Around November this year, my wife and I were wanting another bike and we almost went with the HXT. We decided against it for a few reasons: 1. The smart shift was too new. 2. We already have Enduro bikes. 3. We were looking to do more urban riding ,possibly bike packing/touring. So, we sided with the Priority 600 and we love it! Ryan, YOU sold us on the Pinion and Gates drive train! We love our 600's and can't wait to see more people adopt this drive train!
First thought was, 'Oh man, but for bikepacking, charging the gear box is going to be tricky.' Then you said around 6 months of battery charge nice!!! beatiful bike!
I'm glad you're promoting this bike, it's a beast and if I wanted anyone to do an independent review it would be you my guy! That bike is a beast and hopefully I can buy it sometime soon :]
Started mountain biking in 1990 and still haven't owned or ridden a full-suspension bike. Hardtails are fun. I'm a climber and not a big downhill rider.
Glad to see Priority continuing to stay on top of new tech. I'm happy with the Priority 600 I have, but I'd love to have the new under load shifting, gearbox and smart shift. I don't need the suspension forks and I hate HATE tubeless. I recommend Schwalbe Marathon Plus for pavement riding. Literally never had a flat on the 3 sets I have owned. Contrast that with 3 flats in the first few hundred miles on the WTB tubeless.
Tubeless gets expensive and it you do not break and reseal the tire once a year by the time the second year is past you may have a very hard time repairing a flat. I ride a 4.8 fatbike tire. I know many people who switched from tubeless back to tubes. The tubeless glue can get heavy, heaver than a good light tube. Many rim tire combos do not go well together and that costs more money to get a combo that works.
Hardtails are awesome. Gotta love that connection with the earth. Props to Priority for working around suspension and still including thoughtful technology! Feels like that would be a great bike for some of the trails and exploring here in the Yucatan.
When I first rode my 600x I didn’t realize you had to let up on the pedaling for a split second to shift. Now I’m used to it of course, but e-shifting seems like a cool solution on this one.
I wish your channel good fortune. Your videos are unique, entertaining and get us out there. Please keep on getting out there. No wheelies, that could bring things to a sudden end.
Great review, Ryan, fun to see you ride something itty bitty more technical than we're used to seeing you doing in your videos 🙂 Man, I'd love me one of those gear boxes!
Amazing that this is your first video (that I know of) riding a mountain bike on mountain bike trails. Hopefully not the last. That's a really smart move by Priority. The grip shift is a deal killer for any kind of technical riding. Will be a cold day in hell before I'll ever ride a aluminium hard tail frame, but maybe there is a titanium or steel version in the future.
Ryan is being modest. A lot of his bikepacking videos include technical single track. He took the 600x on the CT and finished the very technical trail in extremely respectable time.
Ryan, Alee from Cycling About and Nomad Trails (sorry, do not know his name) are the three channels which, if they recommend something, I have absolutely no doubt in taking their word because unlike cheapo influencers who read out of a spec sheet and drop marketing terms like a west coast rapper, these guys actually test their components to the limit.
This bike is awesome!!! I would have benefitted from the pinion shifting today! I was on a trail ride on my Trek 1120 then all of a sudden around a blind turn there was very creasy mud and all kinds of stuff got thrown up in my rear derailleur for a while it was all seized up. I couldn't pedal forward or backward and could not shift at all. I had to get my tire lever out to dig in the derailleur then finally after 10 minutes I was able to get going but junk is still stuck I could barely use gears 1, 2 and 3. Hoping in the morning I can get it back to shifting nice and smooth and now there's snow falling, that will be a fun ride!! But anyway! thanks for a preview of this bike! Maybe someday I can get one!
The industry also has a pinion gear box combined with an e-motor! I wish someone would develop a more affordable (< $2500)e-touring bicycle that also can carry up to 400+lbs and is dual battery capable as for the larger sized rims rather than the 20" rims. I am seeking something that will deal with 400+lbs, used for travel on various terrain (flat pavement, asphalt, too hard packed dirt trails- fire roads) which can also be used for recreational fitness/exercise when not long distance touring and it will have a longer lengthed cargo rack at rear of bicycle.
I think you might be looking for a fat bike. Fat bikes like mine can carry 400 pounds. It has a rack but no a long cargo style rack. But the pinion gear box by itself is like $2000 so you won’t find anything with a pinion gear box and a e-bike battery / motor for less than $4k.
Love it…and Pinion has a new e-bike option. Without giving away secrets, how soon before you test ride one of those Priority bad boys? I’m so looking forward to a great ebike with a belt drive. I’m riding a Specialized Levo SL and I enjoy it, but belt drive is the way to go when a good one is available.
I bought a Trek Rail 7 a couple years ago and have been planning to switch that one to a Rohloff E12 with a gates carbon drive sometime in the first half of next year if all goes to plan. My local bike shop owner is excited to work with me on getting that conversion done on it, although it looks like I’ll probably have the only one in the world at this point. When I saw the new Pinion offering recently with basically a similar e-bike motor built into the 12 speed drive train, man… that got me pretty excited for the future! I’d almost rather have that than have to do the conversion on my Trek, but I have what I have so I’ll have to do this instead for now. Still, I’ll be jealous of anyone who gets to start out with the new Pinion system! That thing looks like it’s going to be amazing!
