As uncertainty threatens the American automobile industry, its nice to know that the nation's leading bike manufacturer is still bent on adopting innovating ideas to help make the bike a better mode of transport. Trek is releasing two models this winter that make rusty bike chains a thing of the past. For some, bicycle maintenance might provide a chance for zen-like meditation. For the rest of us, its just an annoying chore.

The two belt driven models -- the District ($929.99) and the Soho ($989.99) -- are aimed at urban cyclists who use their bike as a primary means of transportation. To that end, the new carbon fiber belts are quieter, lighter, and last 3 times as long as their chain link counterparts. Not to mention, the composite carbon belts wont rust, can't be cut, and don't leave those greasy marks on you calf -- because they don't need lubrication.

While it's true that Trek is by no means the first company to make a belt-driven bike, they're by far the largest manufacturer to dabble in the technology. The District will hit stores this December and the Soho will follow a month later.

[via Treehugger]