ratio in that regard. If you were to compare apples to apples then you would have used an xt 9sp 1x crank vs the belt drive. You also wouldn't need to just be limited to a single group set. The integrated gearbox has limited graduations so you can easily use multiple combinations of chain based hardware to match the gearbox. Cheaper, lighter etc etc.
@@alicenchainrings1326 Not really. All you'd ever need to do to the gearbox is change the oil every 6k miles which is super easy. It's vastly easier than changing the hydrologic brake fluid which is a standard on bikes at this price point.
Current belt drive systems are a sea change. Caveat is that belt drive systems have evolved Phenomenally over recent years. I think the flex and elasticity issues were mostly eliminated, if memory serves.
nice and clear video, about the gates belt. and you don't get paid for it. I hope they will see it so that you get recognition for your work. beautiful really beautiful😅
I wish I had a friend like you man lol, I bet you know how to survive and work on your bike with all kind of tips. What you do looks amazing to do but I couldn't survive alone with my knowledge lol
I tour and commute with Gates carbon belt drive bike and they are revelation compared to chain drive derailleur bikes which are primitive and real PITA to keep running sweetly and quietly. The moment a drop of rain or mud falls on them they start to make an awful racket or lose all their lube, rust or just jam up sound like a noisy sewing machine. Gates belts are truly low maintenance and very durable with a very long lifespan. The Gates carbon belt on my bike is 6 years old and has covered about 50k km and still looks and performs like new. Not a single problem with it. Totally silent. The sprockets are also fine as well. What's not to like? Derailleurs and chains of course!
Very cool in the city, chains are available everywhere, maintenance is master around the world, in the African continent I could put together two used chains before I would wait for a belt replacement.
Definitely belt drivetrain is better as you concluded, I need to save to buy a belt drivetrain touring bike because I have big plans! Right now I’m touring with what I have, a 1993, 7 speed , Japanese Nishiki Meridian, chromoly steel and got a smaller chain ring and a bigger cassette to get 20.5 gear inches, I have crossed Central America and now doing the Colombian Andes, almost 4,000km. So getting that proper bike should not stop you from embarking in that adventure, I feel my bike is not ideal because of the geometry and want disc brakes and wider tires but I haven’t had any problem so far. Cheers Payman! Say hello to Matilda, hope she is doing better now, we miss her!
Hi, well said 🙌🏼, never let the equipments to stop you from your adventures, you don't always need the best of the best. it is important to go out and live it!
Well yeah the problem is even I'm not live in backwater country, to get rohloff or even pinion bike is amazingly difficult, not to mention the price and the import tax. 🤦
I have several old bicycles with chains. They are over 50 years old. Can you imagine belt after 50 years? It would turn into crispy paper. Also I like to ride my bike on high gear standing on the pedals full weight. That would kill belt within weeks of riding. Belts works well where tension is smooth and constant, for example in the car where they drive item that have constant resistance.
About your complaint about the outdoor industry making things lighter but less durable: yes, I agree! I personally still really like a light bike though, so I make my bikes light by making sure there's nothing on it I don't need. My bikes are relatively light but very durable, because I just make them very minimalist. Personally I believe that's the best way to make a bike lighter.
If we compare the low line chain drivetrain to a belt with many Kms with no maintanace in bad conditions - maybe belt is better. However, if we compare top of the line chain drivetrain which is properly maintained, ideally waxed, with a belt or shaft drives - they are inferior to chain currently.
I have gone back to chain after breaking belts once a week I ride 250 miles a day and my chain has gone just over 18,000 miles as of now have not cleaned it or done any maintenance in the chain the belt I was cleaning it once a day to keep it going I think I will get 25,000 miles out of the chain on my bike
Also have pinion with belt. Efficiency drop is significant (10-20%), when I am on Pinion bike I cannot really keep up with riding buddies at all. However when I switch to the eagle I have no problem at all. Also mine usual home loop of 25k is 1:25 on pinion while on sram eagle I can make it in 1:10. I am no racer just casual rider but I would say this is clearly biggest drawback.
Interesting, thanks for input. I have totally different experience. I don't feel that difference when it comes to efficiency between Pinion C line and the Shimano Derailleur drivetrain. I feel much bigger gap when I am on a Rohloff bike. I have been touring with all these 3 drivetrain 😊. Which Pinion gearbox are you using?
@@NomadsTrails Pinion C1.12, I would say it is same efficiency if I am chilling and going just relaxed pace. The more I push to pedals the bigger drag is. I would say it is exponential. Probably thats why I feel it most when I am riding with buddies.
Cant agree more, i work at a bikeshop and love recommending the belt drive, but not one single brand is capable of delivering belt drive in significant time. The waiting times are that bad that customers switch to chain for their purchase… really sad
I would love to try belt drive but price level for belts and sprokets are insane. Industrial and automotive belts are few times cheaper and I really cant see any justification for that big difference.
these belts genuinely are more expensive to produce compared to older style machinery belts But they are still pretty marked up and overpriced because Gates kinda has the market cornered
My friend used the same belt (Cube Hyde race or something, fitness bike) and it broke in 18 moths. Needless to say this probably doesn't apply to all models, but we rode together for most of that 18 months, the chain happened to last some 5-6 month longer. Only had to replace it due to it expanding. For our experience, belt is not the way to go, but hey, tomato, tomato.
@Ulgima Corvus We can judge the belt performance based on one case IMO. Also how many km did u ride in 18 months? The cause of braking can be wrong way of handling the belt and braking the carbonfiber cords. In my experience and many other cyclists out there which I have spoken beafor publishing this video, belt lasts around 3 times more than chain. But if I buy a car and crash it I can't expect the car to work perfectly well the next day. 😊
The guy is sharing a story from experience and you're writing it off as a single incident? But your single experience should be the only truth? Instead it might be something you could learn from. Good luck on your gaslighting journey
@@ilcomendante I don't think we can learn much without understanding why the belt broke. It would be the same if the chain had broken instead of the belt. Was it an exceptional failure or due to normal wear and tear? As with anything a sample of one isn't very accurate. Sounds like Nomad Trails is pulling from much more experience. I would rethink posting little to no substance, escalating and making accusations.
