Zed’s Take: Someone finally did the math. Chains, cassettes, chainrings, lube, degreaser, tools, time… it adds up to more than the price difference of a belt drive bike. But sure, belt bikes are ‘expensive.’
Source: Road.cc
A detailed cost analysis of maintaining a chain drivetrain over five years of regular cycling. Including replacement chains, cassettes, chainrings, lubricants, and cleaning products, the total easily exceeds €500-800 — often more than the price premium of a belt drive bicycle.