Author Archives: Christopher

Here at ABC we try as best we can to be on the cutting edge of bicycles. So let’s talk about something that is relatively new to bikes, the belt drive.

If you don’t know what a belt drive think of it as a new kind of chain, but instead of links that the teeth of the gears fit in there are little groves that work almost the same.

There are certain advantages and disadvantages to chain drives so you have to decide for yourself it they are worth it.

Firstly, and probably for most people this is the biggest one, they are a lot lower maintenance. They don’t need grease and dirt, mud, and snow don’t affect them. Let me give you a few moments to absorb that. … … Alright, moving on. They are also lighter and quieter, but to me, the typical commuter, that is not something that I care too much about.

Okay so it sounds good right? So here is the downside. If you choose this wonder drive the first thing you are going to realize is that a lot of the parts are specially made so you might not be able to up-convert your old bike. Secondly as of now you are going to be limited to one “belt ring” in the front because there are no derailers for this yet. Which also means that in the back you are limited if you do not have an internal geared hub.

So there are up sides and down sides. If you want to learn more check out these websites for more info:

Gates Carbon Drives

Belt Bikes

Written by Chris Belsole

Since when does actress and comedian Amy Poehler work for CatEye?

Written by Chris Belsole

Do these words not mean anything to anyone anymore? I was riding into work today excited as I took the bus the last two days because of all the snow. Although I probably could have rode the second day due to the actual amount of snow we got being blown way out of proportion of what they were predicting. I rode in the left lane most of the way because the right one was full of snow and I did not want my bike to be a big pile of slush by the time I arrived at work. As I was riding a car passed me on the left. He literally went into the other side of the road to pass me. Then another and another after that; each one closer then the one that preceded it. I considered taking the lane, but the middle of the lane was full of snow. Now, I don’t know if everyone is familiar with Western Ave. west of N Allen St., but there are two lanes, and instead of using the other lane most cars decided to merge into oncoming traffic to pass me.

Maybe I was at fault using the left lane instead of the right, but if there is another lane that is not in use why would someone merge into oncoming traffic to avoid me. I know the rule of “Don’t pass on the right,” but I would rather someone had pass me on the right today then get into an accident while passing me.

Written by Chris Belsole

Sure winter is almost half over, but it is never too late to get some good advice. Street films has a great video about Chicago suburbanites commuting through the winter with all the amenities.

Written by Chris Belsole