Under load was what I was waiting for. Your other bikes I would remember youd mention you had to stop pedaling when shifting. Does that work? Yes. Is it hard to get used to? No. But it is unusual, and I always wondered if theyd be working on this new design. Why not? Its the next logical step. So this sounds great and thanks for the video. I hope to add one of these someday
Looks like a great bike. I am curious how it manages to be so heavy though 34 lbs for the medium is 15.5 kg. There are plenty of Al hardtails with derailleurs coming in 4-5 kg lighter (So 1/4 to 1/3 of the entire weight of the Priority bike lighter) at half the price. Is the weight penalty to going with a Pinion with an added battery that outrageously high or has this frame been built to be ridden very hard while overloaded without any threat of failing? Apart from the weight, this bike without electrical shifting would be very interesting to me. I have no interest in adding anything that relies on a battery to my drivetrain, though from what I hear the manual Pinion shifting force is very high compared to derailleur drivetrains, and I personally much prefer lever based shifting to grip shift, so the electronic setup is at least solving those problems, but only by adding an obsolescence time bomb in the form of electronics and a temperature sensitive, degrading battery to the system. The very high backlash in the gearbox is the other thing that could be a complete deal breaker for Pinion drivetrains. I don't know whether it would be an issue for me because I've never got to ride one 😞.
I want to hate it but I think I’d probably like it. I do see the advantage of the belt and gear box, if it’s not to heavy. Having to stop pedaling to shift was a deal breaker for me so being able to shift on the fly is of course the change this bike needed. I’ll be watching to see where you take it for it’s cross country test.
hello I'm in the early stages of planning a coast to coast trip been watching your videos. What time of year to do recommend leaving Pennsylvania and heading west?
Thanks for the video. I have been waiting to decide if I go 600X or 600HXT. U just confirmed that the HXT is the bikepacking bike for me. I rode an R&M with electric shifting Rohloff and manual shifting post that feels redonculous.
Sorry, we’re keeping the 600x all manual. Smart shift is awesome, but packing a charger on long adventures is just another thing that can be lost or broken ;)
Thanks for the great intro video!!! Okay. I’m intrigued, but I’m an Iowa Ragbrai guy. Two questions: #1) Which Priority Pinion bike would you recommend for strictly road biking like Ragbrai and paved trails? Note: I currently ride a heavy-ish FELT road bike (only front carbon fork). I really like the fit of my FELT, which I think comes from being in a “road bike” posture. …and #2) I’ve been playing with the idea of getting out on the gravel roads of Iowa and the non-paved trails. This could lead to some adventure touring if I dig it (I think I will). That’s it! Make my picks and two sentences as to why. I watch a lot of your videos, so I have my guesses as to what you’ll say, but time and technology are always marching on. Thanks Ryan!
I have the 600X and hope to take it bikepacking outside of Europe or North America some day, mainly due to the idea that it will be more reliable for remote locations. I'll use my Rocky Mountain Vertex where bike parts are easily accessible, which is significantly lighter and more efficient. I bought a rigid carbon fork to replace the Wren 100 mm fork on the 600X to save weight, required no maintenance, and also has integrated tripple mounts, ideal for longer distance riding where suspension is rarely required. Things I don't like about the Pinion 600: 1) The 600 % gear range and 18% gear steps are too wide when changing to the next gear. The step is either too easy or too hard, which creates a loss in biomechanical efficiency. A 500% gear range would be better and you could replace the cogs to suit your riding, and 2) It feels like I am riding through mud, it is always feels slower than my chained bike. It's like I am riding a spin bike, where you can't stop pedaling or or you will lose momentum. I would like to see Priority will make a bikepacking bike with: 1) e-shift, 2) 100 mm suspension, which would be make a better bikepacking bike, which could be replaced with a rigid carbon fork, 3) 25 mm I.D. rims, which would make is more responsive, and 4) Unlikely, but with the Pinion 18 e-shift?, or Pinion 12 with 500% gear range, so this is a Pinion issue.
What's your opinion on converting the flat bars on this bike to drop bars for use as a gravel bike? I live in FL and the trails are not as technical as Heil Ranch (Near Boulder) for example. Thanks for you educated opinion.
I personally like flat bars, they’re more comfortable for me on technical trails…but I imagine that drops would work on this rig. Write to Priority and see what they think.
Excellent review especially the insights into Eddie's thinking. The way forward is clear. Despite the fact that it isn't really designed for bikepacking, loaning an HXT to me for the 2024 Tour Divide would be a great test of both functionality & reliability. I'd be happy to be burdened with this chore😁
Gotten yourself a dot-watcher, here. You should ride the TD with Amelia, the two of you riding officially as a pair. By the way, for God sake buy that girl a proper saddle ! You know, these saddles specifically designed for women. Wishing you and your loved ones a merry Christmas 🎄!
When i first seen this and the term hard core I thought sweet.. looking at the geo, it's not a hardcore hard tail , which is essentially an Enduro bike these days . This is a sweet trail geo bike though. Im thinking about getting one and turning it into a mullet.. Either 26x.2.4 maybe 3.0 or 27.5 2.8
I tried to get the bike to the Netherlands......Unfortunately its really expensive. Bike is 3500, Priority calculates 650 shipping costs= total 4150,- Then all the taxes [customs, vat] are calculated on that price. I can only give a rough nr calculated for the Netherlands; In total it would cost me 5400,- Euro/5950,- dollar So, be very sure to check your customs!
A gearbox made in Germany that crosses twice the Atlantic (Customs duties, anyone?) doesn’t help. Perhaps Priority could have a 🇪🇺 dealer they could ship frames *sans* gearbox doing the final assembly of their bikes gearbox sourced direct from Germany ??
