Yesterday marked the arrival of my new Priority 600HXT, and today, I wasted no time taking this intriguing Priority Bike out for its inaugural ride. Here are my initial thoughts, presented in no particular order, on this unique machine.
Assembly and Initial Setup
The assembly process was remarkably straightforward. Even without consulting the provided assembly videos, putting the bike together was intuitive. Priority has done a commendable job in making this user-friendly. The only minor point was the length of both the front brake line and dropper cable housing, which seemed a bit excessive. I opted to trim the dropper cable for a cleaner look. For the front brake housing, I temporarily addressed the length by routing it around the fork leg an extra time. This is a minor detail, and easily adjustable, but worth noting for those who prefer a super clean cockpit setup right out of the box.
Smart.Shift Software Update: Crucial for Performance
My initial moments riding the 600HXT around the block were concerning. I experienced shifting issues similar to those reported by an early reviewer on YouTube, particularly with the Smart.Shift system. It seemed reluctant to shift under any load, often failing to engage and causing significant worry about the system’s performance. However, a quick firmware update via the Pinion app completely resolved these problems. Post-update, the shifting performance was immediately and noticeably improved. If you’re experiencing any shifting anomalies with your 600HXT, ensure you prioritize updating the firmware. It’s a game-changer and unlocks the intended smooth operation of the Smart.Shift system on this priority bike.
Suspension and Frame Feel
Let’s address the elephant in the room – this is a hardtail mountain bike. Having primarily ridden full-suspension bikes recently, the hardtail nature of the 600HXT will require some re-adjustment for off-road trails. The frame itself is stiff and responsive, as expected from a quality hardtail, but the lack of rear suspension is definitely noticeable on rougher terrain. This isn’t a criticism, but rather an observation for riders accustomed to more forgiving rear ends. Choosing a priority bike like the 600HXT means accepting and embracing the hardtail experience.
Component Spec: Smart Choices
Priority appears to have made intelligent component choices for the 600HXT, balancing performance and value. The inclusion of a Fox 34 fork with the FIT GRIP damper is a highlight. Having experience with both FIT4 and GRIP2 dampers, I found the FIT GRIP to offer a surprisingly refined feel, providing adequate adjustability and performance for a bike in this category. I did swap out the stock front wheel for a slightly higher-spec spare I had, but the stock wheelset seems robust enough for most riders. Kudos to Priority for speccing a dual-ply tire in the rear – a detail often overlooked but crucial for durability and puncture resistance on a hardtail. The rear hub also appears to be of good quality. The TRP Slate T4 brakes are still under evaluation, but initial impressions are positive, offering decent stopping power. Finally, I swapped the very thin RaceFace grips for a slightly thicker pair for personal comfort, but this is a matter of rider preference. Overall, the components on this priority bike indicate thoughtful selection aimed at performance and durability.
Geometry: Modern and Trail-Ready
The geometry of the 600HXT is decidedly modern, featuring a long and slack design. My personal bike has a slightly shorter reach, similar head angle, and a marginally shorter wheelbase, yet the 600HXT felt immediately natural and predictable. The geometry inspires confidence and feels well-suited for aggressive trail riding. There are no complaints in this department; Priority has nailed the geometry for a contemporary hardtail mountain bike.
Weight: A Heavy Hitter
Let’s be frank – this bike is heavy. My size large, after adding pedals and bottle cages and swapping the front wheel, tips the scales at approximately 35.8 pounds. This is undeniably hefty for a hardtail. It’s essential to view the 600HXT as a robust, durable brawler rather than a lightweight climber. No amount of component swapping will transform this priority bike into a featherweight. Embrace its sturdy build and the confidence it inspires on challenging terrain, rather than focusing on gram shaving.
Pinion Smart.Shift: The Standout Feature
The Pinion Smart.Shift system is undoubtedly the primary draw for a bike like the 600HXT, and for me personally. So, the crucial question: how does it perform? In short, it’s good – genuinely good. By the end of my first ride, the shifting became so intuitive that I almost forgot about it, feeling like natural, seamless gear changes. This is my first experience with a gearbox bike, so I lack a direct comparison to other models. However, after the critical software update, the Smart.Shift worked flawlessly for me.
