Priority Bruzer Review: $2499 Pinion Gearbox Bike With Belt Drive!

The Priority Bruzer is the most budget-friendly Pinion-equipped bikepacking bike available today. With its fully sealed gearbox and low-maintenance belt drivetrain, it’s designed to take you deep into the backcountry, without the stress of things going wrong.

I recently zipped over to New York City for a wedding, but the real highlight was sneaking in time to check out a slew of new bikes. One of my first stops was Priority Bicycles.

My partner Laura had ridden the Priority 600X for two years as we pedalled down the Baja Divide, through the southern US, across Thailand and Laos, into the Australian Outback, and throughout the Middle East. The bike impressed us at every turn, so when Priority told me they were developing a rigid-fork version priced $1,000 cheaper, it honestly sounded too good to be true.

Fortunately, I had the chance to throw a leg over a pre-production model and see firsthand how it rides, and whether it’s truly built for the demands of remote, backcountry adventures.

What is the Priority Bruzer?

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Priority Bicycles is a small New York City brand known for producing low-maintenance, affordable bikes sold direct-to-consumer. In recent years, their lineup has increasingly catered to the bikepacking community.

Their latest model, the Bruzer, is a rugged, no-nonsense rig designed for bikepacking and mixed-terrain riding. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a super versatile bike without the hassle of regular drivetrain maintenance. In my experience, the only upkeep you’ll likely need to conduct on a bike like this is topping up your tyre pressure and occasionally swapping out brake pads.

Generous tyre clearance is a standout feature on the Bruzer. It ships with 29 x 2.6” tyres, but the fork can handle up to 3.0” rubber, while the rear triangle fits up to 2.8”. This not only increases comfort and traction but also allows the bike to glide over softer surfaces like sand.

There’s no suspension fork found on the Bruzer. Instead, you get a robust steel rigid fork, which keeps maintenance to a minimum, increases cargo capacity, and removes a potential failure point out in the backcountry. The wide, low-pressure tyres act as the suspension, smoothing out rough terrain without the added complexity.

What makes the Bruzer truly compelling is its versatility. Throw on some wide slicks and fenders, and it becomes a fast, capable commuter that can swallow potholes and carry groceries with ease. But fit it with knobby MTB tyres, and it’s ready to tackle high mountain passes in the Peruvian Andes or rugged desert tracks like the Baja Divide.

The Bruzer is available in two colours: Storm and Pumpkin. Personally, I love the Pumpkin option. It’s bold and vibrant, and a welcome change from the increasingly muted and dark palettes currently dominating the bike industry.

With four frame sizes, the Bruzer is said to suit riders from approximately 5’4” to 6’5” (163 to 196 cm). Depending on your proportions, even those slightly outside that range might find a good fit.

You can see more pictures of the Priority Bruzer HERE.

Advantages of a Pinion Gearbox

The crown jewel of the Bruzer is the Pinion 12-speed gearbox. This weather-sealed gear system delivers a massive 600% gear range, comparable to a traditional 2×11 drivetrain, but without any gear overlap, derailleur tuning, or regular maintenance hassles.

It’s far more resistant to damage than a derailleur drivetrain and significantly reduces wear on drivetrain components, especially in harsh weather conditions. The gearbox is centrally mounted for optimal weight distribution, and the only servicing required is an oil change every 10,000km (6,000 mi).

Another standout feature is the ability to shift gears at any time, including while coasting or completely stationary. That means you can stop for a breather on a steep climb, drop a few gears, and take off in the perfect gear. You can also very quickly dump 6 or 8 gears if the road gradient suddenly pitches up, thanks to the grip shifter.

As a result of the exceptionally low gearing options, Pinion-equipped bikes often outperform traditional setups when it comes to climbing steep gradients, offering gear ratios that are typically 10 to 15% lower than a standard 1X drivetrain.

All of this makes the Pinion gear system an ideal choice for tackling remote backcountry terrain, long-distance bikepacking, daily commuting, or simply for riders who want a hassle-free bike that just works.

You can learn more about Pinion gearboxes in my in-depth resource HERE.

Advantages of Belt Drive

To achieve truly low-maintenance performance, a traditional chain simply doesn’t cut it. The Priority Bruzer is equipped with a Gates CDX belt drive, a quiet, oil-free system that typically lasts at least three times longer than a conventional chain.

One of the key advantages of a belt drive is its ability to shed mud and debris far more effectively. Without jockey wheels or derailleur cages to trap grit, the system continues to run smoothly even in poor weather conditions.

And while the belt doesn’t require lubrication like a chain, applying a small amount of silicone lubricant when it begins to squeak (often in ultra-dusty environments) will help maintain optimal performance.

You can learn more about Gates belt drive in my in-depth resource HERE.

Priority Bruzer Frame Features

The Bruzer frame is noticeably stiffer than your average bike, thanks to its oversized tubing and thru-axles front and rear. This extra stiffness is key for resisting the torsional forces that come with loading the bike with luggage.