Nice, I only just found your channel. I live in Cape Town. I recommend riding through the Cederberg mountains, North of here (if that isn't already your plan). All the best. Feel free to contact me if you need some local info.
Hello, one aspect among the ecological ones is that the Gates Carbon drive cannot be recycled. If properly disposed of, a chain can be melted down while the carbon drive is hazardous waste.Liebe Grüße
Hi, i see your point. Being more ecological is an interesting question. It needs scientific research imo. true the chain drive train is made out of metal and metal is recyclable. but for making the chain drivetrain energy being used and for recycling it also, add on top of that all the transportation and packing material. also i am not sure if there is no way to recycle the belt. so this is something which needs a research. but my guess is belt is more ecological. but it is just my opinion i can't back it up with any data :)
@@NomadsTrails absolutely, there are so many aspects in that topic. It is music of the future but If things like "Elektrostahlverfahren" or Elektrolichtbogenöfen are running on "Renuable Energy" things made of metal would show their advantge. I hope we will see an ecologic transformation in the prodoction of our environment friendly Bikes and everything. Liebe Grüße und gute Fahrt!🙋🏼♀️
Fluorine in many chain lubes is very toxic. (anything advertising teflon has fluorine in it) Neither are most solvents used to keep especially dry lubes liquid for applying them good for environment. I doubt there are many chain lubrifications which aren't harmfull for environment in one way or another. And cleaning chains from the worst gunks needs pretty strong solvents.
@@tuunaes Totally right. It is a shame that most cyclists use harmful products and "need" a very clean chain. One product I would like to mention is Atlantic "Bio Kettenöl". It is made mostly of renewables and does not contain toxic stuff. It's biodegradable and it works fine also under our shitty conditions here in northern Germany with loads of mud, rain and salt for half a year. We clean our chains with rags and they shine! These products are milestones, I am not here to make an advertisement... Milestones in my eyes and products that harm the environment sould be forbidden because there are alternatives. With that and a proper recycling a chain can become environment friendly.
@@kaffeemitcola6506 Actually biodegradable doesn't automatically mean lack of harmfull for environment in some way substances. It just requires them to break down. That allows still lots of not entirely harmless things. (and renewable could be used even for botulinum toxin) So without full list content it can't be known if it lacks harmfull in short term substances. And clean drivertain is requirement for achieving chain's high efficiency. Dirt in chain drive train will easily start degrading efficiency and also increase wear and tear: Dirt/sand contains lots of quartz, which harder than most metals. Couple km on wet unpaved road is enough to have grinding machine going eating chain drive train. So to be ecological any chain lubrification should also try to keep chain clean.
awesome video. even if the belt in itself isnt more sustinable than a chain due to the fact that its made out of rubber and carbon, concidering a Rohloff or Kindernay gearhub is preadjusted and will outlast most people, and you need no bearadjust,enttools and so on, I think its the most ecofriendly option. And you get more time riding your bike as a bonus:)
Nowadays bikes come mostly with 1 X 12 drive trains. My experience is the chain and cluster doesn't last long, so IMHO pinion with belt has better as it is lower waste
Internal gear hub with chain not belt is better. You even said you went from derailleur to internal with belt. Did you even tour with internal and chain? Good luck finding a belt in the middle of no where.
Theoretically, the chain is probably more ecological as it's nearly 100% recyclable where the belt is multiple materials and likely not recyclable in any way. I want to try the belt though! Great video!!
Hi, Peyman a little late in a reply but if you can manage it ???what chainring ___Sprocket combination do you use. Great video as usual very imformative
An clean well-lubed chain will always outperform and outlast a belt. The only advantage the belt offers is that it is less prone to wear from dirt and grime. Rubber aging, UV rays and high heat will wear out the belt significantly over time so they have a limited lifespan. Just clean your chain regularly, for the vast majority of people a belt is an expensive step in the wrong direction
You could be right if the chain discussed is working in an oil bath, encapsulated in a motor. Bike chains are exposed to dirt, water and mud, so a hypothetical ideal chain will be hard to find, and that is actually what this video is about: How does it work in real life? I have used belts for 5-6 years, and in that time I hasn't´t changed a belt. Except on my second hand Trek District from 2010. I have a 2017 BMC AC01 where the belt shows very faint signs of superficial wear, but not nowhere enough for it to need to be changed. And I think that I am not alone in rarely changing a chain because it breaks; normally it is due to rust after having used it on salty roads during winter. Neither you or I can guess if rubber aging or UV caused deterioration will be a problem; I have a 10 years old Gates belt with none of these problems. So you might postulate that a belt will have a much shorter life than a chain, but most peoples experience with belts does not agree. And a wrong direction? The belt is virtually maintenance free, doesn't need lubrication, completely silent, has a lon life and does not spray around oil on your clothes and the bike? Well, that is good enough for me, and has been for years.
@@larsdela9323 I did in fact have an oil bath in mind, I don't know if it's been done, but it is certainly less of an engineering challenge than making belts work just as well as chains Belts and their corresponding specialty drivetrains are less efficient, a lot heavier and more expensive. This alone makes chains the better option for over 90% of cyclists. Let's not forget that belt drivetrains are also impossible to find parts for except in specialty online retailers, so even minor problems can be a big headache to fix. Cleaning your chain regularily takes a few minutes and will greatly increase their lifespan Unless you literally never get off the saddle and go very long offroad expeditions (like this channel) then chains are the superior option
You compare a little bit apple with cherry aren’t you? Chain with derailleur is heavy stressed. With pinion or Rohloff it is completely different. How long lasts a chain with these hub gears please?
Hot waxing chains helps them stay clean. I think a full chainguards, like the Dutch use on their grandma bikes, would keep a chain from having to be cleaned. They need to make one that will work with derailleurs.
