The Internet’s Most Objective* Resource
Belt drives are better.
We can prove it.
We’ve dedicated countless hours to studying both belt and chain systems — examining their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance. After extensive research, we’re confident you’ll reach the same conclusion we did.
*Results may be influenced by the fact that belts are simply better.
Our Mission
Clear, factual, evidence-based information about drivetrain technology.
We believe that when given the facts — carefully selected, thoughtfully arranged, and presented with absolutely no agenda — people naturally arrive at the correct conclusion.
⚖️ The Comparison
A fair, side-by-side analysis. Both sides get equal space on the page. One side just happens to be right.
🚲 Bike Catalog
Belt-drive bikes from dozens of manufacturers. We’d include chain bikes too, but we ran out of cleaning supplies.
📰 The Blog
Industry news, reviews, and think pieces. We feature chain articles sometimes. Usually as cautionary tales.
The Numbers
The numbers don’t lie.*
*The numbers also don’t mention chains. On purpose.
30,000+
Kilometers
Average belt lifespan. That’s roughly 750 chain replacements, give or take your will to live.
0 ml
Lube Required
Per year. Your local bike shop will miss you. Your pants will not.
∞
White Pants Worn
Statistically significant. Emotionally liberating.
99.7%
Never Going Back
Belt owners who’d never switch to chain. The other 0.3% misread the survey.
Overheard at the Bike Rack
Things chain people actually say.
Real* arguments from chain enthusiasts, presented fairly and without judgment.
“Chains are more efficient!”
By about 1–2%. Enough energy saved over 10,000 km to brew a cup of tea. Enjoy it while scrubbing your chainring.
“I can fix a chain anywhere!”
A compelling argument for technology that breaks often enough to require field repairs.
“Belt bikes cost too much!”
So does the cumulative cost of chains, cassettes, degreasers, lubes, and replacement pants.
“I like the maintenance ritual!”
Some people enjoy cleaning their gutters too. We don’t build websites celebrating them.
“Real cyclists use chains!”
Real cyclists also used penny-farthings. Progress isn’t always comfortable.
“You can’t shift gears with a belt!”
Laughs in Rohloff, Enviolo, Shimano Alfine, and Kindernay.
“My chain lasts forever if I maintain it!”
If by “forever” you mean 3,000–5,000 km of constant attention. Our condolences to your weekends.
“Belts are just a hipster trend!”
First they ignored us. Then they laughed at us. Then they got chain grease on their new jeans. Then we won.
*”Real” means “a guy on Reddit said it once.”
Editorial Standards
Belt Is Best adheres to the highest standards of cycling journalism.
✓ Impartiality — We give chains a fair hearing before explaining why they’re wrong.
✓ Accuracy — All statistics are real. We just don’t mention the ones we don’t like.
✓ Transparency — We openly admit our bias. Right here. In size 9 font.
✓ Balance — For every pro-belt article, we publish one chain article. Then we write a rebuttal.
We are not affiliated with any belt drive manufacturer. We simply share their values, their vision, and their deep, abiding disappointment in chains.
Ready to see the evidence?
We’ve put belt and chain head to head. Fairly. Objectively. Devastatingly.
Belt Is Best™ — unapologetically biased since 2026