F8cycles // 'No Chain. No Grease. No Maintenance'

Lot of people seem to be really fascinated by the concept of belt drive fixed gear bike. Well, f8cycles offers just that, custom single speed and fixed bikes with belt-drives:

"f8 began as a search for the ultimate fixed ride through the rough streets of San Francisco. Simplicity and durability were paramount. Designing a bullet-proof frame became an obsession.

The obsession paid off. f8 became the first to offer a belt drive fixed gear, in titanium no less. And less than you’d normally pay for a custom titanium frame.Using a belt means no lubricant. So you can ride to work wearing bleach-white bell bottoms, if your dress code allows. It also means no maintenance, as unlike a metal chain it will not stretch.

It’s also quiet. Too quiet."

Check out the site here: http://www.f8cycles.com/

Trek District 2008

Remember the strange belt-drive bike that stirred some discussion here? 

Well, check out the pic above, it's apparently the Trek District 2008 single speed bike (or maybe actually a geared bike with internal shifting hub?). And with what seems like a belt drive instead of the traditional steel chain. Here we go then. 

Belt Drive Fixed Gear?

What the ...? 

Fixie Pixie got the pics here, apparently it really is some kind of a fixed belt drive system, like in motorcycles or something. 

Interesting. But you know what? I used to deejay and back then, before the days of Serato and all that, every one knew this: all belt drive turntables were shit. Simple as that. It had to direct drive, like Technics SL1200s. And my 1200s are still spinning strong, despite years and years of hard use and being generally almost FUBAR. 

And in this case I would equate the traditional bicycle chain and cogs with the direct drive, ie. better. As in No Competition.  

EDIT.

Oh yes, as TYA pointed this out elsewhere; how do you put that thing on your bike, do you need to saw the frame open at the rear triangle and then weld it back together to get the belt in? 

I would also predict some serious issues with the chainline by looking at the pictures. I hate to be against progress of any kind but this thing seriously puzzles my mind.