Priority Vanth: A Unique Belt Drive, Gearbox, Enduro Bike

Priority Bicycles is known for its corner of the market, building belt-driven bikes. While many of these bikes fall into the “commuter” category, the brand has off-road options, including a hardtail mountain bike. 

Today, the belt and gearbox bike brand teased the release of the Priority Vanth (officially launching on Halloween), their first stab at a modern full-suspension mountain bike. As a part of the tease, Priority introduced the Stillpoint platform, a high-pivot suspension system designed to work with belt-driven bikes. Additionally, the Stillpoint suspension system comes with two new patents from the brand.

2 Priority patents make the high pivot work with Gates & Pinion combo

Currently, two new patents can be found regarding the Priority Vanth, and both appear to pertain to a tensioner pulley present in the design. The first patent relates to the use of the tensioner pulley, specifically in conjunction with a belt-drive system. While a tensioner pulley isn’t necessarily new to high-pivot designs, Priority’s tensioner pivots during travel to accommodate for chain belt growth. As the bike returns to SAG, a spring in the tensioner pulley allows it to move back to its original position. 

Staying within a precise tension range is especially important considering the Vanth operates with a Gates Belt-Drive system. To maintain appropriate tension while mitigating the effects of chain growth, the tension pulley appears to be the solution, as the upper pulley is not concentric around the main high pivot.

The second patent from Priority is similarly related to the first, but with a traditional chain-driven drivetrain in mind. In both cases, the effects of chain growth and appropriate chain tension are the concern. 

While this second patent covers traditional “chain-driven” bicycles, we doubt the brand will be moving away from gearbox and belt-driven bikes anytime soon. Rather, Priority is likely covering its bases, perhaps considering licensing options for the future.

What else do we know about the Priority Vanth?

Honestly, we don’t know much yet about the Priority Vanth. While Priority has announced the bike on their website and social media, they did not include a spec list, build options, geometry chart, travel numbers, or any other corresponding info. However, images tell a story, and we can make a few assumptions about the Vanth.

First, and perhaps most apparent, is the lack of a traditional drivetrain. All Priority offerings are belt-driven bikes, and the Vanth is no exception, partnering with Pinion and Gates. Both brands’ logos are on the Vanth’s webpage, along with the other partnering brands — Fox, TRP, OneUp, and WTB. 

According to Priority, the Vanth is a “high pivot enduro bicycle.” This statement, along with images of the Fox 38 fork and X2 shock, suggests a bike with a travel range of 160-170mm. We also see TRP brakes, likely the new Evo Pro brakes, and a OneUp dropper. However, the bar and stem combo in the images doesn’t appear to be from OneUp. Lastly, although the exact specification is unknown, WTB hoops are visible in Priority’s images of the Vanth.

Priority’s website imagery shows a Continental tire spec, while social media photos show Maxxis. Either way, we can expect an aggressive tire spec, along with other components geared toward gravity riding.

Coming Soon

We will know more about the Priority Vanth when the full details are released at the end of the month. More info soon, coming for Halloween.

PriorityBicycles.com