Priority Vanth Review: Can This High-Pivot Gearbox Trail Bike Deliver?

Jennifer Miller · 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? 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 Priority Vanth, the American manufacturer steps beyond the commuter and leisure crowd into something new: a premium enduro bike built for serious trail riding. Featuring 170/165 mm of travel (f/r), a mullet wheel configuration, their proprietary Still Point high-pivot suspension platform, and a Pinion Smart.Shift 9-speed gearbox, 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 $8,433 (including shipping, customs, and import charges), it certainly isn't cheap. But given the sheer amount of innovation on board, the price feels fair. ### A Name Steeped in Myth 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. ### The Brand Behind the Bike 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. ### What Makes the Vanth Different? 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 $580 and $4,200, 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. ### Our First Impressions We put the Priority Vanth through its paces, and it certainly got us excited for bike park season. Here's what stood out right away: - **Sensitive suspension performance:** The Still Point high-pivot platform feels plush and composed, soaking up square-edge hits with ease. - **Pedaling remains remarkably neutral:** Despite the high pivot, the bike doesn't bob or squat excessively when you're putting power down. - **Quiet, low-maintenance drivetrain:** Thanks to the gearbox and belt drive, there's no derailleur to snag, no chain to lube, and almost no noise. - **Centrally positioned mass improves handling:** The gearbox keeps weight low and centered, which makes the bike feel balanced and agile in the air and on the trail. At 19.5 kg (about 43 pounds) in size S2, it's not a lightweight, but the mass is distributed so well that it doesn't feel like a pig on the climbs. The mullet setup (29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear) gives it a playful yet stable character, and the FOX suspension up front and in the rear keeps things glued to the ground. ### Who Is It For? The Vanth is clearly aimed at riders who prioritize downhill performance and minimal maintenance over outright weight savings. If you're the kind of rider who wants to show up at the trailhead and just ride—without worrying about derailleur adjustments or chain wear—this bike is a compelling option. It's also a statement piece; you won't see another bike like it in the parking lot. The price tag is steep, but when you consider the level of engineering and the quality of components, it starts to make sense. This is a bike that could easily serve as your do-it-all enduro rig for years to come, with far less upkeep than a traditional drivetrain. ### Final Thoughts The Priority Vanth is a bold move from a brand known for commuters. It proves that innovation doesn't have to come from the big names in mountain biking. Whether you're a die-hard gearbox fan or just curious about the future of trail bikes, the Vanth is worth a closer look. We're already counting down the days until we can take it to a bike park and really let it loose. So, what is this US high-pivot, Pinion-gearbox trail bike capable of? In our experience, it's capable of turning heads, handling rough terrain with confidence, and making you wonder why you ever put up with a traditional drivetrain in the first place.