If you're looking for a new city bike, you may be wondering which drivetrain is the best choice. Overall, most bikes run a chain, but rising in popularity in places like Europe, the belt drive is an up and coming contender. While chain drive city bikes are a popular choice, belt drive city bikes offer a number of benefits that make them an excellent option for urban cycling and more.

Low Maintenance

The main benefit of a belt drive city bike is its LOW maintenance requirements. And by low maintenance, we mean next to NO maintenance required. Unlike chain drive bikes, which require frequent lubrication and cleaning to function properly, belt drive bikes require very little maintenance. Ever wondered why that new bike you purchased felt very good initially but soon felt slow and clunky? That's because a bike's drivetrain requires constant attention if you are running a traditional chain. Our belt driven bike's belt is made of a high-strength, low-stretch carbon and does not require lubrication. This is so you won't have to worry about greasing it or cleaning it as you would with a chain. This makes belt drive bikes an ideal choice for busy commuters who don't want to spend hours maintaining their bike.

Smooth and quiet cycling

Another benefit of a belt drive city bike is its super smooth and quiet operation. The belt is much smoother and quieter than a chain, which is known to make all sorts of weird noises (especially if it is not well maintained). This makes the belt drive a great choice for city riding where you'll be surrounded by people and noise. The smooth and quiet operation of a belt drive bike also makes it more pleasant to ride, which can translate to effort saving and mental well being (a noise chain can drive you crazy). This is especially important if you're commuting long distances on your bike.

High Durability

Belt-drive bikes like the Frigate are also super duper durable. The belt is made of a high-strength carbon that's resistant to stretching and wear. Belts also last much longer than a traditional chain. A single belt can last between 15 thousand to 30 thousand kilometers. Yes you heard that right 15,000 to 30,000km!  In comparison, a single bicycle chain lasts around 3 to 4 thousand km on average. This means that even though a belt drive bike can be more expensive upfront, you can have cost savings in the long run. Additionally, you won't have to worry about replacing your belt as often.

Potential downside of belt bikes

Belt drive city bikes can be more expensive than traditional chain drive bikes. However, the long-term benefits of a belt drive bike make it well worth the initial investment. In addition to the reduced maintenance costs, you'll also be able to ride your bike more smoothly and quietly, which can make your commuting experience much more enjoyable. Accordingly, the benefits of riding a belt drive bike is really priceless.

Conclusion

A belt drive city bike is a great choice for urban cycling. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or just enjoying a leisurely ride, a belt drive bike can provide you with a smooth, quiet, and low-maintenance ride experience. So if you're after a new city bike, be sure to consider a belt drive model – There is a high chance that it might just be the best choice for you.

December 29, 2022 — Victor Tong

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