#9 - I agree. Weight saving is a crock of shit. I see so many people who bang on about the weight saving of their bike, and are packing 10kg around their waist. Lose some weight and when you get down to 75% body fat, then we'll start worrying about a gram here or there on your bike LOL
That's a fantastic review. You got a brain for the important things. Absolutely no bull, just everything you need to know. Let me know when you start reviewing off-road cars lol.
I like how this started of by comparing them in a tit for that style but then the last half is just a bunch of pros with no more pros on the chain side.
I would not recommend silicone spray on a bicycle. It can lubricate your brake, which is obviously very bad. And it will collect dust on your belt, which will rub on your sprockets and belt, reducing their lifetime. I haven't tried myself, but I suggest using a dry lubricant. Graphite is very black, but it might work fine. Soapstone powder (which is fine for seating tyres and inner tubes, too) is water soluble, but it's not black. And lastly, a little rub from a paraffin candle might work as well, but it might be incompatible to the belt material. But these are only theories, I have no practical experience.
Thanks fir the input 😊, the silicone spary which you see in the movie, is recommend by Gates. I have used it many times during last 1.5 year and never collect any dust or dirt. I need I would recommend it. If keep the spary in towards down and at the sane time your pedals it won't catch your brakes. It is not that complicated 😊. But the way spary being applied in the video, might catch the brakes buy this was only a clip I could find to show the sparying oon the video. I edit these videos which cycling aroundvthe world. I finished this video on a caffee on the side of the road I Uganda. So take it easy a bit 😊🤗
It's unfortunate quality belt drive bikes are not sold in the U.S. I've contacted 2 European companies and they refuse to sell in the U.S., Hopefully this changes in the near future.
Dumb question but why don't they just use a latch on the front side of the rear nut so that when you want to take the tire off you just loosen the nut and then unlatch the rear tire from the frame? a split frame seems counterintuitive to wanting a frame that does not flex.
The chain has to pass through the rear triangle, since the front and rear sprocket will be on each side of the frame triangle... But taking off the rear wheel is normally not harder than on a chain driven bike. Quite a few belt driven bikes use eccentric bracket assemblies for adjusting the belt tension, so removing the rear wheel is not involving any readjustment. Actually it is easier, since you don't have to wrangle an oily chain while taking off the wheel.
I don't understand. Have chains been an issue on bikes? I guess if you use a bicycle in extreme remote conditions, these belts would have an advantage. The price of these hub drives is extremely high, and the availability of gears for exercise and recreational bike riding would be limited using a belt drive. Hub drives are slow, and don't offer the gears necessary for speed, mountain bike terrains, or fitness cadences.
The calculations are simple: Chain, cassette, chainwheel (for example 32 teeth) and pullies for together € 50,- to 100.-. Good for around 15'000 kilometers without changing anything. On the other hand: A bike from for example the brand Tout Terrain with Pinion gear box and Gates belt for € 5'000,-. Or special frame for Pinion, the Pinion gear box and Gates for around 3'000,-. Plus Gates spare parts after a certain point. A set of chain, cassette, chainwheel and pullies fits pricewise 50 to 100 times. For Pinion, the special frame and Gates it needs a big amount of money. € 5'000,- for a bicycle are way too much! It offers comfort, yes, but why is it so extremely expensive?
Hi, first time I've seen your channel and I subscribed immediately. I was wondering: what brand are those mountain bikes with belt drive you've shown in this video?
How much those it cost (belt and gearbox or othersystems)? Or, please just give us the comparison between the price tag of the two types of bikes. Excellent presentation! And, have a nice trip. Denis (Canada)
Hi Denis, thanks. The price depends on which kind of gearbox you use. For example if you go with Shimano Alfline it is cheaper compare to the Pinion or Rohloff. Also u can refuce the price tag of your whole bike, buy building it urself and using second hand components 😊
good point. it will last longer than derailleur for sure. but not as long as belt. not having metal on metal contact is such a great advantage with belt.
The chain is more or less running in an oil bath, so very efficient and very long lasting. You would probably have change / repair the guard far more than the chain. I would certainly make a carbon fibre guard if going down that route
@@NomadsTrails hope all is well for her and for you both. I have watched many of your videos and enjoyed each one. Always informative and a genuine feel to them. 🙏❤
I have made a very small mistake while recording this video, let me know if you did notice it!
Greeting from Uganda-Tanzania border crossing! 😊
Well the audio is getting better but i think it was cliping a bit still. is that the Rode wireless go or go2 ? i guess you wend with custom dead cat if its the wireless go since that models deadcat did not stay on that good. what setup are you using when you record? you might want to lower the input gain just a tad. Been dreaming of a pinion beltdriven bike for a while :D it looks so nice. but i have to put in some more hours and years until i can buy a bike for over 2000€ first i need to do my recovery after a open heart surgery.
Shimano Alfine or as you said it "Alpha Line" 😉
@@kamratdennis the audio has small problem indeed but that is not the mistake 😁. It is wireless go. I wish I had the go 2. Thr gain is the lowest , also I have very loud voice 😅. I hope your recovery goes fast 😊🙏
Spraying so much silicone spray and your disc looked exposed hahaha
You went from no. 10 to no. 10, where as you should have said no. 11.
same Belt-Setup, same bike. Absolutely happy since 15'000 km. I completely agree with him.
🙌
Please send a link to but belt and caset
Hi Peyman! Thank you for your feedback of great experience! I started with the belt 9 years ago (it's the older, narrower version that can potentially go off the rails although that never happened in the end). It equips 1 of my 2 travel bikes. I drove approx. 20 thousand km knowing that the bike was an almost new opportunity. For me, saving oil and cleaning products, not to mention the grease stains on bags and clothes that require more detergents and disposable gloves when doing maintenance on a chain, all of this pollutes enormously. As soon as I made the change, I noticed that with a belt, you gain in efficiency because there is not all this metal friction and wear = energy! On the climbs, we realize that it is easier with a belt. Finally, the total absence of noise, especially freewheeling at night to approach wildlife, is something very precious:)
Hi Didier, thanks for sharing your experience. Indeed the Belt is a fantastic innovation in bike industry. It is too good 😁
Well, there is a better Option:
A chain glider with a Pinion or Rohloff.