Does it downshift under load? Yes, it does. Does it downshift under heavy load? Not really. When subjected to significant torque, the system emits a slight noise indicating its inability to complete the shift under extreme pressure. However, I quickly learned the system’s limitations and adapted by slightly easing off the pedals during shifts. In terms of downshifting under load, I’d compare its performance to older 9-speed systems versus modern 12-speed drivetrains. It represents a minor step back compared to top-tier Shimano or SRAM drivetrains in this specific aspect, but it’s not a significant drawback. I anticipate this minor adjustment becoming second nature after a few more rides. The benefits of the Smart.Shift, such as consistent gear ratios and low maintenance, are likely to outweigh this slight compromise for many riders considering a priority bike with this technology.
Shifter Ergonomics: Surprisingly Good
The two-button shifter for the Pinion system is surprisingly ergonomic and intuitive. In fact, I prefer it to my SRAM AXS GX shifter. My only minor wish is for the Pinion app to allow programming a button hold for multiple shifts at once, similar to the AXS functionality. However, this is a minor detail, and I expect to adapt to the sequential shifting quickly. The shifter itself is well-positioned and provides positive feedback, contributing to the overall positive shifting experience on this priority bike.
Pedal Engagement: Noticeable Play
Priority has wisely chosen a rear hub with high engagement, which is excellent for technical riding. However, there’s a noticeable amount of play in the crank arms at the gearbox before engagement. This is considerably more play than, for example, the 18-tooth ratchets in a DT Swiss 350 hub. Is this a deal-breaker? For me, no. But it is noticeable in certain situations, particularly when ratcheting or quickly engaging the pedals. Some riders may find this aspect annoying, and it’s worth considering if instant pedal engagement is a top priority.
Initial Ride Conclusion
For my intended purpose – a robust hardtail for challenging conditions when I prefer not to use my full suspension bike – I believe the 600HXT will be a very welcome addition to my stable. It’s a capable and unique priority bike. However, due to its hardtail nature and substantial weight, I doubt it will become my everyday trail bike. Nevertheless, I’m happy to have the 600HXT in my collection, ready for specific riding scenarios.
Alt text: Close-up of Priority 600HXT crankset and Pinion gearbox showcasing the heart of this priority bike’s unique drivetrain system.
Alt text: Detail shot of the Priority 600HXT wheel and tire highlighting the robust build and trail-ready components of this priority bike.
Five Ride Update: Refined Impressions
After several rides on my usual trails, my perspective on the Priority 600HXT has evolved.
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My initial assessment of the Smart.Shift performance was too critical. With a bit of acclimation, the ability to momentarily pause pedaling and quickly cycle through multiple gears, which are instantly engaged before resuming pedaling, significantly compensates for the instances where downshifting under heavy load isn’t optimal. It’s a different shifting experience than 12-speed SRAM or Shimano, but overall, it’s equally effective and, in some ways, even advantageous. Crucially, it still manages to shift in both directions under load most of the time. The Smart.Shift on this priority bike is truly a standout feature that grows on you.
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The cable routing around the internal entry points could be improved. All four cables (rear brake, shift controller wire, battery charging wire, and dropper cable) converge at a single point on the left side of the frame. Ideally, Priority should consider routing the dropper cable on the right side and incorporating a method to secure the charging cable more effectively. Cleaner cable management would further enhance the premium feel of this priority bike.
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I’ve come to realize that flat pedals and hardtails are not a compatible combination for my riding style. Switching to clipless pedals has dramatically improved my confidence and control on the bike. While I still wouldn’t choose it over my full suspension for extremely rough trails, clipless pedals unlock a new level of capability for this hardtail priority bike.
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The TRP brakes required a more extended bedding-in period than Shimano or SRAM brakes typically do. It took around 50 miles for them to achieve their optimal performance and feel consistent. The reason for this longer break-in is unclear, but they now perform reliably.
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In drier conditions, the low-maintenance aspect of the 600HXT is incredibly appealing. The sealed Pinion gearbox and robust components minimize the need for frequent adjustments and cleaning, making this priority bike a hassle-free option.
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Upon closer inspection, the rear tire appears to be a single-ply version. This specific Trail Boss variant isn’t listed on WTB’s website, suggesting it might be an OEM-exclusive option. Regardless, I am very impressed with the tires’ performance and will likely consider WTB tires for future bike setups, diverting some of my spending from Maxxis. (Note: The front tire in the initial photos is a Maxxis, but I have since swapped it back to the OEM tire that came with the bike.)
