Priority 600 Review
Category: Hybrid Bikes
Priority Bicycles pack plenty into their bikes, and the 600 is their flagship showpiece, do-it-all bike. Sitting top of their manual bike range, the 600 lends transmission know-how from the automotive market. The belt-driven bike’s name points to its 600 percent gear range, which is thanks to its 12-speed Pinion gearbox.
There is far more beneath the surface of the 600 too. It all adds up to a package built to be as adept at tackling four-season commuting as it is gravel grinding or tackling serious miles on the road.
Specifications
| Drivetrain type | Belt drive |
|---|---|
| Frame material | Ultralight 6061 T6 Aluminum |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc, Tektro HD-M285 |
| Fork | Ultralight 6061 T6 Aluminum |
As you would expect from a range-topping bike from a well-respected direct-to-consumer bike brand, the 600 is suitably well-specced. The real star of the show is the transmission, however – scroll down for more.
Frameset
Frame and Geometry
The Priority 600 sits atop Priority’s range of versatile road bikes but the 6061-series aluminum frameset is common lower down the range.
The ultralight alloy blend keeps weight low enough for the commuter/touring/gravel market. You could buy some carbon bikes for the same price, of course, but the trade-off in reliability and the rest of the spec is not worth the lower weight.
Geometry is generally relaxed, pointing to Priority’s commuter/casual rider focus, but the 600 does have a racy edge befitting of the wizardry within.
There is a downside, however – the Pinion gearbox lowers the bottom bracket and the bike’s center of gravity.
On the one hand, that provides a more stable ride but on the other, low clearance at the bottom of the pedal stroke restricts just how far you can push the 600’s limits.
If you had to segment the 600, it would lean more towards ‘commuter plus’ than ‘all-round hybrid bike’.
The bike comes with a glossy black finish and 360-degree reflective decals as standard.
Fork
Sizes
| Frame size | Inseam |
|---|---|
| 17" (S) | 27" - 29" |
| 19" (M) | 30" - 32" |
| 21" (L) | 32" - 35" |
Drivetrain
So far, the 600 is solid but unspectacular. But when you dig beneath the surface a little, you uncover the true attraction of Priority’s range-topping do-it-all commuter bike. Designed in Germany, by two former Porsche transmission engineers, the Priority lends automotive know-how to provide first-rate shifting performance.
The 600 was the first production bike in the US to boast a Pinion gearbox, and the resulting performance has been widely acclaimed. This technology is pricey, so you can consider cheaper Continuum Onyx if money is an issue.
The Pinion gearbox boasts a 600 percent gear range, which in layman’s terms means a 12-speed machine with no overlap in between.
The wide gear range on the automatic transmission system is the equivalent to 30 gears on a traditional road bike drivetrain.
Pinion gearbox and Gates belt drive on The 600 from Priority Bicycles.
Furthermore, the Pinion C1.12 gearbox is fully sealed for low maintenance and protect it year-round, in all weather – perfect for commuting or heading off-road.
The central position of the gearbox has the effect of providing a well-balanced ride too, alongside increasing the efficiency of the transmission system.
Elsewhere, a Gates Carbon belt drive is a low-maintenance, rust- and grease-free belt at the heart of the transmission system. It is used on other models in the Priority range and provides a smooth, generally quieter ride.
Finally, the front hub is a Priority Low Drag Dynamo. Again, it is used lower down the range but the 3w 6v hub powers dynamo lights. It furthers the bike’s versatility.
Let’s have a look at groupset specs in detail:
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Shifter | Pinion DS 1.12 |
| Crankset | Pinion |
| Front hub | Priority Low Drag Dynamo 3w 6v, QR |
| Gearbox | Pinion C1.12 Magnesium Body |
| Belt | Gates Carbon Drive |
Brakes
Wheelset
Wheels
Tires
WTB also supply the tires, with the Horizon 650B Plus rubber providing a tubeless-ready option. Opting for 650b tires over the road-standard 700c adds a level of versatility to the Priority 600.
The tires are as fast as their 700C equivalents on the road, but balance that with a wider footprint. It means extra grip and cushioning if you take the 600 onto the gravel or dirt trails.
They also come with tan sidewalls, for extra style points.
Ergonomics
WTB also supply the saddle – a premium, comfort-focused perch.
Up front, Priority have paired an alloy stem with alloy bars, the latter of which are finished with ergonomic grips. It is a further nod towards all-day comfort.
Also supplied out of the box are front and rear fenders – the latter of which includes an integrated, dynamo-powered light.
The front headlight is also dynamo-powered and can put out a maximum 500 lumens thanks to its three R4 CREE LEDs.
Changing gears is smooth thanks to DS2 rotary shifters.
A 500-lumen output is far more than you will ever need for commuting, so the full capacity of the light is aimed more at dark roads and early-morning rides.
Again, it is an integrated feature that emphasizes the 600’s all-season versatility.
Finally, the 600 comes equipped with Priority’s sealed alloy platform pedals.