If you’ve ever ridden a Surron Light Bee X, E Ride Pro SS, or a similar jackshaft bike, you’re probably familiar with the frustration of belts slipping or snapping mid-ride. Nothing halts a day on the trails like a broken belt. Luckily, chain drive conversions are here to save the day, offering durability and peace of mind for riders who demand reliability.
We tested the three most popular chain drive conversion kits from DirtyBike, Heavy Hitter, and Warp 9 to help you decide which is right for you. Here’s how they stack up.
Dirty Bike 219 Chain Drive Conversion Kit
DirtyBike’s 219 chain drive kit is all about balance: lighter, quieter, and versatile. Using a smaller RLV 219 o-ring racing chain (compared to most kits, that use a 420 chain) paired with steel sprockets, this kit is 20% lighter than the stock belt system. Installation is straightforward, with included shims ensuring proper sprocket alignment, and fits both the Surron Light Bee X and E Ride Pro SS.
Key Features:
- Noise Level: Peaked at 97.4 dB during testing, but generally between 90-95 dB. The smaller 219 chain has a slightly higher-pitched whine than the deeper 420 chain noise.
- Durability: Steel sprockets offer excellent longevity, while the o-ring chain keeps dirt out for reduced maintenance.
- Weight: 1.2 lbs—lightweight yet sturdy enough for off-road use up to 16 kW.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The gold sprockets and blue chain combo look great on the bike.
Best For: Riders looking for a lightweight, reliable chain drive that’s extremely quiet and suitable for both on- and off-road rides.
Heavy Hitter 420 Chain Drive Conversion Kit
The Heavy Hitter chain drive conversion kit lives up to its name, designed for riders who push their bikes to the limit. This is the lightest kit on the market, thanks to its 7075 T6 billet aluminum sprockets. However, aluminum’s lighter weight comes at the cost of durability, typically wearing faster than steel.
Key Features:
- Noise Level: Registered between 100-103.5 dB. Noticeably louder than the other kits, with a deeper pitch.
- Durability: Aluminum sprockets reduce weight but typically wear out faster than steel alternatives.
- Weight: Just over 1 lb, making it the lightest option in our test.
- Chain: Comes with a high-quality o-ring chain.
Best For: Hard chargers, ahem, Heavy Hitters, who prioritize weight savings and peak performance over longevity.
Warp 9 Chain Drive Conversion Kit
Warp 9’s Warp Drive kit strikes a balance between durability and noise reduction, using steel sprockets with vulcanized rubber dampener rings to minimize noise. This innovative design makes it quieter than other 420 kits, even if it can’t match the near-silence of a belt drive.
Key Features:
- Noise Level: Came in at a peak of 95.4 dB during testing. Which is the quietest of the group, but has a different pitch than the closest competitor, the DirtyBike 219 chain kit.
- Durability: Steel sprockets ensure a long lifespan, and the rubber dampeners reduce chain noise.
- Chain Type: Includes a KMC 420 o-ring chain.
- Compatibility: Currently fits only the Surron Light Bee X.
Best For: Surron Light Bee X riders looking for a quieter chain drive without sacrificing durability.
Our Final Thoughts
All of these kits performed well and gave us no issue during installation or during our ride tests. If you’re wanting to replace the belt drive on your lightweight electric dirt bike, each of these kits has its strengths, catering to different types of riders:
- Dirty Bike: Best overall for a balance of weight, noise, and durability. Options available for both Surron and E Ride Pro riders.
- Heavy Hitter: Ideal for performance-focused riders who want the lightest possible setup. Options available for both Surron and E Ride Pro riders.
- Warp 9: Perfect for those who value noise reduction and durability over weight savings. Options available only for Surron at the time of our test.
Regardless of your choice, any of these chain drive conversions will offer a significant upgrade in reliability compared to the stock belt drive.
