Conversion chain to Belt Nomad MK2

[jul]

Hi,

I plan to do this conversion on my Nomad MK2. I don't know if anyone has done this before..

A frame builder close where i live can adapt a coupler to my seat stay.

As well, i need to choose the adequat sprocket in order to get the same demultiplication that i've actually, either 36X16 and the correct belt length.

About to respect a correct chain line, i'm lost. Any information will be welcome

https://www.rohloff.de/en/service/handbook/speedhub/workshop/splined-carrier-lockring-conversion

Thanks

[Danneaux]

Julien,

You can avoid much of the trouble and expense of a Gates conversion if you wish to consider the "splittable" belt drive offered by Veer. No frame modification required.

Do a search of the Forum archives for "veer" (no quotes) and you'll see past posts about this. Company website here... https://www.veercycle.com/

Best, Dan

[WorldTourer]

I plan to do this conversion on my Nomad MK2. I don't know if anyone has done this before..

Why not just order a Nomad Mk3 that already has a splitter, and a better elliptical bottom-bracket design? (Or, if you are on the continent, one of the other touring/bikepacking frames that comes with a splitter.) You are already looking at hundreds of euro to install all the Gates belt-drive components, and people who can afford that may not find the price of a new frame too much to bear.

As well, i need to choose the adequat sprocket in order to get the same demultiplication that i've actually, either 36X16 and the correct belt length. About to respect a correct chain line, i'm lost. Any information will be welcome

This is why it is best to have the Gates drive installed by a shop that already specializes in belt drives (and they often specialize in splitters, too). They are already used to calculating all these things for customers.

While the other poster recommends Veer, if you plan on actually using the belt-drive Nomad as a serious expedition bike, then IMO it is advisable to go with the Gates belt drive, which has over a decade now of proven reliability all over the world.

[jul]

Ok thanks to your advise.

I study this option of belt transmission on my Nomad because simply I like it, I'm a sentimental   
What I like on the mk2, it is his slope top tube easy to step over and when I see the mk3, slope is almost non-existent.

But of course before to do this  gate conversion, I have to check the total amount, then I'll make my decision.

[mickeg]

Since a 73mm bottom bracket shell is unusual, you might find some common cranksets and bottom brackets might not work for the Nomad Mk II.

I think you should look at the crankset and bottom bracket that has been used for any belt drive Nomad Mk III bikes.  It would make your conversion simpler if you got the same one that SJS already knows works on a 73mm shell.

[PH]

Watching with interest, I'm belt curious, though it's an expensive curiosity to satisfy. Even with a frame ready to do it, it's still £250+.  I have enough chains and components to last me a few years, maybe when they run out I'll look at it again.

[JohnR]

Even with a frame ready to do it, it's still £250+.

And adjusting the gearing ratio in the future is another big bill.

[DIAGMONKEY]

JUL, How much were you quoted to modify the frame? Would that include re-painting and testing to make sure the frame is stiff enough to support carrying a heavy touring load and the belt drive?
Thanks

[WorldTourer]

Watching with interest, I'm belt curious, though it's an expensive curiosity to satisfy. Even with a frame ready to do it, it's still £250+.

The price is not much higher than a quality pair of expedition trousers like the Fjällräven Keb, and sometimes I joke, but half in earnest, that conversion to a belt drive was worth it just to never have the lower right leg on those expensive trousers stained ever again. Beyond that, simply being forever free of the cycle of oiling, then degreasing, then cleaning, then oiling again and replacing the chain after just a few thousand km, was worth the price for me personally.

[JohnR]

There is the Veer split belt drive which avoids the need to have an opening in the seat stay http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=14076.0.

[jul]

JUL, How much were you quoted to modify the frame? Would that include re-painting and testing to make sure the frame is stiff enough to support carrying a heavy touring load and the belt drive?
Thanks

For adding the splitter without painting : 170 euros

The specialist told me that you lose resistance after processing, but it's difficult to estimate in percentage.

[Andyb1]

Would not a simpler / cheaper / better solution to be to add a Hebie Chainglider…..
Or am I missing something here?
The Hebie gives longer chain life, clean trousers and is not expensive.

[DIAGMONKEY]

JUL, How much were you quoted to modify the frame? Would that include re-painting and testing to make sure the frame is stiff enough to support carrying a heavy touring load and the belt drive?
Thanks

For adding the splitter without painting : 170 euros

The specialist told me that you lose resistance after processing, but it's difficult to estimate in percentage.

I would probably email to Thorn and ask them for advice, I would think they would have a good idea if adding a splitter would cause any problems with the frame. They do now sell some belt drive bikes and parts, so may have already worked out some good solutions. Looks like it could end up being quite an expensive conversion, best to as sure as you can that things will go smoothly before having the frame work done.

[WorldTourer]

I would probably email to Thorn and ask them for advice, I would think they would have a good idea if adding a splitter would cause any problems with the frame. They do now sell some belt drive bikes and parts, so may have already worked out some good solutions.

Thorn sells the belt drive parts for the Nomad Mk3. I wouldn’t expect them to have much advice on modifying the Mk2, except to state what any frame maker will state: this process will void any warranty on the frame.

[DIAGMONKEY]

I would probably email to Thorn and ask them for advice, I would think they would have a good idea if adding a splitter would cause any problems with the frame. They do now sell some belt drive bikes and parts, so may have already worked out some good solutions.

Thorn sells the belt drive parts for the Nomad Mk3. I wouldn’t expect them to have much advice on modifying the Mk2, except to state what any frame maker will state: this process will void any warranty on the frame.

Thorn sell generic belt drive parts. They have all the information on both the Mk2 and Mk3 Nomads, as they specified the materials, the geometry and the way the frames were manufactured. They may well advise that it would void the warranty, They may strongly advise against it altogether, perhaps for good reasons. But they could just as easily provide some useful information on the best way to proceed with splitting the frame and with all of the other components required to complete the conversion. Every time I have contacted Thorn about anything they have always been very helpful. It will cost nothing to email the people that designed the frame, and it's belt drive compatible successor. Personally I would trust Thorns judgement on going ahead with the conversion or not, far more than a bunch of random people on the internet. I've heard Thorn know a thing or two about touring bikes!