Hey Moots-
Any chance on a belt drive anytime soon?
Ride On!
-
No plans as of now to do belt drive. Loads of other projects in line first....but never say never.
Just not right now.
Jon@Moots
Posted 2 years ago # -
xjahx
MemberI have yet to buy into the belt drive craze. I come from a childhood of dirt bikes. In the motorcycle world, belt drives are for on road use only. If you want to hit the dirt, chain driven is the solution. I trust the motorcycle world to figure this out, seeing as they have 10^8 x the budget and R&D of the cycling world.
Any thoughts otherwise? I understand that a belt when properly tensioned is near silent and smooth as TF's bum, but how about once you get into the mud/muck/sand beneath the belt and the drive system?
Posted 2 years ago # -
xjahx
Member
Perhaps I will give the belt a try now that I have the option.
-Chris Igleheart - Stainless all purpose, back country ride.
Features:
-57x57cm square
-132.5mm rear spacing allowing for either 130mm road or 135mm mountain
-Belt drive compatible - break in rear seat stay
-Rack/Fender mounts
-Paragon sliders: SS, disc, geared, Rohloff, IGH capable
-Fork: rack/fender mounts, disc or Paul racer mounts
-Room for 35c knobbies + fendersPosted 2 years ago # -
JAH, my bum is neither smooth or silent...
I like the idea of the belt for certain applications, like (obviously) singlespeeds and the timing side of a tandem. BUT, I'll wait until they have it tweaked. They have changed the design yet again to keep the belt on the ring. The "teeth" of the ring are now X shaped when viewed from the top, with a "groove" running down the center of the belt to give better lateral stability when it is dirty. The ring/belt/cog combo is too expensive to be switching out for "upgrades". When I checked into the timing rings/belt for our tandem, it is around $500!
My BIGGEST concern with the belt is breaking it when in the "back country". At least with a chain, I can repair it.
Posted 2 years ago # -
xjahx
MemberAgreed, TF, I am not ready to make the expensive leap especially for technology that has no proven benefit and perhaps decreased performance in the snow/mud/ice/sand. Here is the old vs. new design:
The new split belt:
2 accounts:
http://mnbicyclecommuter.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html
http://www.oldspokeshome.com/sneak-peak-new-belt-drive-system-gatesPosted 2 years ago # -
adamallstar
MemberJah, not sure what you mean by proven benefit? The belt drive lasts 2x longer than chains, runs silent, does not require lubrication, will never rust... if those aren't 'proven' benefits, I don't know what is! Chains have their benefits and drawbacks as well.
I'm running a belt on my commuter with an Alfine 8 and love it. It's the 'old' design, and I see no reason to upgrade.. but I do think the center track would work better for MTB's.
The belt drive is also becoming very popular in the cyclocross arena, that's one style of riding that really puts your equipment to the test.
Also, do find it a little funny you're talking about making an 'expensive leap' in the forum on the moots site! =P
Posted 2 years ago # -
Hey all,
Thanks for the great thread and conversations. We are looking into belt drive options on Moots. Tooling needs, production processes and availability still need to be worked out. Not saying we are 100% on this as of yet but will have more information to post as this unfolds.
Many Thanks,
Jon@Moots
Posted 2 years ago # -
See...this is what I love about Moots. They listen to what the riders want (within reason) and don't force things that don't work down our throat.
BTW, I think Black Sheep's design for the belt drive is the most elegant. I'm sure the creative minds in Steamboat could make something much nicer...
Posted 2 years ago # -
Shredder
MemberI think about a belt drive Moots all the time. I think it would be easy on the YBB if they reconfigured the part that actually holds the shock in place to have a split in it like a brake lever split perch. It's already separate from the upper part of the seat stays, and then you could fit the belt through. I'll volunteer my MootoX YBB for retrofitting and testing purposes. :-)
Posted 1 year ago # -
All,
The belt drive is super sweet, however there are more issues in building one than just making a point to "split" the rear end. The main concern for Moots is the front "chain ring" clearance. Since we use 7/8'' chainstays (and are unwilling to go smaller) they would have to be modified to the point where cycling them through the Ybb travel would be an issue. Building one in a rigid would also see us having to build with a "yoke" of some sort behind the BB in order to clear the front cog.We continue to entertain the idea and will update if there is any movement on a Moots belt drive bike.
Thanks,
Jon@Moots
Posted 1 year ago #
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