15 Best Belt Drive Bikes: STOP buying chain bicycles

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I have been riding belt drive bikes for the past 5 years. During this time I have ridden dozens of bikes from a range of manufacturers using belt drives. The following list has been compiled from my reviews and from the reviews from the panel of testers at Trivelo. The 15 best belt drive bikes available has been updated for 2024 with all the best bikes and best deals (Editor note – originally published 2021).  Also I flag which bikes I would avoid! I am continually working with our network of bike manufacturers and distributors to update this list and provide the best places to buy belt drive bikes.

Do Belt Drive Bikes have gears?

Could a belt drive bike be the future of all bikes?  Belt drive bikes are capable of handling a limited range of gears, generally up to 8 gears making them perfect for many bike types. Urban and hybrid bikes that are tackling a limited range of surfaces work extremely well with belt drive.  Although as outlined there is a mountain bike in my list that smashes it with a belt drive. Belt drive bikes are without doubt cleaner, quieter and more durable than a chain.  It makes them good for high mileages with the minimum of maintenance.  Lube becomes a thing of the past and arriving at your destination with oil soaked hands.

Why Ride a Belt Drive Bike?

Carbon Belt drives last substantially longer due to not stretching in the same way as a chain.  It has no moving components like a chain but uses a single loop of carbon inside a nylon cover.  By contrast on all chain bikes we make do with a chain that has pins and a series of interlocking metal rollers.  These are stressed by the sprockets and teeth. I love riding my belt drive bike(s). There used to be one but I have now ended up with 3. The smooth of the drive train is really different. Silent and I being honest I love the technology behind them.

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Begin the salivating, below is my collection of the best belt drive bicycles for sale.

List of the 15 Best Belt Drive Bikes for Sale

1. Priority Ace – Read more
2. Boardman URB 8.9 Urban Hybrid Bike – Read more
3. Connor Woody Scorcher – Read more
4. Priority Continuum Onyx – Read more
5. Cube Hyde Pro – Read more
6. Canyon Urban 8.0 – Read more
7. Rose SNEAK+ – Read more
8. Priority Apollo Gravel – Read more
9. Polygon Bikes Path i8 – Read more
10. Priority Bikes 600X Mountain Bike – Read more
11. Marin Presidio 3 – Read more
12. Cannondale Bad Boy 1 – Read more
13. Tern Verge S8i – Read more
14. Trek District 4 Equipped – Read more
15. Lekker Amsterdam 8 speed – Read more

Cheapest Belt Drive Bike

Priority ACE

Price: $599

Trivelo Rating – 4 / 5

One of a number of epic Priority belt drive bikes in our list of the 15 Best Carbon belt drive bikes. The Priority Ace secures the position as the cheapest belt drive bike you can buy. It keeps it simple with single speed Gates carbon belt drive hub. Simple yes. But it still has a trick up its sleeve as it can switch between fixed or freewheel riding. Nice.

I love the design of the ACE designed for recreational riders. I list it here for the pure value for money at only $599. Priority Bikes seem to be dodging the supply chain issues as well at the moment and have all sizes in stock able to ship immediately. Home grown manufacturing at its best. It is a classic tourer style belt driven bicycle connecting you with the essence of pure cycling pleasure.

I’ve been lucky enough to speak with the founders of Priority Bikes to understand their design ethos and they are a real pioneer in the bike industry. The only issue with their bikes is limited distribution with a real focus on America. Buying outside of this you face some massive import duty costs.

Why you should buy this bike

Belt drive bikes are a revolution in cycling you need to try to believe. At only $599 this is an amazing bargain to taste the next big innovation in cycling.

Specification of the Priority ACE

Best Prices for the Priority ACE

USA Readers Buy Now – Priority Ace for $599 direct from Priority Bikes

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If you were looking for an electric belt drive check our buyers guide to the best belt drive eBikes 2024. Mid and rear engine eBikes are a perfect fit for a belt drive transmission system. There are so many good (and bad ones) around that we have created a dedicated post on this.

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Best Belt Drive Commuter Bike

Boardman URB 8.9 Urban Hybrid Bike

Price: £875

Trivelo Rating – 4.5 / 5

Launched in 2021 and still one of the most in-demand belt drive bikes in the UK. Finding one continues to be a challenge but in 2024 it has started become less of an issue.

