The belt drive is gaining more significance in the cycling industry, yet the number of manufacturers is still relatively small. Taichung-based OmniTrans Technology Co. Ltd presents an intriguing solution.
As more people shift from cars to bikes, the belt drive is becoming increasingly popular. The reason is clear: it’s a quiet, clean, and low-maintenance alternative to the classic bike chain, offering many benefits, particularly for daily use and commuting. One company that showcased a new solution at last year’s Taichung Bike Week is the Taiwanese manufacturer OmniTrans Technology Co. Ltd with its product Omnitransbelt.
“We first introduced our Omnitransbelt system to the public in 2022,” said company founder and CEO Gordon Chen during our visit on day one of the show. He continued by explaining the belt’s composition: “On the one hand, it’s made of rubber, of course. Then there’s wear-resistant fabric, carbon fiber tension cords, and UV- and waterproof fabric. This mix makes our system particularly durable, with mileage of over 15,000 kilometers absolutely achievable,” he said.
Chen is well aware that the belt drive market is dominated by one major player, yet he believes that the Omnitransbelt solution – which, by the way, also includes the complete ecosystem, such as cranks or belt drive discs – has great potential. “We already have customers in France and the United States. This global interest is a testament to our product and the quality we provide,” he said. His goal for the future is to attract more international customers. “Belt drives have a bright future in the bicycle industry, so we see ourselves in a very strong position.”