I was tempted by belt drive for my custom Ti frame that's currently being made. I decided against it a while ago after reading horror stories like John's.

mountainbaker wrote:I was tempted by belt drive for my custom Ti frame that's currently being made. I decided against it a while ago after reading horror stories like John's.

H'mm, it is straightforward to switch from belt to chain if you find lots of problem. While I agree my experience does not include very much muddy off road it has been very positive indeed. The silence, cleanliness and lack of maintenance have been wonderful! I would not go back

The cost, stupid chainring sizes, and bad reviews from people who ride in a lot of mud (which I do), put me right off.

If I was to have a comuter bike or if I rode dry fire roads I'd get another straight away, but until that day I'll never go back to belt drive

I have been considering a Gates drivetrain, so a bit concerned by this thread - any more recent experiences on these novel systems? Looking at the phots, I'm not sure anything would have coped with the Dorset filth clinging to every part of that Travers bike!

mountainbaker wrote:Fixed.