Priority 600x Hardtail Review - Pinion Gearbox + Inverted Fork + Belt Drive
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2023
- Priority 600x review. Today we review the Priority 600x, a bikepacking-specific machine designed to be low maintenance, reliable, and suited for carrying gear for days at a time. This bike is unlike any other I've had on the channel. For its intended use, I think this is a fantastic choice. Order your 600x here and support this channel in the process: bit.ly/3obBJw1
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Why yes, yes it is 🤣🤣Thank you so much for taking the time to take out the 600x!! Let's go on an adventure soon!!
Have you ever or would you be interested in reviewing a Jones LWB? It would be fun to hear your opinion on it.
@@ceb4382 yes, very interested. In fact, Jones offered to send one but I dropped the ball.
This is crazy . I follow Ryan Duzer and I was going to suggest to do a ride on this Priority bike and it’s done already.
I went backpacking with Ryan at Ragbrai this year. He is such a cool dude we spent the whole week riding and camping together
I'm loving this bike after six months owning it. My middle-aged neck and back have never felt better after riding all day. I use it for rugged touring on gravel + moderate single track. I also use it for commuting. I even used it in my first gravel race last weekend and my time was respectably average! It's true, I'm not a bike nerd. I am definitely the target consumer (newer, middle-aged rider with a backpacking background and a beat-up body). Regarding belt noise: I found that it came from the factory with a slightly tight belt, and reducing belt tension (within the recommended range) completely eliminated noise. One of the primary reasons I got the bike was because I was simply curious about the gearbox. Turns out I really like it, and have zero worries something will go wrong with it. If anything, I can see it running perfectly for a very long time. So the bike is not for performance, or racing, but is for enjoying long hard days in the saddle.
So glad to hear you're loving yours. Out of all the bikes I know of, this is my top recommendation for people like yourself. It's a special bike.
Respectably average?? No way, you're a rockstar!!
Curious, why this vs Apollo? Back? I too have a bad back but leaning towards Apollo as most of my riding will be touring with some gravel, but back is a concern. Thx
I need strong front and rear racks for this bike for my cross-country touring on roads.
@@thecostanzatheory I believe the Apollo has a Shimano Alfine hub(?) instead of the Pinion gearbox. That didn't offer low enough gearing for my needs. However, don't be surprised in Priority designs a dropbar bike with a Pinion soon!
Thank you very much for this review! That bike is really interesting and makes me think hard about whether it should be my next bike. I'm a 54 yo and your words about the geometry and the comfortable riding position were magic words to my ears 😇.
I'm in the 3rd year of owning my Priority 600X. Have loved every mile! I did some mods to mine to suit my needs and I tend to travel heavy carrying repair items, a pump and such. I have used this bike some as a commuter and it has worked well. I tend to run the belt a little on the loose side and I think it is happier there. The only noise I encounter is on hot, dusty trails it will chirp. Just rinse it with water. I have found that applying a silicone spray that evaporates and leaves a dry lubricant keeps the belt running very smooth and quiet. Every 100 miles or so works well. Mine came with the TRP four piston hydraulic brakes that I'm sure are similar to the Hayes. I agree, that this bike is not for everyone. I got it for simple rugged reliability for the long haul. I have never felt unsure about the Pinion gearbox. Yes, it is new tech in the world of bicycles. But it is darn near bullet proof. Thank you for your honest review of this excellent bike.....Carry on!
Another honest, fair, and thoughtful review by Steve. His reviews are so educational. I used his bike consultation he put that same effort into helping me find a modern hardtail that would suit my needs. I highly recommend it if you are unsure how a bike might work for you.
Thanks for supporting my work, it's been a pleasure working with you.
What bike did you end up getting?
@@alabaster4263 Cotic SolarisMAX
This is an excellent review Steve of the Project 600x. Clearly you know your stuff!
I'll be watching more of your videos.
Honest review of a bike built for its intended purpose. Ryan Van Duzer has proven this design for what it is for on numerous epic adventures. This is why it's important for an individual rider to know what type of riding they plan to do, be honest with themselves, and purchase the correct bike to serve that purpose. The old saying, "The right tool for the job" applies here. Every time someone asks me for advice on buying a bike, I always ask 1. How serious are they 2. Budget 3. What type of riding they're interested in, 4. What bikes they've looked at that has peaked their interests, because I have had some people look at a bike that looks cool, but is more bike than needed (Enduro rig for gravel paths for example, this happened once.)