Boardman are a firm favourite within Trivelo and we have tested a number of their existing range of mountain, hybrid, road and triathlon bikes. This is the best choice for buyers in the UK. I have known Boardman bikes that have covered thousands of miles with little if any maintenance. They focus on quality and not marketing.

The inclusion of the Boardman URB 8.9 Urban Hybrid belt drive bike was a must when you see the spec. Boardman bikes are well built and extremely reliable so no reservation in recommending this as a possible urban belt drive bike. At only £875 in the UK this is one of the cheapest belt drive bikes available. It also comes with a lightweight frame that contributes to an overall weight of only 10.7kg. That we also think is a very well finished bike. This is no ugly duckling.

Using the Shimano Nexus 8 speed groupset on Gates CDN carbon belt drive you have a no maintenance set up. Boardman have raided their own made parts bin for more of the bike parts that are all good quality. Brakes though are a real bonus getting Tektro and Shimano disc brakes. No corners cut here.

If you are not a brand snob then buy with confidence to get a very well specced hybrid belt drive bike.

Why you should buy this bike

Incredible low weight beautifully smooth belt drive bike at a price that you simply can’t argue with. Buy one now and fall back in love with your commute.

Specification of the Boardman URB 8.9

Best Prices for the Boardman URB 8.9

Buy the Boardman URB 8.9 from Halfords for £875.

The Boardman URB 8.8 is a fab alternative but since the Summer of 2022 it has been almost impossible to find one. Take a look if you can get your hands on one.

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Belt drive bikes are targeted by bike thieves so you may be looking for a secure way to protect your bike. Check out our review of the Sherlock GPS bike tracker that allows you invisibly add a GPS tracker to your belt drive bike. Well worth looking into and easily fitted by any amateur bike enthusiast.

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Connor Woody Scorcher

Price: Upon enquiry

Trivelo Rating – 3 / 5

As the name hints Connor Cycles make their bikes from wood, based out of Denver Colorado.  We love the look of the aptly named “Scorcher”.  Frame is manufactured from American hardwood reinforced with kevlar.  Available in white ash or black walnut woods.

The Gates belt drive system is coupled with an 8 speed Shimano Alfine internal gear hub.  Using disc brakes although the firm claim to be able to accommodate full customisation to suit any customers choice.  With a wooden frame capable of absorbing vibration you can expect a supremely comfortable ride.  This is likely to take some getting used to for those of us accustomed to aluminium or carbon frames.

Why you should buy this bike

This is the most unique bike found anywhere on the entire Trivelo website. A wooden bike with a belt drive. Bonkers but brilliant. If you want something a bit different we are struggling to think of something that ticks more boxes than this.

Specification of the Connor Woody Scorcher

• Frame – Ash wood frame with walnut centre stripe
• Weight – 12.25kg
• Cranks – Gates carbon belt drive system
• Brakes – Disc brakes
• Rear Hub – 8 speed Shimano Alfine internal gearhub
• Chain – Gates belt
• Saddle – Brooks leather saddle
• Handlebar – Gullwing aluminium handlebars

Best prices for the Connor Woody Scorcher

Buy it now – Scorcher (price available on application but need to factor in shipping from the U.S)

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Best Belt Drive Bike USA

Priority Continuum Onyx

Price: $1299

Trivelo Rating – 4.5 / 5

Priority bikes are a newcomer in the bike industry being set up in 2014 with a kickstarter socially funded launch.  Based in the U.S. in New York they distribute globally with an online only distribution ethos.  They are working to keep thing simple with high quality parts, simple marketing and a direct to consumer model. With over 5 years of learning behind them they are still going strong.  With belt drive offering reliable and simple to maintain bikes it is the perfect choice for them.

The Continuum Onyx is a fully equipped town bike complete with mudguards and a throw back with dynamo powered built in lights.  It comes complete with the Gates belt drive and NuVinci rear hub you get integrated grip shifters.  Somehow Priority bikes manage to include decent quality Tektro disc brakes as well for the money.  We love the write up for the bike on their website.  Selling the virtues of a belt drive bicycle with the classic line “never stain your pants”, we love it.  A relatively heavy bike against others but with a fully loaded bike a fair trade off.  A very handy piece of kit but for the cheeky chap about town, you could do a lot worse.  Plus they are super rare and you can tick the socially responsible buyer box with their company policy and funding something to be admired.

