Most of the bikes in the world fall into two categories: Nice and expensive, or cheap and low quality. That is the revelation that inspired Dave Weiner to launch his own bike company, called Priority Bicycles .
“I set out to design a bike that is maintenance free, is really well made, yet affordable,” said Weiner on a video that accompanies a fund-raising effort on Kickstarter.
Apparently, many people are also hunting for a quality, affordable, low maintenance bike. Pledges to the campaign already top $200,000, well past Weiner’s goal of $30,000 to launch the company.
The Priority is a simple aluminum frame bike with a belt drive, 3-speed internal hub and foot-brake in the rear hub.
It will retail for about $400.
At that price, it will be informative to learn how well the components and frame actually perform and hold up to wear and tear. The drive system is made by CDrive , a company we have not tested, paired with a Shimano Nexus 3 rear hub.
But even industry-leading Gates Carbon Drive (which we’ve tested and liked on other, more expensive bikes) does not claim entirely maintenance-free use.
While we doubt the Priority will be entirely “maintenance free,” the sealed hubs, belt drive and puncture-resistant tires may let users spend more time on the road and less with a wrench in hand — if the company’s claims ring true.
