Any experience with shaft driven bikes?
I own &amp; ride an XDS COM10 2014 bike. This is fitted with a Sussex (Taiwan) shaft drive transmission &amp; Shimano Nexus 8 speed hub gear.

I have used it regularly for over a year &amp; travelled about 4000km on it without any issues . It works perfectly, smooth  &amp; quiet.I thought it was very reasonably priced at about AUD700 brand new on-line.
It is very similar to ride as a Trek S500 2007 Nexus 8 speed chain drive bike I own, only without the chain maintenance. I intend to fit it with Shimano Roller brakes like the Trek S500 which would make it about as maintenance free as one could get with a bike.

Downside would be the proprietary nature of the shaft drive system but it appears to be a high quality product &amp; I think it will be durable But I didn't pay that much for the bike anyway &amp; bought it because of the unique factor.

The front drive is totally sealed, the rear drive well protected &amp; both are well lubricated. It is the same system used for more than 20 years by Dynamic Bicycles USA.
Removing/replacing the rear wheel is easy &amp; easier than the chain drive Trek bike.

I note that there is plenty of negative opinion about this type of bike but it seems to come from people who have not actually experienced using them, which is disappointing as I think they have a lot going for them for recreational/commuting use, as do internal hub gear bikes in general.

It works for me !