Any chance the Apollo will one day come with the Pinion Smart Shift (replacing the Shimano Alfine)? Seems like a match made in heaven for gravel and touring.
I asked this very question of Priority and they gave me a cheeky reply, along the lines of, "Well, you never know!" Which I interpret as meaning, "Yes, we're working on it." A drop bar touring bike with a Pinion would be fantastic (I think Co-Motion makes them). A drop bar gravel bike with a Pinion though, I'm not sure. Most people want to ride gravel light and fast, and the Pinion system, although amazing (I have a 600X), is less efficient than a derailleur.
Sorry no. I mean when you initiate a pedal stroke, I’ve heard a Pinion and associated hub have a little delay, a little “slop” if you will. Whereas traditional chain + cassette tighter when starting from a stop or when climbing start/stop rocky stuff.
REALLY intrigued by a Gates belt drive hardtail with electronic shifting. The bike looks very thoughtfully-spec'd too. It would be interesting to see this built with a titanium frame. Priority needs to re-think their current model-naming protocol though.
Ti at least doubles the price. If it is welded in USA, it might be x3 or x4. And the Pinion dropout also makes things complicated. I don't think that a lot of people would buy a frame for 4-5000€.
@@fpeter01I'm not going to say you're wrong, but I know for a fact you're not entirely right. Sure you can find brands that cost as much as you say, but I can name specific US brands that sells Ti frames in the $2100 - $2500 (right now one of them is discounted and you can get a frame for a rediculous $1750) range and complete builds for anything between $4650 to $6k. Pluss, at the same price point, there are several UK brands that would put double heartbeats on those who are in the market for Ti trailbikes. The bikes I'm talking about are all in the same segment as the HTX, with some of them even just as suited for bikepacking as even the 600X. Out of respect for the maker and content of this video, I'm not going to put any names or brands out there but you can find everything you need to know about the bikes I'm talking about from a rather well known guy over in Sedona, AZ, who also happens to have a channel here on the tube ;-) BUT, NONE of them comes with the Pinion & Gates CD 🙂
@@asbjrnkristiansen429 I bought a Ti frame for 1100€ on a discount. Shipping/tax and everything else and it wento to 1,5x sum. Without this discount I couln't afford one. Ti has a better resell value if I don't like it.
It looks great, but I am worried about battery life. Do you have any input there? Also, if the gearbox is weather-tight, why is there so little oil that comes out during oil changes? I always worry that I'm overfilling, but it seems to be just fine.
Hey Ryan good job on the vid there is a lot to like on the bike one question is does it feel like it has more drag that a normal deraileur system and is the engagement ie poe hub engagement instant thanks . ✌👍
This will be interesting. I can't think of any other bike with this tech on an Alu frame. The only other ones I can think of are Ti. This will be an interesting market test. Esp since they built it up for a proper modern trail hardtail.
How does the sizing compare to the 600X - does it run large or...? You ride a medium in the 600X - would you ride a medium with the HXT or your normal MTB size of large?
Thank you Ryan - I have a HXT on order. I would like to get your thoughts regarding the 600X sizing and some generalities for touring. This isn't the right venue to do so, however if you do any consulting let me know. I have a 600X (large) and it puts a smile on my face everytime I am on it. I really am looking forward to riding the HXT.
Just last summer the SRAM NX stock derailleur on my Santa Cruz Chameleon was ripped into pieces from a small twig that kicked up off the ground. I couldn't even find one of the jockey wheels. It took less than a second for that to happen and that's $100+ out the window. And I don't have to tell you that Chameleon's are not cheap bikes. I bought that bike because the frame is as perfect of a fit that I can find on any bike; road, gravel, or mountain bike. The Fox 34 Fork that Priority is putting on this bike is the exact fork I have on the Chameleon. The only thing missing from my bike is that bomb proof drivetrain that you cannot get with an external gear system. That bike would be absolutely perfect with a Pinon Gear Box on it. So, from where I'm sitting, this is way over due. And I have personally written to Santa Cruz and several other frame manufacturers about this. I do not want to have to monkey with derailleurs and bent hangers and....blah blah blah just to have something that works and does not get destroyed by the smallest hazard on the trails. I do have to say that the geo on that Priority frame is not ideal for me and I probably would hate the feel. Also, I am quite partial to my 27.5 Raceface Turbines 35m wheels, sdg tellis dropper post, and my SRAM level brakes. All of those components are very nice. I have zero complaints about them. And lord knows I have hunted to get my stem, bars, and grips setup exactly how I need them. Hopefully Priority commits to building some more of these with more geo and component options. If they do, they would be on my list for buying my next bike....which I will definitely be doing in the next two years.
Very cool bike, enjoy it, I think you will notice an increase in energy levels, especially uphill. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm 53yrs old and when I was growing up they didn't have a lot of suspension bikes and when they came out with front suspension I had to have one, when they came out with rear suspension I had to have one. At the time I was told that the full suspension was meant mostly for downhill and I would noticed a little harder to go uphill because of the rear squatting Everytime you peddle, would make sense. And with experience I did notice on my downhill on a hard tail on rocky terrain my eyeball would shake and lose vision of my path, the rear suspension bike took that away. But that's the only time I felt you needed full suspension. Going back to a hard tail it just felt more efficient. More energy uphill especially. I think when a full suspension bike came out it had the cool factor and everyone had to have one. It's hard to convince the public what bike is good what what conditions you ride, they are going to buy what they want even if they know it's probably not the right fit for there riding style. I think your going to love the hard tail. Your not hitting huge jumps and your not going 100mph downhill. Your perfect fit. I realize today that you get a bike that performs to your riding style. That shifting sounds amazing. I like that you can shift under load. That's a game changer. Is there any way to talk to you direct. I'd love to talk to you about this bike. Thanks, keep up the good work.
