Payton1221

I bought their Onyx bike with the Nuvinci 330. I really like it, and have put 650 miles on it since buying it earlier this year, but I'm thinking after I put 2,000 miles or so on it then I might buy their 600 bike. Can you shift the pinion geared bike under a load? With the Nuvinci, I can which is nice when dialing in the best ratio when out of the saddle and mashing up a hill with a varying slope.

Archwhorides 

I don't know about Pinion shifting under load firsthand yet, but I've read that shifting requires taking pressure off the pedals a little. My Alfine 8 does not shift well under load, but I've learned to modulate the load to slip in shifts between strokes, I'm guessing the Pinion is similar, no "mashing" allowed.

Archwhorides 

There seems to be enough seat tube and seat post for taller riders, but the top tube is relatively short (upright stance). I'm guessing that replacing the 95mm stem with a 125-130mm stem and straight bars could be enough for taller gents.

Dan Burkhart 

I think it would be better to ask, should it be shifted under load.The Shimano Alfine will shift under load, but I've seen the results of doing so. The repeated engaging and disengaging of the rising pawls to the sun gears while torque is applied greatly accelerates wear. The countershaft gears in a pinion have a similar engagement mechanism which would be negatively affected by shifting under torque.
So while it might not go "Ping" or "Clunk" and suddenly fail catastrophically, expect service life to be shortened by wearing prematurely.

Archwhorides 

The reflective paint accents on the Priority are a nice touch. I'd like to see more of this kind of thing, use the frame and fenders as a canvas. On my older commuter I created a pattern using strips of 3M black reflective film, really lights up under headlights

General Geoff

The pinion gearbox is internally similar to a sequential motorcycle gearbox, just without a clutch. It's far easier on the gears to let off the power momentarily while shifting. Fortunately, unlike a derailleur system, the gear change is immediate and does not require any pedaling to complete the change. So if you start up a hill that turns out to be too steep for the gear you're in, you can let off, shift down several gears, and start pedaling again immediately in the lower gear without having to stand on the pedals to force it into the lower gears.

JonathanGennick 

Here's an example of what I was talking about with the flash. It's a fun look in daylight to have the Priority logo lit up from the camera flash.

Archwhorides 

Yes, the flash brings out the reflective paint nicely. I like the color accents and straight bars. For myself I may need to keep the stealth black look and let the bike get dirty, there be dragons in this city.

Payton1221

Sounds like I've found my next bike

Dan Burkhart 

Motorcycle transmissions use dog clutches on the face of sliding gears to engage, not pawls that rise out of the shaft to mate with the inside of the gear. Not a good idea to shift either type under power, but sliding clutches would be more susceptible to immediate damage.

RobSN

Based on my experience with the Pinion, the General has got it right. I think one probably could shift into a lower gear under load using lots of force on the shifter, but it's unnecessary - the merest pause enables the downshifting. Now, having written that, I have a feeling that I might not have to take the pressure off when shifting up, but it's all become so instinctive that I'm not sure ... I guess I'll need to check it out on my next ride

Lazyass

Pretty cool bike. Here's some 9 speed titanium eye candy.

JonathanGennick 

I sometimes upshift under a light load. Downshifting is less forgiving. Better to briefly pause.

JonathanGennick 

Ok. You've motivated me to bolt on the rack I bought over the summer. I went w/silver for contrast:



Probably I'll remove the rack in spring. During winter I can use the bike as a grocery runner -- for light loads.

After getting the rack on, I had a go at hacking an old tail light onto the back end of the rack. Drilled a hole through the base of the light, and mounted it using a sheet metal screw. Wrapped some Gorilla Tape around the mount as an anti-rotation measure. Here's the result:



I have just one pannier, and really ought to buy a second for balance.

joelcool

Congrats on getting your new bike out and about! Looks great!

Archwhorides 

A few pictures from my 600's maiden voyage today.

Posing with the original Uncle Sam


Have hot coffee, will travel. The lowered handlebar stance is right for me, but I need to fine tune it with a straight bars and a longer stem.


I moved the minimalistic Tubus Fly rack from my older bike and crafted an aluminum clip to fasten the strut to the rear brake-bridge. Fits well with Gravel Grinder panniers on this bike.

General Geoff

I gotta say, the gumwalls really give it a timeless, almost vintage aesthetic, despite the disc brakes and belt drive.

JonathanGennick 

Those Ortlieb panniers look good!

joelcool

mkblackwell

Looks mighty fine, Steve! As a tall guy, I'm wondering how much extension is left in the stock seat post?

Looking forward to hearing how it fares over the winter!

Archwhorides 

My inseam is 32" and according to markings on the seat tube the maximum extension is 3" higher, so the stock tube should accommodate a 35" inseam +/-

Archwhorides 

Pinion/gates drive ruled the slushy Beantown streets on Friday morning.

JonathanGennick 

Bike looks good! That a loading dock? I can see the water. Look like that panier is earning its keep.

Archwhorides 

General Geoff

Great shot of the bike in its element!