Gazelle's Arroyo offers a belt drive, continuous variable transmission

"A little while back, we took a look at a large cargo bike from Urban Arrow that had some interesting features: a drive train that sported continuous variable gearing and a belt drive. But it was difficult to get a feel for what using that drivetrain was like when it was being used to shift a large and extremely heavy cargo bike. So, I jumped at the opportunity when Urban Arrow's sister company, Gazelle, offered a chance to ride one of its new Arroyo models, which feature the same drivetrain, but this time coupled to a fairly standard commuter bike."

"Getting rid of all the weight and bulk really allowed the drive system to shine. And, as with its cargo-carrying cousin, the bike is filled with thoughtful touches and design decisions that make riding it a pleasure. But all that comes at a cost: This is a premium bike with little in the way of compromises, and it's priced accordingly."

"Gazelle offers three versions of the Arroyo, with the low end having a traditional chain drive and a lower-powered electric assist for $3,000. We looked at the top-of-the-range C380 Elite, which tacks an extra $1,500 onto the price but gets you a more powerful Bosch motor (75 Nm of torque), a better display, and the belt drive. The motor itself is a mid-drive with a torque sensor, a configuration that tends to provide the best"

The Gazelle Arroyo is a high-end commuter e-bike family designed for urban and suburban riding with a step-through frame, large rack, fenders, and an upright riding stance. A continuous variable drivetrain paired with a belt drive delivers smooth shifting that becomes more apparent without heavy cargo. The bike emphasizes pedaling rather than throttle-assisted riding and provides electric assistance while still requiring rider effort. Three versions are available, with the base model using a traditional chain and lower-powered assist priced at $3,000. The top C380 Elite adds $1,500 for a Bosch mid-drive (75 Nm), a better display, and the belt drive. The motor uses a torque sensor.

Read at Ars Technica