Trivelo Recommended Bike.

Why you should buy this bike

Simple. Stylish. Smooth. We are yet to hear a bad word about this bike from anyone in the Trivelo community who has taken the punt and bought one of these. Try it and never look back.

Specification of the Priority Continuum Onyx

• Frame – Ultralight Aluminium 6061
• Weight – 13.74kg
• Fork – Ultralight Aluminium 6061
• Headset – Neco sealed bearing
• Bottom Brackets – sealed bearing
• Cranks – Gates s100 by FSA
• Brakes – Tektro Hydraulic discs
• Rear Hub – enviolo
• Front Hub – Priority low drag
• Rims – Double wall alloy
• Tyres – WTB slick
• Pedals  – Priority alloy
• Chain – Gates CDX 118T
• Grips – Vinyl lock on
• Saddle – Velo Dual density
• Handlebar – Alloy
• Stem – Alloy

Best Prices for the Priority Continuum Onyx

North America Buy now – Continuum Onyx $1299 Priority Bikes are have good stock levels and can ship immediately. Get your hands on one now!

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If you are looking to use your belt drive bike for inner-city riding staying safe is worth considering. We would highly recommend the Proviz range of reflective bike clothing. For those of you new to them they pioneered a reflective material that is hard to miss at night. Read through our review of the Proviz Reflect 360 cycling jacket that we have also secured a 20% discount off for you. Stay safe when cycling at night and enjoy your belt drive bike.

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Cube Hyde Pro

Price: £1186

Trivelo Rating – 4 / 5

Cube describe the Hyde Pro hybrid as a “true urban lifestyle bike”.   It has the look and feel of more of a mountain bike with an 8 speed hub gear with belt drive using Shimano disc brakes.  Frame is an aluminium lightweight hybrid style with aluminium forks.  It results in a pretty reasonable total weight of under 14 kg on a bike that could be readily taken off-road.  At this price we would of expected to see carbon forks in reality and a touch more weight saving.  Belt drive is of course the Gates belt drive system which is where you are seeing much of the money invested.  As you would hope.

Unlike many of the other bicycles in our list of belt drive bikes this one is relatively mainstream.  Coming from a well known manufacturer and available at high street shops.  That said if you are in the market for a belt drive bike that mass availability may well be a turn off.  It does mean after sales service is bullet proof should you experience any issues. For under £1200 this is a lot of bike for anyone looking for an easy to maintain hybrid bike. 

Why you should buy this bike

If you can find one buy it. Ever since release these have been like gold dust. Supply has hampered bigger sales volumes on a fantastic product.

Specification of the Cube Hyde Pro

• Frame – Aluminium Superlite Urban 29 Double Butted
• Weight – 13.5kg
• Fork – Aluminium Rigid Fork 29″ Tapered
• Headset – FSA Orbit 1.5B ZS-1, Semi-Integrated, Top 1 1/8″ Bottom 1 1/2″
• Bottom Brackets – sealed bearing
• Cranks – Gates S150 CDN, 46T, 170mm, BB Thun Zumba
• Brakes – Shimano BR-MT200, Hydr. Disc Brake (160mm)
• Rear Hub – Shimano Nexus SG-C6001-8D, 8-Speed
• Front Hub – Shimano HB-M3050, Centerlock
• Rims – Cube UX24, 32H, Disc, Tubeless Ready
• Tyres – Schwalbe Big Apple, Active, 29-2.15
• Pedals  – Priority alloy
• Chain – Gates CDN, 120T
• Saddle – Cube PP MTB
• Handlebar – Cube Flat Race Bar, 660mm
• Stem – Cube Performance Stem Pro, 31.8mm

Best Prices for the Cube Hyde Pro

The Cube Hyde Pro is worth hunting down but there are so few available best to check locally where you are. Or if you see one second hand they make an amazing used bike.

