Photo 1 of 4
Bicycle shop manager David Oakley, looks over the carbon fiber belt drive of
a Trek bike at his shop in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008. Trek is the
first to use the technology for mass-produced bicycles. (AP Photo/Steve
Helber)
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Trek introduces chainless bicycles
By MICHAEL FELBERBAUM – 2 days ago
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Pedalers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose
but your chains.
If you've ever been riding down the street and had your pants cuff ripped
asunder, there may be a revolution at hand.
Trek Bicycle is part of a movement to bury the finger-pinching,
pants-munching, rust-prone sprocket and chain, and usher in an era of
belt-driven bikes that might have the inventors of the self-propelled
transportation Schwinning in their graves.
Wisconsin-based Trek is introducing two models this holiday season that are
chainless, instead using technology most often found in things like
motorcycles and snowmobiles. While some smaller custom bike makers have used
them before, Trek is the first to use the technology for mass-produced
bicycles.
The nation's largest domestic bike manufacturer is hoping to capitalize on a
new group of urban pedal-pushers who are trading their cars for a more
low-tech way to get around because of gas prices as well as health and
environmental concerns.
The U.S. bicycle industry was a $5.4 billion industry in 2007, including the
retail value of bicycles, related parts, and accessories through all
channels of distribution, according to research funded by the National
Sporting Goods Association. More than 43 million Americans age 7 and older
were estimated to have ridden a bike six times or more in 2005, the industry
group said.
"People are really finding bicycles to be a very simple solution to some
very complex problems that they face every day," said Eric Bjorling, Trek's
lifestyle brand manager. "Anything we can do in our design to really help
them and help them live that lifestyle is probably better for both the
consumers and us."
Bjorling said the new belts are a low-maintenance solution to a chain, which
has roughly 3,000 parts including all the links and connectors.
Aside from the whisper-quiet ride, the lighter and longer-lasting
carbon-fiber composite belts won't rust, can't be cut, won't stretch or slip
and won't leave grease marks around your ankles. A guard over the belt-drive
and the construction of the system makes getting your pants stuck an
unlikely scenario, Bjorling said.
One version of the chainless bike, called the District ($930), is a
single-speed, complete with a silver body, orange accents and brown leather
seat and handles. The other, called the Soho ($990), is an eight-speed bike
that uses an internal hub to adjust the speed rather than gears.
Bicycles have come a long way from the "boneshakers back in the 19th
century," said Orin Starn, a professor at Duke University who teaches a
course on the anthropology of sports. Some companies have used direct drive
or drive shaft bikes that provide some of the same benefits as Trek's
chainless bikes, but those models have yet to replace the age-old chain.
"Certainly for the last 40 or 50 years we have this iconic image of the
traditional bicycle that includes the chain," Starn said. "We've seen this
evolution in different styles and stuff, but the chain has been a cultural
constant."
Bjorling admits chain-driven bikes are still efficient, but said an urban
rider won't have to worry about greasing or cleaning the chain. The belt can
be cleaned with a normal cleaning agent and rag, and the bike sprocket is
designed to push through any snow, dirt or grime. And one belt will
typically last three years — the life span of three chains.
How riders will take to the new bikes remains to be seen, since they are not
out for sale yet. The District model will go on sale in December, followed
the next month by the Soho. There may be those in the biking community that
may take issue with swapping bike chains with newer technology.
"Bike purists are going to take a look at it and say 'oh, you know it's
another option to a chain,'" Bjorling said. "Are we going to see a ton of
people switching from a chain to a belt drive? I think in some urban
environments yes, but it's definitely not the coffin that's gonna bury the
chain."
Over the years there have been many changes in the bike industry,
specifically materials that have made products lighter and stronger, said
David Oakley, a manager at Agee's Bicycles, which has been in business in
Richmond since 1910.
While some may question the chainless bikes, Oakley pointed to the initial
skepticism, and eventual success, of mountain bikes.
"We all know that putting gears on a beach cruiser to be able to ride back
up the hill turned out to be a pretty good thing," Oakley joked of the bike
industry's most popular segment.
Oakley said there's a general excitement behind the new technology, but
cautioned that the notion may not ring everyone's bell.
"From a maintenance standpoint, it's huge," he said. "If this really,
completely takes off, the lubricant industry is probably not going to be
excited."
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