gna

While at REI, I saw this bicycle on closeout:
https://www.rei.com/product/784319
It looks like a nice commuter bicycle.
Does anyone have experience with a belt drive? How well does it work? How about GT?

tjspiel

The same manufacturer makes the belt drive system for Trek's Soho. There was an extensive thread on that bike in this forum. I think the main knock against the belt drive (from people that have used it) is a squeak that had affected some of the bikes. I don't know how common it is or what if any fix exists.

I think a belt drive bike would be great for winter but personally I don't care for the Aerostream. Only 3 speeds and too cruiser like for my tastes. Nothing wrong with cruisers, just not something I want to commute on. YMMV.

AngryScientist 

for that price, it looks like a great commuter to me. i prefer a more road bike oriented geometry, but that looks like it could easily be a great utilitarian bike.

gna

I'll look for the thread on the Trek Soho. I was more worried about slipping, but the ease of maintenance appeals to me.

Well, I'm riding a Raleigh Sports to work now, so I'm used to 3-speeds.

thdave

I suspect the slipping is due to the 3-speed needing adjustment, not the belt.

AltheCyclist

Doesn't look like a bad deal, heck, for $300, why not try it out?
Only problem I see is that GT is owned by Pacific Cycles (the ultimate Wal-Mart bike supplier and I try not to support).

jayfromqns

I'm not a fan of cruiser style bikes, but I think this bike is really sharp looking.

ItsJustMe

I'm a little nervous about belt drive myself - I ride in sometimes heavy snow, and I have found some people online mention that snow CAN get caught between the belt and cogs, and cause slippage or even belt breakage.

But if you don't do that sort of riding, I don't see any reason not to go with belts, if you understand the limits. The limits are mainly that the frame has to be able to come apart along the chainstay (or is that a beltstay) because the belt can't be broken to put it on. Also you will have to order your belts and you won't have much choice where to get them from, but they would probably last longer than a chain would anyway.

CCrew

So's Cannondale too

Son has a GT Avalanche MTB. Decent bike for not a lot of $. Bought it at a Performance blowout sale.

thdave

The exciting thing about this bike is that it shows belt drive is coming to cheaper bikes. That could mean a change is coming, possibly for the better.

Love the idea of greaseless long lasting belts in place of chains, especially when it's coupled to an internal transmission. Love my 7 speed Nexus hub. This seems to be to be a great trade--a clean one with low maintenance in place of an exposed drivetrain with a greasy chain--and could make people consider bikes as being more reasonable transportation options than before.

AltheCyclist

Correct, I'll have to shop used, I suppose. From Dorel/Pacific's web site:

In 2004, Dorel became one of the largest marketers of recreational products in North America with its acquisition of Pacific Cycle, a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of high quality branded bicycles and other recreational products. In February 2008, Dorel purchased the Cannondale Bicycle Company and SUGOI Performance Apparel, further solidifying its presence in the bicycle industry.
The Recreational/Leisure segment comprises two distinct operating divisions: The Cycling Sports Group division which deals specifically with the Independent Bicycle Dealers (IBD) channel; and the Pacific Cycle division which deals with the mass merchant and sporting goods channel.
Dorel markets its Recreational/Leisure products under the Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, SUGOI, Pacific, Dyno, RoadMaster, PowerLite and InSTEP brand names.

Whitehorse1969

The GT aerostream just like a car if the belt gets wet it will squeak.