Belt drive anyone?

[Mikku]

Saw this at the Midoriyama race track on Sunday. I've read about belt drives online but it was the first time to see one in the flesh. & very nice it was too. The bike belonged to an elite class rider and he's trying to promote these over in Japan.

[Taipan]

Looks cool  so who knows the story behind this then? any good etc? I have a belt driven excersize spin bike and the only thing i get is its a lot quieter when riding 

[Mikku]

There's some good info in here:-

http://www.bmxsociety.com/topic/39824-belt-drive-for-bmx/?hl= belt  drive

Plus this on the Yess bikes:-

http://www.bmxnews.com/2016/04/yess-belt-drive-cruiser-ready-for-duty/

Interesting stuff!

[Peter J]

Struggling to see the advantage over "normal" chain 

Its like the BMX race bikes with rear disc brakes 

[Spen69]

Struggling to see the advantage over "normal" chain

Doesn't stretch
No oil so doesnt trap dirt
Loads lighter than a chain
Looks cool as fook

Did I miss anything my chunky friend

[Mikku]

Its like the BMX race bikes with rear disc brakes 

& this bike had both!

I can see the advantages but the cost is prohibitive unless you’re a top, sponsored rider, who are probably the only ones who can see any performance gains anyway. But yes, cool as fook!

[Drawn]

I see the issue that if you damage the belt somehow its not exactly like a trackside shop will have a spare one, plus they are of specific measurements (unlike a chain where you can just break and join it). Also the gearing options are a little limiting at the moment.
There are certainly some advantages as listed earlier but overall its still quite niche.
You can also wash it down. and there is less maintenance as such.

Same as discs, you can reduce rotating mass (can run a lighter rim that doesn't have the braking surface) but then you add the weight in the brake itself.
Or if you go hydraulic, not many trackside shops can easily fix it like a cable V brake.
Mind you I have been considering a Hydraulic V brake for giggles (451mm disc brake?  )

Looks different though. (have seen one in person)

[griff]

so they can't be split/rejoined - how do they go on? through a gap in the frame? (is that what that little red section on the seat stay is is for, looks like it can come out?)

[VOIVOD]

  Yess have been toying with these for a while.URP also have a belt compatible system on the market already but you have to remove the whole rear end (both dropouts & axle)

[oldschoolace]

Its a long held project idea of mine to do a belt drive Raleigh Vectar!
They were originally inteded to be belt drive but slipage issues made raleigh revert back to a chain.
(im guessing the belt was a tension v belt or similar rather than a toothed design) 

[griff]

Its a long held project idea of mine to do a belt drive Raleigh Vectar!
They were originally inteded to be belt drive but slipage issues made raleigh revert back to a chain.
(im guessing the belt was a tension v belt or similar rather than a toothed design) 

wouldn't the belt create a lot of smoke though, when the bike is placed on the bonfire?

[oldschoolace]

Shocking! 80s Design classic is the vector!!!

[kalex]

I've been looking at getting a commuter bike with alfine 11 speed hub and they come in chain and belt versions.

The belt type has a centre ridge I think around the circumference of the chain ring and a groove in the belt which I guess stops the belt from coming off

[BMX1973]

Looking at it, I would have thought it would slip off front sprocket.

Looks cool 

[kalex]

Looking at it, I would have thought it would slip off front sprocket.

Looks cool 

Think its got what I said above to stop this

[part time]

I just can't get over having to have a removable section on the seat stay.....

[Wadz]

Can see it been lighter , with all that extra shit needed

[Drawn]

I just can't get over having to have a removable section on the seat stay.....

Id like to see the whole rear end be changeable like an Auburn.
(but so you can get the belt out)

[Midschoolfool]

Awesome. I bet it's quiet too.

[VOIVOD]

  https://www.urbanraceparts.co.uk/moto-race-bmx-frame

[Mikku]

That’s ^^^^ a tasty-looking piece of kit!!!

[Mikku]

As is this - the latest concept frame from Yess! Called the "Show Stopper", here's the blurb:-

"The Show Stopper features an “abbreviated” seat stay on the drive side of the frame and, thus, no traditional brake mounts. Disc brakes are starting to gain momentum in BMX racing, so we committed to building a disc-brake-only frame, allowing us to “abbreviate” this stay, with no separation needed to install a belt. This design helps Chain drive users as well; you don’t need to separate the chain to remove it. You can carry a spare for popular gear changes without a chain break."

Read more at http://www.bmxnews.com/2017/11/yess-bmx-2017-grands-concept-frame/#po7V2dtXHMmRejHz.99

[Drawn]

Did you end up seeing the "Alpha" frame by Michael Von Sothan? 
http://www.sugarcayne.com/2017/11/von-sothen-alpha-bicycles-os20-bmx-bike/
Seems like a much cleaner way for the belt to be installed.

Along with the 135 wide hub (MTB spec) so it still allows a good lacing of the wheel (stiffness)

[Mikku]

Nah, hadn't seen it, so have just had a butcher's! I like it!