Every once in a while one of the big bike manufacturers steps out of their comfort zone to offer something super-flashy with the latest technology that costs less than the average monthly rent for an apartment in Silicon Valley. That’s about $2100 and climbing monthly now that the valley is heating back up.
In 2009, that manufacturer was Trek, America’s top selling bike company, and the bike was the Trek District. My friend Brian was intrigued at first glance. And when he got a job in downtown San Francisco that meant a Caltrain bike car commute, he jumped at the chance to buy this belt-driven, singlespeed beauty. Who wouldn’t?
Flashy as a hipster’s fave fixie, but with modern technology and carefully planned little details.
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- Belt driven bikes are not only low-maintenance, Brian says they’re very very quiet.
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- When the rubber belt meets the composite chain ring, there’s no clash of metal chain against metal gears.
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- Unlike chains, belts can’t be removed by popping a link. Hence the split rear triangle frame.
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- Faux leather grips and the bell were standard. Brian added the headlight and the commuter coffee mug.
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- The orange details on the stem plate continued throughout the bike, from saddle rails to seat posts.
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- Check out the Trek logo on the bar ends and the orange bolts on the stem. Product manager gone wild!
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- But wait, there’s more. Orange stripes on the top tube and on the headset’s top cap.
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- And orange deep rim wheels– completely unnecessary on a commute bike but man, they look sexy.
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- The only things Brian replaced were the metal MKS pedals for bigger, more shoe-friendly composite pedals.
Location: San Carlos Caltrain Station, San Carlos, California, USA
Susanne Wright
September 20, 2013 at 8:02 am
Gorgeous! A real stand out. Belt driven bikes are a new one for me. I’ve never once heard of them. Thanks for sharing! –Susanne
Psy
September 20, 2013 at 1:11 pm
That’s my bike :D! Though I have done a *bit* more modification to mine…
Though Trek has “shelved the belt driven District” for a while, according to their Facebook page – there are still plenty of belt options on the market. Personally they make the most sense for me as far as commuting goes. No grease and low maintenance – plus it’s quiet!
ladyfleur
September 20, 2013 at 1:19 pm
They’re using the District name on a very different bike for 2014. Geared vs single speed, steel vs aluminum, disc brakes vs rim, plus fenders and front rack. And no belt drive, of course.
So different in the consumer profile, I’m surprised they reused the name.
Psy
September 20, 2013 at 2:56 pm
They have had a few District models for the past few years (District S, 6th District, 4th District, etc) and I *think* there was a geared one before. I think their District line has always been urban and commuter geared, not necessarily based around a belt drive.
It seems that both Trek and Specialized have no new belt drive offerings for this year. I have to wonder if maybe they had a deal with Gates that expired? Or maybe Gates is going to work more with smaller companies? I’d love to see more affordable commuter options pop up with belt drives!
ladyfleur
September 20, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Can you have a belt drive that’s not a singlespeed or internal gear hub? Did Trek have a bike with a Nexus? I didn’t think they’ve done that but then again I haven’t been tracking it.
What makes the new District so different isn’t just the belt drive, it’s the overall look/feel. The new one seems like it would appeal to a completely different kind of rider, with the fenders and front rack/basket and all.
Psy
September 20, 2013 at 4:44 pm
(Replying up here because I can’t seem to reply to your post below!)
You can definitely use a Nexus hub – the Trek Soho used an 8 speed one when it was available. But there’s no other derailleur type shifting mechanism available yet, so it’s either internally geared hubs, single speed, or fixed gear. I think there are now Shimano Alfine hubs that go up to 14 speeds!
I do agree with you on the look and feel. Even the most recent District was definitely catering to a different crowd compared to their their new line, which definitely feels more muted.
Going back to your original post…while orange rims might not be practical for commuting, deep rims are tanks against train tracks and potholes, and the orange adds to visibility (and people treat you nicer around here if they think you’re a Giants fan :] )
DT
April 4, 2014 at 10:35 pm
Trek does have a 2013 / 2014 District S. It doesn’t have a belt drive bike. Instead they’ve gone back to using a chain: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/town/urban_utility/district/district_s/
ladyfleur
April 6, 2014 at 11:54 am
Yeah, I saw that. It’s a very different beast than the old District.