I’m working with Priority Bicycles on a new bikepacking bike that’ll be more budget friendly than the 600x (but can still rip!) Please leave your feedback in the comment section below.
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What’s up my friends we’re making a new bike and we need your help welcome to the build- a bike Workshop I’m creating this bicycle in conjunction with my friends at priority bicycles if you watch my channel you hear me talk about them all the time but if you’re new to
My channel I thought I’d give a really quick intro to who they are they started only 10 years ago hi my name is Dave and I’m the founder of priority bicycles and since day number one their main goal was to create bicycles that are low maintenance bicycles that just work what
Does low maintenance mean well every single one of their bicycles has the gates Carbon Drive these things never need to be lubed and last three times longer than a chain every one of their bikes also has some sort of internal gearing system that means that all the
Gears are enclosed in either a hub or the pinion and protected from outside elements like snow and mud that would usually wreak havoc on a traditional drivetrain their bikes are aluminum so they don’t rust and they’re really known for their city street commuter style bikes that’s how they got their start
But in the past few years they’ve been building up their adventure line and if you watch my videos you know that I talk about one bike in particular all the time the 600x that’s the bike that I designed in conjunction with Eddie and and the team over there and that bike is
My dream adventure bike at the heart of the 600x is the pinion and Gates drivetrain pinion was designed by Porsche transmission Engineers who said hey you know what bikes should be like cars and we should have all of our gears enclosed in a protective box it’s called
The 600x because it has a 600% gear ratio which is a larger ratio than any other drivetrain on the market the easy gear on this bike you could seriously almost ride it up a wall the bike is a hard tail with front suspension I have ridden it all over the
World and some of my biggest adventures and I absolutely love this thing but I’m not the only one who seems to love this bike you do too we started taking orders for this bike in 2020 it got shipped in early 2021 and since then I have seen
Photos of all of you out there riding your 600 X’s all over the world and it just warms my heart to see my creation out there allowing you to achieve your adventure dreams the goal with this Channel and all of the content that I create is to hopefully inspire you to
Get out there and challenge yourself and now that I have a bike to offer I have a tool that can help you achieve those dreams and while the 600x is an incredible value at $35 $500 for what you get I realize that it’s still a hefty price point and way out of the
Budget for a lot of people and I want bike packing to be accessible to the masses so I got together with guys at priority and I’m like let’s create a cheaper version of the 600x it won’t be called that we’re going to come up with some cool name maybe the
Bruiser get it we want to make a bike that is more budget friendly but can still handle the rigers of Adventure now this is where you come in I really value your opinions and sometimes you give me a lot of opinions down there in the comment section well now is your chance
To go nuts we are designing this bike we’re going to open up the design process to you and as always I am working with my good friend Eddie at priority he is The Mastermind behind a lot of the the new releases of the priority bicycles here is an initial
Drawing of the bicycle it’s going to be similar in Geometry to the 600x with a comfortable upright riding style yet it’s still a mountain bike you’re going to take this thing on dirt it’s all aluminum we’ve got 29 in Wheels right here we’re going to have room for I
Think up to 2.6 in wide tires a big change from the 600x is we are not going to have a suspension Fork on this thing and this is where the big question is right in this area and that’s where I need your help during our initial conversations about what component
Treats who put on this bike we thought the Aline 8 the Shimano Aline 8 would be a great gearing system it’ll give you plenty of Gears to bomb this bike around town at your local bike park on rail Trails Forest Service Roads it’s it’s still low maintenance it’s solid but
Then I started thinking you know what 8 speeds might not be quite enough for the rigers of bike packing especially if you want to ride this bike up steep Mountains on a bike that’s loaded down with 20 or 30 lbs of beans so then Eddie sent me the Shimano alfine 11 Hub which
Is what the Apollo has the Apollo gravel bike and I tried that out and it has a bigger gear range but still not quite enough of that easy gear to ride up the really steep stuff so this is the canundrum do we put on a hub like that
Which is good for most people the eight or the 11 or do we bounce up and go back to pinion which is the ultimate in reliability and gear range but the cons to the opinion are that you take a $11,000 bike and it all of a sudden
Becomes a $2,000 bike which is still $1,500 less than the 600x and it achiev some of the goals of creating a cheaper bike more budget friendly or do we go with the 8speed or 11 speed hubs knowing that it’s awesome for probably 90% of the people out there but it’s going to
Be limited if you want to take this bike on the Colorado Trail or to Baja H this is where we need your help what is more important to you a cheaper bike with a limited gear range or a more expensive bike that has the gear range of the 600x
Okay I want to clear something up that might be confusing now you’re probably thinking to yourself well if this new bike has the same geometry as the 600x and if they end up going with pinion does this mean that the only difference is a lack of a suspension Fork well no
