Trek district

belt drive is one of the few technologies left that could benefit the long standing unchanged bicycle design.

I see this old fella on a old school (but very smart looking) touring bike frequently who has belt drive and it seems to work very well for him.

And most scooters, and a few motorbikes including the whole of BUELL's range are belt drive.

The belts are pretty high tech, made of kevlar and such. Cant see why it wouldnt be excellent on a pedal-cycle. Would weigh much less, and be maintenence free. It would be as much of a revolution as the transition between steel and aluminium rims.

The first thing you do on a Harley or Buell when modifying it is bin the belt drive for a chain. You loose too much power in the drive train, and it stretches easily so requires constant adjustment for optimum performance, although they will work well enough even if slack. Their have been numerous Buell recalls due to belt drive issues.

Chain still rules

The lack of maintenance is the main benefit of belt drive, though they are way more expensive than a chain to replace. Shaft drive is much better from a practical point of view, though is heavier, and has a considerable amount of powerloss hrough the drivetrain.