We Rode the Priority Vanth: Can This US High-Pivot Gearbox Trail Bike Handle the Downhill?

Jennifer Miller · 2026-07-31

The Priority Vanth grabs you straight away. No rear derailleur. A swingarm that looks big enough to anchor a small boat. A massive sprocket perched above the bottom bracket. And a silver finish that makes it stand out on any trail. Almost everything about this bike feels different, new, and just a little bit intriguing from the moment you see it. But where exactly have Priority put their priorities? We spent time on the Vanth to find out whether this American-made high-pivot, Pinion-gearbox trail bike is more than just a head-turner. ### The Vanth at a Glance Before we dive into the ride, here's a quick rundown of the key specs: - **Travel:** 170 mm front / 165 mm rear (that's 6.7 inches / 6.5 inches for our imperial friends) - **Weight:** 19.5 kg (43 pounds) in size S2 - **Price:** $9,300 (including shipping, customs, and import charges) - **Drivetrain:** Pinion Smart.Shift 9-speed gearbox with belt drive - **Suspension:** FOX, with Priority's proprietary Still Point high-pivot platform - **Wheels:** Mullet setup (29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear) Yes, this bike is a hefty investment. But when you consider the technology packed into the frame, the price starts to make sense. ### Who Is Priority Bikes? 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. 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 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. 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 $3,900, 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. ### On the Trail: First Impressions We put the Vanth through its paces on some of the gnarliest trails we could find, and it certainly got us excited for bike park season. 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. #### Suspension That Swallows Everything The Still Point high-pivot suspension is the star of the show. On steep, rocky descents, the rear wheel tracks the ground like it's on rails. The high pivot design reduces the rearward axle path, which means the bike doesn't get hung up on square-edge hits. The result? A plush, controlled ride that inspires confidence at speed. #### Pedaling That Stays Out of the Way One of the biggest concerns with high-pivot bikes is pedal bob. The Vanth, however, pedals remarkably neutral. The gearbox and belt drive eliminate chain growth and derailleur slap, so the suspension stays active without feeling mushy under power. You can stand up and sprint without the bike wallowing or kicking back. #### A Drivetrain That Just Works The Pinion gearbox is a game-changer for maintenance. No derailleur to bend, no chain to drop, no cable to stretch. The belt drive is quiet and clean, and the 9-speed gearbox offers a wide range that handles everything from steep climbs to flat-out descents. Shifting is instant and precise, even under load. #### Handling and Weight At 43 pounds, the Vanth isn't a lightweight. But the centralized mass—thanks to the gearbox and low-slung battery—makes it feel more agile than the numbers suggest. The mullet wheels add a playful character, while the long wheelbase provides stability at speed. You'll notice the weight on long climbs, but on the descents, it's a non-issue. ### What We Loved - **Sensitive suspension performance:** The Still Point platform is incredibly plush and responsive. - **Pedaling remains remarkably neutral:** No annoying bob, even when you're grinding up a fire road. - **Quiet, low-maintenance drivetrain:** The gearbox and belt drive are silent and need minimal attention. - **Centrally positioned mass improves handling:** The bike feels balanced and predictable in the air and on the ground. ### The Bottom Line The Priority Vanth is a bold statement from a brand known for commuters. It's not cheap, and it's not light, but it delivers a ride quality that's hard to match with a traditional drivetrain. If you're looking for a bike that will handle the rowdiest trails with minimal fuss, the Vanth is worth every penny. Whether you're a seasoned enduro racer or a weekend warrior looking to up your game, the Vanth offers something unique. It's a bike that makes you rethink what's possible. And that's exactly what we want from a bike that costs as much as a used car. So, where have Priority put their priorities? On the downhill, on simplicity, and on innovation. And honestly, we're all for it.