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Canyon Commuter 8.0

Price: £2349

Trivelo Rating – 3.5 / 5

If batman rode a bicycle this is what he would have in the batcave.  Canyon make a range of belt drive bikes in urban and commuter styles but the pick of the bunch is the award winning Commuter 8.0.  This is no budget option though and a true thoroughbred.  The Commuter 8.0 is a city bike with mountain bike credentials but Canyon does’t really call this out with much of the sales pitch.  They describe it as a happy city cyclist cruising the streets on their Commuter 8.0.

Gear ratios are provided using the Shimano Alfine 11 speed integral hub that you would expect for this price.  Belt drive transmission from Gates system mounted onto an aluminium frame with disc brakes from Shimano using the Deore range.  Weight of this superhero belt drive bike is only 10.5kg that makes it in the seriously light category, lightest in this company.

Why you should buy this bike

First class components throughout on this lightweight stealth machine. Surprise the road bike crew as you rock up on this and don’t struggle to hold the pace.

If we were spending our money the Canyon is gorgeous but for the same sort of money you are getting into electric bike territory so we would avoid.

Specification of the Canyon Commuter 8.0

• Frame – Aluminium
• Weight – 10.6kg
• Fork – Carbon
• Headset – Acros
• Bottom Brackets – SRAM pressfit
• Cranks – Miranda delta
• Brakes – Shimano MTG500
• Rear Hub – Shimano
• Front Hub – Shimano
• Rims – Alexrims
• Tyres – Schwalbe
• Chain – Gates CDN
• Saddle – Canyon PP MTB
• Handlebar – Canyon flatbar
• Stem – Canyon v18

Best Prices for Canyon Commuter 8.0

Buy it now – Canyon Commuter 8.0 £2349

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ROSE SNEAK+

Price: 2199 Euros

Trivelo Rating – 3 / 5

Rose offer a number of belt drive bikes and fully embracing the Gates system across a range of high end bikes.  Their range includes a series of gorgeous kids bikes that are a real alternative to the mainstream Frog and Islabikes.

We have previously favoured the hardcore Activa Pro which was a heavyweight tourer and their fully loaded option.  In 2022 they added the SNEAK+ to their range of belt drive bikes and we have decided to add this to our list.  The SNEAK+ is an urban belt drive bike and added to our line up with the innovation this brings to our list.

The Rose SNEAK+ has dropped a lot of weight compared to the Activa and Luna models.  This is principally from the lightweight frame and carbon forks.  The frame is a completely new design with a Look bikes inspired integrated stem.  Love the aero cockpit of the frame and innovation from Rose.  With top end Gates CDX and carbon throughout this is very much a premium belt drive bike.

Why you should buy this bike

Pricey but we do love this bike. So refreshing for a supplier to be taking some risks with a new bike.

Specification of the Rose SNEAK+

• Frame – ROSE aluminium
• Weight – 14.6kg
• Fork – ROSE Carbon, 12 mm thru axle Iridium-Silver
• Headset – ROSE Carbon silver 110mm
• Bottom Brackets – sealed bearing
• Crankset – Shimano Alfine FC-S501, 39. Z black 39 t
• Brakes – Shimano Metrea BL-U5000
• Rims – ROSE R Thirty Disc
• Tyres – Schwalbe Big Ben Plus, 650x50C
• Pedals  – ROSE PRO C17 black/matt
• Belt – Gates Carbon Drive CDX Center Track black 113T
• Grips – ERGON GA20
• Saddle – Brooks Cambium C17 black
• Seat Post – ROSE RC-170 Flex Carbon shiny carbon 27,2mm
• Handlebar – ROSE XC, 630mm matt black 31,8mm
• Stem – ROSE PRO  

Best Prices for the Rose SNEAK+

Buy it now –SNEAK+ direct from Rose at a most recent price of 2199 Euros. Currently in stock for immediate shipping but they have stopped shipping to the UK from Germany. Shipping across Europe and North America is avilable.

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How does Gates carbon Drive work?

With 99% of bikes still using chains a belt drive is still rare. If you want to find out more about how the gates carbon drive works read our guide. Everything you need to know about the Gates Belt Drive system.