The Belt however has a bit more deformation work done to it.
Once you protect the chain from the elements it is a very potected thing. And easy to work with. On our travelbikes we have that system and never had any issues with the chain.
However a chain shifting system will wear out way faster than a fixed chain system.
@@theonly5001 Chain glider? What do you mean? 🤔
@@radekkuszyk the product is called chainglider. It is basically a housing for a chain, that fits snuggly around a single speed chain. Thus you don't have to worry about debris in your chain.
@Felix Leipnitz O yes, I know it 🙂. Although it covers whole chain, some dust penetrates it quite easly. It makes chain service less rare.
Glad to see you have reached the same conclusion as Alee. I don't think I'm ever going to be doing such epic rides as you two but I've been using gearboxes for years and like them so my next bike will have a belt if I can find a suitable one. I prefer to buy 2nd hand bikes for both cost and green reasons, but finding a small touring bike with a belt drive s/h is tricky. Belts are still uncommon.
It's great to catch up on where you have got to. Ive not seen any of your vids since you got stuck with the Pandemic. So I have 2 years-worth to watch now!
У меня старый велосипед Бриджстоун на ремне и планетарке,3 скорости,ему уже 40 лет и до сих пор родной ремень)
Chains are $20 a pop and last reasonably long when regularly cleaned. I'll admit, if I cycled around the world the belt drive system would no doubt be superior, but I use my bike to commute to work and go on weekend joyrides. The cleaning is more work, but I only spent $300 on my bike second hand. I just don't think belt drive systems are a good value unless you fit a certain niche.
Only 300$? Its like 1500PLN its huge amount of money.
@@11marcian mine did costs around 1200$ but I use it since 10 years.... Yea no heavy driver. First chain. The belt is slowly looking through the tire 😂. But an E-Bike this class is 2 times heavier and easy over 2500$
@@11marcian if that's alot of money, then you've got bigger problems...
@@murrijuana2842 mam idk where you are from, but here in Poland we are all poor. I and my family drive one bicycle. We call it pierogowe zawody.
@@11marcian I'm in America, lot of people have money but almost everyone is lonely and unhappy.
That is positively, the most extreme realistic tests, I think you could put the two systems under. Bravo, loved it! I've never seen so much stuff on a bike. *visions of additional new storage options on my bike, dancing in my head, lol. I've got a rear pannier rack and 50L saddlebags and room on top like you, but wow, you've got some serious storage on there.
Thanks 🙏, indeed recording and editing equipments are heavy 😅
@@NomadsTrails I bet and lithium batteries aren't exactly light either.
@@MrBilld75 and harddrives and cameras and so on... but I see it as good training and helping my legs to get stronger. So I don't complain about it 😁🙌
This guy has made a great contribution to all of mankind. Just saying
I have two bikes with belt drive now ( Priority Apolllo abd Trek District 4). I will never go back to chain. For me, its the convenience. No more cleaning greasy and dirty chains. And I save money going to the bike shops for tune ups.
Top ! It's a very good thing to see someone who knows what he's talking about, from experience. Thank you and have a good trip !
Most welcome 😊
i am not sure if i want that on my mountainbike but let me tell you... you sir got an interesting life thats for sure... maybe one day i also do these kinds of travels switching from the adrenaline side of cycling to the adventure spectrum.
🙏😊
Very interesting. As an auto mechanic having serviced belt and chain drives that have done probably done a combined 100 million kilometers the chain is by far superior in longevity of operation if you can keep it clean and lubricated by a similar factor of 3-5x. With the design of bikes and how long it takes to refill a tank on a car vs person though I can see why it would not be practical to run a internal gearbox plus heavier drive be it shaft or or chain and to have the extra components like a timing case to keep everything clean and lubricated.... I dare say with modern materials and machining though we will soon see a chain an encased chain or shaft drive soon enough that will be essentially maintenence free for 100,000km or more.
Chains are better in enclosed systems that keep the chain lubricated well and clean. The disadvantage to an enclosed chain is increased size and weight, and in the case of a bicycle, very difficult or even impossible on some designs as many bikes route the chain around the frame so the frame either needs to be welded around the enclosed chaincase or the chaincase needs to be assembled from separate parts. This problem is also present with most belt drive systems, except for the Veer Split Belt system. Either way, the main problem with belt drives on bikes is the price, with the previously mentioned Veer kit starting at $350 and a replacement belt costing $100. While replacing the drivetrain components on a derailleur bike might add up to somewhere near the price and the chain at least needs to be replaced quite a bit more often that a belt, than maybe over enough time it's worth it. For a bike that already has an internally geared hub or a gearbox and has a chain drive, a belt drive system likely wouldn't be any cheaper as the chain lasts longer as it is always kept in a straight line and wider, stronger chains are used because there is no need to fit in many gears side by side like on a derailleur cassette. And if you're starting out with a derailleur bike and want to convert it to belt drive, you'll need to get a new rear wheel with an internally geared hub or replace the hub on the already existing wheel, either of which costing extra money.
The problem as briefly mentioned in the video is rigidity. A shaft drive system needs to be seriously well secured and that weight/complexity on a bicycle isn't desirable for efficiency losses.
Chain on bike wears quickly because it's exposed to external contaminants like water, salt, sand etc. Zero friction cycling has done extensive testing on this. How different chain lubes affect chain longetivity in different riding conditions. Waxing the chain can actually prolong its life about 3-5x of a normal wet lube
I'd choose a belt, if i could afford it. Unfortunately even if the belt itself is not that extreme in price, a hub gearbox is just way out of my league at the moment.
You are right of you consider Rohloff or Pinion. But Shimano Nexus or Alfine are much more affordable. However, Nexus 8 or Alfine 8 have 307% of gearing range, which could not be enough for hilly terrain Alfine 11 has 409%, which is OK.
