Priority launches Skyline e-bike with high-end Pinion gearbox, Gates belt drive, and surprising price

Priority Bicycles just pulled the wraps off its most advanced electric bike yet, and it’s got some serious hardware under the hood – or rather, in the bottom bracket. Say hello to the absurdly high-end for a direct-to-consumer (D2C) e-bike, the Priority Skyline.

The newly launched Skyline combines the company’s signature low-maintenance design philosophy with one of the most sophisticated drivetrains in the bike world: a Pinion C1.12i Smart.Shift gearbox, paired with a Gates Carbon Drive belt and 750W torque-sensing rear hub motor.

And if you’re thinking that sounds like a US $6,000+ setup, you wouldn’t be wrong. That Pinion gearbox alone probably costs half the price of the bike or more when sold as a standalone unit. But somehow, Priority has managed to bundle it all together, even including integrated lighting, hydraulic disc brakes, a 720Wh battery, throttle, front suspension, and commuter-ready accessories. And all of that for just $3,999 (or $3,699 with a limited-time launch discount).

And referencing a $6,000 figure makes sense when you look at other brands. High-end German e-bikes like Stadtfuchs and Waldwiesel.E that also use this drivetrain cost between $5,600 to $6,500, to put things in perspective. Are they the same thing? Of course not. Don’t be insulting. Those bikes are half as fast and with a third the power of the Skyline.

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But none of this should really come as a surprise. This combination of bike-shop-level quality and direct-to-consumer pricing is classic Priority, a company that continues to carve out its own niche in the e-bike world (as well as the pedal bike world, for those with more stamina than I).

While most D2C brands cut corners on components to hit budget price points, Priority has built a reputation around spec’ing top-shelf parts like belt drives and internally geared hubs, and delivering them at prices that feel like they snuck past a spreadsheet somewhere.

But this time, they’ve outdone themselves.

A drivetrain you’d expect on a high-dollar Euro e-bike

At the heart of the Skyline is that Pinion C1.12i Smart.Shift system. If you’re not familiar, think of it like a car transmission for your bike. The sealed gearbox sits at the crank, offering 12 electronically actuated gears across a massive 600% gear range. It of course lets you shift at a standstill, while coasting, or even under load, but there’s so much more to it than that.

What really sets it apart is the automatic shifting technology. With Pinion’s Pre-Select feature, you set your ideal cadence and the bike handles the rest, changing gears between pedal strokes to keep you spinning at your sweet spot. No more gear mashing or hunting for the right sprocket. There’s even a Start-Select mode that resets your gear when you come to a stop, so you’re always ready to accelerate smoothly when the light turns green. And it’s doing all this behind the scenes without you ever knowing it.

Plus, since it’s paired with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive, the whole system runs whisper-quiet, grease-free, and nearly maintenance-free. This is the same tech you’ll find on expensive European trekking bikes, but here it’s part of a package that’s priced like a mid-tier commuter. Except that this bike is anything but mid-tier.

Real power, real-world rideability

Backing up the drivetrain is a 750W rear hub motor with both torque-sensing pedal assist and a thumb throttle for when you just want to cruise. The system delivers smooth, intuitive acceleration up to 28 mph for full class 3 performance, with impressive responsiveness thanks to the torque sensor and the gearbox’s finely spaced ratios.

The hub motor might sound like a strange choice for a higher end e-bike, but they’re becoming more common as higher end motor makers create attractive models for bike companies to choose from. These types of sophisticated gearboxes like Pinion’s take up the typical mid-drive motor’s place in the bottom bracket, leaving a rear hub motor as the best option. You pay for it in extra rear weight, but you make up for it in the pleasurable ride feel that the drivetrain provides.

And the Skyline isn’t just about power, it’s about control. That means hydraulic disc brakes with motor cutoff, wide 650x50c Maxxis tires, and a suspension fork with 80 mm of travel to soak up potholes, curbs, and unexpected detours.

Battery range should be solid too, thanks to a 720Wh downtube-integrated battery, giving the bike a clean, streamlined look while offering ample juice for long commutes or weekend rides.

And yes, all the commuter-ready features are here: full fenders, an integrated rear rack, integrated 500-lumen front light, brake-sensing rear light, and a comfortable sport saddle.

While this certainly isn’t a trail-oriented bike, it should be able to handle moderate trekking duties and gravel trails while still holding a strong position as an everyday commuter e-bike. And while the throttle is obviously there to support the North American need for one, a bike with this kind of beautiful transmission technology should really have its throttle tapped sparingly. The pedal assist on this thing is going to feel so good that I can see the throttle going neglected most of the time.

The Priority Skyline is available now for pre-order, with shipping expected soon. And if you’re even remotely interested, that $300 launch discount runs through August 18, so now’s probably the time to stop gawking and start clicking.

Electrek’s Take

Priority is a fascinating company in the e-bike space. Unlike some of the flashier D2C brands chasing viral hits, they’ve quietly built a loyal following by obsessing over the rider experience, particularly for folks who want a bike that just works, without the mess or hassle of traditional drivetrains. Low-maintenance is their fetish and they don’t do anything else.

I bought my first Priority e-bike back in 2020 and I’ve ridden several models since. I’ve become a huge fan of the brand simply because I haven’t found another company that does high-quality at reasonable prices better than them. Of course $3,699 isn’t low-cost, but it’s very low for what you’re getting with the Skyline. And Priority has solid e-bikes for as low as $1,799 as well, if going this far up-shelf isn’t in the stars.

But the Skyline is their new top-end electric bike and it feels like the culmination of everything they’ve been working toward: clean design, incredible components, real-world performance, and a price that makes you wonder how they pulled it off. Previously, Lectric eBikes was the only brand that could get Pinion gear on an e-bike and make it affordable, yet they only went with the 6-speed, not to mention cut a few other corners. Don’t get me wrong, the Lectric One is an incredible bike, but the Skyline is a full-size, multi-terrain commuter with a true torque sensor, more battery, and higher-end parts.

Is it heavy? Sure. A whopping 68 pounds is a lot. And the total color options of… one, well that’s not exactly tickling my creativity bone. But hey, it comes in three sizes and just how many SKUs can you stock at this price? And the fact that this e-bike has an automatic electronic 12-speed Pinion gearbox, a Gates belt, plus a throttle-enabled and torque-sensing 750W motor – all for under $4K – is borderline absurd. It’s the kind of thing you’d expect from a boutique European brand with a much higher price tag, not from a US company selling direct to consumers.

Priority says the Skyline is meant to “blur the line between rider and bike,” and after looking at the spec sheet, I believe them. This is more than a commuter, it’s a serious piece of gear for anyone who values seamless performance, low maintenance, and a joy-to-ride experience.

I’ll be reviewing this model soon and despite my expectations being sky high, I’m pretty darn sure Priority is going to be there like they always are.

Until I’m back with a review article and video on my experience with the bike, let’s hear what you think of the Skyline. Sound off in the comments section below!