Who knew?!!!
Humans are always “reinventing the wheel” – but bicycle chains have seemingly remained unchanged. Pedaling powers our chains, and chains power our bikes – just like in the late 1800s, when bikes first made the scene. But recently I discovered a revolution in bike evolution.
Serendipity struck inside a Wheaton vacuum cleaner shop, of all places, when I inquired about the unique, brightly colored bikes out front. The shop owners, Ryan Fussel and Jeremy Behnken, also run Recycled Cycling, partnering with talented bike builder Bob Marcuccelli. They’re also super-interesting guys passionate about changing bikes for the better. Most of their shiny bikes are ... chain-less! Huh?!
That's right. Their hand-built bikes sport a slim, bumpy-toothed drive belt connecting the crank to the rear wheel. Unlike chains, belts never need lubing, don’t break or stretch, clog up with road gunk, or get messed up at all. Why? No moving parts - it is one continuous piece. A typical chain contains 100+ metal links; each link has two plates, two rollers and a pin inside each roller - more moving parts than the rest of your bike! So, a belt-driven bike gives a smooth, almost silent ride. Very cool!
Wayne Mikes of Mikes Bike Shop in Palatine not only sells belt-drive bikes, he rides one year-round. "The belt has the advantages of being longer lasting and not needing lubrication," he notes. "I don't have to worry about rust. During the nine years I have commuted on my bike, I would have replaced three chains, but the belt is still fine. The auto industry has also changed from using timing chains to belts."
Recycled Cycling uses Gates carbon belts, just like on new Harley Davidson motorcycles. Per Jeremy, these belts have been rated to handle over 1,000 horsepower - no human legs are strong enough to stretch, bend or break them. He notes that their shop is the only authorized dealer of Marcuccelli bikes.
Disadvantages? Since the belt only runs in a straight line, it requires an internally geared system usually providing 3-12 speeds. Needing internal gear systems, not derailleurs, these bikes tend to be more expensive. Plus the frame design requires a removable section in order to install the belt and take it off.
Check out the Belt-Drive Bike Review at recycledcycling.com, or stop by at DuPage Vacuum on Roosevelt Road in Wheaton. Take a bike for a spin and experience your own cycling serendipity! Do it soon, before our beautiful biking season slips away!
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