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Di2 can be run either 8 or 11 speed.
It's awesome.
(My friend and I been experimenting with belt drive, in the end we end up realising that chain is much easier, especially to repair).
edscoble-
My friend and I been experimenting with belt drive, in the end we end up realising that chain is much easier, especially to repair
I think belt drive sounds like a good idea but the reality isn't quite there.
To run belt you need singlespeed or at least singlespeed drivetrain, ie hub gear so that already makes the chain easier to maintain, wear out less etc.
If you're thinking the belt will be better for wet weather use then you're probably already using (or planning for) guards so you don't get wet yourself and a mudguard good enough to keep you dry will also keep the chain a lot drier and cleaner.
Chuck a chain case (even a hockey stick style) in there and the chain will be very well protected.
You google "singlespeed chain" and there's loads of links to chains from £5, you google "gates centretrack", "gates cdx" or "gates bicycle belt" and there's barely a retailer on the first page of results.
M_V
thanks guys. yeah, one of the local hub suppliers says if things go south with incompatible levers, he has these new 8-sp nexus ones, which are just rebranded old model alfines, so should be ok.
don't think i can splash out for Di2, let alone 11sp, given that I already exceeded my budget buying a 'limited lifespan', according to @edscoble , belt setup :)