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Best Belt Drive Gravel Bike

Priority Apollo Gravel

Price: $1999

Trivelo Rating 4.5 / 5

Since we first created our guide to Belt Drive bikes people have continually asked about where they can but a gravel belt drive bike? Gravel bikes being the latest wave of utility bikes replacing peoples road and mountain bikes across the globe. One bike to rule them all! Now Priority bikes have nailed this latest demand for gravel bikes with the ease of maintenance and power transfer of a carbon belt drive. Bravo Priority Bikes.

The Priority Apollo Gravel features drop handlebars that you would expect from a gravel bike but also delivers a good range of gearing with an internal 11 speed Alfine sytem. Stopping has been taken care of with hydraulic disc brakes keeping you safe in all weather conditions. With the 40mm tyres made possible with good fork clearance you can ride with confidence.

The frame uses lightweight aluminium with full carbon forks helping keep weight down. This is a very unique proposition combining the genius of Gates carbon belt drive with the utility of a lightweight gravel bike.

We’ve rated this as a 4.5/5 as it is a super hot bike. We get stacks of enquiries about these bikes and huge interest in them. Belt drive gravel bikes are an exciting new genre of bikes and pushing the n+1 bike principal to the limit.

Read our review of the Priority Bike Apollo over on our cycling blog. Scott lived with the bike for 3 months to deliver this epic review.

Why you should buy this bike

You asked for it and Priority bikes delivered. A gravel bike with a belt drive system. This is possibly the only gravel belt drive bike from a major manufacturer anywhere in the world. Hats off to the boffins at Priority for delivering this niche bike.

Specification of the Priority Apollo Gravel

• Frame – Ultralight 6061 T6 Aluminum
• Weight – 10.8kg
• Fork – Carbon Fibre
• Bottom Brackets – sealed bearing
• Cranks – Shimano Alfine SL-S503 with Gates belt drive
• Brakes – 174HUDSON Semi-hydraulic Disc Brakes
• Rear Hub – Alfine 11
• Front Hub – Shimano HB-RM35 QR
• Rims – WTB i23 ST Tubeless Ready
• Tyres – WTB Nano (blackwall) or Goodyear Connector Ultimate (tanwall) 40mm
• Chain – Gates Carbon Drive CDX
• Saddle – WTB Pure
• Handlebar – Drop bars
• Stem – Alloy, 90mm (S/M), 100mm (L/XL)

Best Prices for the Priority Apollo Gravel

Our Choice – Priority Apollo Gravel from Priority Bikes for $1999

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The priority Apollo gravel is an amazing unique bike. If you are looking for conventional chain gravel bikes we have a list of 15 of the best gravel bikes with something for every budget. Gravel bikes really offer great strength and flexibility as well as great road speed. No wonder so many people have been migrating over to them from road bikes since launch.

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Polygon Path i8

Price: 999 Euros

Trivelo Rating – 3.5 / 5

Polygon bikes are not well known in the UK but have a vast range of bikes including a series of belt drive urban bikes.  Most exciting of these is the Path i8 as a great looking alternative for commuter cycling.  The Path i8 features a tough and light aluminium frame.  In belt drive world uses theGates carbon belt drive with Shimano Nexus 8 speed hub.  It comes complete with hydraulic disc brakes and 700x35c tires for a safe ride through winter. The Polygon Path i8 would stand out in the company bike racks against a flood of conventional mountain bikes.  Only available online so be careful with sizing when considering ordering.  

Why you should buy this bike

Polygon have some experience with belt drive bikes with this their second generation of the Polygon Path bringing a wealth of improvements.

Specification of the Polygon Path i8

• Frame – AL6 Pavement Nexus
• Weight – 14.2kg (size 50)
• Fork – Alutech Alloy Rigid Fork
• Bottom Brackets – Cartridge Bearing
• Cranks – Belt System Crankset, 170mm – 175mm
• Brakes – Shimano BR-M365
• Rear Hub – Gates System 22T
• Rims – Araya SW-719 Rims with Shimano Hub
• Tyres – Performance Tyre, 700X38C
• Chain – Gates CDN
• Saddle – Entity saddle, Steel Rail
• Handlebar – Entity xpert Alloy, 720mm
• Stem – Entity xpert, Alloy, 80mm (41-47), 100mm (50-56)

Best Prices for the Polygon Path i8

Buy the Path i8 for 999 Euros

Best Belt Drive Mountain Bike 

Priority Bikes 600X Adventure

Price: $3500

Trivelo Rating – 4 / 5

We have been big fans of Priority Bikes since they were set up with their kickstarter funding project from 2012. Our earliest posts on belt drive bikes have included Priority bikes who specialise in pure belt drive bikes. It is the reason they feature so strongly in our round up of the best belt drive bikes. The Priority 600X Adventure slots perfectly into a gap we had been pushing manufacturers to address. a belt drive mountain bike.

