Types of drives

Message

flw · #1 Unread post by **flw** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 6:13 am

I've seen belt drives, shaft drives and chains on bikes both expensive and less. What are the pro's and con's of each please?

BLKNSLVR · #2 Unread post by **BLKNSLVR** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 7:04 am

I personally like shaft drive. Relatively maintenance free and smooth. One seems to find more lash with belts and chains. Both belts and chains take more maintenance (tightening, etc.).

Just my two cents.

Greg

jstark47 · #3 Unread post by **jstark47** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 10:58 am

Chain is the best combination of low weight, high durability, and efficient power transfer. But as BLKNSLVR pointed out, chains need tension adjustment, they also need cleaning and lubricating.

Mintbread · Wed Aug 16, 2006 11:05 am

Shaft drives are heavy. Which means when they are bolted to the rear end of a bike it is going to affect the abilities of the suspension.
Belt drives are an unknown for me but if they were that great they would be on a lot more bikes.
Chain drive is all I have ever used. They are used universally in racing so they must be as good as it gets.