The 2 types of drive used in spin bikes, both have advantages and disadvantages when compared to each other. Importantly both can be used in bikes that are reliable, durable and give you as tough a workout as you want.
I talked briefly about the differences between the belt drives and chain drives in my buying guide. (You can see it here for a quick overview).
In this post I’m going into some more depth. I line them up against each other to see how they perform in the criteria I think is most important to a user. If you don’t want to do all that reading you can go to the summary at the bottom but you do miss out on all my detailed analysis 🙂
First off here is a brief description of each.
Belt Drive
A tough rubber belt is used to transfer the power from the pedals to the flywheel. There is a high tension kept on the belt to prevent it from slipping as it turns to give a smooth ride. Some bikes now use a kevlar belt (a new tough material) which is harder wearing and last longer than the traditional belt drive material. See SB700 review for a bike that uses a kevlar belt.
Chain Drive
This is like you see on outdoor bikes. The flywheel is turned by a roller chain passing over a sprocket that is powered by turning the pedals. It does only have single gear.
Most bikes have a fixed gear whether it is a chain drive or belt drive. The pedals keep turning while the flywheel continues to turn due to the momentum and will slow down as resistance slows the momentum or a brake is used.
Maintenance
There is no doubt a chain drive requires more ongoing maintenance than a belt drive. With a chain drive you need to lubricate and tighten to get the best performance from it. Over time lubricant is needed to keep it working smoothly as the chain dries out. Also the chain will stretch and need tightening in the same way you do on outdoor bikes.
With belt drives they last for years before they require any maintenance. Eventually the belt will stretch and become loose. At this time it needs replacing with a new belt or you will have a bumpy ride. This is a bit more involved and may require a bike mechanic to do it for you depending on how mechanically minded you are.
Interestingly many gym bikes are chain driven. One of the reasons for this is that with the high usage of the bikes a belt drive does loosen up in a relatively short period and users end up with the bumpy ride. The maintenance on a chain drive works out a more efficient way to go for them.
Noise
Both these drives are quiet. You can hear the TV easily and hold conversations without upping the volume. The chain drive makes the same amount of noise you get from a bike chain – as the chain goes over the sprockets you get the same clinking noise. The noise is often quietened by the chain guard that the spin bikes have. If it isn’t properly adjusted you are going to hear the chain banging against the guard which can be loud but with a little tightening it will be then taken back to the soft clinking sound.
Belt drives are almost silent and there is no need to adjust to keep it this way. This is another big plus for these drives.
Cost
Normally belt drives are a little more expensive than chain drive bikes. It’s not always the case with Sunny Health & Fitness Belt Drive Indoor Cycle currently on Amazon at $30 less than the chain drive version of the bike.
Belt drives are priced higher because of their perceived value and because they can cost a bit more to manufacture.
There needs to be a higher tension used for the belt drive so the crankshaft and flywheel shaft need to stronger to withstand this so they don’t become loose or wear out. A chain drive is more forgiving when not properly aligned whereas if the belt drive is not properly aligned it will wear out quickly and give a rough ride.
Performance And Feel
A chain drive will give you a smooth quality ride that is similar in feel to that of an outdoors bike due to the chain moving over the sprocket. You can get a top quality workout from these drives.
The belt drive also gives a smooth ride. In fact it is a smoother ride as you don’t have the effect of the chain going over the sprockets. The difference is not major but it is there. If you want the smoothest ride then a belt drive is the way to go but it doesn’t give you the feeling you get from riding a bike .
Both drives can give you a very good workout and can stand up to the toughest tests.
Summary
The belt drive beats a chain drive in a number of areas. It is quieter, there is less maintenance required and it gives a smoother ride. The chain drive bikes are cheaper, feel more like an outdoor bike and have the reassuring bike chain sound to keep you company as you ride. The chain can also be adjusted and tightened as required whereas when the belt drive becomes loose it needs to be replaced – however that is likely to be after a number of years of trouble free cycling.
If you are not interested in the bike feeling , don’t want to do the relatively minor maintenance and are prepared to pay a little extra (but not always) the belt drive is the way to go.
