Are Belt Drive Bikes Worth It?

Do you interest in a belt-drive e-bike? Carbon belt drive bikes have been around for more than 10 years. Recently years, more and more high-end, high-quality electric bikes as well as city e-bikes, personalized single-speed e-bikes, trail e-bikes, and even mountain e-bikes have chosen to use belts instead of chains, attracting everyone's attention!

 

What Is Belt-driven?

A belt drive refers to the belt used to power the drivetrain. Rather than a chain of small metal links, a belt is a monolithic, silky-smooth device, usually made of carbon fiber-reinforced rubber. The top of the belt looks almost smooth - possibly containing some small grooves - while it has deeper notches on the inside. It is precisely these grooves that engage with the teeth of the chainrings to transmit power from the pedals to the wheels. In just over a decade since Gates introduced the first bicycle belt-drive system in 2007, belt-drive e-bikes have been recognized and popularized.

 

Are Belt Drive Bikes Worth It?

Zero-Cost Maintenance

Carbon fiber belts are easy to clean and require very little maintenance over their lifetime. Chains on conventional electric bikes need to be cleaned and oiled at least once a week, but belts don't need them. Even if you're riding through deeper mud, all you need to do is flush the belt drive.

Sustainability And Wear-resistant

How long do belt drives last? Carbon fiber belts are incredibly wear-resistant and the belts last 3-4 times longer than traditional chains. On average, belts can travel 15,000 to 30,000 km, while chains can often last up to 5,000 km with proper maintenance. And you don't have to worry about dropping the chain on your belt drive e-bike either. Not only because there is no chain, but also because the belt drive never moves from side to side.

Noiseless

Regardless of how well you maintain your electric bike, a bike chain will inevitably make some noise. However a belt drive is very quiet throughout the work, and you no longer have a rattling bike chain to contend with.

More Lighter

The belt on the e-bikes is made with carbon fibers running through the core, which makes it much lighter than a chain. The belts are over three times lighter than chains (around 87g V.S. almost 300g). And It saves even more weight because there is no need to secure the chain with tools while riding.

 

What Are The Disadvantages of Belt Drive?

Like most things in life, all good products come with some downsides.

Acquisition Cost

Belts are more expensive than traditional chains, so when you need to replace the belt you have to pay more. But thanks to the long service life of the belt drive, you quickly recouped the costs.

Not Easy To Obtain Replacement Parts

It can be harder to find replacement parts when you're out and about. Not all bike shops carry or service belt drives and components.

Less Efficient

Belt drives are less efficient at power transmission. As a result, you may use a little more energy than you would on a chain-drive electric bike.

Should I Get A Belt Drive Electric Bike?

The answer is yes. Whether you're using it for your daily commute, or long-distance travel, you'll benefit from a belt-driven e-bike. If you like a quiet ride and don't want to constantly worry about maintaining or cleaning your chain, a belt-driven e-bike is also the way to go.