You are planning to start a bike leasing business, but are still looking for the right model. You cycle through our products page and see a bike with a belt drive (or "belt"). What does that mean? And what are the advantages and disadvantages? An overview.
Belt drive: the definition
A belt drive is a drive where the chain is replaced by a plastic belt. The belt runs over two sprockets and is made of a strong, stretch-free carbon fiber. Belt drives are manufactured by Gates, an American company that has made a name for itself in the automotive and motorcycle industries.
The advantages of a belt drive
If you choose a (lease) bike with belt drive or "belt," there are many advantages:
- Less noise: a plastic belt rides much quieter.
- Cleaner: no oil needed: the belt will not rust and does not need a chain case.
- Durable: resistant to dust, water, snow and ice. On average, a belt lasts 4 times longer than a chain.
- Weight: it weighs less than a chain. On average, a belt weighs 75 grams. A bicycle chain can weigh up to 250 grams.
- User-friendly: There's less stretch on a belt than on a chain, so you're going to avoid a lot of problems. Like, for example, kicking through your chain.
The disadvantages of a belt drive
There are also some disadvantages if you choose a bicycle with belt drive:
- The cost: a belt is more expensive than a chain.
- A specific frame is needed: the belt is in one piece, which means that there must be an opening in the frame to replace the belt.
- Limited number of gears: no lateral play is possible. This ensures that a belt cannot be combined with derailleur gears.
- A belt that breaks cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
Belt drive bicycles at Joule
The belt is an innovation within the cycling world. Although the lion's share of bicycles today are still equipped with a chain drive, the belt drive is on the rise. View our range of bikes with belt drive here.