For shorter trip, like a few weeks or couple of months, I can live with chain. If I decide to do a very long trip, a year or more on the road, definitely go for the belt drive.
For sure chain dose the job but the belt is incredibly convenient and long lasting 😊
I like my chain and XT gears on the touring bike with bar end shifters. Very basic but reliable. I like the idea of the pinion gear box but for gravel tracks and cycle lanes I could not justify the cost versus the benefit. I appreciate that it’s perfect for round the world touring. Great video! Thank you.
Nice, very informative. Picked up an e-bike with a belt drive and the main selling point I heard was "you wont get oil on your upholstery(car)or furniture in the home"(folding bike) ha ha, glad iv'e been doing some research, belt drives are so much more.... btw mine is a "gates" hearing that brand puts a smile on my face. Great vid, -Cheers
Thanks, indeed for me the durability is the main point 💪
Thanks for your report!
For Globetrotters or Dirt track drivers I also see the benefit of a durable belt and enclosed gearbox.
I bought a bicycle with belt drive for my wife, who has got problems with her knees and thus cannot bring high pedal power.
For such a specific usecase, the deflection force of the beltdrive is significant versus a well greased or oiled chain.
Easy to switch to chain though.
Pinion gearbox system seems to weigh 2.5 pounds more than XT triple 9 speed chain set which is just over a bag of sugar in the UK at 2.2lb. The difference between belt weight or chain is irrelevant when you look at the overall weight difference. Many thanks great video as always!
🙏🏼
There's a huge difference in how many gears overall you can achieve with a 9sp triple vs an integrated gearbox for a belt.
The chain easily surpasses the belt weight ratio in that regard.
If you were to compare apples to apples then you would have used an xt 9sp 1x crank vs the belt drive. You also wouldn't need to just be limited to a single group set. The integrated gearbox has limited graduations so you can easily use multiple combinations of chain based hardware to match the gearbox. Cheaper, lighter etc etc.
That 600%+ range is a consideration too.
@@obliviondio also that gear box is probably a nightmare to work on for the home mechanic
@@alicenchainrings1326
Not really. All you'd ever need to do to the gearbox is change the oil every 6k miles which is super easy. It's vastly easier than changing the hydrologic brake fluid which is a standard on bikes at this price point.
Current belt drive systems are a sea change.
Caveat is that belt drive systems have evolved Phenomenally over recent years. I think the flex and elasticity issues were mostly eliminated, if memory serves.
Perfect guide for choosing a belt system. Красавчик!
Excellent opinions. Keep enjoying your adventures, my friend.
nice and clear video, about the gates belt. and you don't get paid for it. I hope they will see it so that you get recognition for your work. beautiful really beautiful😅
I totally agree. My new Priority 600X with Pinion gearbox with Gates belt drive is awesome. All of my other chain drive bikes are jealous.
I got my priority 600x about a month ago, absolutely love it! Quiet and clean.
I wish I had a friend like you man lol, I bet you know how to survive and work on your bike with all kind of tips. What you do looks amazing to do but I couldn't survive alone with my knowledge lol
I tour and commute with Gates carbon belt drive bike and they are revelation compared to chain drive derailleur bikes which are primitive and real PITA to keep running sweetly and quietly. The moment a drop of rain or mud falls on them they start to make an awful racket or lose all their lube, rust or just jam up sound like a noisy sewing machine. Gates belts are truly low maintenance and very durable with a very long lifespan. The Gates carbon belt on my bike is 6 years old and has covered about 50k km and still looks and performs like new. Not a single problem with it. Totally silent. The sprockets are also fine as well. What's not to like? Derailleurs and chains of course!
Indeed Alex, the Blet drivetrain is a big improvement 🙌🏼
Very cool in the city, chains are available everywhere, maintenance is master around the world, in the African continent I could put together two used chains before I would wait for a belt replacement.
I often wondered why more motorcycles don't use belts. They seem like they could/should be better.
belts can withstand only human torque, not motor's
Bicycles with belts in Uganda are very hard to find even spare parts but I would really want to own one. Much love
Thanks Peyman, great video, very informative!
Definitely belt drivetrain is better as you concluded, I need to save to buy a belt drivetrain touring bike because I have big plans! Right now I’m touring with what I have, a 1993, 7 speed , Japanese Nishiki Meridian, chromoly steel and got a smaller chain ring and a bigger cassette to get 20.5 gear inches, I have crossed Central America and now doing the Colombian Andes, almost 4,000km. So getting that proper bike should not stop you from embarking in that adventure, I feel my bike is not ideal because of the geometry and want disc brakes and wider tires but I haven’t had any problem so far.
Cheers Payman! Say hello to Matilda, hope she is doing better now, we miss her!
Hi, well said 🙌🏼, never let the equipments to stop you from your adventures, you don't always need the best of the best. it is important to go out and live it!
Well yeah the problem is even I'm not live in backwater country, to get rohloff or even pinion bike is amazingly difficult, not to mention the price and the import tax. 🤦
I have several old bicycles with chains. They are over 50 years old. Can you imagine belt after 50 years? It would turn into crispy paper.
Also I like to ride my bike on high gear standing on the pedals full weight. That would kill belt within weeks of riding. Belts works well where tension is smooth and constant, for example in the car where they drive item that have constant resistance.
Great review of the belt drive train. An eye opener indeed. A bit pricey for a layman like me but doable.
🙏🏼
Just bought en ebike with belt drive. Sooo nice. Can recommend.
About your complaint about the outdoor industry making things lighter but less durable: yes, I agree!
I personally still really like a light bike though, so I make my bikes light by making sure there's nothing on it I don't need. My bikes are relatively light but very durable, because I just make them very minimalist. Personally I believe that's the best way to make a bike lighter.
My surprise is I understand your English!
I'm French!
Good advice in your video!
I admire your tenacity .
If we compare the low line chain drivetrain to a belt with many Kms with no maintanace in bad conditions - maybe belt is better.