This is a seriously imposing bike. With the reverse front suspension and long travel it sits very high and proud. The frame is very chunky with an almost e-Bike size but oozes quality. Each part of the bike has been carefully considered from ground up. It is a bike that is built to last and withstand the most brutal environment.

The 600x is a belt drive pinion hardtail mountain bike. With 110m travel front suspension this is not a city bike dressed as a road bike but a legitimate hardtail mountain bike. With 12 gears using the Pinion rear hub and Gates belt drive you have a 600% gear range. Hence the naming. With the belt drive you achieve maximum throughput of the power without loss and near maintenance free. The life expectancy of a chain mountain bike is a few hundred miles. The belt will last thousands. No chain linkages to get clogged up and expanded with dirt. Trouble free cycling.

Read the full review of the Priority 600x Adventure Belt Drive Mountain Bike. I spent 3 months putting the Priority through its paces and there is a hell of a lot of bike to review. It has had such an impact on me I have sold my regular mountain bike and this is now my number one MTB.

Why you should buy this bike

If you are looking for a bike for off-road it is a great option. If you are looking for a suitable bike for long distance advanture trails the 600X is comfortable and capable of being loaded up for serious travelling.

Specification of the Priority Bikes 600X Adventure

• Weight – 11.25kg
• Frame – Ultralight 6061 T6 Aluminium
• Forks – Wren Inverted suspension, 110m Travel
• Bottom Bracket – Sealed
• Cranks – Pinion
• Shifters – Pinion DS1.12
• Brakes – Hayes Dominion A4, 4 piston hydraulic disc
• Rims – WTB KOM Tough i35 29″ tubeless ready
• Tyres – WTB Ranger 29×2.25 TCS tough
• Chain – Gates carbon drive CDX
• Handlebar – Alloy
• Stem – Alloy
• Saddle – WTB Pure / Volt

Best Prices for the Priority Bikes 600X Adventure

Buy – Priority Bikes 600X Adventure for $3500 direct from Priority bikes

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Marin Presidio 3

Price: £1065

Trivelo Rating – 4 / 5

The Marin Presidio 3 belt drive commuter bike comes in just under the £1000 mark.  Marin have long since included a belt drive bike in their range in recognition of the suitability of the tech to commuter bikes.  The bike is a close comparison with the Boardman URB 8.8 in spec and styling.  Well specced throughout with the Gates CDN belt drive and Shimano components including hydraulic disc brakes this offers a lot for the money.   

Why you should buy this bike

Brilliant after sales support from Marin should the unlikely happen and your belt drive bike has a problem.

Specification of the Marin Presidio 3 

• Frame – Series 3 Commute, 6061 aluminium frame
• Weight – n/a
• Fork – Aluminium 6061 straight blade 
• Headset – FSA Orbit CE, sealed cartridge bearings 
• Bottom Brackets – Sealed cartridge bearings
• Cranks – Gates CDN S150 50T
• Brakes – Shimano U300 flat mount hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor
• Rear Hub – Shimano Nexus 8D, 8 speed internally geared hub
• Front Hub – Aluminium Disc 
• Rims – Marin Aluminium double wall, 25mm tall 
• Tyres – Vee Tyre, Baldy, 700×32
• Pedals  – n/a
• Belt Drive – Gate Carbon Drive CDN Centretrack belt 115T 
• Grips – Marin Ergonomic locking 
• Saddle – Marin Fitness Saddle
• Seat Post – Marin Alloy 27.2mm
• Handlebar – Marin Alloy flat top riser
• Stem – Marin 3D Forged Alloy 

