Maintenance free Mercedes?

[Speicher]

Is this type of bicycle as maintenance free as the seller suggests that it is? Belt driven, no visible cogs.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MERCEDES-BENZ...14&_trkparms=72:1683|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318


Are there any drawbacks to belts as opposed to chains. Bearing in mind, my inability to weild a spanner, etc.
(If this is in the wrong section, feel free to suggest I move it).

I am not intending buying this one, because I do not want to rush into it, and I am sure I have seen similar things elsewhere.

Your opinions will be welcome.

 

[tyred]

As I've mentioned in another thread somewhere, I like the idea of a belt drive bike with hub gears.

I don't really like that particular bike though and I would like to test ride it first just to see if it would live up to my expectations.

 

[zimzum42]

it sounds good, but there must be something wrong with it or everyone would be using them, the technology has been around for a while...

 

[Speicher]

Yes, Zimzum, I thought that. Which I why I am cautious. It is near enough that I could do a test drive/pedal. I think I will try and find out more about them, and if there is an older, less expensive one around.

 

[jpembroke]

Trek do a belt drive, hub geared bike called the Urban Solo. Costs about £700. Looks cool.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Belts will only work with single speed or hub gears as they are too wide for multiple sprockets. Chains are also the most efficient form of drive, losing only about 3% of drive energy from power unit to wheel. This is why they are used on GP motorcycles in preference to shafts or belts.

 

[Piemaster]

Dunno if anyone else noted the clever frame design on that bike was obviously designed from the off as a belt-specific frame. The chainstay design does away with another disadvantage of a belt drive. Belts have to be continuous, they can't be split like a chain to go through the frame to the rear sprocket.

 

[jimboalee]

This might be something worth putting in a vac-wrap for reopening in 2109.

 

[Steve Austin]

Looks very efficient

 

[4F]

Looks pig awful

 

[fossyant]

Metal......

Probably the same daft fools that decided that timing chains should become 'belts' in cars........ ho..ho......hence I don't drive a cam belt'ed car..... !!!! Stupid idea.....