However, if we compare top of the line chain drivetrain which is properly maintained, ideally waxed, with a belt or shaft drives - they are inferior to chain currently.
Did you mean efficiency wise?
Aint nobody got time to clean and maintain chain and casssete weekly.
Hi - great video !! I have a Bulls ebike with a belt drive and I love it.
Keep up the good work 👍
🙏🏼
I have gone back to chain after breaking belts once a week I ride 250 miles a day and my chain has gone just over 18,000 miles as of now have not cleaned it or done any maintenance in the chain the belt I was cleaning it once a day to keep it going I think I will get 25,000 miles out of the chain on my bike
get a suntour ncx as a suspension seatpost instead of the canecreek, it's a bit heavier but much better
thanks for suggestions, never tested this, but maybe in the future. so far been very happy with CaneCreek.
@@NomadsTrails the bushings wore down pretty quickly on the ones I had in the past.
Phooey. There's zero post open on my bikes.
Also have pinion with belt. Efficiency drop is significant (10-20%), when I am on Pinion bike I cannot really keep up with riding buddies at all. However when I switch to the eagle I have no problem at all. Also mine usual home loop of 25k is 1:25 on pinion while on sram eagle I can make it in 1:10. I am no racer just casual rider but I would say this is clearly biggest drawback.
Interesting, thanks for input. I have totally different experience. I don't feel that difference when it comes to efficiency between Pinion C line and the Shimano Derailleur drivetrain. I feel much bigger gap when I am on a Rohloff bike. I have been touring with all these 3 drivetrain 😊. Which Pinion gearbox are you using?
@@NomadsTrails Pinion C1.12, I would say it is same efficiency if I am chilling and going just relaxed pace. The more I push to pedals the bigger drag is. I would say it is exponential. Probably thats why I feel it most when I am riding with buddies.
Cant agree more, i work at a bikeshop and love recommending the belt drive, but not one single brand is capable of delivering belt drive in significant time. The waiting times are that bad that customers switch to chain for their purchase… really sad
Thanks for the profound analysis ;) Good luck on your journey.
U r a brave heart....adventure lover also bicycle lover
I would love to try belt drive but price level for belts and sprokets are insane. Industrial and automotive belts are few times cheaper and I really cant see any justification for that big difference.
these belts genuinely are more expensive to produce compared to older style machinery belts But they are still pretty marked up and overpriced because Gates kinda has the market cornered
It's called economies of scale. If every bicycle had belts they'd be cheaper, but for now it's very low volume and this high priced
and these rohloff speedhubs are insanely expensive too
Maybe in the future, this will get cloned and sold at a cheaper price by a certain country.
@@anguismemes1666 Shimano makes nice hubs for less. If you're doing trips like this you want the best.
With over 6000 miles on my HaiBike (Bosch center drive) I'm looking forward to my next e bike being belt drive.
Keep us updated 😁🙌
i got a giant reign e+3 with normal chain and have almost 10k km down still with my first chain and the chain is still in good condition.
My friend used the same belt (Cube Hyde race or something, fitness bike) and it broke in 18 moths. Needless to say this probably doesn't apply to all models, but we rode together for most of that 18 months, the chain happened to last some 5-6 month longer. Only had to replace it due to it expanding. For our experience, belt is not the way to go, but hey, tomato, tomato.
Why did it break though?
@Ulgima Corvus We can judge the belt performance based on one case IMO. Also how many km did u ride in 18 months? The cause of braking can be wrong way of handling the belt and braking the carbonfiber cords. In my experience and many other cyclists out there which I have spoken beafor publishing this video, belt lasts around 3 times more than chain. But if I buy a car and crash it I can't expect the car to work perfectly well the next day. 😊
The guy is sharing a story from experience and you're writing it off as a single incident? But your single experience should be the only truth? Instead it might be something you could learn from. Good luck on your gaslighting journey
@@ilcomendante I don't think we can learn much without understanding why the belt broke. It would be the same if the chain had broken instead of the belt. Was it an exceptional failure or due to normal wear and tear?
As with anything a sample of one isn't very accurate. Sounds like Nomad Trails is pulling from much more experience.
I would rethink posting little to no substance, escalating and making accusations.
@@ilcomendante you're not very bright
Sensacional!!! Esse é o melhor sistema transmissão.
Ich danke dir für ein ausführliches Video. Klasse gemacht.
Nice, I only just found your channel.
I live in Cape Town. I recommend riding through the Cederberg mountains, North of here (if that isn't already your plan).
All the best.
Feel free to contact me if you need some local info.
Belt is basically a single-speed chain, and single speed chain you can put into enclosure and never service it.
Pretty cool! Thanks for sharing
Hello, one aspect among the ecological ones is that the Gates Carbon drive cannot be recycled. If properly disposed of, a chain can be melted down while the carbon drive is hazardous waste.Liebe Grüße
Hi, i see your point. Being more ecological is an interesting question. It needs scientific research imo. true the chain drive train is made out of metal and metal is recyclable. but for making the chain drivetrain energy being used and for recycling it also, add on top of that all the transportation and packing material. also i am not sure if there is no way to recycle the belt. so this is something which needs a research. but my guess is belt is more ecological. but it is just my opinion i can't back it up with any data :)
@@NomadsTrails absolutely, there are so many aspects in that topic. It is music of the future but If things like "Elektrostahlverfahren" or Elektrolichtbogenöfen are running on "Renuable Energy" things made of metal would show their advantge. I hope we will see an ecologic transformation in the prodoction of our environment friendly Bikes and everything.
Liebe Grüße und gute Fahrt!🙋🏼♀️
Fluorine in many chain lubes is very toxic. (anything advertising teflon has fluorine in it)
Neither are most solvents used to keep especially dry lubes liquid for applying them good for environment.
I doubt there are many chain lubrifications which aren't harmfull for environment in one way or another.
And cleaning chains from the worst gunks needs pretty strong solvents.