You'll probably need to contact Priority on weight limit. That said, you could learn on this bike but you need to understand its a quite modern design. Its not going to ride like any bike you've likely ridden in your past. It might not also be the best for the terrain you're going to encounter in ND. You might see what a local shop says. This bike will be at home in places like Sedona, or a bike park.
My New Year’s resolution is to learn to wheelie this bike!
How's this new year's resolution coming along?
Around November this year, my wife and I were wanting another bike and we almost went with the HXT. We decided against it for a few reasons:
1. The smart shift was too new.
2. We already have Enduro bikes.
3. We were looking to do more urban riding ,possibly bike packing/touring.
So, we sided with the Priority 600 and we love it! Ryan, YOU sold us on the Pinion and Gates drive train! We love our 600's and can't wait to see more people adopt this drive train!
Right on!! The 600 is an awesome bike, I ride mine everyday
@@duzer shout out from Arvada, CO!
I went with the 600 as well, and I love it! Ryan was a big help with that decision for me,, too :)
First thought was, 'Oh man, but for bikepacking, charging the gear box is going to be tricky.' Then you said around 6 months of battery charge nice!!! beatiful bike!
I'm glad you're promoting this bike, it's a beast and if I wanted anyone to do an independent review it would be you my guy! That bike is a beast and hopefully I can buy it sometime soon :]
I’ve been having a ton of fun on this bike!
I have a 600 for two years now and it is my favorite bike . Love the belt drive and piñon gear box . Thank you Ryan .
Nice! I love mine too
Started mountain biking in 1990 and still haven't owned or ridden a full-suspension bike. Hardtails are fun. I'm a climber and not a big downhill rider.
I hear you! They’re way fun
Man! That gearbox is a total game changer. Expensive but I want one!!!!!
Been following for years. You’re THE biking authority as far as I’m concerned. Indomitable Spirit. Oh-Lay into the future!
With the experience you've had with these incredible machines , I cannot think of anyone better qualified or suited to promote this bike.
Thanks, my friend
Glad to see Priority continuing to stay on top of new tech. I'm happy with the Priority 600 I have, but I'd love to have the new under load shifting, gearbox and smart shift. I don't need the suspension forks and I hate HATE tubeless. I recommend Schwalbe Marathon Plus for pavement riding. Literally never had a flat on the 3 sets I have owned. Contrast that with 3 flats in the first few hundred miles on the WTB tubeless.
Tubeless gets expensive and it you do not break and reseal the tire once a year by the time the second year is past you may have a very hard time repairing a flat. I ride a 4.8 fatbike tire. I know many people who switched from tubeless back to tubes. The tubeless glue can get heavy, heaver than a good light tube. Many rim tire combos do not go well together and that costs more money to get a combo that works.
Hardtails are awesome. Gotta love that connection with the earth. Props to Priority for working around suspension and still including thoughtful technology! Feels like that would be a great bike for some of the trails and exploring here in the Yucatan.
Couldn't agree more!
Fun to see you in YOUR garage as a back drop. Interesting new Pinion and Priority development.
I love my new garage!
When I first rode my 600x I didn’t realize you had to let up on the pedaling for a split second to shift. Now I’m used to it of course, but e-shifting seems like a cool solution on this one.
Yeah, it’s quick to adapt to, I don’t even think about it anymore
Thank you Ryan, nice ride there!!! Love Priority!
I wish your channel good fortune. Your videos are unique, entertaining and get us out there. Please keep on getting out there.
No wheelies, that could bring things to a sudden end.
That’s cool! Thanks for your support
Ordered mine - looking forward to riding the trails on it, my current mtn bike is 21 years old. Thanks Ryan, really liked your Sweden trip!
Right on!! You’re gonna love it
Good to see this. From what I read, it looks like it will make drop bar conversions easier. Hope Priority also brings a gravel bike with that gearbox.
Me too!
Great review, Ryan, fun to see you ride something itty bitty more technical than we're used to seeing you doing in your videos 🙂 Man, I'd love me one of those gear boxes!
My roots are in mountain biking, I love it…but I don’t often film my mtb rides
Amazing that this is your first video (that I know of) riding a mountain bike on mountain bike trails. Hopefully not the last. That's a really smart move by Priority. The grip shift is a deal killer for any kind of technical riding. Will be a cold day in hell before I'll ever ride a aluminium hard tail frame, but maybe there is a titanium or steel version in the future.
There’s some other mountain bike vids out there, but not many ;)
Ryan is being modest. A lot of his bikepacking videos include technical single track. He took the 600x on the CT and finished the very technical trail in extremely respectable time.
I’m stoked! January can’t get here fast enough!
You’re in for a treat!!
@@duzer i'm planning on doing the durango-moab hut trip in a few years and I think this rig will be awesome for it
Ryan, Alee from Cycling About and Nomad Trails (sorry, do not know his name) are the three channels which, if they recommend something, I have absolutely no doubt in taking their word because unlike cheapo influencers who read out of a spec sheet and drop marketing terms like a west coast rapper, these guys actually test their components to the limit.