Well said. A lot of my bike consultation service is spent ensuring we're on the same page and their expectations are aligned with the trails and level they'll be riding at. The right tool for the job definitely applies here.
Experimental review without actually being experimental. Great review as always!
Great review Steve!!! You broke it down well on who the bike was designed for, it’s intended purpose and who it’s not for!! Enjoyed it and honest talk about the Pinion gearbox too!! 👍👍
Considering pre ordering a Priority HXT. Can't wait for you to review one!
Spot on review. Thanks Steve.
I just ordered a Priority 600X. Can't wait to get in shape for bike packing.
Great review! Your detailed comparison against a mountain bike was very helpful. I currently ride a mountain bike on paved trails, but the geometry isn't the best for long ride. I enjoy long rides 50+ miles and this bike sounds perfect for it!
Its a touring bike. Nothing wrong with that. Its like my Surly Ogre just with some differences in technology. But its a touring bike. More to your talk of fatigue, I'm glad you mention geometry. I think a lot of people don't really know how geo affects your comfort. Upright doesn't mean comfortable. I think there's a reason Salsa went the way they did with the Cutthroat, which is designed for the same type of terrain that this one is fit for. Ultimately, riding position is about choosing which muscle you plan to sacrifice. This upright geo puts a heavy strain on glutes, whereas the mtbs you normally ride balance more with quad engagement. Then something like a Cutty that even takes load off the legs and into the core (which is why we all have sore backs because modern desk jobs imbue crap core strength).
This is by far the best review of this bike. Thorough and honest!
Thanks for the kind words.
It would be interesting to have a review with the bikepacking gear on it
Another excellent review. I'm not even interested in the bike, but watch all your videos just so I can learn about all the options. Don't get me wrong, Id ride the bike but its not the bike for my type of riding. Maybe when I get over 50 and settle down a bit, but I plan to shred every year of my 40s to the fullest of my ability.
Great review!
Excellent review. Answered all my lingering questions and highlighted some things I hadn't considered. I think the comfort factor is under appreciated by newbies to bikepacking, like me, and this bike appears to be focused on that. I recently bought a Trek Checkpoint; as much as I like it, I'm reluctant to take it on a long trip because of the comfort factor. Your comments on handling were very helpful. Most bike reviews sound a little over-hyped to me and yours comes across as more realistic and, therefor, more practical and more helpful. Very well done. Thanks for putting it together for us.
Thanks for the kind words. I strive to provide useful info in my reviews instead of hype
excellent review , based on what I saw of your review on the 600 HXT i placed my order
Props to Duzer for riding one of those on the whole Colorado Trail! Definitely sounds like a bike for 'crossing continents'... Really waiting for your review of that Wren fork.
Coming soon...
I think those brakes were a brilliant choice for this bike and it's intended purpose. All loaded up for bike packing plus rider weight really calls for powerful brakes
Your comments about dropper makes it seem they’ve done the right thing with this bike. On Duzer’s channel, the prototypes did have a dropper but went away from it for the same reasons you described
I'm saving for the 600x for off-road tour.
At an athletic 63, I am looking for a bike similar to this. Not necessarily a bike packer focused bike, but something that is perhaps a cross between a modern hybrid and modern mountain bike as an everyday all-around ride. The most technical trails I would ride would be the technical stuff on this video. I love the efficacy of Gripshift, too!
Great review.
It looks like a great riding experience. I love my hybrid. So I like a commuter feel. Wow. A person could kick back, relax and just take in the scenery off road with a great shifting experience. Honestly, it sounds fun because I do just like to ride and look around sometimes. It could make a great traveling bike. I could ride it on my trips to Biloxi on the paved roads on the gulf of Mexico, but this thing could do some off roading as well. Interesting. I like it. I have a mountain bike a road bike as well as the hybrid. This does look like an interesting fun bike too!
I've been eyeing a 600x for the last year or so, after being exposed to Duzer's channel. I'm a long-time roadie (25 years). I've done a cross-country ride and lots of multi-day rides. It's time to take it to the next level and do the bikepacking thing. After watching your awesome review, Steve, I think it's just the bike I'm looking for. Your review was extremely thorough, thank you!!
Glad it helped!