The steel fork, in particular, is more rigid than most forks of this material, which really helps maintain precise steering, even with heavy bags up front.

There are over 20 mounting points on the frame and fork, giving you plenty of flexibility for racks, cages, and other gear setups. You can also fit full fenders, which is great if you want to stay clean on wet or muddy rides.

The sliding dropouts make belt tensioning straightforward, and the integrated tensioning bolts inside the rear triangle allow you to achieve the perfect belt tension every time you remove and reinstall the rear wheel.

One surprisingly handy detail is the kickstand mount. It’s a solid, well-designed feature, and honestly, I think kickstands are one of the most underrated bikepacking accessories. They usually weigh just 250 grams (9 oz), but make it so much easier to load your bike and grab gear on the go. Plus, you don’t have to wrestle your loaded rig off the ground every time you stop.

To keep the bike looking clean, the Pinion shifter cables run internally through the downtube. And while the Bruzer doesn’t come with a dropper post, it’s fully compatible with internal dropper routing throughout.

Components of the Priority Bruzer

As for the rest of the components, they’re all well-chosen for the Bruzer’s price point.

The handlebar is clearly designed with comfort and control in mind, featuring a 17° backsweep and 740mm width. This gives you plenty of steering leverage when the bike is fully loaded, while placing your wrists in a relaxed, ergonomic position.

Braking is handled by Tektro Orion four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, paired with 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors. They offer solid, reliable braking in all weather conditions, and more than enough stopping power for loaded touring.

The wheelset is built with durability in mind. Priority spec’d WTB KOM Tough i30 rims, which feature two internal beams to boost both strength and lateral stiffness, ideal traits for rugged bikepacking terrain.

These rims are laced to Priority’s own Boost hubs using Sapim stainless steel spokes (32 per wheel). The rear hub features 60 points of engagement and a symmetrical design, resulting in even spoke tension and optimised bracing angles for long-term wheel durability.

The tyres are 2.6” Kenda Booster Pros, which give the bike great float over soft surfaces like sand and loose dirt. That said, they aren’t the quickest or most puncture-resistant option out there. Once they wear out, I’d suggest upgrading to a faster-rolling model from Maxxis, Schwalbe, or Continental, especially if you’ll be doing more hardpack or mixed-surface riding.

You can see the full spec list over at Priority Bicycles.

How Is the Priority Bruzer So Affordable?

With all of these great features, you’re likly wondering how the Bruzer is so affordable compared to other Pinion gearbox bikes.

Priority is a direct-to-consumer brand that focuses on low-maintenance bikes featuring internal gear hubs, gearboxes, and belt drivetrains. By selling high volumes and cutting out traditional retail markups, Priority can offer gearbox-equipped bikes at prices far lower than many competitors.

Riding the Priority Bruzer

I found the Priority Bruzer to be a very confident-handling bike that provided excellent comfort thanks to its wide tyres, cockpit configuration, and moderately upright riding position.

It reminded me a lot of other rigid mountain bikes I’ve ridden, like the Scott Scale. The geometry isn’t overly slack or stretched out, which helped the Bruzer feel right at home on everything from gravel roads to mountain bike trails. I also appreciated the taller head tube, which let me keep the bars nice and high.

One of the key differences I noticed was the longer chainstay length. It’s a subtle tweak, but it helped keep my weight farther forward on steep climbs, which made the front wheel feel more planted on loose or technical sections.

You can see the frame geometry details on the Priority website.

The cockpit setup really stood out to me. The short stem and 17-degree backsweep bars placed my hands close to the steering axis, giving the bike a super direct and responsive feel, just how I like it. That kind of precision is especially helpful when the bike’s fully loaded with gear.

I also loved the relaxed angle of the grips. It placed my wrists in a neutral position, which makes a big difference in reducing fatigue over longer rides.

Downsides To The Priority Bruzer

Brakes

The Priority Bruzer really nails a lot of things, but there are a couple of parts I didn’t totally love.

The main component that stood out to me was the Tektro Orion brakes. They had a noticeably long free stroke, meaning there’s quite a bit of lever movement before the brakes begin to engage. And then once they reach the bite point, the lever feel becomes a bit vague and mushy.

This isn’t uncommon for entry-level hydraulic brakes and is one of the few areas where the Bruzer reflects its budget-friendly price point. That said, the braking power itself is adequate, and Tektro has a solid reputation for producing reliable, low-maintenance brakes. They’re commonly found on stock bikes for good reason, and looking through reviews online, most people seem to like them.

However, for those seeking a more refined braking experience, the Shimano BR-MT420 four-piston brakes are an excellent upgrade. They deliver significantly improved lever feel and braking performance at a very reasonable cost.

Rims

Another small drawback for those who plan to run 2.6 to 3.0” tyres is the relatively narrow 30mm internal rim width. My guess is that Priority opted for this width to give riders more flexibility, accommodating everything from 45mm gravel tyres to full 3.0” plus tyres.

