Belt-Drive pioneered by STRiDA goes mainstream

The STRiDA folding bike successfully commercialized the use of a drive-belt over more than 20 years. Clean, maintenance free belt-drives have a lot of advantages over chains. As I mentioned in a previous post, they are now beginning to be adopted by some industry heavyweights and more than 50 other manufacturers and custom shops.

Here’s a more specific summary from Bike Radar.

Interbike 09 Trends observed

Interbike 2009 wrapped up in Las Vegas on Friday.

Amidst the thousands of bicycles and accessories, there were 3 major trends.

1. The emergence of the drive belt replacing the chain has become, well, more mainstream. STRiDA folding bikes have been successfully using the belt since 1985, and the reviews of the belt drive have all been positive. For 2010 bicycles from Specialized, Trek and others adopt the proven technology and reviews are positive as well. A drive belt lasts longer than a chain and does not need to be lubricated with oil. It therefore can be much more appropriate for the commute, keeping your clothes clean. The belt on the STRiDA folding bike has an expected service life of a minimum of 50,000 miles!

2. The rapid growth of the number of commuter and city bike models that we have seen recently has become massive – definitely the fastest growing segment of the Bicycle Industry.  The industry is betting heavily that people in North America will continue to move to bike commuting in ever-larger numbers.

3. Speaking of growth in bike commuting, this is beginning to fuel a related trend that was evident at Interbike; business appropriate clothing that is at the same time, bicycle commuting appropriate. On display were  more and more garments tailored to business/career  and casual dress, made out of lightweight wicking fabrics and cut for cycling motion.

All positive confirmation of a positive trend away from fossil-fuel commuting.