Also, they are not “maintenance free.” That is a misnomer. They are impossible to fix, you just have to replace it after it wears out (which sounds like it will be a long time). I worry more about wearing out the plastic gears.

It is pretty tragic that you cannot retro-fit your favorite fixie. I would have done it just for a lark and to test it out before I bash it.

But, I think these will be successful for pedestrian riders, no pun intended. Those who just ride their bikes for fun or on short trips and are not that keen on fixing things themselves will probably love the cleanliness of the new design.

PS My fixed gear is also silent when it is clean and lubed…

*maybe ‘feeble’ would be a better choice.

If you combine the modern internal geared hubs with this type of belt drive you essentially create the most maintainance-free bicycle imaginable.

No fiddly derailers, no oily chains. Belts are going to be much stronger and not break like chains will do. It’ll greatly reduce the complexity and increase the reliability of pretty much any bicycle.

Also look at the type of belt being used. See the ‘teeth’? That equals no slippage. They’ll be fine in wet conditions, unless, of course, you like riding in streams up past the hubs of your bikes.