This middle-ground choice comes with trade-offs for wide tyre users. With the stock 2.6” tyres, the narrower rim creates a slightly ‘lightbulb’ profile, which reduces sidewall support. That means the tyres can squirm more during hard cornering, particularly if you’re running low pressures off-road.

Personally, I would’ve liked to see a 35mm or even 40mm inner width to better suit wide rubber, but if you prefer narrower 2.2 to 2.4” tyres, the stock rims will be perfectly sized.

Weight

Finally, at 35 pounds (15.9 kg), the Bruzer is heavier than most rigid mountain bikes. For comparison, a derailleur-equipped gravel bike with similar load capacity and wide tyres typically weighs around 30.9 pounds (14 kg).

In practical terms, the extra weight is unlikely to be noticeable during touring or daily use. I think that’s a fair trade-off for the durability and low-maintenance benefits of a gearbox and belt drivetrain.

How Does The Priority Bruzer Compare?

Priority Bicycles’ adventure collection includes four distinct models, each designed to suit different styles of adventure. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the perfect one for your journey.

Priority 600 All Road

With its gravel-style frame geometry and slick 27.5 x 2.0″ tyres, the Priority 600 is best suited for commuting and touring on smooth pavement.

While it’s certainly capable of handling rougher surfaces, the low bottom bracket height increases the likelihood of pedal strikes on uneven surfaces. One limitation to note: there’s no XL size available in this model, so taller riders may need to look elsewhere.

See the Priority 600 on the Priority website HERE.

Priority Bruzer

With its mountain bike frame geometry, large 29″ wheels, and 2.6″ wide tyres, the Priority Bruzer is built for off-road adventures. It’s ready to haul gear too, with braze-ons throughout the frame and fork for cargo cages, frame bags, and more. Plus, it’s available in an XL size – great news for taller riders!

See the Priority Bruzer on the Priority website HERE.

Priority 600ADX

The Priority 600ADX is designed for long-distance comfort on rough and rugged terrain. It’s well-suited to singletrack trails and delivers noticeably better front-end traction thanks to its Marzocchi suspension fork (100mm travel). The frame geometry is very similar to the Bruzer, and it features comparable mounting points for carrying bikepacking gear.

Where the 600ADX stands apart is in its components. It comes with more powerful brakes and a suspension fork for added control on rough surfaces. There’s also an option to upgrade to a titanium frame, which shaves about 900 grams (2 lbs) off the total weight.

See the Priority 600ADX on the Priority website HERE.

Priority 600HXT

The Priority 600HXT is a purpose-built hardtail mountain bike, equipped with a 140mm suspension fork and a long dropper post, making it well-suited for steep, technical singletrack.

Its slack head tube angle enhances stability at speed and extends the front center, which helps reduce the chance of going over the bars on steep descents. The tradeoff, however, is slower, more sluggish steering compared to the 600ADX, especially noticeable on mixed-terrain bikepacking routes.

See the Priority 600HXT on the Priority website HERE.

Getting A Priority Bruzer

The Priority Bruzer is primarily available in the US, with shipping to your door running an extra $30.

If you’re in New York City, you can pick up a Bruzer fully assembled at the Priority Bicycles showroom for $130. Prefer to have your local bike shop assemble it? That can be arranged for between $145 and $220. See a map of the participating bike shops HERE.

International shipping through DHL is available for an extra fee. You’ll have to get in contact with Priority, but they recently told me it’s around US $850, which is quite steep. However, even with shipping costs, it’s often still more affordable than buying a Pinion gearbox bike locally.

Summary

I was so impressed with the Priority Bruzer that I included it in my 11 Best Bikepacking Bikes list for 2025.

With its rock-solid gearbox, durable build, and refreshingly low price, the Priority Bruzer delivers a rare mix of reliability and value. When you consider that the Pinion gearbox and belt drivetrain are worth around $2000 alone, getting a complete, ready-to-ride bike for just a few hundred dollars more is an amazing deal.

Beyond the drivetrain, the Bruzer is a stiff, stable, and confidence-inspiring bike with tons of braze-ons for carrying gear. The frame geometry is relatively upright, making it comfortable for long days in the saddle. The sliding dropouts are easy to fine-tune, and there’s even a kickstand mount – a surprisingly practical feature on a bike designed to haul loads.

There are a couple of compromises. The brakes feel a bit mushy and lack precision, and the rims are on the narrow side for the 2.8 to 3.0″ tyres the frame can accommodate. But these are decisions that need to be made to make a bike as low-cost and versatile as possible.

In the end, the Priority Bruzer is not just the most affordable Pinion-equipped bikepacking bike on the market – it’s also thoughtfully designed and genuinely capable. Hats off to Priority Bicycles and Ryan Van Duzer for making this happen!

You can order the Priority Bruzer for $2499 HERE.

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