Haha, thanks! I have no idea what a west coast rapper is 😂😂
This bike is awesome!!! I would have benefitted from the pinion shifting today! I was on a trail ride on my Trek 1120 then all of a sudden around a blind turn there was very creasy mud and all kinds of stuff got thrown up in my rear derailleur for a while it was all seized up. I couldn't pedal forward or backward and could not shift at all. I had to get my tire lever out to dig in the derailleur then finally after 10 minutes I was able to get going but junk is still stuck I could barely use gears 1, 2 and 3. Hoping in the morning I can get it back to shifting nice and smooth and now there's snow falling, that will be a fun ride!! But anyway! thanks for a preview of this bike! Maybe someday I can get one!
Oh man! I’ve had that happen before, always a bummer. Happy trails!
That's a great addition to their menu of bikes
The industry also has a pinion gear box combined with an e-motor! I wish someone would develop a more affordable (< $2500)e-touring bicycle that also can carry up to 400+lbs and is dual battery capable as for the larger sized rims rather than the 20" rims. I am seeking something that will deal with 400+lbs, used for travel on various terrain (flat pavement, asphalt, too hard packed dirt trails- fire roads) which can also be used for recreational fitness/exercise when not long distance touring and it will have a longer lengthed cargo rack at rear of bicycle.
I think you might be looking for a fat bike. Fat bikes like mine can carry 400 pounds. It has a rack but no a long cargo style rack. But the pinion gear box by itself is like $2000 so you won’t find anything with a pinion gear box and a e-bike battery / motor for less than $4k.
Excited to see one in action. Can’t wait for mine to show up.
You’re gonna love it
Love it…and Pinion has a new e-bike option. Without giving away secrets, how soon before you test ride one of those Priority bad boys? I’m so looking forward to a great ebike with a belt drive. I’m riding a Specialized Levo SL and I enjoy it, but belt drive is the way to go when a good one is available.
I bought a Trek Rail 7 a couple years ago and have been planning to switch that one to a Rohloff E12 with a gates carbon drive sometime in the first half of next year if all goes to plan. My local bike shop owner is excited to work with me on getting that conversion done on it, although it looks like I’ll probably have the only one in the world at this point.
When I saw the new Pinion offering recently with basically a similar e-bike motor built into the 12 speed drive train, man… that got me pretty excited for the future! I’d almost rather have that than have to do the conversion on my Trek, but I have what I have so I’ll have to do this instead for now. Still, I’ll be jealous of anyone who gets to start out with the new Pinion system! That thing looks like it’s going to be amazing!
I’m not sure when priority will use Pinion for an e-bike…but you’ll be the first to know ;)
Good Luck with your build! @@babybirdhome
Ryan I am in Baja thanks to you! Thanks for the inspiration. Think a priority bike will be my next
Right on!! Hope you’re loving it down there
18:50 Ryan, have you done a "Side by side" comparison of the HXT Vs the 600X? Nevermind. I need to learn patience.
Under load was what I was waiting for. Your other bikes I would remember youd mention you had to stop pedaling when shifting. Does that work? Yes. Is it hard to get used to? No. But it is unusual, and I always wondered if theyd be working on this new design. Why not? Its the next logical step. So this sounds great and thanks for the video. I hope to add one of these someday
It’s pretty awesome!
I can't remember seeing a video of you with a full suspension bike. I've always known you as a hardtail rider.
My full suspension is my daily mountain bike ripper, I don’t tend to film those adventures
Looks like a great bike. I am curious how it manages to be so heavy though 34 lbs for the medium is 15.5 kg. There are plenty of Al hardtails with derailleurs coming in 4-5 kg lighter (So 1/4 to 1/3 of the entire weight of the Priority bike lighter) at half the price. Is the weight penalty to going with a Pinion with an added battery that outrageously high or has this frame been built to be ridden very hard while overloaded without any threat of failing?
Apart from the weight, this bike without electrical shifting would be very interesting to me. I have no interest in adding anything that relies on a battery to my drivetrain, though from what I hear the manual Pinion shifting force is very high compared to derailleur drivetrains, and I personally much prefer lever based shifting to grip shift, so the electronic setup is at least solving those problems, but only by adding an obsolescence time bomb in the form of electronics and a temperature sensitive, degrading battery to the system.
The very high backlash in the gearbox is the other thing that could be a complete deal breaker for Pinion drivetrains. I don't know whether it would be an issue for me because I've never got to ride one 😞.
Something I didn't know about and now the next proverbial N+1
I want to hate it but I think I’d probably like it. I do see the advantage of the belt and gear box, if it’s not to heavy. Having to stop pedaling to shift was a deal breaker for me so being able to shift on the fly is of course the change this bike needed. I’ll be watching to see where you take it for it’s cross country test.
The shifting is smooooooth! I probably won’t use this bike on any long term adventures though…that’s what the 600x is for
3 decades in the MTB saddle plus tyres have nailed it for me hardtail forever. Shame priority aren't available in the UK the look awesome
Wish there were more frameset options for the pinion gearboxes.
hello I'm in the early stages of planning a coast to coast trip been watching your videos. What time of year to do recommend leaving Pennsylvania and heading west?
I’d wait until it’s nice and warm, I’m not a fan of riding in the cold. Have fun!!
When is priority going to get the MGU??? And i wish they gave 30 mm id rims option...