In order to bring the price down we’ll use different componentry it’ll be a little less performance and off-road friendly while still keeping the high level of low maintenance needed for bike packing but one thing that will definitely stay the same is this epic get out there
Logo are you ready for a dad joke even though I’m not a dad but I am a cool Uncle we need your opinion about the opinion seriously we need your help write it all down below you can write anything else you want to know or what
You’d like to see on this bicycle we essentially want to build a fun adventure machine that is more budget friendly so more people can be riding their bikes and experiencing the magic of bike packing and sleeping under the stars and connecting with awesome humans all over the world look at that sweet
Thing I I can’t wait for it to come to fruition and I can’t wait for you to help us make this happen I mean you’re going to be in on this how cool is this you know and I really love the people at priority it’s not just a business
Relationship it’s more like family I seriously love all the people that work over there and I’m just so grateful that they’re giving me the opportunity to do this create something that’s of value to the world and to you and to get more people on bikes so thanks for watching
This video stay tuned for the process we’ll probably make some more videos as we move along but we truly value your opinion that’s why we’re making this video because we want your input on this and maybe here’s a crazy idea maybe we make both of the bikes we make one
Pinion version one 8-speed version I don’t know Dave can we do that is that okay I’m talking to you Dave at priority and Eddie anyway I will see you guys down the road and uh next time maybe we’ll have a prototype for me to show off to you cheers
46 Comments
Please let us know your thoughts and help us create an awesome bikepacking bike! #Bruiser #Broozer
Another way to go accessible price, stay shimano 11 speed and go with mechanical disc breaks, low & easy maintenance, also, easy to repair if needed on the trip. I put in my bike and work perfect, not all the time we go fast downhills. Exito
Go with the Pinion 9-speed.
…I've been Pinion curious for a while. For me personally, I'd be more likely to buy a more basic bike with the Pinion
Bike owners tend to like "upgrading" their bikes so is it possible to make the whole drive system and lack of front suspension upgradable at some point by the rider?
Can Priority make just one frame, compatible with Pinion, but use the lower end hub without the Pinion? The space for the Pinion can be used for storage or a bottom bracket adapter (maybe some Pinion riders will want option to remove Pinion). When the user is ready for the upgrade, they can purchase and install the Pinion gears and new rear wheel. This way the budget cyclist isn't needing to buy a whole new bike should their ambitions grow. Maybe Priority will have better scale of economy to just make one type of frame too and pass savings onto customers? Just for fun, run both Pinion and hub gear 🤣.
I don't know the alfine hubs very well, is there a lower limit on the gearing? Shift to the lower side and avoid the 'aspirational gearing' on the high side. You don't need to be pedalling at 30mph.
how small of a ring can you go on the front? Something small with the Alfine and see how it does. Do you ever go into the highest gear with the pinion?
You're right Ryan. The 600X and 600HXT are the bikes I've been looking at but are unfortunately out of my price range. And then there's the shipping to Canada on top of that. By God man, you can buy a pretty high spec Ebike/seated scooter for that kinda money! Anyway, the new "more budget friendly" bike should at least have a pinion gearbox (no Shimano please) and an upright riding position. Something very close to the 600X…..although I don't know what retail price Priority has in mind and what sacrifices you're gonna have to make to hit that target price. My dream bike would be the 600x with the electronic shifter. 👍
Hey Duzer! We met on my cross country ride in ‘22 at RAGBRAI, and I would love to share my thoughts on what you could design.
Right now I think there’s two possible routes: design a slightly less capable but more budget friendly bike with a alfine 8 or 11 (I had an 8 as my commuter for years and it was solid, but definitely had some limits riding the hills of SF). I feel like this would genuinely work for a lot of folks, and be a great intro for a lot of people for bike packing, though I think an 11 would be the better option if you go this route.
OR
Go for a pinion, but instead of changing the price for affordability, consider increasing cargo capacity like a midtail design that John and Mira had custom made. I think bike packers are starting to see there’s a merit to a bigger bike. JayP has a custom midtail made for his CTD bike, and I think if you made a bike at the $2-3k mark it could be the most affordable utility vehicle people own. Perhaps it’s my bias as a bit of a pack mule (you’ve seen my overpacked bike 😂) but I think having the ability to carry things on bikes is undervalued, and having a slightly larger space to carry things actually matters to a lot of smaller riders and folks who carry small kids or small pets on bikes. Pricing may be a challenge, but I think that there could be looking at ways to get more rebates for bikes like what Colorado has done for ebike purchases.
Much love, Arjun
Why not put a bigger rear cog and bias the gears towards the lower gears.
Can you please offer the frame in an XL size? I was looking at the 600x again this weekend. The top tube length is so short for us taller guys. I get the desire for an upright riding position, but the reach is similar to some medium bikes. I would love a 600x but I just don’t fit!
Also my vote is for Pinion.
