Drive shaft vs Belt

[3wheels]

$$$

 

[smilinjohn]

Both are good and require maintenance.

John

 

[John Luciano]

Not really a choice. The bike you choose is what determines what you get.
Shaft is quieter, less chance of getting a small pebble stuck in the belt, can be a disaster. Happened to a friend of mine $$$$$$$$$ . Total upkeep on shaft I'd change rear fluid. on the trike the belt not as bad as on 2 wheels. Rear tire change can be expensive. The belt alignment is critical.

 

[Shimpy]

My thinking is that shaft is more durable and can take more abuse. After all, how many belt or chain driven cars or trucks do you see? Shaft drives are known to take away more horsepower so it may be a consideration on a minimal horsepower bike.

 

[WalterM817]

I,m getting used to the belts and have ridden with shafts forever it seems like. No problem with the belts I can see yet although I've heard a few story's.
Friends have ridden the belts even with holes in them for years with no problems as long they were lined up properly and weren't torn on the edge. They are that tough.
The shaft problems I've encountered usually were self inflicted. Not lubing the flanges at a tire change and things like that.
I can't help that with proper maintainence it would be a toss up as to better or worse.