@@tuunaes Totally right. It is a shame that most cyclists use harmful products and "need" a very clean chain. One product I would like to mention is Atlantic "Bio Kettenöl". It is made mostly of renewables and does not contain toxic stuff. It's biodegradable and it works fine also under our shitty conditions here in northern Germany with loads of mud, rain and salt for half a year. We clean our chains with rags and they shine! These products are milestones, I am not here to make an advertisement... Milestones in my eyes and products that harm the environment sould be forbidden because there are alternatives. With that and a proper recycling a chain can become environment friendly.
@@kaffeemitcola6506 Actually biodegradable doesn't automatically mean lack of harmfull for environment in some way substances.
It just requires them to break down.
That allows still lots of not entirely harmless things. (and renewable could be used even for botulinum toxin)
So without full list content it can't be known if it lacks harmfull in short term substances.
And clean drivertain is requirement for achieving chain's high efficiency.
Dirt in chain drive train will easily start degrading efficiency and also increase wear and tear: Dirt/sand contains lots of quartz, which harder than most metals.
Couple km on wet unpaved road is enough to have grinding machine going eating chain drive train.
So to be ecological any chain lubrification should also try to keep chain clean.
awesome video. even if the belt in itself isnt more sustinable than a chain due to the fact that its made out of rubber and carbon, concidering a Rohloff or Kindernay gearhub is preadjusted and will outlast most people, and you need no bearadjust,enttools and so on, I think its the most ecofriendly option. And you get more time riding your bike as a bonus:)
Nowadays bikes come mostly with 1 X 12 drive trains. My experience is the chain and cluster doesn't last long, so IMHO pinion with belt has better as it is lower waste
I like the belt drive but in our place its hard to find belt in the bike shop
Internal gear hub with chain not belt is better. You even said you went from derailleur to internal with belt. Did you even tour with internal and chain? Good luck finding a belt in the middle of no where.
Theoretically, the chain is probably more ecological as it's nearly 100% recyclable where the belt is multiple materials and likely not recyclable in any way. I want to try the belt though! Great video!!
That's a load of incredibly short-sighted BS.
I have never seen rubber getting recycled in my life
@@zureai Just because YOU haven't seen it, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
@@_nopestr it’s sarcasm
this guy is so badass it's just mindblowing
Hi, Peyman a little late in a reply but if you can manage it ???what chainring ___Sprocket combination do you use. Great video as usual very imformative
Really informative.
Thank you this was very informative.
Has anyone the situation when nexus 8 caused damage to dropouts (literally pressed into them)? How did you solve such a problem?
Apart from the issue of needing a specific frame to mount the central gearbox and the initial price, the belt drive is a no brainer.
Indeed there is cheaper options out there like Shimano Alfline 😊
I didn't even know there were bikes with belts until I saw this video
An clean well-lubed chain will always outperform and outlast a belt. The only advantage the belt offers is that it is less prone to wear from dirt and grime. Rubber aging, UV rays and high heat will wear out the belt significantly over time so they have a limited lifespan. Just clean your chain regularly, for the vast majority of people a belt is an expensive step in the wrong direction
You could be right if the chain discussed is working in an oil bath, encapsulated in a motor. Bike chains are exposed to dirt, water and mud, so a hypothetical ideal chain will be hard to find, and that is actually what this video is about: How does it work in real life? I have used belts for 5-6 years, and in that time I hasn't´t changed a belt. Except on my second hand Trek District from 2010. I have a 2017 BMC AC01 where the belt shows very faint signs of superficial wear, but not nowhere enough for it to need to be changed. And I think that I am not alone in rarely changing a chain because it breaks; normally it is due to rust after having used it on salty roads during winter. Neither you or I can guess if rubber aging or UV caused deterioration will be a problem; I have a 10 years old Gates belt with none of these problems. So you might postulate that a belt will have a much shorter life than a chain, but most peoples experience with belts does not agree. And a wrong direction? The belt is virtually maintenance free, doesn't need lubrication, completely silent, has a lon life and does not spray around oil on your clothes and the bike? Well, that is good enough for me, and has been for years.
@@larsdela9323 I did in fact have an oil bath in mind, I don't know if it's been done, but it is certainly less of an engineering challenge than making belts work just as well as chains
Belts and their corresponding specialty drivetrains are less efficient, a lot heavier and more expensive. This alone makes chains the better option for over 90% of cyclists. Let's not forget that belt drivetrains are also impossible to find parts for except in specialty online retailers, so even minor problems can be a big headache to fix.
Cleaning your chain regularily takes a few minutes and will greatly increase their lifespan
Unless you literally never get off the saddle and go very long offroad expeditions (like this channel) then chains are the superior option
You compare a little bit apple with cherry aren’t you? Chain with derailleur is heavy stressed. With pinion or Rohloff it is completely different. How long lasts a chain with these hub gears please?
Hot waxing chains helps them stay clean.
I think a full chainguards, like the Dutch use on their grandma bikes, would keep a chain from having to be cleaned.
They need to make one that will work with derailleurs.
Encasing "chain salad" gear system would require huge box.
And not straight chain lines would still wear and tear parts.
6 years ago I saw a Cube tour bike with a partial plastic guard on a 3x.
#9 - I agree. Weight saving is a crock of shit. I see so many people who bang on about the weight saving of their bike, and are packing 10kg around their waist. Lose some weight and when you get down to 75% body fat, then we'll start worrying about a gram here or there on your bike LOL
LMAO, yes too many cyclists are barrel shaped and yet ride featherlike bikes. Anyway if you want to be a stronger cyclist then ride a heavier bike.
75% body fat????? dude you'd be heavier than an excavator, do you mean 7.5%?
@@Andi-fh5lh I was exaggerating
I saw you on the video of "Lake"
Great video man ! thanks
Odlican video,odlicno rečeno svaka cast,sta li je sledece sto ce izmisliti😃✌️✌️
That's a fantastic review. You got a brain for the important things. Absolutely no bull, just everything you need to know. Let me know when you start reviewing off-road cars lol.
Thank you! I think I will stick with bicycles 😁🙌
Thank you for sharing!