Thanks for the video. I have been waiting to decide if I go 600X or 600HXT. U just confirmed that the HXT is the bikepacking bike for me. I rode an R&M with electric shifting Rohloff and manual shifting post that feels redonculous.
Maybe Eddie can be the guy to finally build my dream- the Priority Tricycle. Think about it!
Bro no jokes that is a dream bike it’s way out of my league I’m afraid either way love it Bike life !!!!!!!
It’s a sweeet machine
Are there any plans to make a full suspension? I didn't see anything on the website.
Can cold weather drain the battery?
Any word on whether there will be a version of the 600X with smart shift? I'd buy that.
Just finished the video ;--)
Sorry, we’re keeping the 600x all manual. Smart shift is awesome, but packing a charger on long adventures is just another thing that can be lost or broken ;)
I want it… Probably won’t be to afford it but I want it!!
Great vid Ryan! What size is this bike?
17:28 the spitted image of guile from street fighter II 90' videogame 😁
😂😂😂
Thanks for the great intro video!!!
Okay. I’m intrigued, but I’m an Iowa Ragbrai guy. Two questions: #1) Which Priority Pinion bike would you recommend for strictly road biking like Ragbrai and paved trails? Note: I currently ride a heavy-ish FELT road bike (only front carbon fork). I really like the fit of my FELT, which I think comes from being in a “road bike” posture. …and #2) I’ve been playing with the idea of getting out on the gravel roads of Iowa and the non-paved trails. This could lead to some adventure touring if I dig it (I think I will). That’s it! Make my picks and two sentences as to why. I watch a lot of your videos, so I have my guesses as to what you’ll say, but time and technology are always marching on. Thanks Ryan!
The 600! Great on pavement, and can also handle a bit of gravel
That was too easy! 🙂@@duzer
Nice bike my next one from my priority 600x
Tell Eddie we want a very long range, step through cargo ebike with at least an optional throttle please.
Back to the 600x, are they ever build an xs for us shorties? My dream bike but it's not reality until they make a smaller.
I’m not sure on that, write to priority and ask
I have the 600X and hope to take it bikepacking outside of Europe or North America some day, mainly due to the idea that it will be more reliable for remote locations. I'll use my Rocky Mountain Vertex where bike parts are easily accessible, which is significantly lighter and more efficient. I bought a rigid carbon fork to replace the Wren 100 mm fork on the 600X to save weight, required no maintenance, and also has integrated tripple mounts, ideal for longer distance riding where suspension is rarely required.
Things I don't like about the Pinion 600:
1) The 600 % gear range and 18% gear steps are too wide when changing to the next gear. The step is either too easy or too hard, which creates a loss in biomechanical efficiency. A 500% gear range would be better and you could replace the cogs to suit your riding, and
2) It feels like I am riding through mud, it is always feels slower than my chained bike. It's like I am riding a spin bike, where you can't stop pedaling or or you will lose momentum.
I would like to see Priority will make a bikepacking bike with:
1) e-shift,
2) 100 mm suspension, which would be make a better bikepacking bike, which could be replaced with a rigid carbon fork,
3) 25 mm I.D. rims, which would make is more responsive, and
4) Unlikely, but with the Pinion 18 e-shift?, or Pinion 12 with 500% gear range, so this is a Pinion issue.
Be cool to have the E-Shift option on the 600x, instead of only on the HXT
We’re keeping the 600x simple and sticking with the mechanical pinion
Ordered my HXT today! Got a 600X for sale now... 🙂
Nice!!! You’re gonna love it
What's your opinion on converting the flat bars on this bike to drop bars for use as a gravel bike? I live in FL and the trails are not as technical as Heil Ranch (Near Boulder) for example. Thanks for you educated opinion.
I personally like flat bars, they’re more comfortable for me on technical trails…but I imagine that drops would work on this rig. Write to Priority and see what they think.
Excellent review especially the insights into Eddie's thinking. The way forward is clear. Despite the fact that it isn't really designed for bikepacking, loaning an HXT to me for the 2024 Tour Divide would be a great test of both functionality & reliability. I'd be happy to be burdened with this chore😁
Haha! You’re funny. I’m gonna use the 600x on the divide this year
Gotten yourself a dot-watcher, here.
You should ride the TD with Amelia, the two of you riding officially as a pair.
By the way, for God sake buy that girl a proper saddle !
You know, these saddles specifically designed for women.
Wishing you and your loved ones a merry Christmas 🎄!
When i first seen this and the term hard core I thought sweet.. looking at the geo, it's not a hardcore hard tail , which is essentially an Enduro bike these days .
This is a sweet trail geo bike though.
Im thinking about getting one and turning it into a mullet..
Either 26x.2.4 maybe 3.0 or 27.5 2.8
That would be sweet
Sweet bike. Great little video.
Thanks! 👍
What I want to know is can I install the Smart Shift system (gear box and all if needed) on my 600x? That would be, as the kids say, rad!
That’s a very good question. Write to Priority!
This is what I want. I'd be all over a 600X with a smart.shift.
I think I read that pinion didn’t make the frame mounts the same between the c12, and c12i. Which seems like a problem.
Can you manually shift at all with the pinion?
Looks amazing! Do you know whether Priority have any plans to come to the UK? Their bikes would be perfect for our weather!