If you want to save some money and get a similar spec bike in all other areas other than the belt drive then the chain drive is the way to go or if you want it to feel more like an outdoors bike while you are pedaling.
do you sale spin bike
Hi Terry,
Sorry we don’t sell spin bikes. You can try Amazon or sports stores. Is there one you are looking for in particular?
Regards,
Paul
Hi,
I found bike but it doesnt say if its a chain or belt drive. However, it does say that it has a crank. Is that specific to a chain drive?
Thank you!
Hi,
Sorry, no the crank is the lever (the metal piece) that connects the pedal to the drive set, transferring motion of the pedal to the drive which can be chain or belt. Do you have the model of exercise bike and I might be able to help determine if it is chain or belt.
Any chance of a review for the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1423 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike?
Sorry I should have posted this link a long time ago : Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1423
I’d like to see a review for the Sunny Health & Fitness as well. It’s a great bike and undervalued. I also feel that calling the rubber drive “smoother” equivocates. In my experience the chain drive is a much more consistent resistance throughout the entire range of motion, whereas the rubber drive hits gaps in the range that can lead to tendinitis. The outdoor bike feel is a nice way to phrase it, but the important thing about the chain drive is it’s consistent resistance throughout the 360 degree range of motion. You simply don’t get this in a rubber drive and it’s SORELY underestimated. Chain drives are the real deal.
Thanks for the comment and feedback on the belt drives and chain drives. I’ve done a review on the bike here:Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1423 which is a belt drive.
Where can one get these replacement belt drives? Are they Bike model specific, or do they fit across the board with any bike?
I think you’re best bet is going direct to the supplier to get the belt that fits correctly.
i think you missed a few things. the belt drive would be cheaper and more environmental in the long run…. less maintenance means no lube, degreaser, and washing the belt. less chemicals means better for environment. in the long run from less maintenance, your actually saving money,
Thanks – good points on the maintenance costs and pollution.
Hi Paul,
I’m trying to choose between a few Sunny spin bikes and they’re all going to sell out if I don’t pick one soon. I’m a 55 yr old (5’2) woman hoping to stay in shape until the gym opens. I’ve narrowed it down to the B1712, B901B, B1714, and B1805. I would love your thoughts.
Hi,
I’ve prepared a table comparing the features of the bikes. You can see it here: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1712 vs SF-B901B vs SF-B1714 vs SF-B1805. They are all good indoor cycling bikes. My favorite is the SF-B1805 of the 4. I like the adjustability to get a comfortable fit for people with an inseam of 28 ins or over, magnetic resistance, the tablet holder for following workouts or watching videos on a media device and better q-factor than the other bikes.
You can get a good workout from all the bikes from my investigations today. I assume you aren’t bothered about seeing your metrics as none of the models come with a console. I’ve not considered price but if you are only going to be using for a short time (hopefully) you could choose based on the most economical.
I hope this helps it is a little rushed as I realise you left this earlier today and i wanted to get back to you. I’ve only reviewed the SF-B1805 in depth so far.
Hello I am 6ft 300. I really need help finding a cost effective stationary bike/cycle. Most of what I am finding in reviews is the frame is not so sturdy and the pedals break. Because of my size I want to find a quality bike that will work for many years and will help me achieve my fitness goals since transitioning to working from home. With the high cost of these bikes I do not want to invest my money in some thing that will not last if you could help me find a cost effective bike suitable for my size I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
There are a some good bikes out there but may have to pay a little extra.
There are 3 styles of stationery bikes – indoor cycles, upright and recumbent (read more here) but as comment is on this post (spin bike is a brand of indoor cycle) – I” give a selection of indoor cycles and upright bikes as good examples.
Here is a selection of indoor cycles Schwinn IC4, Schwinn IC3, Sole SB700 and Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805
And upright bikes: Schwinn 170, Exerpeutic 500 XLS
Sometimes the issue with the pedal can be caused at assembly stage where the left pedal is attempted to be installed by tightening it clockwise but this should be done by turning the pedal clockwise and the thread is stripped.
I hope this helps you.