We Rode the Priority Vanth: A High-Pivot Gearbox Trail Bike That Redefines Enduro

Robert Wilson · 2026-07-31

The Priority Vanth grabs you straight away. No rear derailleur, a swingarm the size of a small country, a massive sprocket perched above the bottom bracket, and a silver finish that makes it look like nothing else on the trail. Almost everything about it feels different, new, and just a little bit intriguing from the off. But where, exactly, have Priority put their priorities? ### The Spec Sheet at a Glance Before we dive into the ride, let's break down what you're actually getting. The Vanth is a serious piece of kit, and the numbers reflect that. - **Travel:** 6.7 inches (170 mm) front, 6.5 inches (165 mm) rear - **Weight:** 43 pounds (19.5 kg) in Size S2 - **Price:** $9,200 (including shipping, customs, and import charges) - **Drivetrain:** Pinion Smart.Shift 9-speed gearbox with Gates Carbon belt drive - **Suspension:** FOX Factory, with the proprietary Still Point high-pivot platform Priority Bikes is a relatively young brand out of New York City, focused almost entirely on direct-to-consumer belt drive bikes that punch above their price. With the Vanth, the American manufacturer steps beyond the commuter and leisure crowd into something new: a premium enduro bike built for serious trail riding. Featuring a mullet wheel configuration (29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear), the Vanth breaks new ground in several areas. Above all else, it promises one thing: downhill performance. Equipped with FOX suspension and a starting price of $8,150 (before those hefty shipping and import costs), it certainly isn't cheap. But given the sheer amount of innovation on board, the price feels fair. We put the Priority Vanth through its paces, and it certainly got us excited for bike park season. ### A Name with Mythological Roots The bike takes its name from Etruscan mythology. Vanth is a benevolent demon who guides souls along their unknown journey into the afterlife. For those of us who prefer riding bikes to visiting the underworld, the Priority Vanth is the companion that's meant to guide you safely down the most intimidating trails. It's a fitting name for a bike that feels so assured when the trail points downhill. ### The Philosophy Behind the Brand The New York brand has a clear mission: "Make Cycling Simple." By that, they mean building bikes that require as little maintenance as possible. The company name, though, reflects founder and CEO Dave's own shift in priorities when he started the business. His goal was to spend more time with his family without giving up his passion for cycling. Fair enough. Sometimes the only solution is to start your own company. Founded in 2014, Priority Bikes got off the ground through three successful Kickstarter campaigns, with every bike reportedly delivered to its backers on schedule. ### Why the Gearbox and Belt Drive Matter Most of the brand's bikes feature a belt drive paired with either a singlespeed drivetrain, an internally geared hub, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) hub, or a Pinion gearbox integrated into the bottom bracket area. Priority's claims of "Quality Parts" and "No Overhead," combined with their direct-to-consumer sales model from the US, are reflected in the specifications and pricing across the range. The line-up is primarily made up of commuter and recreational bikes priced between $550 and $4,000, not including import costs. The new Priority Vanth is something of an outlier in the range, opening up an entirely new category while standing out clearly in both price and performance. The gearbox is the star of the show here. It puts the bike's mass centrally, which makes the Vanth feel incredibly planted in the air and through rough sections. The belt drive, meanwhile, means no chain lube, no derailleur adjustments, and virtually zero drivetrain noise. It's a revelation on a long ride. ### Exciting Features of the New Priority Vanth The Vanth isn't just about novel components; it's about how those components work together to create a ride experience that's genuinely different. Here's what stood out during our testing. - **Sensitive suspension performance:** The Still Point high-pivot design eats up square-edge hits and big drops with a composure that's hard to match. - **Pedaling remains remarkably neutral:** Despite the high pivot, there's minimal pedal bob or kickback. The bike stays calm and efficient when you're grinding up the fire road. - **Quiet, low-maintenance drivetrain:** Thanks to the gearbox and belt drive, you can focus on the trail instead of worrying about your chain. - **Centrally positioned mass improves handling:** The gearbox keeps weight low and centered, making the bike feel lighter than its 43-pound weight suggests. In a market full of similar-looking enduro bikes, the Priority Vanth dares to be different. It's a bold statement from a brand known for commuters, and it proves that innovation doesn't always have to come from the big European or West Coast players. If you're after a bike that's genuinely capable, wonderfully quiet, and built to survive years of abuse, the Vanth deserves a spot on your shortlist. Just be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege of riding something truly special. We'll be watching closely to see if this New York upstart can shake up the enduro scene for good.