They ship worldwide, all biz is done online
I tried to get the bike to the Netherlands......Unfortunately its really expensive. Bike is 3500, Priority calculates 650 shipping costs= total 4150,- Then all the taxes [customs, vat] are calculated on that price. I can only give a rough nr calculated for the Netherlands; In total it would cost me 5400,- Euro/5950,- dollar
So, be very sure to check your customs!
A gearbox made in Germany that crosses twice the Atlantic (Customs duties, anyone?) doesn’t help.
Perhaps Priority could have a 🇪🇺 dealer they could ship frames *sans* gearbox doing the final assembly of their bikes gearbox sourced direct from Germany ??
Oh no, Ryan! Now I want to buy a new bike! $$$$
Haha!! Sorry for being a bad influence…or maybe a good influence ;)
Where to order
I wonder if they have plans to work on a full-suspesion MTB? Maybe with Pinion MGU as well for an eMTB.
Cargo eBike would be awsome as well.
Its been built, and is on the market. Cant think of the name but some smaller builder is building it as a full on full power/suspension EMTB.
@@bradsanders6954 yeah i am aware of Simplon Rapcon PMAX. Wonder if priority would release full suspension with e-shifting pinion at least.
So is the 600ADX getting the smart shift?
No
@@duzer 😢
Love your prayer flags.
Any chance the Apollo will one day come with the Pinion Smart Shift (replacing the Shimano Alfine)? Seems like a match made in heaven for gravel and touring.
That would be awesome
I asked this very question of Priority and they gave me a cheeky reply, along the lines of, "Well, you never know!" Which I interpret as meaning, "Yes, we're working on it." A drop bar touring bike with a Pinion would be fantastic (I think Co-Motion makes them). A drop bar gravel bike with a Pinion though, I'm not sure. Most people want to ride gravel light and fast, and the Pinion system, although amazing (I have a 600X), is less efficient than a derailleur.
How do you charge the shifter
No Ryan, you must stay in the garage and make more promo videos! Bwahahah!
Is there much delay in the Pinion and rear hub when cranking up hill?
delay in shifiting? Just a tiny tiny bit
Sorry no. I mean when you initiate a pedal stroke, I’ve heard a Pinion and associated hub have a little delay, a little “slop” if you will. Whereas traditional chain + cassette tighter when starting from a stop or when climbing start/stop rocky stuff.
So, you've never soaped your belt drive, to stop a squeek? Or was that your friend with the dog? :)
I’ve done that many times! Best way to keep the squeak away!
REALLY intrigued by a Gates belt drive hardtail with electronic shifting. The bike looks very thoughtfully-spec'd too. It would be interesting to see this built with a titanium frame. Priority needs to re-think their current model-naming protocol though.
Ti at least doubles the price. If it is welded in USA, it might be x3 or x4. And the Pinion dropout also makes things complicated. I don't think that a lot of people would buy a frame for 4-5000€.
@@fpeter01I'm not going to say you're wrong, but I know for a fact you're not entirely right. Sure you can find brands that cost as much as you say, but I can name specific US brands that sells Ti frames in the $2100 - $2500 (right now one of them is discounted and you can get a frame for a rediculous $1750) range and complete builds for anything between $4650 to $6k. Pluss, at the same price point, there are several UK brands that would put double heartbeats on those who are in the market for Ti trailbikes. The bikes I'm talking about are all in the same segment as the HTX, with some of them even just as suited for bikepacking as even the 600X. Out of respect for the maker and content of this video, I'm not going to put any names or brands out there but you can find everything you need to know about the bikes I'm talking about from a rather well known guy over in Sedona, AZ, who also happens to have a channel here on the tube ;-)
BUT, NONE of them comes with the Pinion & Gates CD 🙂
@@asbjrnkristiansen429 I bought a Ti frame for 1100€ on a discount. Shipping/tax and everything else and it wento to 1,5x sum. Without this discount I couln't afford one. Ti has a better resell value if I don't like it.
Shape of the main triangle may limit a decent size bag for bike packing?
Yeah, it’s not huge, but you could get a good sized one in there
@@duzer we going to see you doing some bike packing trips with it?🤔 hope so!!!
Also- I hope we get to see a Duzer + Ed Pratt bike/unicycle tour one of these days! Heck, bring back Bike Touring Mike too!
Haha, that would be awesome!!
Will the new pinion swap straight for the manual one
.
They’ll keep on making the manual version
@@duzer Thank you , sorry what I meant was can I upgrade to this gear box from my C12 ( swap ).
I need this as a Fatbike with 27.5x4.5 tire clearance :)
That would be cool!
Thanks for the video Ryan. How much does this new bike weigh?
33 pounds
It looks great, but I am worried about battery life. Do you have any input there? Also, if the gearbox is weather-tight, why is there so little oil that comes out during oil changes? I always worry that I'm overfilling, but it seems to be just fine.
they say battery life is good for about 6 months...I haven't had mine for 6 months, so I don't know if that's true ;)
Hey Ryan good job on the vid there is a lot to like on the bike one question is does it feel like it has more drag that a normal deraileur system and is the engagement ie poe hub engagement instant thanks . ✌👍
I don’t feel any drag, if there’s any, it’s minuscule
Can the gearbox be submerged in water during a creek crossing?
Absolutely
What about with slicks for commuting?
Needs a hub dynamo.
You can definitely put on slick tries and a dynamo
Are you going to switch to this one?
No, the 600x will always be my adventure bike. I’ll ride this one for fun afternoon rides
Didn’t use your favorite suspension guys?