Best Prices for the Marin Presidio 3

Buy it now – Buy the Marin Presidio 3 for £1065 from Winstanley Bikes  

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Cannondale Bad Boy 1 

Price: £1899

Trivelo Rating – 4 / 5

The Cannondale Bad Boy 1 is labelled by Cannondale as an Urban Bike.  A tag we don’t really agree to fully with as it puts it  in a league of One.  It is a much closer fit to a mountain bike and as such the closest thing in our line up to the Best Belt Drive Mountain Bike you can get.  It doesn’t feature and suspension forks but in an age of people using Gravel bikes up trails the interpretation of what is an MTB we view as softening.  At nearly £2000 this is a premium product but Cannondale have paired it with the best from Gates using the CDX system and the Alfine Shimano internal 8 speed gearing.  The closest rival to Cannondale Bad Boy 1 is the Canyon Urban 8.0 so make sure to check both out.    

Why you should buy this bike

Cannondale have raided the cupboards to build this epic belt drive bike using all their knowledge from a range of brilliant bikes. We love a cannondale at Trivelo!

Specification of the Cannondale Bad Boy 1 

• Frame – Cannondale Smartform C1 alloy 
• Weight – n/a
• Fork – Cannondale lefty lightpipe rigid 
• Headset – n/a
• Bottom Brackets – Sealed cartridge bearings
• Cranks – Gates Carbon Drive CDX S150 46T
• Brakes – Shimano MT400 hydro disc, 160mm 
• Rear Hub – Shimano Alfine Rapidfire 8 speed
• Front Hub – Aluminium Disc 
• Rims – Cannondale double wall 32h 
• Tyres – WTB Byway, 650b x 40c clincher 
• Pedals  – n/a
• Belt Drive – Gate Carbon Drive CDN Centretrack belt 115T 
• Grips – Fabric silicone gel 
• Saddle – Cannondale Stage Ergo 
• Seat Post – Cannondale alloy 
• Handlebar – Cannondale Riser 6061 alloy, 18mm rise, 720mm 
• Stem – Cannondale Bad Boy Si 

Best Prices for the Cannondale Bad Boy 1

Buy it now – Buy the Cannondale Bad Boy for £1525 from Sigma Sport

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Best Folding Bike with belt drive

Tern Verge S8i Folding Bike

Price: £1890

Trivelo Rating – 3.5 / 5

Where to start with the Tern Verge S8i?  Somebody clearly decided that belt drive bikes were not quite niche enough and decided folding belt drive bikes were the way forwards.  And honestly, why not?  With a low maintenance perfect commuter solution for cyclists belt drive is a great fit assuming you can afford it.  Coming in at £1750 it is not the cheapest belt drive bike nor folding bike.  If you want to add more to your bragging list with your friends on cycling tech Tern have resurrected the Dynamo for this bike using the Joule 3 to power a Valo 2 front and rear light. 

Why you should buy this bike

Lightweight, practical and with a rapid folding mechanism this is a hugely innovative bike.    This folding bike with belt drive means no mess and maintenance for commuters. Hugely appealling for people looking for a folding bike.

Specification of the Tern Verge S8i Folding Bike 

• Frame – Tern Verge hydroformed aluminium 
• Weight – 14.3kg 
• Fork – Hydro formed Aluminium 6061  
• Headset – FSA Orbit CE, sealed cartridge bearings 
• Bottom Brackets – Sealed cartridge bearings
• Cranks – Gates CDX S150 50T
• Brakes – Shimano Deore hydraulic disc
• Rear Hub – Shimano Alfine 8 speed
• Front Hub – Aluminium Disc 
• Rims – Kinetic Comp 
• Tyres – Schwalbe Big Apple 55-406
• Pedals  – n/a
• Belt Drive – Gate Carbon Drive CDN Centretrack belt 115T 
• Grips – Phorm 
• Saddle – Tern Porter+ 
• Seat Post – Stasis 7050-al
• Handlebar – Kinetix Comp double butted 6061-al
• Stem – Tern Andros 

Best Prices for the Tern Verge S8i Folding Bike

Buy it now – Buy the Tern Verge S8i folding bike from Winstanley Bikes for £1750

For more insights on the benefits of belt drive for folding bikes read our article on the reasons why they are the perfect solution for commuters.

