Tout Terrain Bringing Two More Belt Drive Commuter Bicycles to U.S.

Isn’t there anybody else out there who thinks that disc brakes on commuter bikes is ridiculous? Give me a low-maintenance, long-lasting, non-flashy drum brake any day. I keep on looking at these commuter bikes, and keep on shaking my head. Nice (fenders!), nice (rack!), nice (belt drive!), except….flashy, high-maintenance, theft-magnate brakes. Is there any belt drive bike with all the features of a good commuter, plus drum brakes?

@Adam…. Did you actually look at the description of this bike? This bike is pure low maintenance: Belt drive supposedly last ten times longer than a standard chain + no lube no grease marks, internally geared hub = duh no cassette and derailleur to wear, break, or go out of adjustment, no derailleur hanger to bend. The dynamo front hub that powers both the front and rear lights is great for a city bike and you don’t have to replace the batteries, how about that? The frames are not flashy, garish, or over built. No giant logos on every part of the bike. Fenders are pretty handy. Oh and the most important part, the disc breaks… Disc breaks are superior to drum breaks, no question. And if you read the instructions for most disc brake system like my Avid Elixir or my Juicy 3’s installation of new pads are really easy takes about 15 min to change both pairs and clean the pistons. Its raining, and I like my bike to stop. Disc brakes are the future, even low end (500$) mountain bikes come with disc breaks, and many hybrid city bikes are popping up every day from most major manufactures example : Marin’s Larkspur CS4 msrp 750$, Felt’s Verza City 2 also 750$, Specialized makes a few higher end ones like the Source and the Globe Live 3… and then we get into touring bikes and dics cross bikes… Disc brakes are only flashy when you hold them in the sun. These bikes are no more at risk for theft than any other bike of a designated price point – bike theft is usually a crime of opportunity and ability, buy a good lock, locking skewers, etc. or take your bike with you where ever you go, you are the best anti theft device.

Mr Chipollini… Have you ridden a bike with hub brakes? They aren’t as powerful as disc brakes, true. But they are very low maintenance and protected from rain,snow and dirt, bike racks etc. Very quiet too. I have some large diameter Sturmey-Archer models fitted to my bike and find that they work very well. The rear also has a 3-speed IGH – ideal for city riding.