"I'm not trying to be negative and completely endorse more people taking up cycling, however;Firstly, The gates belt is a great product and suits this bike perfectly, but you can't can call a chain "finicky" when the Gates belt relies on presice tension, there is even a tool made by Park for setting this. changing the gearing throuhg sproclet sizes requires a new belt as well.Yes sealed bearings are great, but $500, there aren't going to be stainless or even of a decent quality I bet. And how about the bearings in the pedals, just a plain steel axle to, not cromolly I'm sure.I'm also hoping the bolts  and spokes are stainless, handle bar and seat post are chrome plated to a high quality and the whole bike was put together with copper paste to prevent ceasing. all things that don't tend to happen for a bicycle that costs $500. Quick, ride it while its still smooth and shiny!"