multi-speed geared rear hubs and belt drives for touring

[vernon]

I have a bespoke belt drive touring bike, a Woodrup Chimera built by Woodrup Cycles here in Leeds.

I have just spent half an hour configuring Koga Signature World Traveller and Toute Terrain Metropolitan bikes with the Gates belt drive spec and lighting configuration closest to that of my Woodrup and found that the cost of them would be equal to or greater than that of the Woodrup making the Woodrup great value for money.

I am enjoying my Chimera and have completed three 100km audax rides on it so far. It is a smooth riding comfortable bike and the ride is silent unless one of the lower seven gears are selected. The bike is very stable and fast descents are rock steady. I have found climbing easier with the Rohloff/belt drive but can not pin it down exclusively to the hub or the belt The built quality is superb and the service from the shop is beyond reproach.

I have yet to tour on the bike. I had planned to do a coast to coast this week but I am not hardy enough to deal with camping out in the forecast snow.

 

[Moodyman]

Enjoy the test ride. The Mixer is a lovely looking bike but I'd expect it to be fairly "bum-up" and twitchy for any distance.

Then again, I'm approximately 1.3 million years old (carbon dating is the only form of dating I've done recently ) so that could just be my stiff back talking.

I've got a Mixer and it's a delightful bike for fast commuting and training rides up to an hour or two. I would not recommend it for touring. As Norm says, it's head down, arse up.

 

[tyred]

A chain inside a full chaincase is easy to oil and will last for decades.

Just be sure and run puncture resistant tyres.