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WATERLOO, WI (BRAIN)—Trek Bicycle is introducing two new single speed urban bikes in January that will feature carbon composite belt drives instead of chains.

"We took a hard look at our urban line," said Eric Bjorling, Trek's lifestyle brand manager. "These bikes provide a lower barrier to entry with simple, low maintenance."

The 2009 Soho will retail for $990, while the District (pictured) will retail for $930.

Not only will these bikes be lighter without the chain, but the belts make them "incredibly quiet" while being durable, with the belts lasting the "lifetime of three chains," according to Bjorling. The belts are made by Gates Corporation, which makes belts for the automobile and motorcycle industries.

Spot Brand and Co-Motion also make bikes with belt drives.

These bikes were originally shown at TrekWorld and Eurobike.

"We took [retailer] surveys as to what the potential of these could be," Bjorling said. "Lots of dealers had interest around it."

—Jason Norman