Reading time: 5 min · By the KOMUT Bikes team
Derailleur, internal gear hub, Enviolo, belt: the drivetrain makes a big difference to how an e-bike rides and how much care it needs. Here are the differences, in plain terms, so you can choose.
In short
- Derailleur : efficient, the most gears.
- Hub : shift while stopped.
- Belt : clean, quiet, low maintenance.
- Advice and servicing in our workshops.
01
The three main systems
Each has its strengths.
Chain and derailleur
The classic
The derailleur moves the chain from one sprocket to another. It is the most common system, efficient and affordable.
- Very efficient
- Wide gear range
- Regular upkeep
Hub gears or Enviolo
Urban comfort
The gears are sealed inside the rear hub, protected from water and dirt. The Shimano Nexus has fixed gears, the Enviolo continuous variation.
- Shift while stopped
- Low maintenance
- Narrower gear range
Belt
Clean and quiet
A carbon belt replaces the chain. It is paired with a hub gear or a Pinion gearbox. No grease, no noise.
- No lubrication
- Very long life
- Higher purchase price
02
The comparison in one table
| Derailleur | Hub / Enviolo | Belt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Regular | Low | Very low |
| Shift when stopped | No | Yes | Yes |
| Noise | Slight | Low | Silent |
| Ideal for | Sport, hills | City, cargo | Daily commuting |
The KOMUT tip
For a cargo bike or city bike used every day in Brussels, an Enviolo hub or a belt will save you time and upkeep. For sporty or very hilly riding, a derailleur is still the most versatile.
03
Looking after your drivetrain
Chain
- Clean and lube the chain regularly, especially after rain.
- Have its wear measured: a worn chain damages the sprockets.
Belt
- Check the tension about once a month.
- Simply clean it with water, no grease.
Hub
- Have it checked at your bike's annual service.
Servicing at KOMUT
Our workshops service all these drivetrains. Discover our servicing and repair packages.
Servicing and repairs Our stores
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
A chain is efficient, affordable and offers the most gears. A belt is clean, quiet and needs very little maintenance, ideal for daily city rides.
Yes, with an internal gear hub or a continuously variable hub. Very handy at traffic lights. With a derailleur, you need to pedal to shift.
Clean and lube it regularly, especially after rain, and have wear checked at each service. A worn chain also wears out the sprockets.
It is a continuously variable hub: instead of fixed gears, it adjusts the ratio smoothly, with no jolts. Some versions even shift automatically.
Feel the difference in store
Derailleur, Enviolo or belt: try them in our three stores and choose with confidence.
KOMUT Uccle
Rue Vanderkindere 438, 1180 Uccle
KOMUT Saint-Gilles
Chaussée de Charleroi 190, 1060 Saint-Gilles
KOMUT Stockel
Av. Baron Albert d'Huart 10, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm · Free test ride, no appointment