This will be interesting. I can't think of any other bike with this tech on an Alu frame. The only other ones I can think of are Ti. This will be an interesting market test. Esp since they built it up for a proper modern trail hardtail.
600X with e-shift when?
Probably never, we’re keeping the 600x simple.
is it really shift under the load?.... wow....... i hope some day, Rohloff also doing the same thing for daily bike..
It sure is
How does the sizing compare to the 600X - does it run large or...? You ride a medium in the 600X - would you ride a medium with the HXT or your normal MTB size of large?
Good question, I ride the large HXT and it fits perfectly…so it runs more true to size than the 600x
Thank you Ryan - I have a HXT on order.
I would like to get your thoughts regarding the 600X sizing and some generalities for touring. This isn't the right venue to do so, however if you do any consulting let me know. I have a 600X (large) and it puts a smile on my face everytime I am on it. I really am looking forward to riding the HXT.
How does this bike compare to your Reeb?
It’s very different, full suspension makes a huge difference
Ryan, Can you comment on the size you went with (S-M-L) For the Priority HXT and your in-seam length? How does the fit compare to your Priority 600X ?
I tested the large HXT, and it fits perfectly, but I ride medium 600x. My inseam is 31.5
Ryan on a full suspension 🤔 where’s the footage?
I don’t typically film my daily mtb rides, just bikepacking…but look up the Monarch Crest video and you’ll see my full suspension
How do you recharge the shifter.
There's a little chord near the shifter
Gear boxes are the future. All off road bikes should have them.
We’ll see!
Just last summer the SRAM NX stock derailleur on my Santa Cruz Chameleon was ripped into pieces from a small twig that kicked up off the ground. I couldn't even find one of the jockey wheels. It took less than a second for that to happen and that's $100+ out the window. And I don't have to tell you that Chameleon's are not cheap bikes. I bought that bike because the frame is as perfect of a fit that I can find on any bike; road, gravel, or mountain bike. The Fox 34 Fork that Priority is putting on this bike is the exact fork I have on the Chameleon. The only thing missing from my bike is that bomb proof drivetrain that you cannot get with an external gear system. That bike would be absolutely perfect with a Pinon Gear Box on it.
So, from where I'm sitting, this is way over due. And I have personally written to Santa Cruz and several other frame manufacturers about this. I do not want to have to monkey with derailleurs and bent hangers and....blah blah blah just to have something that works and does not get destroyed by the smallest hazard on the trails.
I do have to say that the geo on that Priority frame is not ideal for me and I probably would hate the feel. Also, I am quite partial to my 27.5 Raceface Turbines 35m wheels, sdg tellis dropper post, and my SRAM level brakes. All of those components are very nice. I have zero complaints about them. And lord knows I have hunted to get my stem, bars, and grips setup exactly how I need them. Hopefully Priority commits to building some more of these with more geo and component options. If they do, they would be on my list for buying my next bike....which I will definitely be doing in the next two years.
Why Fox vs. Wren fork?
Fox is much lighter than Wren
Nice! Are you in your Mom’s Garage?
I got my own garage!
Retro paint job looks similar to a 2009 Jamis Dragon Comp.
Is the bolt pattern for both the cable and electronic gearboxes the same? Could someone buy a used 600x and give it smart.shift?
That’s a great question for the team at Priority. I’ll ask them!
Very cool bike, enjoy it, I think you will notice an increase in energy levels, especially uphill. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm 53yrs old and when I was growing up they didn't have a lot of suspension bikes and when they came out with front suspension I had to have one, when they came out with rear suspension I had to have one. At the time I was told that the full suspension was meant mostly for downhill and I would noticed a little harder to go uphill because of the rear squatting Everytime you peddle, would make sense. And with experience I did notice on my downhill on a hard tail on rocky terrain my eyeball would shake and lose vision of my path, the rear suspension bike took that away. But that's the only time I felt you needed full suspension. Going back to a hard tail it just felt more efficient. More energy uphill especially. I think when a full suspension bike came out it had the cool factor and everyone had to have one. It's hard to convince the public what bike is good what what conditions you ride, they are going to buy what they want even if they know it's probably not the right fit for there riding style. I think your going to love the hard tail. Your not hitting huge jumps and your not going 100mph downhill. Your perfect fit. I realize today that you get a bike that performs to your riding style. That shifting sounds amazing. I like that you can shift under load. That's a game changer. Is there any way to talk to you direct. I'd love to talk to you about this bike. Thanks, keep up the good work.
Almost nobody buys a hard tail mt bike these days as a real mt bike.
I’d like to see the Pinion drive on the Apollo
Maybe someday….
They have the Gemini, that’s similar to the Appolo, but with pinion.
Grip shift was one of the main things keeping pinion off my buy list…. 🎉
Have you tried it? It’s really easy to use and I actually prefer it now.
How does The e chift work wen its realy cold like -40 to -50 degreas celsius?
Good question, I’ll get back to you when I ride the bike on the surface of the moon ;)
Is this bike a great choice for a 40 year old getting started riding the badlands of North Dakota? 6’4” 300lbs?
You'll probably need to contact Priority on weight limit. That said, you could learn on this bike but you need to understand its a quite modern design. Its not going to ride like any bike you've likely ridden in your past. It might not also be the best for the terrain you're going to encounter in ND. You might see what a local shop says. This bike will be at home in places like Sedona, or a bike park.
It could be, but the 600x might be a bit more comfortable because it’s upright