Hey Steve, interested in your take on a Jones for review, especially since your talking bikepacking adventures. And how it compares or differs from a bike like this. Doesn't have to be his Ti model either. Insightful review per usual.
Great review....I hope you get the oppertuity to also review priority's new 600 HXT.
I should have one soon...
Thanks! I've been waiting for your review and opinions about the 600x for quite awhile. In fact, I was going to buy a 600x last October to help with my knee surgery recovery. However, my recovery has gone much slower than expected and I am still riding on the road. When I am ready for the dirt again I'm going to buy one!
Sorry to hear that your recovery has been slow. It's a really special bike. I hope your recovery goes smoothly and quickly so you can be back on the dirt soon.
I hope that your knee heals soon!!
Also had a knee surgery (replacement). But I have a year on you. Good luck with your recovery! I’m enjoying the Priority 600x. Just received it and hope to do my first solo bikepack next week. I’ve found riding alt days helps with any knee pain. Again good luck !
That settles it then. I’m getting one. Thanks so much.
Enjoy, it's a special bike.
Get ready for some amazing adventures!!
The flywheel analogy sold me. There is the 647x. It has more in-between gears.
My rig is almost the same as this. I got a Specialized Epic frame, Wren fork but with Rohloff internal gear hub. It’s my all day bike. I use it to minor trails and bike-to-work. Really dependable, clean looking without any hassles of hanging derailleur. Maintenance is zero to none. Hope @hardtailparty can come up a review for internal gear hubs like Rohloff, Kindernay, 3x3, Alfine, etc.
It's really tough to source all those parts for a review, but I'm super curious to review them as well.
I am also looking for a good review of the Kindernay geared hub system............
Thanks for the review! Now do the same on the HXT, please. 😄
I want you to tell me how great of a trail bike it is --- that can also do bike-packing, pretty well - not struggling.
The most note worthy thing to me is the amount of constant rotating mass in the transmission. If i were to go Pinion, it would be more likely in a Zeroed Katipo, or a Taniwha, but i haven’t had a chance to ride one yet. I do prioritize efficiency even in my shreddy bikes though.
What constant rotating mass?
Hopefully you get to try out their 600HXT model. It looks like they literally watched your video and made a bike based on what you've criticized haha. Has the new Pinion Smart Shift and more updated geo with a dropper.
I just got one in. Excited to try it out
Gripshift! My first real MTB back in 1996 was a Trek 7000 SHX with the Gripshift made by this little company called SRAM.
This is a great review of the 600X, the best one I've watched so far and I've watched quite a few. Also the landscapes look quite similar to my SoCal area that I'm wanting this bike for. You've just helped me inch a little closer to taking the plunge on purchasing one. One question after hearing you downsized, may I ask how tall you are? I'm 5'9" and 66 years old and this will be my first MTB, not looking to do any extreme mountain biking, just mainly fire roads and some trails and blacktop.
I'm 5'6" with a 28" inseam. I believe Ryan van duzer is your size. I remember he sized down too. Not sure what size he is on.
It would be great if the inverted fork came with rack mounts and rack designed for the fork. Having front suspension and being able to use a front rack would be really nice for backpacking.
Check out old man mountain racks. I love the way you can mount things to the upside down forks without affecting unsprung weight.
Sounds like my Velo Orange Piolet, its heavy and feels impossible to wheelie or jump, but is great loaded up and comfortable for all day, multi day off road touring.
Shifting w/o pedaling is cool.
A butterfly flies right in front of you at 8:07! 😊
I got to meet and hangout with Ryan and priority at ragbrai all week this year and now I’m waiting for my 600x
Ryan is a stud. I look forward to when I get to ride with him.
I think these gear boxes are the future of MTBs.
If you haven't seen it yet, check out my previous video: are gearboxes the future :)
@@hardtailparty
I will, thanks!
I recently received my new 600x. It’s has the WTB wheels and Goodyear tires.
I have a Canyon fs Spectral for most use. This will be primarily for bikepacking. I feel like I’m getting a little beat up compared to my Canyon but that bike is carbon and fs. What upgrades do you recommend that don’t break the bank to help smooth the ride out a bit? Wheels and tires? I watched your new video on wheels and tire pressure. So glad I found your channel, all good stuff
I ran across another rider on the GDMBR who was using this bike. He was in his eighties, and just recently started bicycling again after a 30-year hiatus. The bike was a logical choice.
GDMBR? Grand Dad Mountain BikeR?
