Cube eBikes advice - Cube Belt drive or chain?

[Moominho]

Hi, I am purchasing an eBike through Cyclescheme. My final 2 choices are the Cube Comfort Pro 800 or the Clube 800 SLX. The SLX has slightly more premium components, the Comfort has a Belt drive and Enviolo CVT (which I know some people aren't a fan of). Is there any benefit to go for the belt drive? I have never ridden a belt driven bike before, so don't know what to expect. I will be ordering online, as the nearest place to test is many miles away sadly.

I have ridden a Giant Roam E+ bike before, the cube is slightly heavier but I am comfortable with the weight. I will be mainly riding on roads and gravel paths.

[WPA]

Myself given the choice I would avoid belt drive, spare belt drive parts are mega expensive against a chain set up plus take 3 times longer to source

[Moominho]

WPA said:

Myself given the choice I would avoid belt drive, spare belt drive parts are mega expensive against a chain set up plus take 3 times longer to source

Yeah I think you're right. I like the idea of the zero maintenance. But even a chain doesn't require that much upkeep.

[Siao]

Belts are more expensive, but should also last far longer, are quieter and don't need much maintenance. There's pros and cons in both systems really. Full disclosure, I never had a belt, but I would definitely buy one.


Why not trying a test ride in a local bike shop to see if you like the feel of the belt drive?

[trebnamo]

Can't speak to the e-bike side but I do have experience of belt vs chain. I have a Cube hybrid with a Nexus hub+belt, and then a Whyte mountain bike with a chain+derailleur.

I bought the Cube because I was sick of the winters eating my chains.

I've now had it for six years and routinely do a 25 mile round trip commute. The hub and belt are pretty bulletproof when it comes to the weather, but I did once put down a bit too much power out of a junction and snapped the belt in half They are not cheap to replace either, new ones are £80+ and hard to find as as another poster mentioned. There's also some difficulty with getting the belt to the right tension, too loose and it slips, too tight and you get noise and wear everything out faster.

So writing that out, I'd say belt drive is quite a bit of trouble and expense, maybe more than it's worth.

But - I do more recreational riding on the Whyte. I think if I put the Whyte through the same commute job as the Cube, it would probably not last as well. But having the choice and having the Cube as kind of a sacrificial all-weather commute bike, and the chain is a fun bike, has made me a bit more diligent about not putting it away before a decent clean and grease.

In terms of how they ride, they feel quite similar since the Nexus shifts just like a chain would - the CVT you mention is probably going to feel weird if it's anything like the car versions. On balance I'd probably recommend chain, for cost/easier maintenance. Shame you can't test ride.

[SwissJonese]

Given the option and the type of riding you are doing, always go for belt. Zero maintenance, my wife has one for daily to and from work for last 2 years. I haven't touched the bike at all, it just always works. Never getting messy with chains, gear, and oil. No gears to configure, belts will outlast the bike frame.

We also have ebikes for MTB/DH and they eat chains, and cassettes. Higher aintenance, gears going out, bent hangers, but much harder riding. But I would love a gearbox and belt drive DH bike, they are just a bit too costly at the moment.