I would love the have the pinion hands down. I had priority onyx but the Envolo cvt drive in the rear wheel created some issues when changing tires. (They were easily fixable, but I didn't realize what was going on until after a 34 mile bike rid uphill!). The pinion in the middle is better weighted on the bike as well. I hope Priority sells more pinion drive bikes.
Could you have a bike where the pinion box was scalable (you could buy it with a Pinion 9, then later on get a pinion 12 or even 18 to replace it with)? That would also allow for Priority to sell the "upgrade kit" to end users like us to get it upgraded locally. It would be a cool challenge and an awesome way to have a bike "grow" with you as you're getting your bike packing legs.
Best of luck in creating a second magical bike machine! <3. (Brusier Doozer Bike Packing Cruiser?)
Keep it the way it is except a traditional right-side-up fork and a traditional XC geometry: I watched a review, who follows you, and said he was disappointed by how upright the seating position was. That really made me think twice about the 600x.
Why not a gravel bike with flat bars? Something like the Apollo with flat bars.
I would already own a priority bicycle. If it had a lower stand over height 32 inches is too high for someone who’s shorter
Please think in a long wheel version 🙂
Shimano is very reliable👍👍
I agree with some comments regarding a lighter bike. I was looking at the 600X but it is heavier than my Trek 4500 from 2010.
For a budget bike i think the 11 speed would be awesome. I'll second actually making 2 versions if you can keep the pinion model around $2k , then you have an extreme budget version and mostly budget pinion version.
You should have the option to choose from the alfine8-11 or rohloff,or pinions,,btw Pinions need to wake up and make a transmission that attach to a regular bottom bracket ,, " this would change the world"i mean they make geared electric motor kit ,i dont see why a transmission wouldnt be possible … ????? Ps: if Gates belt make a belt that has a quick link to use it on non open frame.,this with the transmission would be unbelivable !!!!
Hi Ryan. For a lower budgeted bikepacking bike – you might look at the gravel bikepacking bikes like Poseidon Redwood for inspiration. -)
If the bike is going to be used for loaded adventure riding, low gearing is the most vital issue to be address in my opinion. Something like a .65-.70 final drive ratio (chainwheelcog). Not obtainable with most Shimano internally geared hubs. (I have been running a Nexus Red 8 with outside spec chainring and rear cog for 15 years to get the lower gearing needed for my commute.) After low gearing, use mechanical disk breaks, BB7s are a solid performer at a great price point.
It's great to hear there's something new coming down the pike.
Maybe use the pinion gearbox button instead of the magnesium C-Series. Use the aluminum P-series?
Using a rigid fork is fine, but it has to be suspension-corrected for its geometry…Should somebody want to upgrade later to a Fox 36, etc.
Also, as a bike fitter, be sure that Eddie makes that seat tube angle 1° slacker than the 600X geometry. We saw how you had knee problems when you decided to run clipless pedals on the 600 X. I'm running into the same issue on my bike despite being much taller than you, Ryan. It's near impossible to get the rider's knee over or a touch behind the pedal spindle using a 20mm setback seatpost.
TIA!🎉
This is awesome Ryan. Since I have my feet in the industry a little and know how I am traveling by bike, I am 100% on board with the 11-speed rear end. As you probably know, 1-by's are pretty dominate in the gravel & bike packing scene. 42 or 46 up front with 11 in the back is plenty. If people are going to do the divide or baja, then a budget friendly bike is something they aren't thinking about, they have the money for that, they have the money for the bike. Think of those that might head up to the northwoods of Wisconsin, or any place along the Appalachian trail. If I am doing something crazy, I will get the 600x, but what I do 99.9% of the time, a much lower priced option would be great. I know a 1-by-11 is about all you need these days for 99% of the time. Take that with a grain of salt as my Trek 920 is getting tuned up right now for the season, and wouldn't you know it, Panaracer is releasing the 2024 Gravelkings next week! Viva La Bikepacking!
OH & DROP BARS!
For me the pinion is what makes priority. If it was just an alfine hub, it wouldnt offer me anything i couldnt add to my rigid 90s mtb for a few hundred dollars.
How about a red shift stem and seat post to help with the missing suspension.
I think the idea is simple bikepacking bike then pinion. You have been advocating pinion ever since you designed the priority 600. So definitely pinion.
I can ride bikes but do not know enough to discuss the building of one. However, I would like to say that it would be nice to see some bold colors on Priority bikes. It's a great idea to have a less expensive offering – when I first saw the price of the 600X I told myself to stop thinking about it because it was way out of my league (the price is more than my car is worth). But I cannot stop thinking about it, so this senior citizen granny is scrimping, saving and eating Ramen for all of 2024 in hopes of getting a 600X at Christmas. Then, granny's big adventure on the GDMBR. All of this because I stumbled upon your YouTube channel!
