Belt drive compatible MTB frames (single speed)

I’m considering building a single speed MTB with belt drive, to be used during the winter (studded tyres etc). The idea of using a belt drive is quite fascinating. I got the idea from reading about Phil Wood’s belt drive components.

Ideally the total cost should land between EUR 1,000 and 1,500. Unfortunately, the supply of MTB frames that would fit this price range seems very limited. One of the few ones I’ve found is a frame made by Nicolai, but just the frame costs EUR 1,000+.

http://www.carbondrivesystems.com/

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=36799

http://spotbrand.com/ The Longboard 29er. Smallfurry has one. Looks great. check out these threads
https://www.lfgss.com/thread34855.html

https://www.lfgss.com/thread11358.html

Could you not just pick any steel ss frame and get a coupler/joiner retro fitted

Ello,

This might interest you...

If i get the link right...

A friend of mine has just started building frames, so I hit him up for one.

Its a 700c, fillet brazed, disc braked commuter with belt drive, It has one off laser cut 4130 dropouts and segmented fork, also has a one off bar/stem combo.

the front end is Reynolds 631 and the rear triangle is 753.

Its turned out great, better than I ever envisioned, and Tom has added some nice little finishing touches of his own.

Currently waiting on belt drive components so we can do a dry build to ensure it all fits and Toms calculations were all correct. After that, its final clean up and paint time.

Cant wait to ride it.

More details can be found here...

http://donhoubicycles.com/

Thanks for the suggestions! However, the titanium frame sold by CRC is way above budget, and the off-the-shelf-version of it (that CRC sells) is not belt drive compatible.

Retrofitting a coupler/joiner is not an option, since I neither have the skills nor the tools to do that.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks for the suggestions! However, the titanium frame sold by CRC is way above budget, and the off-the-shelf-version of it (that CRC sells) is not belt drive compatible.

Retrofitting a coupler/joiner is not an option, since I neither have the skills nor the tools to do that.

Any other suggestions?

I think the point was to get someone else to do it for you.

i love this retrofit option

fixie inc.

these look pretty tidy

seen here painted

i had the fixie coupler fitted on my cross check, not as good as the photo as the rear drop out is not a constant diameter - still pretty good though

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who fitted it for you?
and how much inc. coupler?

I think the point was to get someone else to do it for you.

Yes that was my point. It opens up a whole load of viable steel single speed frames rather than the somewhat limited choice of off the peg belt drive compatible frames and I would think it would also be the cheaper option

who fitted it for you?
and how much inc. coupler?

steven shand cycles in scotland (frame builder)

£80 plus p&p

not bad at all.
just the cost of cog/belt and chainring to consider :)

and what's with the wayward spoke :)

http://www.shandcycles.com/

Some fantastic looking bikes.

not bad at all.
just the cost of cog/belt and chainring to consider :)

and what's with the wayward spoke :)

do you mean the alfine gear cable?

£180 for pulleys/belt

ah, so it is a geared hub? thought it was large.

not a bad price overall

ah, so it is a geared hub? thought it was large.

not a bad price overall

absolutely over the moon with it, I also have a VN with Rohloff hub and it doesn't get a look in. This one is so smooth and takes very little maintenance....

Those Fixie Inc splitter's look very tidy.

I'm extremely tempted to get a Pompetamine, chuck one of those splitters in and repaint, jobs a good un.

Remember you need to account for the rather thick chainring, so clearance may be an issue (chainring + chainstay).

Those Fixie Inc splitter's look very tidy.

I'm extremely tempted to get a Pompetamine, chuck one of those splitters in and repaint, jobs a good un.

i was thinking the same thing, the cross check is great but disc brakes would be better....

True. Where are On-One frames made- here or overseas?

Overseas.

In which case I imagine that getting Vaz to put the splutter in would be the way forwards.

Visiting the folks so just a quick reply.

The belt system is fantastic for off-roading, and takes alot of the hassle out of wet and muddy rides (I just hose my bike when I get home). i can personally recommend it.

There are very few compatible frames available. Possibly because aftermarket pricing of the belt kit is very high. So the market is small. Mine was a lucky US-EBay purchase.

Retro fitting a opening in the drive-side triangle is a nice option. But you should be aware that the beltring is very thick, and requires more clearance from the driveside chainstay than a singlespeed chainring.

You would do well to know your prefered gearing in advance too, as cogs are costly.

I commute through a harsh winter myself, and might invest in some 29er studdys. So the 29er can be used in the winter too. Seems like a great idea to me.

Al the best with it :)

small&furry, if i'm not mistaken (from now on squabspeak) does the chainring and cog not stick out evenly, like 5mm each side as opposed to one side?

The beltrings thickness is pretty much all inside of the crank spider. If you are running a 46 tooth ring, then thats not likely to cause a problem. To achieve a decent road gear though you'll likely need more than this, as the cogs cant be too small (because of the nature of the belt).

You may also find you need to run the beltring on the inside of the spider (central position of a standard mtb triple). I ended up removing a driveside BB spacer, to properly dial in beltline (needs to be spot-on!), while avoiding this. These things will of course increase your chances of chainstay issues.

MTB frames are built to accept a wide triple crankset as well as fat rear tyres. So their chainstays are designed accordingly. So it might not be a problem. It just needs considering. I would'nt want someone to spend money chopping up a frame only to find the system did'nt fit ;S