Break the Chain: Trek Releases Low Maintenance Belt Drive Bikes
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]













