Exactly, which is why I was trying to think of any actual reasons I might want a belt, except style.
Weight is really the only reason, but even then I think that’s self-defeating on a bicycle.
Believe it or not, a chain and sprocket drive is actually the most efficient method in terms of energy transmission losses. And when it’s you physically pedaling your bicycle, that’s kind of important. Turning any significant fraction of your pedaling input into heat rather than forward locomotion is kind of a raw deal, which is why even fancy high end bicycles are still chain driven even to this day. A chain drive loses 1-4% of energy in the driveline whereas as comparable belt drive is more in the order of 9-15%.
scrion@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
socsa@piefed.social 2 weeks ago
If you compare apples to apples there's barely even a weight savings. Belt drives are either single speed or hub drive which can work with chains just fine. Once you add tensioner circuitry it's basically a push. The only kind of advantage that they don't need lubrication and are quieter.