@@ThisGuyRides May as well be since only retirees really have the spare time to do it
@@ThisGuyRides I only got his name as Doug.
My hero!
Great review. I've been trying to decide between the 600x and the 600hxt with the electronic shifter. I'm a long distance leisure rider who likes to take in the scenery. I ride on paved or smooth dirt roads 99% of the time. However, there are LOTS of very steep hills in my area. The 600x sounds like the ideal bike for me according to your review...but I feel that it would be perfect with the electronic shifter instead of the twist shifter. What say you? 😊
What’s the chain version of this bike. I don’t think I could deal with the belt noise for hours on end. I love everything else described about it though and watching duzer on his adventure. Appreciate an honest review
I’m gonna put a suspension seat post on mine.
You should try out a nicolai argon gen pinion. It s the only modern hardtail with pinion. Check there side would love to see a video about this bike.
Pedal pedal pedal and enjoy the ride! Great review.
Funny to me you mentioned a trail you wouldn't do on this bike that Duzer actually did. I thought you gave it a fair review though.
I can see how that would be confusing. Bikes can be ridden on all sorts of trails, including outside its ideal environment. For example, I can ride a mountain bike on pavement but that doesn't mean it's the ideal bike for the job. This is an incredibly versatile bike, but for certain trails, I'd pick something else. Thsts the case with every bike I revire. The purpose of my reviews is to help viewers know where the sweet spot is of a certain bike and if it aligns with their goals and intentions.
Another great review. How did you like the Goodyear tires?
They roll fast, but they have a very thin sidewall.
@@hardtailparty Nice. XC fast I assume & not touring/Gravel tire fast?
what do you think about adding a hub motor? Would that be reliable enough for trails?
I've owned my 600x for about 2 years. I like the bike, but I'm continually frustrated by the inability to shift gears while pedaling. The rider must stop pedaling momentarily to shift. It's not a big problem when going downhill and gaining speed, but when climbing, you lose momentum when pausing to shift, and then instead of shifting down just one gear, I have to shift down 2 or 3 gears. This situation gets a little better over time as you get accustomed to it, but it's far from ideal.
needs a belt case for that one in the million pebble between the teeth; it's not complete without it. leaving a belt/chain out in the elements when there's no derailleur to necessitate that was a fashion decision in 1891 that stuck with us, but it's wrong.
source: le petit journal 1891, paris brest paris charles terront won using a chaincase but they took it off for the photo published in the newspaper, and my speculation is from then on it was considered the cool thing not to have it on
Any comments on the frames ride quality?
Seems like the geo is nice/upright, but didn't catch many comments regarding stiffness, etc 🙏
Hard to tell with these super thin tires. It wasn't overly harsh, but this was a pretty smooth trail.
I love your channel and honest indepth reviews. I know there is one bike manufacturer that uses a chain instead of a belt with the pinion gearbox. What are your thoughts on that given the slight issues you noticed with the belt. It might be the best of both worlds, appreciate your feedback.
I prefer chains over belts.
How long before you review the Priority 600HXT?
What do you think of the inverted fork? I seem to recall you having one in for review but then deciding not to review it.
I've had issues with mine. I'm waiting for a replacement before I finish my review.
Any word on when they will let you do a 600HXT review?
I recommend reaching out to them to share your desire to see one on my channel.
Looks like High Desert, where are you riding
Cottonwood, AZ
Any thoughts on the cannondale habit HT 2?
I just got one in. Review coming soon
@hardtailparty yeah, I got one coming cuz of a cannondale warranty on a cujo 2, interesting geometry for sure!
How tall are you? You mentioned sizing down to a small. I might want to do that. My inseam is 32 and calls for a medium but I do well with a smaller bike. What do you think?
I'm 5'6" with s 28" inseam
@@hardtailparty gotcha. So a medium is probably a good place for me to be. Thanks!
@@TheLivingstonsI am 5 10” and have about a 31 inseam and ordered the medium
It’s just right. The top tube is pretty high on this bike but when standing flat foot over the center of the top tube I’m able to clear fairly well (trying to put it delicately)
In my experience, most grip shift haters have very little mechanical sympathy.
what does zero tenths and three tenths mean?
0 to 30% effort/energy/aggression
he meant how hard you ride it. he is saying this bike is best when riding 1-3 out of 10 as far as aggressive riding. So not for aggressive riding, for cruising.