Dropping The Chain for 2010!
The bicycle chain is a staple and a standard for the bicycle. It has been nearly commoditised with its genericy and now, could it become obsolete? Don’t get me wrong there is something to be said about a quality chain but really, it is pretty boring. Isn’t there another choice?
The chain has evolved over the past few decades, it has become, stronger, lighter, narrower and longer lasting but really there has not been a major technological breakthrough since the early 80s. Comparing something like suspension technology to that of the chain is like comparing a Large Hadron Collider with cavemen using tools… both had their 15 minutes of fame but one is slightly more impressive than the other.
I have recently been given the opportunity to try out a 2010 Norco Judan which is using the Gates Carbon Drive system. The idea of a 29er singlespeed bike using a belt is to say the least – a little bit of a foreign concept. I thru in the towel on hardtails the better part of a decade ago and thought I would never go back. Well, I am, and I am kind of excited about it. The idea of a singlespeed 29er entices me. It will be fast, it will be quiet, and it should be pretty much maintenance free – after all there isn’t really anything to go wrong.
I am a couple of rides into my testing so far and I must say, I am starting to like it. At first I was a little bit detered by the gear ratio. Some of those hills were a little intense for my liking and I was tempted to walk up a couple of steep bits. But, I pushed through and had a blast on the descents. The big wheels can seemingly roll over anything, the frame has the comfort of steel and the belt has been flawless. Only time will tell though if this is the new flavour for 2010. The belt is the first viable option to a traditional chain. There are a few limitations but only time will tell how far it will go.
More Updates Soon… What do you think of the belt? Good Idea? Bad Idea?
Dustan
October 27th, 2009 at 12:30 PM
I think it’s a great idea,no more messy lube,quieter and hopefully longer lasting,i would love the belt drive fixie (Vesta),no gears to wear out so the cost of maintenance would be minimal,perfect commuter and city bike in my humble opinion
October 27th, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Sounds like a very good idea to me!
A belt driven singlespeed is a nice start but bike manufacturers need to start piling the pressure onto Sram and Shimano for a MTB specific, belt drive compatible, durable and light internal gear hub. Belt drive + IGH + Hammerschmidt would be fantastic…
October 28th, 2009 at 7:10 AM
Agreed – Although there is no belt that will yet work on a Hammerschmidt, it will work on many internally geared hubs.
October 30th, 2009 at 11:11 AM
this sounds like a great idea, but im not sure bout it, it looks like plastic, and doesnt seem last longing, and if this brand new design does not perform better then a chain whats the point?
October 30th, 2009 at 11:13 AM
just noticed it can only be single speed, oh no!! maybe norco will do gear box bikes?
October 31st, 2009 at 3:33 PM
how do u change gears??
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:11 PM
For now, the belt drive must be used as a single speed or with an internally geared hub.
September 5th, 2010 at 3:30 AM
I wanted one of these last year and found they were not available in Australia. Any plans to ship them down under for 2011?