If you are considering chain drive folding eBikes read our review of the MiRider One folding eBike. An innovative design for folding bikes that includes some fantactic features such as a boost function. Get some extra power from zero to 4mph.

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Trek District 4 Equipped

Price: £1500

Trivelo Rating – 3.5 / 5

The Trek District 4 Equipped and BMC AlpenChallenge One are closely matched belt drive bikes with the BMC nudging on a few specifications but also more expensive.  The Trek uses the premium Gates CDX belt drive coupled with the 8 speed Shimano Alfine gearing.  Both top end components and at this price point what you would expect. Weighing 15.5kg it is a heavy city bike but is built for being loaded up with panniers and racking points.  You won’t be dominating the segment tables on Strava but smoothly getting through the daily city commute without disruption.  

Why you should buy this bike

If you are looking for a bike that cope with some serious baggage the Trek has a maximum load capacity of up to 136kg. A real heavyweight.

If we are spending our money though we wouldn’t buy the Trek District 4 Equipped. Heavy and relatively expensive against alternatives.

Specification of the Trek District 4 Equipped 

• Frame – Alpha Smooth aluminium 
• Weight – 15.5kg 
• Fork – Rigid Aluminium 
• Headset – FSA Orbit CE, sealed cartridge bearings 
• Bottom Brackets – VP BC73C 
• Cranks – Gates CDX S250 46T
• Brakes – Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
• Rear Hub – Shimano Alfine S7000 8 speed
• Front Hub – Shimano 3.0 Watt Dynamo 
• Rims – Bontrager Connection 
• Tyres – Bontrager H2 Comp 700x40c 
• Pedals  – VP Resin
• Belt Drive – Gate Carbon Drive CDX belt 
• Grips – Bontrager satellite elite  
• Saddle – Bontrager Commuter Comp 
• Seat Post – Bontrager Alloy 
• Handlebar – Aluminium comfort 
• Stem – Bontrager Alloy 31.8mm 

Best Prices for the Trek District 4 Equipped

Buy it now – Buy the Trek District 4 Equipped for £1750 from aj cycles

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Lekker Amsterdam 8 Speed

Price: $1598

Trivelo Rating – 4 / 5

The Amsterdam 8 speed is the latest evolution of the Amsterdam Elite.  We love the Shimano 8 speed system fitted with the Gates Carbon Drive Belt drive. For those who don’t know Lekker they are a Dutch firm who only work on a direct sales model from their website.  The Amsterdam 8 speed is a gorgeous looking classic bike frame.  Finished in “concrete blue” or “satin black” giving you classic fixie geometry that is perfect for around town commuting.  That assumes you can bring yourself to leave it locked up anywhere.  Created with stretch-free carbon fiber tensile cords. With a aluminium frame and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes you have a robust set of components that delivers a smooth ride and is lightweight.

Why you should buy this bike

Lekker are pioneers in belt drive technoogy and rapidly moving electric bike only options so if you can find the Amsterdam it is worth a look.

Specification of the Lekker Amsterdam 8 speed

Best Prices for the Lekker Amsterdam 8 Speed

Buy it now – Buy the Lekker Amsterdam 8 Speed for $1598

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Gates Belt Drive System Models Explained

Gates CDX: High-Performance Model
The Gates CDX: High-Performance belt drive model is the most expensive belt model. It features on 7 of the 15 Best Belt Drive bikes in our listing. The system has 16 different belt lengths, 7 front sprockets/cranksets and 8 rear cog sizes to give you the most drive ratio options.

Gates CDX: EXP Model
Gates recently released an oversized version of the CDX drivetrain that is a larger set of sprockets only. There are currently five front sprockets and 4 rear cogs available.

Gates CDN: Urban Model
The budget and most common Gates carbon belt drive model in our listis CDN Urban. Designed for the urban or commuter bikes ideally they are not suited to mountain bike applications or high torque eBikes.

If you want to learn more about belt drive bikes check out in-depth buyers guide advantages and disadvantages of belt drive bikes. A wealth of insight for anyone thinking of buying their first belt drive bike.

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Infographic of the 15 Best Carbon Belt Drive Bikes

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