THE GREAT OUTDOORS In the past decade, belt-drive bikes have transitioned from a novelty to a legitimate alternative to the traditional chain. Things started getting serious in 2007, when a manufacturer called Gates released an impressive system called the Carbon Belt Drive. The Carbon Belt Drive employs a 1/2-inch wide belt that wont stretch or rust like a chain will.
More than 90 bike brands have used the Carbon Belt Drive for their bicycles. And other brands have created their own version of the belt drive system. One of the newer models to hit the market is the Classic from Priority Bicycles.
Priority began with a Kickstarter campaign in the summer of 2014. It was a huge success, with $565,000 raised and more than 1,500 bicycles ordered. Now the company is refining its concepts and expanding its product line.
The Classic is Prioritys top-selling model. It was designed for simplicity and it lives up to that promise starting with the assembly process. The Classic comes mostly assembled in the box and includes all the tools youll need (except for a screwdriver to adjust the reflector on the handlebars). It only takes about 10 minutes to have the bike ready to ride.
As a nice bonus, the Classic also comes with accessories like a floor pump and water bottle cage.
The frame is lightweight aluminum and features a three-speed internal hub with foot braking. While a foot brake may sound a bit juvenile to some cyclists, it allows for a more streamlined design and requires no maintenance.
As for the belt drive, it lives up to the hype. The first thing youll notice is how quiet and smooth it is. It really is enjoyable to ride. Look closer and youll see how clean it is, which is a positive side effect of not needing lubrication like a metal chain.
Just like belt-drive bikes in general, it appears that the Priority Classic is here to stay. It is too well-designed and reliable to be considered a fad. With its quality components and favorable price, the Classic is a great option for anyone wanting to try a belt-drive bike.
GRADE: A-
More than 90 bike brands have used the Carbon Belt Drive for their bicycles. And other brands have created their own version of the belt drive system. One of the newer models to hit the market is the Classic from Priority Bicycles.
Priority began with a Kickstarter campaign in the summer of 2014. It was a huge success, with $565,000 raised and more than 1,500 bicycles ordered. Now the company is refining its concepts and expanding its product line.
The Classic is Prioritys top-selling model. It was designed for simplicity and it lives up to that promise starting with the assembly process. The Classic comes mostly assembled in the box and includes all the tools youll need (except for a screwdriver to adjust the reflector on the handlebars). It only takes about 10 minutes to have the bike ready to ride.
As a nice bonus, the Classic also comes with accessories like a floor pump and water bottle cage.
The frame is lightweight aluminum and features a three-speed internal hub with foot braking. While a foot brake may sound a bit juvenile to some cyclists, it allows for a more streamlined design and requires no maintenance.
As for the belt drive, it lives up to the hype. The first thing youll notice is how quiet and smooth it is. It really is enjoyable to ride. Look closer and youll see how clean it is, which is a positive side effect of not needing lubrication like a metal chain.
Just like belt-drive bikes in general, it appears that the Priority Classic is here to stay. It is too well-designed and reliable to be considered a fad. With its quality components and favorable price, the Classic is a great option for anyone wanting to try a belt-drive bike.
GRADE: A-
