Why Bicycling.com Loves the Priority 600 for City Commuting

In a long-term city-focused review, Bicycling.com described the Priority 600 as “a blissfully fun city bike”—one that removes the most common barrier to bike commuting: maintenance. Designed to be simple, efficient, and practical, the review frames the 600 as a bike that makes riding easier to choose, day after day. Below are the key themes that stood out.

"...It’s the ultimate low-maintenance rig that combines all the practicalities of commuting year-round with the fun of just letting loose on an easy-to-ride, well-balanced bicycle."-Bicycling.com

Low Maintenance That Actually Matters

Bicycling.com opens the review by calling out something many riders feel but rarely say out loud: the time and effort required to maintain a bike can be the reason people stop commuting altogether.

The Priority 600 addresses that head-on with a fully enclosed Pinion gearbox paired with a rust-proof Gates belt drive. No chain to lube, no derailleur to adjust, and no exposed components to worry about in bad weather.

“Most of us just want to hop on our bike and go—not devote a chunk of our morning to pumping tires, lubing a chain, and fussing with derailleur adjustments.”

The result is a commuter that’s designed to stay out of the repair stand and on the road.

Automotive-Inspired Drivetrain Performance

A major focus of the review is the Pinion gearbox itself. Designed by former Porsche engineers, the system delivers a 600% gear range across 12 evenly spaced gears, without overlap.

Bicycling.com noted that the gearbox feels more like an automotive transmission than a traditional bicycle drivetrain—sealed, efficient, and built for longevity. The centered weight of the drivetrain also contributes to a stable, balanced ride, especially noticeable on longer city rides and mixed surfaces.

Fun, Stable, and Surprisingly Capable

While the Priority 600 is positioned as a city and commuter bike, the review repeatedly emphasizes how enjoyable it is to ride—especially beyond smooth pavement.

Thanks to wide WTB Road Plus tires, the bike felt confident and playful on gravel, broken pavement, and longer exploratory routes around town. The reviewer summed it up as practical without being boring—capable of daily commuting duties while still encouraging the occasional detour.

Fully Equipped for Year-Round Riding

Bicycling.com also highlighted how thoroughly thought-out the full build is. Rather than requiring upgrades, the Priority 600 comes ready for real-world use with:

  • Hydraulic disc brakes for confident stopping
  • Hub-powered front and rear lights that stay on even when stopped
  • Full fenders for all-season commuting
  • Kickstand, ergonomic grips, and commuter-friendly touchpoints

It’s a setup that reinforces the bike’s core idea: remove friction, add reliability, and make riding the easiest option.

A Bike That Makes Riding Easy to Choose

The review closes on a note that captures the spirit of the Priority 600 best—this is a bike that blends year-round practicality with genuine joy. Low maintenance, balanced handling, and thoughtful features come together to create a commuter that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

As Bicycling.com put it, it’s “the ultimate low-maintenance rig”—one that makes everyday rides, and even long routes home, something to look forward to.

Learn more about the Priority 600 and why it continues to earn praise as one of the most practical—and enjoyable—city bikes available.