I'd like to to be able to build the bike around the frame. Want a flat bar Pinion adventure bike? Dial it up. Want a drop bar Pinion gravel rig? No problem. Prefer a commuting-oriented Alfine machine? You're the boss. Personally, I'd get a Pinion gravel config and add a MTB wheelset. You could do almost anything with this bike.
I did not get the Priority 600X, but you did help nudge me to buy an Orox R14 to have an adventure bike.
Name for the new bike: 300/400/600Y (307% 409% etc. range) and Y comes after X.
Offer it with different front chainrings. A bigger chainring for lower gearing, smaller for higher gearing.
Hey ryan- good idea.
The reason i did not buy the 600x is price. Although i have the money, My wife would not approve the business case on it.
Yeah i’m a fat boy and like the idea of the pinion gears and belt drive.
Upright riding is critical, less back ache.
So if i were to buy the bike – then i have what – 500-1,000 of gear too? Can you do a deal with the gear people?
I am currently riding a costco 7 speed. if someone steals it off of my rv rack, i won’t cry about it.
Right now im riding about 10 miles a day – the steeper mountain roads have minimal traffic, but hard to get up. the highway has minimal shoulders and is more than a little intimidating with the logging trucks.
I dont care about the bike weight – im not in a hurry.
I Really want to do some bike packing this year. Hope you solve world peace while you are at it.
Question: if i rode from the west coast, what state would i need to get to to be in decent shape?
Love your videos!! I tell my friends about you.
Check out the “matt Ryder” video on the great divide.
Bert – an old guy living a grateful life in southern oregon.
Pinion, rigid fork, with options for the higher end components
I'm potentially in with a $2k Pinion drive.
My kids call their fun uncle's –> Funcles! You would definitely be a Funcle too!
I think the pinion drive is superior but if you are going for mass appeal I think the lower price point meets your customers needs.
Ultimately I'm saving my pennies for the 600x. Cheers
Use a traditional Shimano SLX 1×12 drivetrain and add a carbon front fork. Newbies don’t care about the pinion gearbox.
the 600x did not have an xl size. Please add and xl to the available sizes!
Great idea! I want it.
Pinion.
Can you make it upgradable/option to the pinion drive ❓️
I personally would rather pay the extra for the Pinion gearbox instead of a geared hub.
Summary : go for Alfine 11 as entry level model and Pinion for mid level. If not possible, go with the Pinion gear box, because Alfine gears not really made for touring. Lot of mounting points/eyelets.
First and foremost this is a great idea (great ? awesome !) to offer a bike more "wallet friendly". More people on bikes is ALWAYS great.
If this is what we want to achieve (more people on bikes), I think we must prioritize the budget first. This is the main barrier (I think), money is still a problem for a lot of us. I didn't know the Alfine, had to look it up. It offers a range close to what's offered on endurance road bikes (50-34 / 11-34) with a ratio of 1 for the easier gear. It's not optimal for offroad, especially when bikepacking, but we always have the option to push the bike.
I seem to understand that going from Alfine 11 to Pinion doubles the price.
I know the frame won't be the same because the Alfine is in the rear hub and the Pinion near the crankset (I lack the vocabulary sorry and it's 2 am in the morning here in France), but, my question is : would it be possible to offer a model A with the Alfine 11, very budget friendly, and a model B, with the Pinion C1.12. Then we'll have entry level(A)/mid level(B)/high end (600x)
If not, after a lot of thoughts and looking at the different ratios offered by the Alfine 11, I think I would go for the Pinion. The Alfine 11 is defintely not made for touring, gears are too hard. There is a huge gap/step between speed one and two, it lacks some gears towards the easier end.
And what I also like on a bike are multipe eyelets (on the fork, …) , mounting points for a bike rack, mouting points for a third bottle cage, eyelets for top tube bag, fenders, etc. It makes all the difference. (I personnaly use the Ortlieb front racks and Ortlieb Quick rack and they're amazing and so easy to use.)
Build a cheaper bike! So not the Alfine. Entry bikepacking riders want to wet their appetite will get the lower cost bike. People that are more serious rides don't think the 600X is out of range price wise. The market is inundated with bikes right now (low prices, a lot of stock unsold), so less is more from a market perspective. What ever you do, do it quickly because all your bicycle competitors now know Priority (you) are building another model. What may be cool is give people to add on things we all do Ryan in an upgrade bikepacking package. Metal bottles, food bags, Element GPS, etc in an "explorer" package?
Definitely pinion and try to get that tire clearance closer to 29×2.8. Oh and mounts on the fork if rigid. I'd think of it like a spec'd down version of the 600x that someone can upgrade over time if they want
Can the frame be engineered to be upgradable? As maybe a removable blank where the pinion drive would go, with a standard BB. Later on, the pinion could be added. Same thing with the head tube to accept a suspension fork?