Take a close look at this bike.  A real, hard look.  Notice anything different?  That’s not a chain you’re pulling when you turn that crank– its a belt.  Following suit from a trendsetting group of boutique bike builders, Trek has released its first series of fixed gear bikes with a belt-drive system, not a chain.  Belt-drive systems are lighter, quieter, firmer and less prone to stretching/breaking like the typical chain.  The Trek Soho Urban Commuter Bike is among the first major brand bikes to use this technology.  Personally, we might hold off until belt-drive is available on something a bit more sporty, like a Fuji Track Pro or even a Bianchi Pista.  While we wait for that, we’ve got to give Trek a friendly salute for this one.

Buy: $990