I like how this started of by comparing them in a tit for that style but then the last half is just a bunch of pros with no more pros on the chain side.
thanks for sharing your precious experiences.
How many gears does your hub have?
And were you comfortable going up hills?
I would not recommend silicone spray on a bicycle. It can lubricate your brake, which is obviously very bad. And it will collect dust on your belt, which will rub on your sprockets and belt, reducing their lifetime.
I haven't tried myself, but I suggest using a dry lubricant. Graphite is very black, but it might work fine. Soapstone powder (which is fine for seating tyres and inner tubes, too) is water soluble, but it's not black. And lastly, a little rub from a paraffin candle might work as well, but it might be incompatible to the belt material. But these are only theories, I have no practical experience.
Thanks fir the input 😊, the silicone spary which you see in the movie, is recommend by Gates. I have used it many times during last 1.5 year and never collect any dust or dirt. I need I would recommend it. If keep the spary in towards down and at the sane time your pedals it won't catch your brakes. It is not that complicated 😊. But the way spary being applied in the video, might catch the brakes buy this was only a clip I could find to show the sparying oon the video. I edit these videos which cycling aroundvthe world. I finished this video on a caffee on the side of the road I Uganda. So take it easy a bit 😊🤗
@@NomadsTrails i didn't know that Gates recommends this. Thanks for your answer 👍
@@andrebartels1690 No worries here is exactly the spray gates is recommending: www.amazon.com/CRC-05074-Silicone-Multi-Use-Lubricant/dp/B000BXKZUG
It's unfortunate quality belt drive bikes are not sold in the U.S. I've contacted 2 European companies and they refuse to sell in the U.S., Hopefully this changes in the near future.
Dumb question but why don't they just use a latch on the front side of the rear nut so that when you want to take the tire off you just loosen the nut and then unlatch the rear tire from the frame? a split frame seems counterintuitive to wanting a frame that does not flex.
The chain has to pass through the rear triangle, since the front and rear sprocket will be on each side of the frame triangle... But taking off the rear wheel is normally not harder than on a chain driven bike. Quite a few belt driven bikes use eccentric bracket assemblies for adjusting the belt tension, so removing the rear wheel is not involving any readjustment. Actually it is easier, since you don't have to wrangle an oily chain while taking off the wheel.
Chain for sure . i love derailleurs and wouldnt trade them for a belt drive . just not enough benefit .
I thought he made the bike like scooter which has cvt transmission. Hehe I was awesome for hardcore travels.
I think it’s the way forward for bicycle’s
The serviceability and ubiquity of chains wins.
I don't understand. Have chains been an issue on bikes? I guess if you use a bicycle in extreme remote conditions, these belts would have an advantage. The price of these hub drives is extremely high, and the availability of gears for exercise and recreational bike riding would be limited using a belt drive. Hub drives are slow, and don't offer the gears necessary for speed, mountain bike terrains, or fitness cadences.
The calculations are simple: Chain, cassette, chainwheel (for example 32 teeth) and pullies for together € 50,- to 100.-. Good for around 15'000 kilometers without changing anything. On the other hand: A bike from for example the brand Tout Terrain with Pinion gear box and Gates belt for € 5'000,-. Or special frame for Pinion, the Pinion gear box and Gates for around 3'000,-. Plus Gates spare parts after a certain point. A set of chain, cassette, chainwheel and pullies fits pricewise 50 to 100 times. For Pinion, the special frame and Gates it needs a big amount of money. € 5'000,- for a bicycle are way too much! It offers comfort, yes, but why is it so extremely expensive?
Shimano Nexus/Alfine is much cheaper than Pinion.
Informative video.
What do you think about your Silkroad? Have you ever broken a spoke?
Great video thank you
Hi, first time I've seen your channel and I subscribed immediately.
I was wondering: what brand are those mountain bikes with belt drive you've shown in this video?
So what about chain less shaft drive bicycle?
don't you want to go to Indonesia? i like your videos.
gates sponsor your parts? They sponsor my small projects in velotilt velomobile & my 4w velomobile.
How much those it cost (belt and gearbox or othersystems)? Or, please just give us the comparison between the price tag of the two types of bikes. Excellent presentation! And, have a nice trip. Denis (Canada)
Hi Denis, thanks. The price depends on which kind of gearbox you use. For example if you go with Shimano Alfline it is cheaper compare to the Pinion or Rohloff. Also u can refuce the price tag of your whole bike, buy building it urself and using second hand components 😊
@@NomadsTrails so you won't tell your audience how the price difference is for chain and belt drive ?
also the alfine gearbox breaks very easy
12 years in the saddle by Major R.Sore!
How about comparing with a fully enclosed chain (with internal gears).
Even the belt drive would benefit from a guard.
And even a derailleur from a guard in front of the chain wheel.
good point. it will last longer than derailleur for sure. but not as long as belt. not having metal on metal contact is such a great advantage with belt.
The chain is more or less running in an oil bath, so very efficient and very long lasting. You would probably have change / repair the guard far more than the chain. I would certainly make a carbon fibre guard if going down that route
Hi. I'm a big fan. Is cycling around or across Japan in your future plans?
How is much upkeep is the hub? Also, I'm 90+ kilos and make a lot of torque, I would worry about damaging the gears on a expensive hub.
With these gears set up using belts, can your bike travel @least 30km/h?
& Going up the slope, let's say 30°~40° , easy paddling!?
What bike are you riding thanks. Also what are some ways to make money on the road...
Hey i would love to see you check out the fish in Lake malawi!
Bro The belt will survive in high temperature? (45°above)
Nice summary. Thanks. Haven't seen your partner for a bit, how is she going? 🙏
Welcome 😊, it will be an update regarding her. But she is not cycling any more 😊
@@NomadsTrails hope all is well for her and for you both. I have watched many of your videos and enjoyed each one. Always informative and a genuine feel to them. 🙏❤
Is there a way to use a power meter with a Pinion Gearbox? (not pedal based?)